Breeding ecology of the Emei Shan Liocichla (Liocichla omeiensis)

We studied the breeding ecology of the Emei Shan Liocichla (Liocichla omeiensis) in two nature reserves (Laojunshan and Wawushan) in Sichuan, China from March to August 2009 and April to August 2010. The breeding density (mean ± SE) was between 1.20 ± 0.46 and 1.55 ± 0.56 males/[km-.sup.2], and the breeding season was from late April to mid-August and from mid-May to late August in Laojunshan Nature Reserve in 2009 and 2010, respectively. This species used the edges of or gaps within natural broadleaf forest between elevations of 1,450 and 2,150 m for nesting. Vegetation around nests was mainly bamboo (Chimonobambusa szechuanensis), small shrubs, and lianes with few large trees. Nests were cup-shaped with a mean height of 137.5 ±4.6 cm above the ground. Nests were mainly in C. szechuanensis. Females laid one egg per day in the morning and the mean (± SE) clutch size was 2.9 ± 0.2 eggs. Incubation started after the last egg was laid. Both males and females were observed participating in incubation, provisioning, and brooding the nestlings. Hatching success, fledging success, and nest success were 58.6, 70.8, and 27.5%, respectively. Nest predation and human disturbances were the two main factors affecting breeding success of Emei Shan Liocichlas. Received 13 January, 2011. Accepted 22 May 2011.
The genus Liocichla represents a group of Old World babblers found in Asia from India to China, including Red-faced Liocichla (Liocichla phoenicea), Scarlet-faced Liocichla (L. ripponi), Steere's Liocichla (L. steerii), [...]