Provisioning by captive yellow-tufted honeyeaters (Lichenostomus melanops gippslandicus) acting as foster parents for helmeted honeyeater chicks (L. m. cassidix)

Publication Type:
 Journal Article
Year of Publication:
 1994
Authors:
 M. A. Miller
Publication/Journal:
 Zoo Biology
Publisher:
 A Wiley Company, Inc., Wiley Subscription Services
Keywords:
 , ,
ISBN:
 1098-2361
Abstract:

Abstract 10.1002/zoo.1430130303.abs A captive breeding program is being conducted with the endangered helmeted honeyeater (Lichenostomus melanops cassidix). Establishment of breeding stock involved cross fostering helmeted honeyeater chicks to breeding yellow-tufted honeyeaters (Lichenostomus melanops gippslandicus). Data were collected on provisioning rates and food preferences of the foster parents in feeding chicks of the helmeted subspecies. Feeding rates varied from 5–6 each hour per chick in the first week to 8–10 per chick in week 3 and were similar for both one- and two-chick broods. Chicks were considered independent by 6 weeks. Provisioning by the foster parents was evenly divided between the sexes. Insects were the main food item fed to nestlings (89.9%). Moths and mealworms were the two most frequently selected items and were the two largest items available. The continued increase of the captive population may provide individuals for release to the wild population, and techniques developed through captive management will help conserve wild populations. © 1994 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

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