Group structure, mating system and extra‐group paternity in the co‐operatively breeding White‐breasted ThrasherRamphocinclus brachyurus

Abstract

Avian co‐operative breeders show a diverse range of social and reproductive systems. Here we combined microsatellite genotyping with field observations over three consecutive breeding seasons to investigate the social structure and mating system of the White‐breasted ThrasherRamphocinclus brachyurus. Co‐operative breeding was facultative in this species, with approximately one‐third of nests having helpers. Breeding groups comprised a pair of breeding adults and up to three helpers of either sex. Within co‐operative groups, age was associated with parentage in both sexes. Helpers were retained offspring and either rarely or never achieved parentage in current broods. There was no evidence of egg dumping and a relatively small percentage of chicks (7.5%,n = 67) were fathered by males from outside the co‐operative group. The White‐breasted Thrasher is a globally Endangered species with a very small and declining population. A captive breeding programme for this species is not recommended at present, but may become necessary in the future, and any such programme should take account of our findings regarding breeding behaviour and group structure.