Breeding Ecology of the Great Tit in the Lampposts of a Urban Park in Shenzhen, Guangdong
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1.Shenzhen Mangrove Wetlands Conservation Foundation, Shenzhen 518000; 2.Guangxi Academy of Marine Sciences (Guangxi Mangrove Research Center), Nanning 530007; 3.Shenzhen Futian Mangrove Ecological Park, Shenzhen 518000, China

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Q958

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    Abstract:

    [Objectives] The Great Tit (Parus cinereus) is a passerine bird widely distributed in China, which has strong adaptability to varied environments. In order to understand the breeding ecology of Great Tits in the urban environment, we conducted a systematic survey of Great Tits breeding in the lampposts of Futian Mangrove Ecological Park, Shenzhen, Guangdong. [Methods] From 2020 to 2022, we surveyed Great Tits’ nests in lampposts by using a selfie stick and a mobile phone, and recorded breeding activities at different stages by taking pictures from an appropriate distance. [Results] From 2020 to 2022, the Great Tits began nesting in early March each year, entering and exiting the lampposts from the lowest vent and building their nests between the internal wires and the inner wall of the lampposts (Fig. 1). A total of 43 nests were recorded, and the average clutch size of the Great Tits in the park was 5.0 ± 0.8 (n = 32). Most of their first eggs were laid in late March to early April (n = 20) (Fig. 2). In this study, the average incubation period was 13 ± 1.6 d (n = 18), and the average brooding period was 18.6 ± 1.8 d (n = 19), with a reproductive success rate of 49% (63 fledglings). As Great Tits are territorial, all nests are kept at a certain distance from each other (Fig. 3). The average spacing between the closest nests in 2020 was 94.29 ± 25.68 m (66﹣140 m), while the average spacing in 2021 was 86.69 ± 32.44 m (36﹣146 m), and 85.50 ± 57.71 m (20﹣254 m) in 2022. 12 end-of-breeding nests were collected for nest material analysis. These nests consist of grass leaves, moss, and cotton wool. The 12 nests weigh 70﹣527 g, with an average of 215 ± 171 g (n = 12). [Conclusion] In this study, the breeding parameters of the Great Tits in the lampposts in Shenzhen were compared with the breeding parameters of those in the nest boxes in Hainan, Henan, Hebei, and northeast China (Fig. 4). The average clutch size of the Great Tits in Shenzhen was similar to those in Hainan, and smaller than those in Henan, Hebei, and northeast China. The laying date of the first egg is close to that in Hainan. Higher the latitude, later the first laying date. The hatchability and reproductive success rate were significantly lower in the lamppost than that in the nest boxes. Our study shows that the breeding failures of the Great Tits in the park are mainly due to fallen nests and human disturbance. It is necessary to redesign the lampposts to provide suitable nest sites for the Great Tits in the park. The Great Tits’ breeding behaviors in urban structures reflect the sign of their adaptations to urbanization.

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RONG Can-Zhong, ZHU Lei, YIN Yu-Zhu, XIE Kai-Qi. 2023. Breeding Ecology of the Great Tit in the Lampposts of a Urban Park in Shenzhen, Guangdong. Chinese Journal of Zoology, 58(4): 505-513.

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History
  • Received:November 12,2022
  • Revised:
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  • Online: August 18,2023
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