FEATURE


New-born


Two Week old chicks


The chick peering curiously from the nesting box


On 3 January 2012 a change of her behavior and general appearance was observed - she was very quiet, seemed to be very shy, and looked unkempt with ruffled feathers. At even the smallest disturbance she retired into the box. The male dwelled in the box more often too. That afternoon I found the first egg. On 6 January and 9 January the second and third eggs were laid. The freshly laid eggs weigh 9-9.5 grams and are 31 - 32 mm long and 24-25 mm wide. After laying the first egg, the female spent nearly all


Eggs of the second couple


of her time in the box and left it for a couple of minutes only. Occasionally, she palpated and turned the eggs very gently. She did not do this with her beak but with her tongue. The male visited and fed the female in the box. He spent most of his time on the perch in front of the entry hole. As late as 2 February the birds mated occasionally. On 6 February 2012 the first chick hatched and announced itself by a silent peeping. On 7 February the second chick hatched. After hatching the chicks weighed 6 grams and were


BIRD SCENE 25 09


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