Feeding Behaviour and the Role of Insects in the Diet of Northern House-Martin (Delichon urbica meridionalis) Nestlings in Northeastern Algeria
2015
Rouaiguia, M. | Lahlah, N. | Bensaci, E. | Houhamdi, M.
Monitoring of the northern house-martin in northeastern Algeria recorded the first observation of this species in early February, whereas the greatest movements occurred around the beginning of March. Breeding activity of the northern house-martin usually started one month after their return from migration, apparently triggered by the availability of food resources. Our study on the feeding frequency to nestlings showed that although feeding visits were important in early nestling rearing, the highest values were recorded at the ages of 6–10 days. The number of prey brought to chicks was highest during May and lowest during August. Analysis of the diet of chicks revealed that it was composed mainly of 48 families representing eight orders of insects, with significant dominance of Homoptera throughout the breeding season.
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