Breeding performance of the Red-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus cafer in Pakistan

The breeding performance of the Red-vented Bulbul Pycnonotus cafer was studied at the Tehsil Mansehra, KP Province of Pakistan during the breeding season from May to August 2013. Pair formation in Red-vented Bulbul occurred in March and April, followed by nest construction. During the breeding season 37 nests were observed with 88 eggs. The Red-vented Bulbul preferred leafy, dense shrubs and smaller trees for nest construction. Average plant and nest height was 2.2±0.2 and 1.9±0.3m, respectively. Mean clutch size was 2.3 ranged 1–3. Egg length and breadth was 20.2±0.6 and 16.0±0.6mm. Egg volume and Egg shape index was 2.6±0.2cm3 and 1.24±0.02. There was significant correlation found between egg length and breadth in relation to clutch size (P<0.05). Egg success was 55.6% and nest success was 59.4%. Main reasons for breeding failures were unhatched eggs, weather conditions and observer’s disturbance. Average fledgling produced per nest was 2.2.