Breeding ecology of Algerian woodchat shrikes Lanius senator: low breeding success

Breeding ecology of woodchat shrikes Lanius senator was investigated in the EL-Kala National Park in North-East Algeria (36degrees53'N; 8degrees30'E) in 1998-1999. Quercus suber was the tree species most frequently used as support for nests, which were constructed at a mean height of 5 m. First eggs in clutches were laid 7 May, and clutch size was 4.9. Approximately 42% eggs gave fledglings. Clutch size declined during the course of the breeding season but fledgling success did not. Fledging success was positively correlated with per clutch mean egg length and the height of the nest location above ground. We suggest that the major selective pressures that shape the life history of Algerian woodchat shrikes are relatively heave predation and poor food availability.