Breeding biology, population size and spatial distribution of a common nightingale (Luscinia megarhynchos Brehm, 1831) Population at Yalıncak (Ankara)

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2005

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Özbahar, İlker

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Many bird populations are known to show strong territoriality as well as high site fidelity during breeding. The Common Nightingale (Luscinia megarhynchos) is one of many such migratory species that annually occupies the same favourable habitat. Especially dominant males prefer to breed in the same area every year, and high fidelity probably assures high breeding success. This study aims to investigate breeding biology, population size and spatial distribution of nightingales at a small area in Yalıncak within the METU campus grounds (Ankara, Turkey). From 2003 to 2005, birds were captured and marked with metal or colour rings or radio tags for monitoring. Analyses were carried out on 77 individuals, including ringing data from the previous two years. Phenology of the study population was characterized by early arrival of males in late April, followed one week later by females. Nesting immediately followed and the first young fledged in early June. Second broods were also recorded. Most birds apparently left for the south within August. The population in the 2.65 ha large area was estimated to be about 20-25 individuals. However, only 2-4 breeding territories were present and a large proportion of floaters existed. Territory sizes were smaller than reported elsewhere. Annual survival rate was 0.424 ? 0.121. Contrary to previous knowledge, taxonomically the Yalıncak population belonged to subspecies africana although more westerly subspecies could be recorded during migration. This study revealed the importance of small but productive biotopes as important breeding habitats for passerines. It also showed that a few highly successful individuals may contribute out of proportion to the next generation.

Subject Keywords

Birds.

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http://etd.lib.metu.edu.tr/upload/12606981/index.pdf
https://hdl.handle.net/11511/15679

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Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Thesis

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Citation Formats

İ. Özbahar, “Breeding biology, population size and spatial distribution of a common nightingale (Luscinia megarhynchos Brehm, 1831) Population at Yalıncak (Ankara),” M.S. - Master of Science, Middle East Technical University, 2005.