A study on clutch and egg characteristics of white-breasted waterhen, amaurornis phoenicurus phoenicurus in jammu (J&K), India

The present research on clutch and egg characteristics of White-breasted Waterhen (Amaurornis phoenicurus phoenicurus) was carried out during 2013-2015 in Jammu district of J&K State. A total of 67 clutches were studied. The overall mean clutch size was recorded to be 5.97 ± 1.35 varying from 3 to 8. The clutch size of 6 was recorded to be the most common (29.85%). Eggs were oval, cream in colour and marked with light and dark brown and purple blotches and spots. Mean values of egg dimensions and their range was: egg length = 40.6 ± 0.19 mm (37-46 mm), egg breadth = 30.9 ± 0.09 mm (28-34 mm), egg weight = 18.86 ± 0.63 gm (17.5-20.5gm), egg volume = 19.95 ± 1.94 cm3 (15.86-25.35 cm3) and egg shape index = 76.22 ± 3.05 (66.66-82.05). A statistically significant and strong positive correlation was recorded between egg volume and egg length and egg volume and egg breadth as well as of egg weight with egg length, egg breadth and egg volume while a strong but negative correlation was registered between egg length and egg shape index and between egg volume and egg shape index. The correlations between egg length and egg breadth were also statistically significant.