Ornitología Neotropical (E-Journal)
Not a member yet
359 research outputs found
Sort by
BIOLOGÍA REPRODUCTIVA DEL CHINCHERO ENANO O CHINCHERO EXCAVADOR XIPHORHYNCHUS FUSCUS
No full textDespite recent advances, the knowledge scarcity on Furnariidae forest species reproduction continues to bias ideas and limit the understanding of avian life history. We studied the reproductive biology of the Lesser Woodcreeper (Xiphorhynchus fuscus; Dendrocolaptinae), which nests in tree cavities, to contribute observations toward ideas about evolution and ecology. In the Atlantic Forest of Argentina (2007–2022), we inspected 26 nests (total: 333 visits), color-banded nine adults, conducted 180 h of focal observations at 11 nests, and analyzed patterns of nest survival and parental care using linear models in R. Lesser Woodcreepers laid two or three white eggs (mean±SE = 2.8±0.1; N = 16) on a bed of bark flakes. One adult (possibly female) carried out construction, incubation, feeding, and nest hygiene, but we frequently observed a second adult (possibly male) singing from 'preferred' perches, sometimes approaching the nest tree in response to alarm calls from the nest. Attending adults brought bark to their nests throughout incubation (19 days) and occasionally during nestling (21 days; range: 20–23). In the absence of adults, eggs and young nestlings were left covered with bark. Nest attention (daytime percentage an adult was inside the cavity) was 63±3% during incubation, fell to 38±9% in the first 4 days after hatching, and approximately 0% after nestlings were 10 days old and had open pin feathers. Nestlings were fed almost exclusively arthropods, and the feeding rate increased as brooding declined. Nest survival was 0.984 (95% CI: 0.970–0.992) daily or 0.50 (0.26–0.70) for the nesting period. For four of six broods, when nestlings fledged, a second adult (possibly a male) participated minimally. Our observations cover the mating system and division of parental care in Furnariidae, the advantages of covering eggs and nestlings, and the possibility that males increase parental care during the vulnerable fledgling stage
COLOR ABERRATIONS IN SEVEN BIRD SPECIES IN COSTA RICA
Get PDFAlthough there are 935 species of birds in Costa Rica, scientific reports of pigmentation abnormalities in this group are limited. Nevertheless, several cases have been recently documented, including Leucism, Ino mutation, Progressive Graying, Dilution, and two unusual color aberrations in a toucan and a motmot. Here we describe seven cases of color aberrations observed over a period of five years in native birds of Costa Rica. An Eastern Wood-Pewee Contopus virens and a White-collared Manakin manacus candei were Brown. A Scintillant Hummingbird Selasphorus scintilla and a Talamanca Hummingbird, Eugenes spectabilis, also showed a Brown mutation, however, these two cases may be Ino. In addition, two cases of Progressive Graying were recorded in a Gray-necked Wood-rail Aramides cajaneus and a Great-tailed Grackle Quiscalus mexicanus. An indeterminate case was also observed in the Turkey Vulture Cathartes aura. Identifying plumage abnormalities in wild birds is challenging and can lead to misidentifications. However, documentation of color variation and behavior in birds can help inform future research. We encourage the reporting of observations of abnormally colored birds to further our understanding of this phenomenon
BIRD COMMUNITIES RESPOND TO THE SEASONAL FRUIT AND FLOWER AVAILABILITY IN A FRAGMENTED TROPICAL ANDEAN LANDSCAPE
Get PDFFire is one of the main causes of fragmentation in tropical Andean forests. Fragmentation can influence plant reproductive phenology, which in turn affects bird communities. In the Bolivian Yungas, we investigated how the seasonal availability of fruits and flowers affects bird richness, abundance and bird community composition in forest edges and adjacent bracken (Pteridium ferns) dominated areas. We captured birds with mist nets at eight sites during the dry, transition and wet seasons, and recorded fruit and flower availability through phenological observations and plant collections. We examined variation in species richness and abundance using generalized linear mixed-effects models, and bird species composition in each season using multivariate analyses. Fruit availability was higher in the transition and wet seasons, and lowest in the dry season, while flower availability did not differ among seasons. Bird species richness and abundance were significantly higher in bracken areas, although there was significantly lower fruit availability than at the forest edge, and these were mainly generalist bird species that may be tolerant to disturbance. Total bird abundance increased with higher fruit availability in both habitats, and with flower availability at the forest edge. Bird species composition differed between forest edges and bracken areas in the transition and the wet seasons, being influenced by fruiting and flowering phenology in the dry and transition seasons, and elevation in all seasons. Our results show the varying seasonal influence of plant reproductive phenology on avian communities of disturbed habitats, although other large scale factors associated with fragmentation may also shape bird communities
A NEST OF CLUB-WINGED MANAKIN MACHAEROPTERUS DELICIOSUS IN NORTHWEST ECUADOR
Get PDFThe Club-winged Manakin Machaeropterus deliciosus is an iconic Pipridae species due to its display behavior, including unique mechanical sounds produced by vibrating modified wing feathers. However, its nesting biology remains poorly known. We present a detailed description of one nest studied in northwest Ecuador in June–July 2021. We provide new information on incubation and maternal care. The nest was a low cup/fork sited on three forks, covered with moss, built 90 cm above the ground and at 50 m distance from a lekking site. The female had high nest attentiveness during the incubation period but decreased markedly in the first nine days post-hatching. The nest produced two juveniles that fledged 16 days after hatching. The breeding biology of this species remains poorly studied, so we recommend further research, including protracted monitoring of nests to understand important aspects of M. deliciosus breeding biology, including incubation period, attendance rates, and nesting success
