Cup-shaped Nests Research Articles

Breeding biology of the Andean cock-of-the-rock (Rupicola peruvianus)

ABSTRACT The Andean cock-of-the-rock (Rupicola peruvianus) belongs to the Neotropical family Cotingidae, inhabiting the Andean mountains from Venezuela to Bolivia. Despite being a recognised and iconic species, most breeding studies of this bird have focused on its display behaviour at communal ‘leks’ rather than its basic nesting biology. Here, we present novel data on incubation behaviour and detailed descriptions of nests, eggs, and nestling development, with the first photographic evidence of nestlings being fed with vertebrates. We found 38 cup-shaped nests located along rocky walls near rivers or creeks in Peru, Ecuador, and Colombia. Nests were placed on rocky indentations along rivers, creeks, and waterfalls. The mean clutch size was two eggs. Eggs were beige with brown/green spots mainly located towards the wider end. Eggs measured 46.7 ± 1.2 mm by 32.7 ± 0.3 mm and weighed 25.6 ± 0.9 g. The incubation and nestling period lasted 26.0 ± 1.3 and 40.0 ± 2 days, respectively. During the incubation period, the female was the only parent attending the nest, with an average daily nest attentiveness of 87.3 ± 6.6%. The nestlings grew at a logistic curve rate (K) of 0.135 ± 0.005 g and kept their body temperature constant at 39.3°C only after day 30 of development. Detailed natural history accounts of the nest locations are necessary to generate long-term monitoring and successful conservation strategies of Neotropical species, especially for large frugivorous birds such as R. peruvianus that have long nesting cycles, specific nesting locations and are highly sensitive to forest fragmentation.

Nest Architecture of Human Associated Passerine Finches, Lonchura striata acuticauda and Pycnonotus jocosus in Urbanizing Villages of Kerala, India

The nest architecture of the two human-associated bird species, Lonchura striata acuticauda and Pycnonotus jocosus, was studied in a semi-urban village of Kerala from August 2021 to September 2022. Discarded nests after the breeding season of both species were collected and deconstructed to compare the nest architecture. Lonchura striata acuticauda constructs dome-shaped, while Pycnonotus jocosus make open cup-shaped nests. The nest of Pycnonotus jocosus has a distinct outer wall with a thickness of 4.45± 0.84. The outerwall is composed of twigs, and the inner lining of the cup is distinct, with a thickness of 2.79 ± 0.83, composed of smooth fibres and readily detachable from the exterior nest. However, no distinct cup, but only an egglaying cavity is present in Lonchura striata acuticauda. There is no significant variation between the cup diameter parallel (8.26±1.34) and perpendicular (7.25±0.83) in Pycnonotus jocosus, but distinct variation in parallel (5.11±1.93) and perpendicular (3.03±1.17) axis for the cavity in Lonchura striata acuticauda. Total nest mass was 13.60± 2.96 in Pycnonotus jocosus and 6.64±2.66 in Lonchura striata acuticauda. Materials from garden plants, surgical cotton, and spider webs were found in the nest, reflecting the adaptation of passerine finches in selecting nest materials in urbanising villages.

Breeding biology of the grey-browed brushfinch Arremon assimilis (Aves: Passerellidae) in the Eastern Andes of Colombia

ABSTRACT The timing of breeding is a key component of the life history of birds. In the tropics, where avian diversity is higher and environmental variability is less predictable than in temperate latitudes, breeding phenology patterns are poorly understood, and many other life-history traits remain largely unstudied. We describe the nest, egg, juvenile plumage, and breeding phenology of a population of the grey-browed brushfinch (Arremon assimilis assimilis, Passerellidae) from the Eastern Andes of Colombia. We found a single bluish-white unmarked egg in a cup-shaped nest. We also examined the relationship between photoperiod and precipitation with breeding phenology by monitoring 44 territorial pairs between 2017 and 2018. Arremon assimilis has two breeding peaks associated with the onset of rainfall in prior months: the first peak extends from mid-May to September, and the second from November and December to January. We also update a recent review of breeding biology data in Arremon and discuss how life-history traits may have evolved in light of the relationships among sparrows in this genus. Our study, one of few analyses of the breeding biology of a population in a montane species from the Andes, highlights the importance of such studies to further comprehend the general mechanisms that shape the breeding biology of tropical birds.

