Observations on Nesting Brahminy Kites 'Haliastur indus' in Northern New South Wales

Abstract

The breeding behaviour of a pair of Brahminy Kites Haliastur indus was studied at Laurieton, northern coastal New South Wales, by observation (62 h) at a nest in the pre-incubation and incubation phases in June-August 2005. For the duration of the expected incubation period, the adults covered the eggs for 95% of total observation time; the presumed female incubated for 78% and the male for 19%. After hatching failure, incubation of infertile or addled egg(s) continued for a further 2 months (3 months in total), though the male increased his share (36%, vs female 57%; eggs uncovered for 7%), until the attempt was abandoned. Observed food items brought to the nest area included an insect, crabs, fish and a bird.