Short Note

Breeding phenology and moult of the endemic Bannerman's Weaver Ploceus bannermani

Published in: Ostrich: Journal of African Ornithology
Volume 84 , issue 3 , 2013 , pages: 231–233

DOI: 10.2989/00306525.2013.863235

Author(s): Yahkat Barshep AP Leventis Ornithological Research Institute, Nigeria , Shiiwua A Manu AP Leventis Ornithological Research Institute, Nigeria

Keywords: breeding , moult , Obudu Plateau , Ploceus bannermani , Underhill–Zucchini models

Download full text Get new issue alerts

Abstract

The breeding phenology and moult cycle of the vulnerable and range-restricted Bannerman's Weaver Ploceus bannermani was studied on the Obudu Plateau in the eastern region of Nigeria. The peak breeding season was between August and October; a major cause of breeding failure was egg predation by children. The estimated start date of moult for the average bird was 21 August (SD 39.2 d), with 95% of birds starting moult between 11 June and 30 October, estimated duration of moult was 159 d (SD 7.1 d), and the estimated end date of moult was 27 February. Our results indicate there is an overlap between breeding and moult.

« An assessment of the impact of predation by Cape fur seals Arctocephalus pusillus pusillus on seabirds at Dyer Island, South Africa

The vulnerable Osprey breeding population of the Al Hoceima National Park, Morocco: present status and threats »