Ardea
Official journal of the Netherlands Ornithologists' Union

login


[close window] [previous abstract] [next abstract]

Matthysen E. (1987) Territory establishment of juvenile Nuthatches after fledging. ARDEA 75 (1): 53-57
Nuthatches live in pairs and defend territories throughout the year. Juveniles establish themselves and start defending territories shortly after fledging. This paper describes the settlement in a 38 ha study plot in the summer of 1985. Eleven broods fledged in this area between 30 May and 12 June. The first juveniles had settled already on 8 June. By the end of June the area was almost saturated with territories of adult and juvenile pairs. Early settlement is explained by competition among juveniles for territories which may vary in quality. Settling success in juveniles may depend strongly on fledging date, causing a selective pressure on early breeding in adults. The Nuthatch has a highly synchronized breeding season without second broods or replacement broods. Finally, factors influencing laying date are discussed briefly.


[close window] [previous abstract] [next abstract]