Breeding Biology Of The Great Crested Flycatcher In Central Florida
Abbreviated Journal Title
J. Field Ornithol.
Keywords
Ornithology
Abstract
A breeding biology study of the Great Crested Flycatcher (Myiarchus crinitus) in central Florida was conducted from 1979 to 1989 on individuals using wood nest boxes. Data were collected from 46 nests; 38 produced completed clutches. Males arrived in late March followed by females 7-12 d later. Both sexes vigorously defended the nest and surrounding area. Forthy-three percent of the 46 nests were begun between 16-30 April. Females built the nest, incubated the eggs for 13-15 d, and brooded the young for about 6 d. Clutch size ranged from 4-6 eggs; 5 was the most common. One brood was produced each nesting season; in 5 pairs renesting occurred after the first nest was destroyed. Total daytime attentiveness during incubation was 68%. At least 12 clutches required more than 1 d to hatch. Hatching and fledging successes for 38 completed clutches were 71% and 72%, respectively. Hatching success was lower in April nest than in May and June nests, but fledging success was higher in April nests than in May and June nests. Both adults fed and defended the nestlings and fledglings and removed fecal sacs. Insects were the major food items fed to the young flycatchers. The nestling period ranged from 13-15 d. Adults and fledglings remained together as a family group in the nesting area for at least 3 weeks after fledging occurred. By August, vocalizations of both young and adults had practically ceased and the birds became unobtrusive.
Journal Title
Journal of Field Ornithology
Volume
62
Issue/Number
1
Publication Date
1-1-1991
Document Type
Article
Language
English
First Page
28
Last Page
39
WOS Identifier
ISSN
0273-8570
Recommended Citation
"Breeding Biology Of The Great Crested Flycatcher In Central Florida" (1991). Faculty Bibliography 1990s. 351.
https://stars.library.ucf.edu/facultybib1990/351
Comments
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