The breeding season of Blackbirds Turdus merula in orange groves: breeding time and number of clutches.

Full article

Published:

Volume 43(1), June 1996. Pages 41-48.

Language:

Spanish

Original title:

La estación de nidificación del Mirlo Común Turdus merula en los naranjales: tiempo de nidificación y número de nidadas.

Keywords:

Blackbird, breeding season, first clutches, number of clutches, Turdus merula.

Abstract:

The breeding season of Blackbird was studied during eight years in orange groves near Sagunto (Valencia, Eastern Spain). First clutches occur in both March and April (mean = 28 March) and show an advance from 5 to 7 days in relation to Blackbirds breeding in urban and suburban areas of London. Last clutches were laid in June. Time elapsed between first and last clutches varied from 92 to 118 days. The females build from 2 to 5 nests per year (mean = 2.9), which is very similar to mean values from suburban areas of London. Considering the time available for breeding each year, a female can only successfully raise a maximum of three clutches per season.