Clutch and egg size variation in the Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus in eastern Poland

Authors

  • Marcin Polak Department of Nature Conservation, Maria Curie Skłodowska University

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.34080/os.v20.22638

Keywords:

brood size, raptor, bird of prey, breeding biology

Abstract

The main aim of this study was to examine how clutch size and season influenced egg size in a population of Marsh Harriers Circus aeruginosus in eastern Poland. The Marsh Harriers nested in small, isolated patches of reed belts surrounding fish ponds. A total of 328 eggs from 70 clutches were measured during four nesting seasons (2005–2008). Average clutch size was 4.69 ± 0.71 eggs and did not vary between years; the modal clutch size was 5 eggs. Mean values of the egg dimensions were: egg length = 48.60 ± 1.78 mm; egg breadth = 38.36 ± 1.13 mm; egg volume = 36.53 ± 2.99 cm3. There was a strong correlation between egg length and egg breadth. The number of eggs in a clutch had no effect on the egg size.

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Published

2010-04-01

How to Cite

Polak, M. (2010). Clutch and egg size variation in the Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus in eastern Poland. Ornis Svecica, 20(2), 63–66. https://doi.org/10.34080/os.v20.22638

Issue

Section

Research Papers