Nesting Biology of the Rosy Finch on the Aleutian Islands, Alaska
Johnson RE. 1983. Nesting Biology of the Rosy Finch on the Aleutian Islands, Alaska. The Condor. 85(4):447-452
The nesting biology of the Aleutian Rosy Finch (Leucosticte griseonucha (arctoa) griseonucha) was studied on the maritime tundra of Amchitka Island in the Aleutian Islands, Alaska. Fifty active nests were found, all in buildings or other man-made structures. Nests were re-used with new material added each year. Their densities were not limited by the availability of buildings or good nest sites. The maximum density was 13.9 nests/100 ha. Unlike their alpine relatives, these birds were double-brooded, with eggs in the nest from late April to early June and again in late June through at least mid-July. Mean hatch date for the first brood was 26 May. Mean clutch size was 4.5 eggs (range = 3-6). Incubation lasted 12-14 days, the nestling period 15-22 days (x̄ = 18 days). Egg survival during incubation was 73.9%, hatching success 93.9%, and nestling survival 79.1%, for an overall nest success of 54.9%. These high values are attributed to the near absence of predators on the island and to protected nest sites.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Johnson, Richard
- Units
- ARCN , BELA , CAKR , GAAR , KOVA , NOAT
- Keywords
- Abundance, AMNWR, Arctic, Breeding, Finch, Leucosticte arctoa, Nest Site Selection, Pacific Mountain System, Passeriformes, Southwestern