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AUTHORS: Sangam Khalil, Department of Forestry Range & Wildlife Management, Islamia University Bahawalpur, Pakistan; Kathryn E. Sieving, Department of Wildlife Ecology and Conservation, University of Florida; Maqsood Anwar, Department of Wildlife Management, PMAS-Arid Agriculture University, Rawalpindi, Pakistan; Tanveer Hussain, Department of Forestry Range & Wildlife Management, Islamia University Bahawalpur, Pakistan
ABSTRACT: Feeding improve reproductive success in blue birds. The effects of supplemental feeding on eastern bluebird (Sialia sialis) populations were studied within campus of University of Florida. Total 44 nest boxes were placed in different types of habitats to check the species preference of nest selection; in organic farms, in natural open field and along roadsides. Supplement food in the form of live mealworms were provided in some boxes, whereas other boxes were set as control. The study demonstrated that supplemental feeding can increase survival if food is limiting, however, data suggested feeding was not effective when habitat structure was inappropriate, or when food was not limiting. Supplement feeding cause blue birds to lay second clutch earlier in boxes than, where no food were provided in boxes during breeding. Breeding season of blue bird in the study area extended from mid March to end of July. All of its nests located during the study were found in the boxes consisting of pine needles. Egg laying occurred mainly in the months of March and May, having mean egg laying span of days (range 4-5 days) and a mean clutch size of 4.30 + 0.13eggs per nest (range 4-5). Mean incubation period was 11.69 + 1.44 days (range 13-15 days). Out of a total of 56 eggs located in various nests, 45 hatched (80%) with a mean hatching rate of 3.46 + 0.48 eggs per clutch. The fledging success was estimated at 3.38 + 0.47 per clutch (78%). Study suggested that blue bird’s successful breeding in Florida is mainly associated with provision of supplement feed, in addition to this; natural vegetation and open fields around natural vegetation, which supports its healthy population.
Key Words: Supplement Food, Breeding Biology, Eastern Blue Bird, South Florida.
