Nesting biology of the Yellow-faced Parrot (Alipiopsitta xanthops), a species without nest-site fidelity: an indication of high cavity availability?

Abstract

Parrots are considered a globally threatened group but, despite that, little is known about the ecology, reproduction and behaviour of many species in the wild, especially those of dry tropical habitats. I studied the breeding biology of the Yellow-faced Parrot (Alipiopsitta xanthops) between 2007 and 2009. Yellow-faced Parrots are endemic to the Cerrado (neotropical savanna) biome of central South America. Their reproductive biology is poorly known and here I provide basic information on reproduction, including breeding success, nest-site characteristics, and whether the availability of cavities is a limiting factor. Average clutch-size was two eggs, and hatching success was high (92%). All nests were in cavities in termite mounds, with used cavities deeper and with wider entrances than cavities that were not used. Entrances to nests were orientated towards the north-east. Although the number of cavities in the environment appears to be high, specific nesting requirements and competition with other cavity-nesting birds and insects may reduce the number of cavities that can be used. Nevertheless, nests were never observed to be reused and site-fidelity appeared to be low. Specific nesting requirements and low site-fidelity may create problems for near-threatened species with declining populations, such as the Yellow-faced Parrot. Additional studies and the immediate implementation of conservation actions are essential to avoid future declines of populations of Yellow-faced Parrots.