Nest site selection and breeding parameters of common moorhen gallinula chloropus in hokersar Wetland Kashmir

Different parameters of nesting biology of common moorhen (Gallinula chloropus) were studied at hokersar wetland Kashmir, during 2012 breeding season. Breeding was initiated by the pair formation. Nesting sites were chosen in thick emergent vegetation, dominated by Typha and Phragmites.Nest were constructed by both sexes on a average in 6 days(range 4-10) but females played the dominant role and dimensions varied in different vegetation. Clutch size varied from 4-12 eggs and mean egg measurement were 41.10±1.94mmX30.08±2.11mm. Incubation was mainly performed by females during an average period of 21 days. Hatchlings were nidifugous and hatching period varied between 15hr to 21hr (average 18±1.58hr).Nesting and hatching success was calculated both by Mayfield (1975) as well as by traditional method. Causes of low success were also reported.