Eggshell Removal and Nest in Ring Doves

Montevecchi, William A. (1974) Eggshell Removal and Nest in Ring Doves. Wilson Bulletin, 86 (2). pp. 136-143. ISSN 1559-4491

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Abstract

Avian nest sanitation includes eggshell disposal, inhibition of defecation on the nest, and the ingestion or removal of nestling fecal matter. Such behavior is widespread among birds, although many different adaptions have evolved in the rearing of offspring (e.g. Blair and Tucker, 1941; Nethersole-Thompson and Nethersole-Thompson, 1942 ; Pettingill, 1970; Yapp, 1970) . A surprising lack of information exists concerning the defecation patterns of birds (Hailman, 1965; Brackbill, 1972)) and only a few systematic studies of eggshell removal have been carried out (Beer, 1960; Hailman, 1966; Thompson, 1970; Tinbergen, 1963). Captive Ring Doves (Streptopehrisoria) have been reported to defecate away from their nests during incubation and to remove eggshells from their nests (Miller and Miller, 1958). The present investigation was designed to explore systematically the tendencies of captive Ring Doves to remove eggshells from their nests and to keep their nests free of fecal matter throughout the course of a reproductive cycle. An excellent account of the breeding activities of Ring Doves can be found in Lehrman (1964).

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