Distraction display of the southernmost subspecies of the Golden-crowned Warbler Basileuterus culicivorus azarae (Aves: Parulidae) and a need for more detailed documentation of paratreptic behaviours

Abstract

Distraction displays or paratreptic behaviours are nest protection behaviours designed to lead predators away from an active nest. The reason for the widespread presence of terrestrial distraction displays in the largely arboreal Parulidae has been the subject of much debate, and a terrestrial or semi-terrestrial ancestor has been postulated to explain it. Recent phylogenetic analyses provide some support for this theory, but distraction displays in the Parulidae remain poorly documented and are often inaccurately and abruptly dismissed with misapplied terms such as “injury-feigning”. An observation of distraction display in the southern azarae subspecies of the widespread Neotropical species, Golden-crowned Warbler Basileuterus culicivorus, showed that such behaviours are far more complex and multi-faceted than currently understood. The distraction display of this subspecies exhibits elements of injury-feigning, chick simulation, advertising and, perhaps, eccentric deportment. Given the possible ancestral origins of such behaviours, it is suggested that the careful documentation and description of such behaviours in Parulidae is warranted and that they may potentially assist in shedding light on the evolutionary history of the family.