6. GENERAL NOTES |
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| Authors: | Major R C Bolster MBOU Major R C Bolster MBOU W Voges Austin Roberts |
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| Institution: | 1. George, C.P.;2. Rus-der-Winter Irrigation Works , Pienaars River;3. Honorary Secretary |
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| Abstract: | Stutterheim, C. J. 1982. Breeding biology of the Redbilled Oxpecker in the Kruger National Park. Ostrich 53:99-90. The nest of the Redbilled Oxpecker Buphagus erythrorhynchus in the Kruger National Park is a natural hole in a tree where no excavation is required. No evidence of a territorial system WBS observed and only the nesting tree is defended. Mammal hair, dung, grass and rootlets are used for nesting material. The average clutch size was 2.8 eggs with a mean incubation period of 12,6 days. The average nestling period was 30 days. The Redbilled Oxpecker can raise three broods in a season of 176 days such as in the 1973/74 breeding season. The activity area of one breeding group was 7,0 km2. The breeding unit consists of two to five birds with helpers of both sexes. All the birds in a group help to select a nest site, build the nest and feed the young. Only one male and one female participate in incubation. Post-hatching development was studied in 13 chicks. |
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