Seychelles Magpie Robins – the next generation.

During my last two visits to Denis I have had the opportunity to follow up on the status of some our sub-adult magpie-robins. As reported previously we have faced some problems with SMR breeding attempts. Mynah birds have caused real problems – destroying nests and taking/attacking chicks – whilst we have also now had two chicks born with leg abnormalities which have lead to their demise.

There have also been successes however – in particular the two juveniles that Catherina has raised by hand. Catherina’s “babies” named Charlie and Spencer are both well able to fend for themselves and appear to be prospering. They have not forgotten their adoptive mother however and frequently turn up at her place begging for food! During my previous visit I was walking with Catherina towards her place when both birds approached her on the path and began begging. It was amazing to watch as they followed her to her house and then apparently accepting each other’s presence began feasting on the bowl of insects and grated boiled egg she provided them (see photos in sidebar).

I also during that visit encountered the juvenile in territory 1 it very obligingly posed in a nearby bush for photos and the brown barring on its white wing patch which identifies it as a sub-adult is clearly visible (see photo in sidebar).

This last weekend I visited the island again and encountered the territory 1 juvenile and its parents on several occasions. They were notable because the behaviour of the birds was unusual. I first noticed them as I walked from the airport, having just arrived, to the main hotel building. The juvenile was perched amongst some giant tortoises in the tortoise park this is quite normal as SMRs have learnt that the large reptiles disturb the ground where they pass often revealing insects which the birds eat. What was unusual was the constant “churring” call that the adult was making. This call is typically a sign of aggression or stress in the bird. Over the next two days I repeatedly heard churring coming from this territory and then on Saturday morning I observed both adults in pursuit of their offspring! It turns out that the adults are now undertaking another breeding attempt and clearly have decided that one juvenile in the territory is enough!

This behaviour is in fact normal for Magpie-robins but can of course put the ousted sub-adult under a lot of stress – so we will monitor this sub-adult (ringed orange/orange). If it establishes a small sub-territory adjacent to its natal area we will set up an additional supplementary feed station to cater for its needs.

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