BREEDING ECOLOGY OF RADIO-TAGGED WHITE-WINGED DOVES (ZENAIDA ASIATICA) IN THE COASTAL BEND REGION OF TEXAS

摘要

The primary objective of this study was to measure nesting parameters and productivity of White-winged Doves in the Coastal Bend region of Texas. Forty adult White-winged Doves (Zenaida asiatica) were surgically implanted with subcutaneous radio transmitters in the field at the capture site and immediately released following recovery from anesthesia. Radio-marked doves were monitored for up to 96 days. Twenty-six individuals made at least one nesting attempt, 10 made two attempts, and three made three attempts. Mean nesting success rates for individuals was 93%, 16%, and 6% for first, second, and third nesting attempts, respectively. Overall nest success was 60%. This is the first study on White-winged Doves using subcutaneous radio-transmitters implanted in the field.