Extended breeding in a nest of Splendid Sunbird Cinnyris coccinigastrus on residential premises

Abstract

The study provides information on the incubation and nestling periods, weight gain, plumage development and nesting success of the Splendid Sunbird Cinnyris coccinigastrus. A single nest with six clutches, each of a single egg, was observed at a residence in Bodija Isopako, Ibadan, Nigeria. Five nest attempts were observed in 2011 (laying dates in May, June, August and October) and one in April 2012. The duration of incubation was 13–14 days, and chicks fledged between 12 and 13 days after hatching, to give an average period of 26 days between egg-laying and fledging. Within one breeding season, there was an average of 29 days between fledging one brood and laying a new clutch. This extended breeding strategy yielded 50% successfully fledged nests and 100 % hatching success. Human disturbance was the cause of all nest losses.