A comparison of the breeding biology of White-throated Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis Linnaeus, 1758 in plains and hilly areas of Bangladesh

Abstract

The breeding biology of White-throated Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis was studied in plains and hilly areas from September 2008 to August 2011. Four villages under Savar upazilla were selected for plains, and Chittagong University Campus, Chattagram for the hilly area. The breeding season started in February in hills and April on plain. Mean (SD) time required to build a new nest was 11.3 (3.9) days in plains and 15.3 (0.57) days in hills. Clutch size was 3–4 in hills and 3–7 in plains. Mean egg parameters (length, width, and weight) and mean egg volume and surface area were similar in both areas. The mean incubation period on plains was 16.4 (1.2) days, in hills 14.1 (0.7) days. On plains fledging success was 52%, compared to 57% in hills. Theft by local inhabitants was a major reason for fledgling loss in plains, hence increased public awareness may reduce nestling mortality and increase breeding success.