Abstract
ABSTRACT Information on the breeding biology of most Neotropical birds, and interpopulation comparisons, are insufficient. The Helmeted Manakin, Antilophia galeata (Lichtenstein, 1823), is a forest understory passerine commonly found in the gallery forests of the tropical savanna-like Cerrado biome. We provide information about the nesting phenology, nesting cycle, nests, eggs, nestlings, and nest-site characteristics of a population of the Helmeted Manakin in the state of Sao Paulo, southeastern Brazil. During two breeding seasons we found 16 active, and 30 inactive nests. Breeding activities occurred from mid- August to mid- January, and nests were constructed in bushes and saplings in the forest’s understory, 0.45-3.48 m above ground (1.56 ± 0.66 m). Clutch size was two eggs, which were laid in intervals of one to three days. Three remarkable patterns of interclutch egg color and marking variations were observed. The incubation period of two nests was 18 and 19 days, and nestling periods were 16.3 ± 0.6 days (16-17 days, n = 3 nests). The apparent nest survival of 11 thoroughly monitored nests was 36.4%. In addition to the first description of the interclutch egg pattern variations, the following information differs from previous literature data: egg laying interval and nestling periods. Our data contribute to the overall knowledge of the variations in breeding parameters of the Helmeted Manakin.
Highlights
Breeding biology parameters vary among avian populations due to their different adaptations to local environmental conditions (Lack 1947, Sanz 2008, Jahn et al 2014)
In the Nearctic region, studies on multiple populations and their associated patterns of variation have allowed the formulation of important life history hypotheses (Lack 1947, Martin 1987, 1995, 1996, 2002, Ricklefs 2000)
Aspects of courtship display, nest and egg characteristics have been documented for most species of Manakins (Kirwan and Green 2011, Winkler et al 2020), other reproductive parameters have been seldom addressed
Summary
Breeding biology parameters vary among avian populations due to their different adaptations to local environmental conditions (Lack 1947, Sanz 2008, Jahn et al 2014). Manakins (Pipridae) are commonly found in the understory of Neotropical forests (Loiselle et al 2007, Kirwan and Green 2011, Winkler et al 2020). These small frugivorous birds are characterized by intense sexual dimorphism, and complex pre-nuptial displays (Duval 2007, Francisco et al 2009, Foster 1981, 1985, Loiselle et al 2007, McDonald 1989, Ribeiro et al.2019, Winkler et al 2020). Aspects of courtship display, nest and egg characteristics have been documented for most species of Manakins (Kirwan and Green 2011, Winkler et al 2020), other reproductive parameters have been seldom addressed (for reviews see Kirwan and Green 2011, Zima et al 2017)
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