SECONDARY NECTAR ROBBING BY A VOLCANO HUMMINGBIRD (SELASPHORUS FLAMMULA)
No full textSecondary nectar robbing is poorly studied in hummingbirds. Here, we provide an updated list of hummingbird species reported to be secondary nectar robbers and give the first detailed account of secondary nectar robbing by a Volcano Hummingbird (Selasphorus flammula) that obtained nectar through holes made by a Slaty Flowerpiercer (Diglossa plumbea) in two species of plants with long tubular flowers
CONSUMPTION OF THE LICHEN ROCCELLA GRACILIS BY THE LARGE GROUND-FINCH GEOSPIZA MAGNIROSTRIS ON THE ISLAND OF DAPHNE MAJOR (GALÁPAGOS)
Get PDFThis note reports a trophic interaction of a passerine consuming lichens. On the islet of Daphne Major (Galápagos Archipelago), we made five observations of the Large Ground-Finch Geospiza magnirostris eating the fruticose lichen Roccella gracilis. This is an example of how island birds broaden their feeding niche in resource-poor environments
SEEDEATERS AND SEEDS AT A TECOMA SAVANNA IN THE SOUTHERN PANTANAL, BRAZIL
Get PDFSeedeaters (Sporophila spp.) comprise a rich Neotropical bird group of seed consumers common in open habitats. In this study, we documented the feeding habits of seedeaters and seed production at a Tecoma savanna (dominated by Tabebuia aurea) in southern Pantanal, Brazil. We also analyzed the relationship between seed offer (abundance, richness, and diversity) and the number of seedeaters foraging across seasons. Six species (Sporophila angolensis, S. caerulescens, S. collaris S. hypoxantha, S.leucoptera, and S. lineola) occurred in the savanna, mainly in the height of the wet season, when seed production increased abruptly, attracting seedeaters. Seedeaters used 14 of 16 grass species that produced seeds. Indeed, the number of foraging seedeaters paralleled the abundance and diversity of seeds, and the number of species consumed. During much of the dry season, when seeds were not produced, the few remaining seedeaters mostly consumed arthropods and flowers. The diet of seedeaters ranged from mostly seeds (S. angolensis) to a moderate proportion of flowers and arthropods (S. leucoptera). The offer of a rich set of seeds attractive to seedeaters indicates that the Tecoma savanna is a seasonally important habitat for these birds. Of concern, large areas of native grasses in the Pantanal have recently been transformed into exotic pastures, and extensive fires have become common. Thus, conservation of this singular area is important for seedeaters, which move over wide areas searching for an abundant and diverse seed supply
OBSERVATIONS ON THE NESTING OF THE GRAY-HEADED DOVE (LEPTOTILA PLUMBEICEPS) IN A SHADE-GROWN COFFEE PLANTATION, IN VERACRUZ, MEXICO
Get PDFThe Gray-headed Dove (Leptotila plumbeiceps) is a neotropical bird distributed from northeastern Mexico to eastern Colombia; its breeding biology is virtually unknown. In May 2020, we found a pair of these doves nesting in a shade-grown coffee plantation, in central-western Veracruz, Mexico. The nest was a circular plataform (20 cm in diameter), made of sticks, leaves, and artificial materials. The clutch consisted of two eggs that were incubated for 14 days, and the nestlings remaining in the nest 12 days after hatching. To our knowledge, this work is the first to study the breeding of the Gray-headed Dove. Although we evidence the plasticity of this dove by incorporating artificial materials in its nests, these can be a hazard for adults and chicks
AN OBSERVATION OF RECIPROCAL MOUNTING BY THE SPOT-WINGED PIGEON PATAGIOENAS MACULOSA
Get PDFReciprocal mounting, involving heterosexual or same-sex individuals, is a widespread but under-reported behaviour in birds. It is generally accepted that it is an integral part of heterosexual courtship in some bird species, and that it may provide a mechanism to reinforce non-aggressive relationships through homosexual interactions. Here, I report an observation of reciprocal mounting by two Spot-winged Pigeons Patagioenas maculosa, in the city of Córdoba, Argentina. Since Spot-winged Pigeons are monomorphic, it was not possible to conclude whether mounting occurred between heterosexual or homosexual individuals of the pair. Considering that elements of the copulatory sequence of the pair are frequent in the courtship repertoire and mating displays of columbids, it is argued that female-male mounting occurred rather than same-sex mounting. Uncertainty regarding the assignment of sexes emphasizes the need for attention to possible homosexual interactions in birds, which is an important issue considering the current views of homosexuality in animals
PEREGRINE FALCON FALCO PEREGRINUS IN BRAZIL: NATURAL HISTORY THROUGH THE LENS OF CITIZEN SCIENCE
Get PDFBrazil is a relevant wintering area for Falco peregrinus, particularly the subspecies F. p. tundrius and F. p anatum. Using data from WikiAves, we analyzed and discussed aspects of the species natural history, such as their migratory behavior, geographical distribution, diet, and ecological interactions. Peregrine falcons can be seen in the country from October until April. Our data suggests that adults can arrive up to a month earlier than juveniles. Individuals have been recorded in all 26 states and there is no significant difference in the geographical distribution due their subspecies or age, but there is an apparent lack of records on Central region of the country. Our results shows that in Brazil peregrines prey mainly on Columbiformes and Charadriiformes. Some individuals share the same perch and engage on agonistic interactions with other bird species, usually mopping or kleptoparasitism