How to translate text using browser tools
1 December 2008 Reproductive Biology of the Chestnut-backed Chickadee (Poecile rufescens) in Northwestern Oregon
Philip K. Gaddis, Charlotte C. Corkran
Author Affiliations +
Abstract

Chestnut-backed Chickadees were studied over a 4-y period near Portland, Oregon, and for 1 of those years near Eugene, Oregon. Data on nesting activities and nestling growth rates were obtained by monitoring nest boxes. The chickadees began nest-building activity in March, with the 1st eggs being laid in early April and nests continuing to be initiated through early July. The timing of nest initiation was bimodal with the 1st peak in late April and a 2nd, smaller peak in June, referred to as “late nests”. Late nests accounted for 14 of the 94 nests observed. Clutch size for early nests varied from 5 to 10 eggs, with 7- and 8-egg clutches occurring at nearly equal frequency and representing 67.9%. Fledge success was greatest for 9-egg clutches and lowest for the smallest (6 or fewer) and largest (10) clutch sizes. Incubation averaged 13.8 d. The nestling growth phase averaged 18.8 d. Nestling body mass at age 14 d (the growth asymptote) was not correlated with clutch size or 14-d brood size. Late nests had lower clutch sizes but did not appear to be different for other reproductive parameters. Twenty-two nests failed to fledge any young at all, of which 13 nests failed due to predation. Predation by weasels was observed in one case and implicated in others. Other possible nest predators were Raccoons, Domestic Cats, and Douglas' Squirrels. Eviction of the chickadees by House Sparrows, House Wrens, and Bewick's Wrens was also observed.

Philip K. Gaddis and Charlotte C. Corkran "Reproductive Biology of the Chestnut-backed Chickadee (Poecile rufescens) in Northwestern Oregon," Northwestern Naturalist 89(3), 152-163, (1 December 2008). https://doi.org/10.1898/NWN07-22.1
Received: 14 September 2007; Accepted: 1 April 2008; Published: 1 December 2008
KEYWORDS
Chestnut-backed Chickadee
clutch size
nestling growth rate
northwestern Oregon
Poecile rufescens
reproductive success
RIGHTS & PERMISSIONS
Get copyright permission
Back to Top