Nesting behavior of chicks of a coal tit (Parus ater ater L., 1758) according to observation in the South of Baikal Region

Abstract

Nesting behavior of chicks of a coal tit (Parus ater ater L., 1758) according to observation in the South of
Baikal Region. A.Yu. GLYZINA, A.S. ZYRYANOV, V.O. SALOVAROV, A.I. POVARINTCEV (A.A. Ezhevsky
Irkutsk State Agrarian University, Irkutsk).

The article is devoted to the study of changes in the behavior of coal tit chicks from hatching to the leaving the nest.
The study was performed on four nests of coal tits located within Primorsky Range, the South part of the Baikal Region.
Observations were carried out using special video cameras with motion detectors. It was possible to track the full life
cycle of chicks in the nest. There are five stages in the development of chicks’ behavior. In the first stage the chicks are
inactive and have the opportunity to open the beak to receive food only. In the second stage the chicks are able to move
slowly in the nest. Usually this movement to each other helps the chicks come together to save heat of body. There are
attempts of stretching the neck and flapping its wings. The sounds made by the chicks already well heard at this period.
The third stage is connected with an increase in movement activity in the nest and a competitive movement in fighting for food. The fourth stage precedes the leaving of the nest and lasts about four days. At this time preening and flashing are appearing. The last stage takes place on the 18th day of individual development. Chicks fly out of the nest.