Growth and development of the Pariah Kite Milvus migrans govinda

Abstract

The growth of ten nestlings of Pariah Kite raised under natural conditions during 50-75 days of nestling period was studied. Weekly measurements of weight and four body part (culmen, tarsus, middle toe and longest primary) were recorded. The increase in weight was higher during the 2nd and 3rd week, but in the 6th week, the weight decreased considerably. It was found that the growth of the tarsus and middle toe was similar to that of body weight. The development of culmen was at a uniform rate throughout the nestling period. The longest primary reached the highest rate of growth between 22nd to 35 days of age.
Motor development and gross morphological changes in the young Pariah Kites were studied from hatching to 50 days of age and it was found that the motor development of the young Pariah Kites proceeded at a rapid rate. At the time of hatching the chicks were feable and weak, but after 15 days, they became strong enough to defend themselves by biting and attacking. The prospotiles were replaced by mesoptiles between 11 to 15 days. Feather broke out of skin between 12 to 14 days whereas in Red Kites (Milvus milvus) the feathers broke out at the age of 20 days. (Brown & Amadon 1968). Although the youngs started flapping their wings at about 30 days of age, they were not actually able to fly till they were 40 days of age. Food consumption of the young Pariah Kites raised in captivity was recorded weekly and on the basis of average food consumption it was estimated that a young Pariah Kite consumed 5.550kg of food during 42 days.