A review of nest and egg descriptions for the genus Myrmeciza, with the first description of nests and eggs of the dull-mantled antbird (M. laemosticta)

Abstract

We review published information on the nests and eggs of members of the polyphyletic genus of antbirds, Myrmeciza, and present the first descriptions of nests and eggs of the Dull-mantled Antbird M. laemosticta, based on three nests found in Costa Rica. We identify three distinct nest architectures within the group: bulky, bottom-supported, open cups of coarse vegetative matter; rim-suspended open cups of neatly woven fine materials; and bulky domed nests made of coarse vegetative materials. The majority of described nests (eight) belong to the first category, but the nests of M. atrothorax and M. hemimelaena have unique architectural characters which may prove to be phylogenetically informative. The nests of M. laemosticta are rim-suspended, open cups made of fibers, similar to those of M. palliata and M. hyperythra. As molecular data suggest that M. hyperythra is more closely related to Schistocichla than to M. laemosticta and M. palliata, these likely represent independent derivations of the rim-suspended architecture. M. melanoceps, M. goeldii, and M. fortis belong to the third architectural group, united by the construction of domed nests similar to hypothesized relatives. We conclude that nest architecture is phylogenetically informative within this group and supports molecular-based hypotheses. However, more nest descriptions are needed for all species, in particular M. longipes, M. berlepschi, M. pelzelni, and M. disjuncta; and future descriptions should include architectural details such as the manner in which nests are supported by or attached to their substrate.