A preliminary report on the development of young Indian Eagle Owl Bubo bengalensis (Franklin, 1831) in and around Puducherry, southern India

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Published: Oct 26, 2009
DOI: https://doi.org/10.11609/JoTT.o1762.519-24

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M.E. Ramanujam
T. Murugavel

Abstract

Morphometric, weight and photographic data on the growth patterns of young Bubo bengalensis was obtained in three areas in and around Puducherry. We continuously monitored and observed the growth patterns of nine chicks in total between 10 and 60 days after hatching. Among the morphometric variables, bill and wing chord length showed a mild yet steady increase throughout the observation period, while tarsus length displayed a steep increase till the 20th day, fluctuated till the 40th day and then increased marginally till the 60th day. Body mass showed a steady increase before reaching a plateau between 35 and 45 days, after which only a marginal increase was observed. Chicks were born with whitish natal down. The prejuvenile moult occurred around the 14th or 15th day. Full juvenile plumage was attained by the 35th day and persisted even after 60 days. Morphometric data showed a marked variability, and in this context, ageing of nestlings based on measurements alone may not be accurate and must be complemented with feather moult patterns.

Article Details

Issue
Vol 1, No 10 (2009)
Section
Communications

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Author Biographies

M.E. Ramanujam

M. Eric Ramanujam currently involved in biodiversity surveys of vertebrates on the Adyar Poonga Project (wetland restoration) in Chennai. Has previously conducted surveys of the Kaliveli region under the European Commission and UBS projects. Has been researching imagery as a tool to enhance environmental sensitization and has illustrated posters, booklets, journal articles, etc. Has been conducting autecological and ethological investigations on Bubo bengalensis since 1997.

T. Murugavel

T. Murugavel has been involved in environmental activism in addition to being an amateur bird watcher and photographer. Currently employed as Professor (English), Sri Venkateswara College of Engineering, Pennalur, Sriperumbudur, Tamil Nadu.