BREEDING BIOLOGY OF RED VENTED BULBUL (PYCNONOTUS CAFER) IN THE AREA OF RAWALPINDI/ISLAMABAD

Authors: U. Zia, M. S. Ansari, S. Akhter, B. A. Rakha
Journal: Journal of Animal and Plant Sciences (JAPS)
ISSN: 1018-7081 (Print), 2309-8694 (Online)
Volume: 24  Issue: 2  Pages: 656-659
Year: 2014
DOI: NA
URL: https://doi.org/NA
Publisher: Pakistan Agricultural Scientists Forum

Abstract:
<p>Breeding biology of Red vented bulbul (<em>Pycnonotus cafer</em>) was studied in the areas of Rawalpindi and Islamabad. A total of 45 nests were located in the study area out of which 35 nests were found active. Majority of successful nests (43%) were in the fork of trees followed by middle of the trees (29%) and on the top (11%) of the trees. Preferred nest height (53%) by red-vented bulbul was 1-2 meters from the ground. Vegetation material used for nest building by Red-vented bulbul was Beri (<em>Zizyphus nummalaria</em>) (31%) followed by Guava (<em>Psidium guajava</em>) (22%), Sheesham (<em>Dalbergia sissoo)</em>&nbsp;(18%), Snatha (<em>Dodonea viscosa</em>) (16%) and Date palm (<em>Phoenix dactylifera</em>) (13%). Highest percentage (51%) of nests was found with clutch size three followed by clutch size two and four. Predation rate was only 6% in eggs and 9% in nestlings. Breeding success in the present study was evaluated as good which was 82% and 86% for eggs and fledglings, respectively. Loss of nesting sites due to urban expansion and pollution negatively affect the population of Red - vented bulbul.</p>

Keywords: Red vented bulbul, breeding biology, hatching success