Observations on the breeding biology of Brahminy Kite Haliastur indus in cauvery delta region

Abstract

The incubation period of Brahminy Kite Haliastur indus was 26 to 28 and nestling period was from 43-45 days. Fresh water paddy field crabs Paratelphusa sp. and fresh water fishes made 30% in the prey items delivered to the nest. Three peak periods, 0800-090Oh, 1000-1200h and 1500-1700h were observed within a day for the delivery of prey. Decline of 0.58 prey item/hour(h)/nest during the first five weeks of nestling period to 0.45 prey item/h/nest during sixth and seventh weeks (Pearson's correlation coefficient r2 = 0.448; y = 0.201) was noticed.