La Tour du Valat

Institut de recherche pour la conservation des zones humides méditerranéennes

Titre :	Breeding behaviour of the African Snipe Gallinago nigripennis in central Kenya
Auteurs :	C. M. Gichuki, Auteur ; E. W. Kairu, Auteur ; R. O. Okelo, Auteur
Type de document :	Article
Dans :	Ostrich (No number JUL 2001)
Article en page(s) :	233-237
Langues:	Anglais
Résumé :	The breeding behaviour of the African Snipe Gallinago nigripennis was studied at Lake OI Bolossat (36 degrees 26' E,0 degrees 09'S) in Central Kenya from January 1997-December 1998. Over 100 individuals marked with aluminium rings, coloured leg bands and wing-tags were monitored regularly. Nests were sought in suitable habitats and their nest contents examined during the breeding periods. This study sought to determine the breeding strategies of African Snipe and the factors that influence the reproductive success of the species. African Snipes, numbering about 600 birds were found to be resident in the study area and to breed in wet tussock grass. At the onset of the breeding season, adult birds exhibited breeding behaviours, which included, courtship display flights and nest construction. In 1997 aerial displays were observed from March-April while in 1998 these were observed from January-December. Nests were cup-shaped and were placed in clumps of tussock grass whose base was covered with shallow water or mud. Clutches of 3 to 4 eggs were laid in each nest and these hatched after 16 to 22 days in 1997 and 18 to 20 days in 1998. The duration of the breeding season was 122 and 208 days respectively.

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