Ecology, Environment and Conservation Paper

Vol.09, Issue 02, 2003; Page No.(217-227)

OBSERVATIONS ON THE NESTING ECOLOGY OF BAYA WEAVER BIRD (PLOCEUS PHILIPPINUS, LINN.) IN SOUTH GOA, WITH NOTES ON ABERRANT NEST DESIGNS.

Manoj R. Borkar and Neelam Komarpant

Abstract

This is the first study on the nesting ecology of the Baya Weaver bird (Ploceus philippinus, Linn) in Goa. In this state, the bird nests in small colonies of 5 to 24 retort shaped dangling nests, suspended most often from the pinnae of coconut palm fronds or less often from tips of pliant branches of trees overhanging a water body. The preferred host trees for nest placement have been recorded.Sequential progress of nest construction has been monitored, as also subtle aspects of nest architecture upto the helmet stage, have been studied.The mystery of the lateral wall masonry has been touched upon through a morphometric analysis of 100 nests.The highlight of this investigation is the quantitative analysis of anomalous nest designs from the 5 talukas of South Goa district, that have occurred as a manifestation of architectural abrrations. 13 distinct types of deviations from the archetypical nest design are recorded in this study.An attempt has been made here to evaluate the survival value of such abnormal nests. Conservation status of the bird has been assessed in the fight of contemporary threats to its habitat.

Enter your contact information below to receive full paper.
Your Name :
Email:
Phone:
City:
Cost of Full Paper: Rs.150 for Indian Nationals or $20 (USD) for international subscribers.
By clicking on Request Paper you Agree to pay the above mentioned cost per paper.