Swamphen

Abstract: 1. The breeding success of the pukeko or swamphen, Porphyrio porphyrio melanotus, was studied for three seasons in two different habitats in the Manawatu, New Zealand. 2. There was a direct relationship between clutch size and the number of birds in a territory. In groups the dominant female was at a reproductive advantage, laying more eggs overall, but especially in the first and more successful clutch. Dominant females in groups were still at a disadvantage compared with females breeding in a pair. 3. Overall reproductive success was greater for pairs than for groups, although much of this difference could be attributed to habitat variables and membership stability. 4. Attempts to measure the ‘helping effect’ of non-reproductive helpers were inconclusive. The advantages and disadvantages to individuals are discussed, and it is concluded that breeding success is of limited value in explaining the communal habit of pukeko.

Abstract: A central biological parameter in the study of any animal population is the accurate assignment of sex. Indeed any ecological study of a population requires information on sex composition in relation to such biological factors as behaviour, movement, mortality and birth rate. However, our ability to assign the sex of adults of many avian species is poor and the sexing of young is universally difficult. We report here the successful application of a molecular technique for the assignment of sex in the communally breeding pukeko or purple swamphen (Porphyrio porphyrio melanotus). W- and Z-linked chromosome fragments in digested genomic DNA of pukeko were detected with the DNA probe pMg1. We consequently show that this species breeds in polyandrous, polygynous and polygynandrous groups. Finally we discuss why recent molecular methods represent important new tools in ecology.

Abstract: One of the Bird Sanctuaries of Uttar Pradesh, Sandi, was selected for studying some ecological aspects like, aquatic food plants, their food calendar and dependent birds of migratory as well as resident origin. The study site is considered as an ideal wetland. This is located at 27 o 15’ N and 79 o 55’ E. Thirty four food plant species were identified to be eaten by 16 birds.These plants were the species of Alloteropsis, Arundo, Azolla, Ceratophyllum, Chloris, Commelina, Cyperus, Echinochloa, Eichhornia, Eleocharis, Hydrilla, Ipomoea, Jussiaea, Lemna, Najas, Nelumbo, Nymphea, Nymphoides, Oryza, Pistia, Polygonum, Potamogeton, Scirpus, Spirodela, Trapa, Typha, Vallisneria, and Wolffia. Common consumer birds eating plant parts were Coot, Pochards, Teal, Wigeon, Gadwall, Gargany, Goose, Whistling-duck, Mallard, Pintail, Shoveler, and Swamphen. These are primarily the migratory birds except Coot, Whistling-duck and Swamphen. Spot-billed Duck, and Indian Moorhen were occasionally seen eating submerged hydrophytes and filamentous slimy green algae. On the basis of multi-strata growth of plants in the Sanctuary a wetland profile was prepared. Food calendar i.e., availability of palatable parts of plants during different months was recorded. Information collected in the study could be used for habitat management, especially the weed removal and ensuring food sustainability for the vegetarian birds.

Abstract: Digitized on BHL by the Natural History Museum with the permission of the rights' holder under CC license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-sa/4.0/)