Nest-dwelling Mites of Selected Common Bird Species in Sri Lanka

Bird nests primarily function to protect and incubate eggs and nestlings. However, nests are also host to a broad diversity and abundance of arthropod associates, primarily mites (Acari). Our knowledge of nest dwelling mites of common bird species in Sri Lanka is quite limited and necessitates further study. Five different types of nests of selected common bird species (18) in Sri Lanka in urban, suburban, wild, and captive populations were sampled opportunistically using a portable mini vacuum trap. ANOVA: single factor test was used to evaluate statistical significance at p<0.05. A total of 1493 mites were collected from 180 nests. The mites belonging to order Mesostigmata had the highest relative abundance (58.6%) and prevalence (74.4%) of all mite orders collected, followed by the Sarcoptiformes (41.1%, 72.8%), and Trombidiformes (0.3%, 2.2%). Mite diversity of host bird species was measured using the Shannon-Weiner diversity index (H’). Pycnonotus cafer nests had the highest diversity of mites. Cup-shaped nests were host to the highest average abundance value (13.4) of mites, while cavity nests had the lowest value (5.7). Nests from captive populations had the highest average abundance (24.6) of mites and the nests of suburban populations had the lowest value (7.2). These findings can be used as a baseline data set for further detailed research studies on nest-dwelling mites of birds, focusing on avifaunal conservation and the impact on human health by nest-dwelling ectoparasites, built-in human habitations in Sri Lanka.

NESTING ECOLOGY, TERRITORIALITY AND BROOD CARE IN RED-VENTED BULBUL, Pycnonotus cafer stanfordi DEIGNAN AT LUMAMI, ZUNHEBOTO DISTRICT, NAGALAND

In the present study we have examined nesting ecology, territorial integrity and brood care strategy in red-vented bulbul, Pycnonotus cafer stanfordi Deignan at Lumami (26oN). Observations recorded on 300 nests from 2017-2021 showed that birds prepared loose textured cup-shaped nests between spring equinox and autumnal equinox with a seasonal peak appearing during May/June. Nests were made using locally available grasses within 4.50±0.25 (Table 1) days lurking into deep foliage of host plants/trees. Prior to fixing their nest, mates were seen ascertaining suitability of the site by eliciting motions of building a nest without nesting material. Entry and egress routes to the nesting sites were not common. Clutch size consisted of 2-3 pinkish-brown eggs which appeared to be regulated during nest construction. At rim level, an average diameter of nest with 3 eggs measured at 67.62±0.42 mm (n=240) which was significantly more (p<.001) as compared with nest with only 2 eggs (62.83±0.24 mm; n=60). Conversely, mean depth of nest with 3 eggs measured at 37.39±0.11 mm (n=240) and was significantly less (p<.001) as compared with nest holding only 2 eggs (42.40±0.23 mm; n=60). Basement area of nest with 2 eggs measured at 117.80±1.05 cm2 which was significantly less (p<.001) as compared to basement area of nest with 3 eggs (150.34±3.15 cm2). The bird was noticed to exhibit a strong tendency to safeguard its nest and brood against predators. Brood care began with deposition of first egg which grew progressively with completion of clutch size, incubation and hatching. Persistent predation pressure amidst incubation has led to the heightening of security concerns of mates and a consequent decline in foraging timings had triggered rejection of eggs and hatchlings appearing late. Fledglings were nourished and cared by parent birds until they had learnt to fetch nourishment for themselves and evade predation. It is suggested that red-vented bulbul is highly territorial and has a strong tendency to defend its brood vis-à-vis extending its territorial boundary.

Thicker eggshells are not predicted by host egg ejection behaviour in four species of Australian cuckoo

Defences of hosts against brood parasitic cuckoos include detection and ejection of cuckoo eggs from the nest. Ejection behaviour often involves puncturing the cuckoo egg, which is predicted to drive the evolution of thicker eggshells in cuckoos that parasitise such hosts. Here we test this prediction in four Australian cuckoo species and their hosts, using Hall-effect magnetic-inference to directly estimate eggshell thickness in parasitised clutches. In Australia, hosts that build cup-shaped nests are generally adept at ejecting cuckoo eggs, whereas hosts that build dome-shaped nests mostly accept foreign eggs. We analysed two datasets: a small sample of hosts with known egg ejection rates and a broader sample of hosts where egg ejection behaviour was inferred based on nest type (dome or cup). Contrary to predictions, cuckoos that exploit dome-nesting hosts (acceptor hosts) had significantly thicker eggshells relative to their hosts than cuckoos that exploit cup-nesting hosts (ejector hosts). No difference in eggshell thicknesses was observed in the smaller sample of hosts with known egg ejection rates, probably due to lack of power. Overall cuckoo eggshell thickness did not deviate from the expected avian relationship between eggshell thickness and egg length estimated from 74 bird species. Our results do not support the hypothesis that thicker eggshells have evolved in response to host ejection behaviour in Australian cuckoos, but are consistent with the hypothesis that thicker eggshells have evolved to reduce the risk of breakage when eggs are dropped into dome nests.

