Abstract
We present breeding data from the southernmost populations of the globally “Endangered” Yellow Cardinal Gubernatrix cristata in Argentina, confirming the presence of current breeding populations in the region. We monitored a family group in a nesting territory composed of one male and three females throughout the breeding season 2017–2018. We found a low nest success and productivity, probably associated with the lower contribution of the male, since it was attending three reproductive females simultaneously. We attribute this uncommon case of polygyny to the lack of males in the area caused by the high intensity of male trapping for illegal trade.
Highlights
The Yellow Cardinal Gubernatrix cristata is a Neotropical threatened passerine from the southern cone of South America (Ridgely & Tudor 2009)
We present breeding data from the southernmost populations of the globally “Endangered” Yellow Cardinal Gubernatrix cristata in Argentina, confirming the presence of current breeding populations in the region
During the entire breeding season, we found a nesting territory with three females and only one male
Summary
The Yellow Cardinal Gubernatrix cristata is a Neotropical threatened passerine from the southern cone of South America (Ridgely & Tudor 2009) It is a territorial and socially monogamous species, where mated pairs usually stay together for more than one breeding season (Domínguez et al 2015a, Beier et al 2017). Most birds are monogamous because apparently both parents must help to rear the young if the adults are to have much chance of leaving any genes to posterity (Bennett & Owens 2002) In this contribution we present novel information about an uncommon case of polygyny in this socially monogamous cardinal. We present breeding data from a family group composed of one male and three females throughout the entire breeding season 2017– 2018
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