Reduced nestling growth of East African Stonechats Saxicola torquata axillaris in the presence of a predator
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Published source details
Scheuerlein A. & Gwinner E. (2006) Reduced nestling growth of East African Stonechats Saxicola torquata axillaris in the presence of a predator. Ibis, 148, 468-476.
Published source details Scheuerlein A. & Gwinner E. (2006) Reduced nestling growth of East African Stonechats Saxicola torquata axillaris in the presence of a predator. Ibis, 148, 468-476.
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This study is summarised as evidence for the following.
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Provide supplementary food for songbirds to increase reproductive success Action Link |
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Provide supplementary food for songbirds to increase reproductive success
A replicated, controlled experiment in Arusha National Park, Tanzania, in October and November 1995 and 1996 (Scheuerlein & Gwinner 2006), found that East African stonechat Saxicola axillaris (formerly S. torquata axillaris) chicks from ten pairs provided with supplementary food did not grow any faster between hatching and seven days old than chicks from 15 control (unfed) pairs. However, feeding appeared to reduce the impact of common fiscals Lanius collaris, a predator of stonechats, the presence of which reduced growth rates in chicks from control pairs (n = 7), but not fed pairs (n = 5). Supplementary food consisted of 30 g of mealworms Tenebrio molitor provided every day, from approximately a month before laying began.
