Philippine E-Journals

Notes on the Nesting Behavior of Nycticorax caledonicus (Ardeidae) on a Planted Forest

Reynaldo Tababa | Mae Flor Posadas | Mary Ann Dagunan | Ely L. Alcala | Abner A. Bucol

Discipline: Bio-Diversity

 

Abstract:

Observations on the roosting and nesting behavior of the Rufous Night-Heron Nycticorax caledonicus was conducted over a period of eight years since the arrival of the first few individuals in the afforested campus of the Central Philippine State University in Kabankalan City, Negros Occidental, Philippines. About 100 individuals were found roosting and nesting on tall decades-old Mahogany (Sweitenia macrophylla) and other tree species. Nesting appears to occur at least twice a year with some nests repeatedly used by the original nesting individuals.

Nest-guarding was usually participated by two individuals and becomes less intensive as the fledglings grow older. Preferred nesting trees are emergents which include exotic species like Gmelina arborea. The Mahogany-dominated habitat continuous to attract more individuals since the first pair established their nest in 2005.