Breeding and diet of a pair of square-tailed kites 'Lophoictinia isura' on the mid-north coast of New South Wales

Title
Breeding and diet of a pair of square-tailed kites 'Lophoictinia isura' on the mid-north coast of New South Wales
Publication Date
2002
Author(s)
Lutter, AB
Rose, AB
Debus, Stephen JS
Griffiths, H
Type of document
Journal Article
Language
en
Entity Type
Publication
Publisher
Bird Observers' Club of Australia
Place of publication
Australia
UNE publication id
une:4178
Abstract
The diet and breeding of a pair of Square-tailed Kites 'Lophoictinia isura' were studied at one nest on the mid-north coast of New South Wales, in the spring and early summer of 2001, by direct observation and by analysis of pellets and prey remains. The nest was in a tall Blackbutt 'Eucalyptus pilularis' on the edge of forest near a town. The nestling period occupied early October to early December, with fledging of one young by mid December. Brood reduction and cannibalism of the smaller sibling, almost halfway through the nestling phase, were associated with apparent food shortage. The diet consisted mostly of nestling birds, but included two Eastern Rosellas 'Platycercus eximius', a Common Ringtail Possum 'Pseudocheirus peregrinus' and a reptile. Nestling growth and development, and some behavioural observations, are described.
Link
Citation
Australian Bird Watcher, 19(June-September), p. 6-7
ISSN
0045-0316
Start page
6
End page
7

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