Biologia reprodutiva de Conopophaga roberti Hellmayr, 1905 (Aves: Conopophagidae)

Abstract The Hooded Gnateater Conopophaga roberti Hellmayr, 1905 is an insectivorous understory passeriform with discrete behavior, whose reproductive attributes are poorly-known. In the present study, we describe the reproductive biology of the species and the growth pattern of the nestlings, based on observations conducted in remnants of the Cerrado savanna in eastern Maranhão state, in Brazil. The nests were identified during active searches conducted between June, 2018 and March, 2021. A total of 22 nests were found over the course of three breeding seasons. The cup-shaped nests were supported by small branches and were constructed at a mean height of 40.6 ± 16.1 cm (N = 21) above the ground. The nests were 23.1 ± 3.9 cm in length and 14.1 ± 1.6 cm in width (N = 21). The eggs were beige in color, with irregular brown mottling only at the rounded end of the egg, which had a mean length of 21.3 ± 0.8 mm, width of 17.2 ± 0.8 mm, and mass of 3.1 ± 0.1 g (N = 23). Hatchlings are completely naked and weigh 3.1 ± 0.2 g (N = 7), and when they abandon the nest, they have yet to reach full adult size, with the total length being 65.4% of that of the adult, the wing, 65.4%, the head, 73.9%, the culmen, 74.2%, the body mass, 73.3%, and the tarsus, 89.0% that of the adult. The growth curves are sigmoidal and all the coefficients of determination are at least 0.96, with the body length having the highest value (R2 = 0.98). During the breeding season, the adult pair emitted alarm calls constantly when observers were in the vicinity of the nest. On a number of occasions, members of the breeding pair were observed moving away from the nest as it was approached by observers, while engaging in broken-wing display. The nest architecture, the color of the eggs, and the behaviors presented by this gnateater were similar to those described for other Conopophaga. With this work we contributed to improve the knowledge on the breeding behavior of this poorly know group of understory insectivorous birds.

Nest daily survival rate of six Costa Rican urban birds

The advance of urbanization in Neotropical countries has drastically changed or eliminated extensive areas of natural habitats. Despite these changes, some species breed in cities and adapt to urban conditions. Several variables, such as the type of nest, substrate, and height, as well as the distance to buildings at which nests are constructed, may affect nesting success of birds in urban habitats. Here we tested how these variables affect nest daily survival rate (DSR) of 6 bird species that constructed 3 different types of nests in a high human-density suburb of San José, Costa Rica. The first type includes platform nests built by 3 species of columbids, where at least 1 parent is always present at the nest; the second type includes cup-shaped nests, where both parents can be absent from the nest simultaneously, and is represented by a single species, the Clay-colored Thrush (Turdus grayi); the third type includes closed nests built by 2 species where at least 1 parent is always present. Species with all 3 types of nests display protective behaviors. We quantified nest variables (e.g., type of nest, substrate used to construct the nest, nest height, distance to buildings). The nests differed in their DSR, with a higher nest survival for columbids (3 species; 0.969, SE 0.011), followed by Clay-colored Thrush (0.942, SE 0.009) and closed-nest species (2 species; 0.942, SE 0.028). We found that nesting substrate was the most important variable explaining the DSR in columbids, but none of the variables had a significant effect explaining the DSR in the remaining 2 nest types.

