a comprehensive resource of avian hand rearing techniques for captive bird populations

Large Niltava

Niltava grandis

Passeriformes - Muscicapidae - Thrushes, warblers & flycatchers

Large Niltava - Juvenile

© Andrew Owen

Large Niltava - JuvenileLarge Niltava - Chick

Distribution: East Himalayas to Malaysia, Vietnam and Sumatra.

Habitat: Dense moist broad-leaved montane forest. 600m – 2710m.

Diet: Insects and other invertebrates and berries.

Breeding: Nest of moss and fine plant fibres built among boulders, tree hollows or holes in dead tree stumps.

Clutch size: 2-5 creamy-white eggs.

Incubation: 15 days (incubation by hen only).

Rearing: Chicks hatch naked and eyes closed. Both parents feed the chicks on a diet of invertebrates and their larvae.

Fledge age: 14 days.

Protocols

Protocol from Waddesdon Manor

View Waddesdon Manor protocol file >

Protocol established 2005
Used on 7 individuals
Success rate 100.00%

Rating

Protocol used for at least 5 individuals with over 75% success*
Used by 2 or more institutions 
Points on minimizing imprinting 
Birds went on to produce fertile eggs 
Birds went on to successfully parent rear 

Warning points
Vitamins A&E (in ACE High) are important as this species is predisposed to eye problems linked to the lack of these vitamins.

Keeper contact is kept to a minimum at all times to avoid imprinting.

Please keep us up-to-date and contact us with your own updates or new protocols for rearing the Large Niltava.

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