
Breeding biology of morepork (Ninox novaeseelandiae) on Mokoia Island, Lake Rotorua, New Zealand.
Title | Breeding biology of morepork (Ninox novaeseelandiae) on Mokoia Island, Lake Rotorua, New Zealand. |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2006 |
Authors | Stephenson, BM, Minot, EO |
Journal | Notornis |
Volume | 53 |
Issue | 3 |
Pagination | 308-315 |
Type of Article | article |
Keywords | breeding biology, juvenile dispersal, morepork, Ninox novaeseelandiae, Owl, reproductive success |
Abstract | We studied the New Zealand morepork (Ninox novaeseelandiae) over 2 breeding seasons on Mokoia I, Lake Rotorua, North Island, New Zealand. Ten pairs were monitored in the 1995/96 breeding season and 8 in the 1996/97 season. Nest sites included tree cavities, hollows amongst tree fern fronds, nest boxes provided for saddleback (Philesturnus carunculatus) and scrapes on the groung. Nest cavities were 0-5.2 m agl. Clutch size was 1-3 eggs; egg dimensions averaged 39.0 mm × 32.9 mm. The incubation period for 1 clutch was at least 24 days. Only females were observed to incubate eggs and brood nestlings; males roosted nearby. Two chicks were weighed and measured throughout their development and the nestling period was determined for 1 chick. Nestling development is described. Breeding success was lower in the year after a poisoning operation to eradicate mice from the island. Juvenile mortality was high after fledging. The dispersal of 3 juveniles was monitored, and females appeared to move earlier and disperse farther than males. |
Full Text |
|
Attachment | Size |
---|---|
![]() | 875.34 KB |