THE NEST OF THE ROUGH-LEGGED TYRANNULET (PHYLLOMYIAS BURMEISTERI): PHYLOGENETIC VALUE AND THE IMPORTANCE OF TAXONOMIC TRACKING OF NATURAL HISTORY DATA

The confusing taxonomic history of Rough-legged Tyrannulet (Phyllomyias burmeisteri) casts doubt on whether a nest and egg from Brazilian Atlantic Forest might instead belong to the Greenish Tyrannulet (Phyllomyias virescens). A nest of P. burmeisteri placed 7.6 m.-up on a horizontal fork in a secondary horizontal branch of Myroxylon peruiferum in late December 2013 in the Yungas of Argentina was a relatively large cup lined and covered with green "old-man's beard" in the upper outer rim, with abundant relatively large flakes of foliar lichens on the sides. Another nest found in early September 1995 in the Atlantic Forest of Paraguay was a cup made of twigs, roots and covered in lichen, placed c.20 m.-up on a horizontal bough. These nests resembled that reported by Ihering. Usage of cup-shaped nests to establish phylogenetic relationships is limited by their simplicity and the lack of detailed descriptions.

Breeding Biology of the Red-Whiskered Bulbul, Pycnonotus Jocosus (Linnaeus, 1758) In Madhupur National Park, Bangladesh

Breeding biology of the Red-whiskered Bulbul, Pycnonotus jocosus (Linnaeus, 1758) in Madhupur National Park (MNP), Bangladesh, was carried out from January to June in 2009. The breeding season lasted from February to May. Both the parents built a hollow cup-shaped nest, the weight, length, and depth of which were respectively, 9.9-12 g (10.98±0.78 g), 8-10 cm (8.98±0.67 cm), and 4.1-5 cm (4.62±0.312 cm). The outer and inner diameter of the nest opening was 8-9.7 cm (8.92±0.54 cm) and 6-7.5 cm (6.72±0.49 cm), respectively. The height of the nest from the ground ranged from 0.6-2.1 m (1.41±0.55 m). They took 14-16 days (15±0.85 days) in nest building and laid 2-4 (2.74±0.81) whitish with brown blotched eggs. The egg size was 2.10×1.45 cm. The hatchlings hatched out after 12-15 days (13.14±1.17 days) of incubation period and fledged between 13-18 days (14.85±1.77 days) after hatching. The breeding success was 81.82% in relation to nestlings hatched and 51.92% in relation to eggs laid. Infertility (47.36%) was the leading cause of egg loss and stolen (66.67%) for nestlings.
 Asiat. Soc. Bangladesh, Sci. 46(2): 179-189, December 2020

CATATAN PERKEMBANGBIAKAN MELIPHAGA DADA-LURIK (Microptilotis reticulatus) DI PULAU TIMOR DAN INFORMASI TERHADAP PERDAGANGANNYA

Streak-breated honeyeater (Microptilotis reticulatus) is one of the endemic honeyeater birds from Meliphagidae family. Biological information on this species is very limited and poorly known. Field observation was carried out on the active nest found in 2 October 2013. In addition, investigation on social media (facebook) was carried out to examine the exploitation on this species. The results shows that the cup-shaped nest is 5.6 cm in diameter and 4.9 cm in depth, made by wood fibre, dry grass, glued by cotton fibre from plants and spider web on small branch. Nowadays M. reticulatus is trapped and traded without any regulation from management authority. As many as 651 individuals has been trapped and sold between 2016 and 2019.

First description of the nest, eggs, and nestlings of White-tufted Sunbeam (Aglaeactis castelnaudii) and incubation behaviours of Shining Sunbeam (A. cupripennis) in the southeast of Peru

ABSTRACT The genus Aglaeactis is restricted to the high Andes, from Colombia to Bolivia. The breeding biology of the Shining Sunbeam (A. cupripennis) is well-known compared with the other three species of this genus, which have relatively small ranges. In this study we present the first description of the nest, eggs, and nestlings of the Peruvian endemic White-tufted Sunbeam (A. castelnaudii), and provide novel information using thermal sensors about the incubation behaviors of A. cupripennis in the highlands of southeastern Peru. The nest of A. castelnaudii was a compact, cup-shaped nest with an inner layer composed of soft beige plant material, possibly from ferns and seeds, and an external layer of fresh moss and cobwebs, “decorated” with pieces of bark, leaves, and lichens. For A. cupripennis the first incubation off-bout started at sunrise between 05:08 and 05:23, and trips continued throughout the day for approximately 13 hrs. (n = 10 days). Nest attentiveness was 61.04% ± 3.98. The species appears to use two distinct behavioral strategies to maintain optimal nest temperatures for embryonic development. Our findings suggest that these behavioral responses during the nesting stage may contribute to this clade’s successful reproduction in high elevation habitats.

