Breeding ecology of Kruper's nuthatch (Sitta krueperi) near Antalya, Turkey

摘要

We studied the breeding ecology of Kruper's nuthatch Sitta krueperi (Pelzeln, 1863) in southern Anatolia between January 2000 and November 2003. The world distribution is mostly confined to coniferous forests in coastal Anatolia. Of 18 natural breeding cavities, 17 were located in coniferous trees, and the nest entrances were 11.8 +/- 1.6 m (mean +/- SE) above the ground, facing mostly an easterly direction. Data on breeding ecology of Kruper's nuthatch were obtained from broods in artificial nest boxes in the forests. The nuthatches used 16 of the 250 boxes. Main nest material was thin fragments of bark (57 +/- 7.6%; n = 9). Egg laying in artificial nest boxes started on 24 March. Incubation lasted for 12-15 days (14.1 +/- 0.2; n = 16) and the nestling period for 15-19 days (16.8 +/- 0.3; n = 14). Clutch size ranged from 4 to 7 eggs, mean 5.6 +/- 0.2 eggs (n = 16). Overall breeding success was 71.6 +/- 7.8%. Main food for the nestlings was Coleoptera (33%) and Lepidoptera (14%) (n = 87).