01 Oca 2026 Perşembe
Breeding ecology of the white-breasted waterhen (Amaurornis phoenicurus) in the wetland habitats of Kerala, India
Abstract : The breeding ecology of the white-breasted waterhen (Amaurornis phoenicurus) was observed in the wetland habitats of Mathara locality in Kozhikode District, Kerala, India, from April to October 2018. The study mainly focused on the white-breasted waterhens nesting sites, nest characteristics, courtship behaviours, incubation, and hatching. The nesting season of the white-breasted waterhen occurs from April to October, with nests typically located near water bodies or wet ground. The white-breasted waterhen primarily nests on Ochlandra scriptoria and uses nesting materials such as twigs of Hibiscus hispidissimus, leaves, grass stems, and fibres of Musa sapientum and Cocos nucifera. Breeding behaviour is marked by loud, croaky calls and various courtship rituals, which include billing, bowing and nibbling. The clutch size ranges from 2 to 6 eggs, with clutches of 6 being common for the white-breasted waterhen. The incubation period is between 19 and 21 days, and hatchlings acquire the adult feather pattern by 3.5 months of age. Understanding the breeding habitat of the white-breasted waterhen is very crucial for their conservation efforts because its wetland habitats are threatened by pollution and degradation.