Factors Affecting Nest Success and Predator Assemblage of Breeding Birds in Semiarid Grasslands

Woody encroachment has influenced wildlife distributions and, thus, predator-prey dynamics, for many taxa in North American grasslands. In 2015 and 2016, we examined how vegetative characteristics influenced avian nest predator assemblages and nest predation rates in semiarid grasslands of south Texas, where encroachment of woody plant species is common. We monitored 253 nests of 17 bird species and deployed infrared cameras at 107 nest sites within four vegetation types at our study sites. We also used data from a concurrent, multispecies monitoring project within our study area to assess predator activity within these same vegetation types. We divided bird species into four nest types based on nest shape and size (i.e., small, medium, and large cup-shaped nests and exposed nests with little structure). We then used logistic regression to examine relationships between shrub cover, concealment, and distance to edge and the probability of nest success and predation by snakes. We observed a significant decrease in nest success of our medium-sized, cup-shaped nest type when shrub cover increased at the nest site, indicating small increases in shrub cover (≈10%) could have substantial impacts on birds using this nest type. Snakes were our primary predator at camera-monitored nests (59%), and snake activity increased by 6.7% with every 10% increase in shrub cover at the nest site. Mesomammalian and large mammalian predators were most active in vegetation types predominated by herbaceous cover, small mammals were most active in vegetation types predominated by woody cover, and snake activity was highly variable. Predator activity did not reflect predator identity at camera-monitored nests, suggesting that potential nest predator activity may not accurately reflect the risk of nest predation. Results of our study will help inform management of bird species using semiarid grasslands affected by woody encroachment and offer recommendations for improved nest success.

Do cuckoos imprint on hosts, micro-habitats, or nest sites? Parasitism preferences in the common cuckoo (Cuculus canorus)

Diverse nest-building behaviors used for constructing delicate and diverse kinds of nests constitute one of the most impressive and typical traits for birds. However, some bird species do not possess nest-building behavior but lay eggs in nests of other species. Such obligate brood parasites account for only 1% of all bird species in the world, but their extraordinary behavior has resulted in numerous studies. Unlike nesting birds, brood parasites such as cuckoos need to find suitable nests for parasitism rather than suitable habitat for nesting. Previous studies hypothesized that cuckoos may achieve this by imprinting on the habitats or nest sites they have experienced, or on host species by whom they have been reared, or simply by natal philopatry. Here, we test for host recognition mechanisms in a coevolutionary system constituted by the common cuckoo (Cuculus canorus) and its two sympatric hosts Daurian redstart (Phoenicurus auroreus) and Verditer flycatcher (Eumyias thalassinus) that build open cup-shaped nests in similar nest sites. Redstarts are partial rejecters of cuckoo eggs and they are parasitized by cuckoos with a parasitism rate of 16.2%, while flycatchers accept cuckoo eggs but no survival of parasite chicks in its nests and also no single case of parasitism was detected. Our results are consistent with the host imprinting hypothesis that cuckoos choose suitable hosts for parasitism by preference for them during the nestling period. The unique system consisting of common cuckoos (Cuculus canorus) and their two potential redstart (Phoenicurus auroreus) and flycatcher hosts (Eumyias thalassinus) provided persuasive evidence to show that common cuckoos have a host preference rather than a nest site preference based on micro-habitat characteristics or just random nest site selection for locating host nests and choosing a suitable host species.

Nesting Biology ofSchiffornis stenorhyncha(Tityridae)

ABSTRACT.— Historically, the genus Schiffornis has been placed in different families; currently, it is placed within the Tityridae family. Our study focuses on Schiffornis stenorhyncha, recently split from Schiffornis turdina. S. stenorhyncha inhabits lowland humid forests in some regions of Panama, Colombia, and Venezuela. Based on one nest found at the foothills of the Magdalena Valley in Colombia during one field season in 2014, we provide the first nest description for S. stenorhyncha. We describe the cup-shaped nest (internal length and width: 22.9 and 18.1 mm, thickness of the nest wall: 30 mm, cup depth: 56.6 mm, external length, width, and height: 139.4 mm, 144.2 mm, 115.7 mm) and the light cream with dark purple spotted eggs (two eggs with average measures of 18.3 × 23.2 mm and 4.49 g) of S. stenorhyncha and present nesting information including nestling descriptions, incubation, and nestling periods (21 and 20 days, respectively), and nest attentiveness information in different stages of the nes...

Open cup nests evolved from roofed nests in the early passerines.

