Breeding (2): Ecology of Breeding

Abstract

Once breeding activity has been initiated under the influence of the various environmental stimuli described in the previous chapter, courtship, nestbuilding (where relevant) and subsequent parental behaviour follow in sequence. These activities may involve finding appropriate nesting materials (for example, green grass in the case of weavers Ploceus spp.), acquiring enough food to build up body condition and reserves for the production of eggs, energy to meet the behavioural demands placed upon the birds, and so on. Because of the extremes of the arid environment, factors such as nest orientation (mainly for shade in the heat of the day), and parental protection of eggs and young against temperature fluctuations and predation, are important for the birds’ survival. This chapter will examine the ecology of breeding in several groups of birds, with the accent on parental behaviour and nesting adaptations, and will end with a set of conclusions, embodying the general principles to be derived from the results of the studies examined.