Breeding ecology of the Eared Dove Zeinaida auriculata: II. Breeding season, breeding success and productivity of nesting colonies in Córdoba, Argentina
In central Argentina, Eared Dove populations have increased enormously since the late fifties as a consequence of the expansion of agriculture and the introduction of grain sorghum as a main crop. Following this build-up in numbers, several semi-permanent breeding colonies have been established in t...
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| Autores principales: | , |
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| Formato: | Artículo revista |
| Lenguaje: | Español |
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Centro de Ecología Aplicada del Litoral (Consejo Nacional de Investigaciones Científicas y Técnicas - Universidad Nacional de Nordeste)
2025
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| Acceso en línea: | https://revistas.unne.edu.ar/index.php/eco/article/view/8474 |
| Aporte de: |
| Sumario: | In central Argentina, Eared Dove populations have increased enormously since the late fifties as a consequence of the expansion of agriculture and the introduction of grain sorghum as a main crop. Following this build-up in numbers, several semi-permanent breeding colonies have been established in the area.From 1970 through 1972, two of these roosts were visited weekly for a detailed study of nesting biology. Habitat and nest site preferences are described. Active nests were found in all months of the year. In general, nest density reached a peak (about 3,000 nests per hectare) in February-March and minimal values during winter (June-July), but considerable variations were found between years. The breeding population at peak densities was estimated at about three million birds in each colony.Hatching success was 49% and nestling success 75%, breeding success being 37%. Great variations in success were registered between places and years. Causes of failure are discussed, being mainly due to predation. Estimations of productivity are given.Nest density and breeding success appeared to be correlated with availability of food, particularly grain sorghum, which seems to be the main proximate factor controlling the breeding of Zenaida auriculata. At the same time, some degree of photoperiodical influence is likely to occur, at least in certain individuals.The significance of communal breeding in the Eared Dove is discussed. Finally, a list of the breeding colonies detected in Córdoba is included. |
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