Journal article

Publication year: 2004

Pages: 337-346

Journal: Emu - Austral Ornithology

Volume number: 104

Issue number: 4

ISSN: 0158-4197

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.1071/MU03039

Publisher: Taylor and Francis Group

Abstract: 
Birds are sensitive to perturbations in climate. Changes in reproductive ecology may reflect changes in food availability caused by environmental conditions. We studied the influence of the La Nina phase of the El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) on breeding success and survival and growth of nestling Burrowing Parrots (Cyanoliseus patagonus) (Aves, Psittaciformes) in Patagonia. During the breeding season 1998-99, a severe drought affected the region as a consequence of a strong La Nina. We compare data from a La Nina event with an average year. Clutch sizes were similar in the two years. In both years, clutch size declined during the season. Our results suggest that environmental conditions are not the primary determinant of clutch size in Burrowing Parrots, and seasonal differences are more likely caused by differences in adult quality. Nestling mortality was higher during La Nina, while the surviving nestlings showed reduced growth. Hatching order had a stronger influence on growth and survival of nestlings during La Nina than during the average year. Last-hatched nestlings always showed reduced growth compared with middle- and first-hatched nestlings, but the difference between nestlings was greater during La Nina.

Harvard Citation style: Masello, J. and Quillfeldt, P. (2004) Consequences of La Nina phase of ENSO for the survival and growth of nestling Burrowing Parrots on the Atlantic coast of South America, Emu - Austral Ornithology, 104(4), pp. 337-346. https://doi.org/10.1071/MU03039

APA Citation style: Masello, J., & Quillfeldt, P. (2004). Consequences of La Nina phase of ENSO for the survival and growth of nestling Burrowing Parrots on the Atlantic coast of South America. Emu - Austral Ornithology. 104(4), 337-346. https://doi.org/10.1071/MU03039