EARLY BREEDING IN TENERIFE

SUMMARYThe birds in an area of about half a square mile of mixed terrain, ranging from sea level to 2,500 ft. at Bajamar on the N.E. coast of Tenerife, were studied from 2 January to 25 February 1961. The populations, breeding and ecology of the resident species were investigated, especially of the warblers (Chiffchaff, Sardinian and Spectacled Warblers and Blackcap), but including also Kestrel, Hoopoe, Berthelot's Pipit, Blackbird and some species of finches.“Early” breeding starting in the second half of January is shown probably to be regular, and dependent on the insects which result from a flush of vegetation, itself resulting from winter snow and rain. This period is usually followed by drought, and “normal” breeding follows fresh rain and renewed plant growth in March.The significance of these findings, previously not even suspected, is discussed.