author(s)
Jyoti Sethi and Manoj Kumar

abstract
Study was conducted on the nesting and breeding ecology of Asian Pied Starling Sturnus contra at Ludhiana during 2016-17. A total 48 nests were observed. Nests were dome-shaped, with a lateral entrance-hole. The most preferred nesting structure was electric poles (68.7%), followed by trees (20.8%), high voltage power transmission tower (4.1%); electrical transformer (4.1%) and iron pole (2.0%). The average height for nest ranges from 4 m - 6.5 m depending upon the nesting structure and the maximum height of nest recorded was 21.0 m on the high voltage power transmission tower. The mean width, height and depth of entrance hole of the nests were 42.6±1.20 cm, 30.4±1.66 cm and 8.1±0.49 cm respectively. The mean weight of nests (n=3) was 451.72±38.93gm. The breeding period extended from February end to August. Breeding activities were shared by both the parents. The clutch comprised of 4-5 oval, glossy blue eggs with mean dimensions of 26.36 mm X 19.55 mm. Breeding period last up to 53-78 days. It was concluded that habitat and nesting structure preferences were directly proportional to the presence of feeding materials, roosting places and nesting material available.