Aspects of the breeding ecology of rufous bush robins cercotrichas galactotes in southeast spain

Abstract

The breeding ecology of Rufous Bush Robin Cercotrichas galactotes was studied over 4 years in southeast Spain. The vegetation of the study area was made up mainly of Olives, Almonds and small shrubs. The density of this species decreased from 0.36 pairs 10 ha-3 in 1980 to 0.7 pairs 10 hain 1984, a decrease similar to one observed in other parts of Spain. The breeding season lasted from late May or early June to late August. About two-thirds of the pairs laid 2 clutches. Mean clutch size was 3.6 eggs. The incubation period lasted about 13 days and nestlings left the nest after 10 days. Mortality was greater in first clutches, mainly because of predation, which did not occur in second clutches. Predation on nestlings was similar in first and second broods. Rufous Bush Robins were regularly parasitized by Cuckoos and we think that this species could be responsible for part of the predation on first clutches. © 1988 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.