First breeding records of the osprey (Pandion haliaetus) on Jeju Island, South Korea

Abstract

The first breeding of osprey (Pandion haliaetus) on Jeju Island, South Korea, were observed in 2015, and ospreys bred on three sites. We found a total of three nests and observed that A site nest bred on successfully from 2017 to 2020. The number of eggs per clutch ranged from two to four, with a mean ± SD of 3.16 ± 0.75. The nesting period varied from 71 days to 79 days, with an average duration of 76.2 ± 3.18 days. The incubation period ranged from 34 days to 38 days, averaging 35.8 ± 1.72 days. Fledging dates ranged from July 4th to 13th. The nest tree species was Pinus thunbergii, and the average tree height was 16.2 ± 3.12 m. On average, the nest height from the ground was 14.8 ± 2.57 m. The average diameter at breast height of the nesting trees was 36.1 ± 2.02 cm. Of the total 19 eggs produced, the hatching rate was 91.4% ± 10.2%, fledgling rate was 68.6% ± 26.9%, and breeding success was 65.6% ± 25.1%. Little ecological information is available on osprey living in South Korea; therefore, this study makes a meaningful contribution to provide baseline ecological data from South Korea for this species.

Keywords

• Korean Peninsula
• Nest environment
• Nesting habits
• Raptor
• Reproductive ecology