Observations on nesting ecology of Black-headed Munia (Lonchura malacca malacca)

Abstract

The study, undertaken during 1994-97, highlights that the Black-headed Munia (Lonchura malacca malacca) could find suitable nesting sites in Ramatirtha due to environmental enrichment in the enclosures for mugger crocodile. The Black-headed Munias used five main species of trees for roosting, viz. Alstonia scholaris, Acacia auriculaeformis, Azadiracta indica, Polyalthia longifolia and Anacardium occidentale from June to November. The nests were situated at about 83 +/- 14cm (n=54) above the ground and 73 per cent were on tall grasses of Setaria plicata, nine per cent on Cycas and 19 per cent on Crinum asiaticum. A total of 78% of attempted nests were complete and used for egg-laying. Eggs were laid every week and 73.5 per cent egg-laying was complete during the ten weeks period from the third week of rune to the fourth week of August. The nests were at an average 17cm long from outside and 12cm long within and the diameter of the nest mouth was 5cm. Damage of nests were due to rain (16%), depredation by mugger crocodiles (25%), abandoned nests without laying eggs (25%) and five per cent nests had rotten eggs. Although eggs were laid on different days, hatching was within one or two days. Both the phenomenon are believed as strategies for improved survival.