INCUBATION SHARING OF NORTHERN BALD IBIS PARTNERS

Abstract

The study was carried out during the free-flying period. Pairs share the incubation between the two sexes. In observations made between 2013 and 2015 (n=79 in day). Females incubated for 177.08 minutes per day on average while males incubated for 240.99 minutes per day. This incubation period is statistically different (P0.05). According to 2014 (n=128) and 2015 (n=88) results no statistical difference could be observed between incubation periods (P >0.05).The excess eggs during incubation are protected by northern bald ibises which does not have any nest (altruism). From time to time synchronized behaviors can be observed in the population.