Parental care and growth rates of wild New Zealand pigeon ( Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae ) nestlings | Notornis and Birds New Zealand

[摘要] Parental and nestling behaviour of New Zealand pigeon (Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae) was observed from August 1998 to March 1999 at Motatau Forest, Northland, New Zealand. Four successful nests from three pairs were monitored using infra-red cameras and direct observation. Incubation was shared (female: dusk till 0643-1106 hrs; male: remainder of the day). Three stages of daytime nestling care were apparent: full-attendance brooding by either parent (day 0 to day 8-12); female-only brooding (day 9-13 to day 12-26); and feeding only (day 13-27 to fledging) except in wet weather. Females brooded the nestlings for significantly longer than did males. Young nestlings were fed more frequently, and for longer, than when older. Parents appeared to select fruit of pigeonwood (Hedycarya arborea) and nikau (Rhopalostylis sapida) for feeding nestlings. Development and growth was rapid and one nestling weighed 565 g (similar to adult weight) by day 26. Feathers first appeared on day 5-8.

[学科分类] 动物科学

[关键词] breeding;frugivory;Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae;nestling growth;New Zealand Pigeon;parental care