The Ochre-Bellied Flycatcher and the Evolution of Lek Behavior

Abstract

The Ochre-bellied Flycatcher (Pipromorpha oleaginea) is an inconspicuous, small forest tyrant-flycatcher, olive green above and ochre-colored below; it lacks the brightly colored crown feathers of many flycatchers. It is, however, of particular interest because of its unusual lek mating system (Skutch 1960). The social organization of McConnell's Flycatcher (P. macconnelli) appears to be similar, as is probably also that of the third member of the genus, the Grey-hooded Flycatcher (P. rufiventris) (Willis et al. 1978). While resident from 1957 to 1961 in the Arima Valley of Trinidad, we found 60 occupied nests of Ochre-bellied Flycatchers and we trapped, examined and banded individuals near our house. We also observed the fruit-eating habits of this flycatcher (hereafter, for brevity, referred to as pipromorpha), and B.K.S. studied males at their lek perches. The data on breeding and molting seasons have been summarized previously (Snow and Snow 1964). The rest of the data, while not extensive, supplements the information presented by Skutch for Costa Rica. Knowledge of the natural history of this species may throw light on the evolution of lek systems in tropical forest birds.