The oriental magpie-robin (Copsychus saularis) is a secondary cavity nester which nests in tree holes, building holes, and artificial nesting boxes. It has obvious territorial behavior. It is native to South and Southeast Asia, including southern China, India, Bangladesh, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Malaysia, and Indonesia. In Taiwan, the oriental magpie-robin is an exotic species introduced by pet trade. In 1995, there was the first field record, but until now we still lack of research on this exotic species. Its impact on biodiversity is unknown. This study used six urban parks in Taipei City and New Taipei City as sample areas to survey the population density, reproductive performance and nest site selection of the oriental magpie-robin. The results of the survey in 2017: the average nest density was 0.12 ± 0.08 per ha (n=6), the breeding period was in April-August, the average clutch size was 4.3 ± 0.9 (n=8), and the average hatching rate was 0.58 ± 0.48 (n= 8), the average fledging success rate was 0.5 ± 0.45 (n = 8). The results of the survey in 2018: the average nest density was 0.18 ± 0.07 per ha (n=6), the breeding period was in April-July, the average clutch size was 4.1 ± 0.8 (n=17), and the average hatching rate was 0.58 ± 0.39 (n= 17), the average fledging success rate was 0.38 ± 0.34 (n = 17). There was no significant difference in nest density or reproductive performance between the two years. The nest site selection was based on the hypothesis test to compare the 35 environmental factors of the nest group and the sampling group. Only the cave depth has a significant difference, which represents the preference for deeper tree holes. Presumably It is because the tree hole depth can provide good concealment, and is less likely to be noticed and be attacked by predators.
臺灣本島外來種鵲鴝的繁殖生物學與巢位選擇 = Breeding Biology and Nest Site Selection of Exotic Oriental Magpie