The architectural diversity of nests in the passerine birds (order Passeriformes) is thought to have played an important role in the adaptive radiation of this group, which now comprises more than half of avian species and occupies nearly all terrestrial ecosystems. Here, we present an extensive survey and ancestral state reconstruction of nest design across the passerines, focusing on early Australian lineages and including members of nearly all passerine families worldwide. Most passerines build open cup-shaped nests, whereas a minority build more elaborate domed structures with roofs. We provide strong evidence that, despite their relative rarity today, domed nests were constructed by the common ancestor of all modern passerines. Open cup nests evolved from enclosed domes at least four times independently during early passerine evolution, at least three of which occurred on the Australian continent, yielding several primarily cup-nesting clades that are now widespread and numerically dominant among passerines. Our results show that the ubiquitous and relatively simple cup-shaped nests of many birds today evolved multiple times convergently, suggesting adaptive benefits over earlier roofed designs.

A Case of Interspecific Nest Use in Larks (Alaudidae)

ABSTRACT Nest reuse is a common phenomenon in many passerine and non-passerine birds species. Although interspecific nest reuse has been reported in many African species, it is rare in passerines that nest in open, cup-shaped nests. Here, I report on interspecific nest reuse in larks (Alaudidae), specifically of a pair of Chestnut-backed Sparrow-larks Eremopterix leucotis using a nest previously occupied by Pink-billed Larks Spizocorys conirostris. It is possible that the Chestnut-backed Sparrow-larks selected a nest site in an area where predation seemed low as there were other successful nests or nests with nestlings in the near vicinity. The interspecific nest reuse reported here suggests opportunistic occupation of a previously used nest while at the same time saving the pair some energy during a period of peak activity and high energetic demands.

First nesting account and breeding biology of “Gould's Inca” (Coeligena torquata omissa) in Manu National Park, Peru

ABSTRACT We present the first detailed nesting biology information for the highland Andean hummingbird Gould's Inca (Coeligena torquata omissa) at 2,200–3,000 m in Manu National Park, SE Peru. We found nine mossy cup-shaped nests lined with red fern scales containing nestlings or 1–2 synchronously hatching eggs. We obtained 17 days of internal nest temperatures from one nest, which exhibited wide circadian variation (range = 14.9–36.2 °C). We show that C. t. omissa meets the challenges of life and incubation at high altitudes by undertaking numerous (20.3 ± 0.4 trips/morning, range = 14–27) and short morning off-bouts (5.2 ± 0.2 min, range = 1–24 min). In the morning, the focal bird warmed the nest 1.7 times faster than in the afternoon where incubation bouts are long (17.8 ± 0.6 min, range = 4–56) and less frequent (10.2 ± 0.3 trips/afternoon). Incubation off-bout frequency and durations were not influenced by external temperature, suggesting strong nest insulation. On-bout durations increased with exter...

Notes on the Bassian Thrush Zoothera lunulata in the Illawarra region, south-eastern Australia

Observations of the Bassian Thrush Zoothera lunulata, a poorly studied species, were recorded opportunistically in the Illawarra region, New South Wales, over a 5-year period between January 1988 and December 1992. At this location, this species mainly fed on earthworms, mostly foraging on cropped lawns and deposits of leaf-litter. Cup-shaped nests composed of moss were observed from September to December, and foraging Thrushes gathered up to eight worms at a time to feed nestlings. The Thrushes were seen mostly singly or in pairs, and some had apparently dispersed from the study sites during autumn and early winter.

Diet and breeding of the poorly known White-chinned Swift Cypseloides cryptus Zimmer, 1945, in Brazil

The White-chinned Swift Cypseloides cryptus is perhaps one of the rarest swift species in the New World, and many aspects of its life history are poorly known. Here we report some new information on diet and reproductive behavior of a breeding population of C. cryptus at Asframa Falls, Rio Preto da Eva, Amazonas, Brazil. During four surveys at the breeding site (March and August 2012, July and August 2013), six active small cup-shaped nests were found and are described. Measurements and plumage information of five collected adults and two chicks are also provided. Stomach contents (n=5) revealed the presence of insects of the order Hymenoptera and Hemiptera. The presence of a member of Psyllidae (Hemiptera) in the stomach contents suggests that this swift might also use a slightly different foraging strategy than commonly stated about swifts. Additionally, with this new information it is possible to determine the presence of the species over at least nine months in Brazil, indicating year-round residence.