New material supplies in the Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus sexual roles daily and seasonal activity patterns and rainfall influence

Nest maintenance is an important part of parental care for the Marsh Harrier Circus aeruginosus throughout the entire breeding period. Nest material supply trips are mainly carried out by the female as the male only contributes during incubation and the early nestling period. The trips rate was greatest during the 1st half of the nestling phase, in the morning and on rainy days. It appears that material supply trips are related to nest maintenance needs during breeding and the time available to the parents.

Fernandez C., ARDEA 80 (2): 281-284