We report nesting behavior of Szechenyi's Monal-Partridge (Tetraophasis szechenyii) in treeline habitats of the Pamuling Mountains, Sichuan Province, China. Szechenyi's Monal-Partridge used both ground and tree nests. Ground nests were scrapes in the soil, positioned at the base of a tree or scrub, and occurred in all habitats except Sichuan kobresia (Kobresia setchwanensis) meadow. Tree nests were cup shaped and placed 1.9–12.0 m above ground level, distributed proportionally in all habitats except scrub hollyleaf-like oak (Quercus aquifolioides) and Sichuan kobresia meadow habitats. The proportion of nest types between first and re-nesting attempts did not vary significantly. Only 54% of ground nests and 33% of tree nests survived until hatching with predation being the principal cause of ground nest failure. Hatching success was 97%. We recorded six re-nesting attempts, four of which were tree nests, but all were unsuccessful. Preserving a mosaic of treeline habitats that include ground vegetation, and fir/oak woodland habitat will be essential for maintaining suitable nesting habitats for Szechenyi's Monal-Partridge in the Pamuling Mountains.
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1 March 2011
Nesting Behavior of Szechenyi's Monal-Partridge in Treeline Habitats, Pamuling Mountains, China
Kai Zhang,
Nan Yang,
Yu Xu,
Jianghong Ran,
Huw Lloyd,
Bisong Yue
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