Breeding and behaviour of Pilotbirds

Abstract

Three pairs of Pilotbirds were studied in Sherbrooke Forest, Vic., from 1968 10 1971. Territories were well defined, 10,000 10 15,000 m². Females alone build the nest, which is lined with feathers usually after the eggs are laid and is often near a log and usually less. than 1 m from the ground. Eggs are probably usually laid at intervals of two days. Clutch is normally two eggs, occasionally one. The incubation is 20–22 days and the nestling period 14–17 days, perhaps longer in earlier than in later broods, of which there may be three in the season. Total breeding success in seventeen nests was 61 percent. Fan-tailed Cuckoos parasitised nests unsuccessfully. Calls and behaviour are described.