Breeding observations on Buff-bellied Puffbird Notharchus swainsoni (Piciformes: Bucconidae) at Rancho Laguna Blanca, San Pedro Department, Paraguay

Abstract

Aside from evidence of the Buff-bellied Puffbird Notharchus swainsoni nesting in arboreal termitaria, no breeding data is available. Here we present 100 days of observation of an active nest of the species in eastern Paraguay. The nest was active from late September to early December, and the two clutches observed were of three and four white eggs. After the first clutch failed a second one was laid. The incubation period was between 14–21 days and the fledgling period 30 days. The nest structure was cavity/ with-inclined-tunnel/simple/unlined. Parent birds fed the chicks an insectivorous diet and fiercely defended the nest. This is the first detailed breeding data published for the species.