NEST CHARACTERISTICS AND NESTING SUCCESS OF THE INDIAN PIED MYNA (GRACUPICA CONTRA) IN JAMMU REGION (J&K)

The nest characteristics and nesting success of the Indian Pied Myna (Gracupica contra) were studied from May, 2013 to September, 2015 in Jammu region of J&K State. A total of 55 nests were studied. Nesting started in April and continued till August. Fourteen plant species were used for nesting and maximum number of nests was found on Mangifera indica. The nest was quite untidy but the innermost chamber was examined to be flask-shaped and nest constructed by plant, animal and artificial matter by both sexes. The mean nest hole diameter and depth was 8.17?1.23 cm and 14.10?1.52 cm respectively. Height of nests from ground ranged from 1.54-11.68 m and had a significant effect on nesting success. The maximum number of nests were recorded at height range of 5.1-7.5 m with success rate of 42.85%. Tampering with nest and nesting tree was the major cause of nest failure during present study.