Gubernatrix Cristata Research Articles

Habitat restoration for the endangered Yellow Cardinal (Gubernatrix cristata): a forest treatment without affecting bird diversity at the center of Argentina

Habitat restoration for the endangered Yellow Cardinal (Gubernatrix cristata): a forest treatment without affecting bird diversity at the center of Argentina

Identification of dialects and individuals of globally threatened yellow cardinals using neural networks

Audio-based analysis of bird songs has proven to be a valuable practice for the growth of knowledge in the fields of ethology and ecology. In recent years, machine learning techniques applied to audio field recordings of bird calls have yielded successful results in studying population distributions and identification of individuals for their monitoring in a variety of bird species. This offers promising possibilities in the study of social behavior, biodiversity, and conservation strategies for birds. In this work, we trained deep learning models, directly from the sonograms of audio field recordings, to investigate the statistical properties of vocalizations in an endangered bird species, the Yellow Cardinal, Gubernatrix cristata. This research marks the first successful application of this method to an endangered species. Our results indicate the presence of vocal signatures that reflect similarities in songs of individuals that inhabit the same region, determining dialects, but which also show differences between individuals. These differences can be exploited by a deep learning classifier to discriminate the bird identities through their songs. Models trained with data labeled by regions showed a good performance in the recognition of dialects with a mean accuracy of 0.84 ± 0.04, significantly higher than the accuracy obtained by chance. Precision and recall values also reflected the classifier's ability to find alike vocal patterns in the songs of neighboring individuals. Models trained with data labeled by individuals showed an accuracy of 0.63 ± 0.03, significantly higher than that obtained by chance. However, the individual discrimination model showed greater confusion with neighboring individuals. This reflects a hierarchical structure in the characteristics of the Yellow Cardinal's vocalization, where the intra-individual variability is lower than the inter-individual variability, but it is even lower than the variability obtained when individuals inhabit different regions, providing evidence of the existence of dialects. This reinforces the results of previous works but also offers an automated method for characterizing cultural units within the species. Along with genetic data, this method could help better define management units, thereby benefiting the success of reintroduction of individuals of Yellow Cardinal recovered from the illegal trade. Moreover, the novelty of individual discrimination using neural networks for the Yellow Cardinal, which has limited data availability, shows promise for non-invasive acoustic monitoring strategies with potentially relevant implications for its conservation.

Family group structure of the endangered Yellow Cardinal (Gubernatrix cristata)

The monogamous mating system, where a male and a female constitute the reproductive unit and share the parental care, predominates among bird reproductive strategies. However, there are also other mating systems with diverse parental care roles which may have implications for population breeding success and be relevant for their management and conservation. We evaluated the family group structure of the Yellow Cardinal ( Gubernatrix cristata) in La Pampa province of central Argentina. During the 2020–2021 breeding season we carried out 280 bird surveys to search for the presence of Yellow Cardinals. We registered 87 individuals (11 solitary individuals, 12 pairs, two males together, and 13 family groups). Most family groups corresponded to the typical monogamous structure, but two family groups (8%) were composed of two adult males, an adult female and at least a juvenile. We also explored 1646 Yellow Cardinal records at citizen science platforms and none of them included a family group with more than two adults. Even so, it would be feasible to release seized groups of two males together, to promote breeding success. Further studies are necessary to evaluate the causes of the presence of extra males and their incidence on the breeding performance of this globally endangered species. This may help to understand its natural history and for planning management and conservation actions.

Yellow Cardinal (Gubernatrix cristata) males respond more strongly to local than to foreign dialects

Bird song is a culturally transmitted behavioural trait strongly tied to territory defence and mate attraction in oscine passerines. Divergent song variations can appear in different populations of the same species as a consequence of multiple factors generating geographically distinct songs also termed dialects. Most studies show that males react more strongly towards local dialects, potentially as a by‐product of evolutionary divergence between populations, although other hypotheses have been suggested. In addition, females are hypothesized to show stronger responses to local songs as this may lead to greater reproductive success. In this context, song may become a prezygotic barrier for reproduction. The Yellow CardinalGubernatrix cristatais an endangered species of the South American thorny shrubland that has suffered from population fragmentation due to habitat destruction and its capture for the illegal wildlife trade. Genetically different groups that sing their own dialect have been studied in the context of a conservation programme that intends to restore and preserve natural populations by releasing individuals that are recovered from the illegal pet market back into their area of origin. Although dialects have been identified, it remains unknown whether there is vocal recognition between the populations. In this study, we performed playback experiments in two populations and found that male Yellow Cardinals reacted more strongly to the local dialect, although the foreign dialect was still recognized. This information is important as it is not always possible to genetically assign an individual to its geographical origin before release, which could contribute to a secondary contact scenario where dialects play a critical role for settlement and reproduction.

Behavioural responses are associated with mortality and mobility after reintroduction in the endangered Yellow Cardinal

Reintroductions are an important management tool for the conservation of threatened species. Personality or temperament of individuals is likely to influence survival in the reintroduction success of released individuals. We studied behavioural traits related to personality in the globally endangered Yellow Cardinal Gubernatrix cristata and analysed whether these traits were associated with the outcome of a reintroduction programme in Argentina. We found that exploratory behaviour and anti‐predator responses were correlated in Yellow Cardinals. Individuals with higher activity levels in the presence of a predator had a lower risk of mortality following release. Also, less neophobic individuals with increased exploratory behaviour moved farther away from the release site. High activity levels in terms of a predatory response could outweigh the cost of higher exposure to predators and may be beneficial in decreasing predation probability. We recommend the enhancement of predatory responses before release, especially in individuals with inherent low mobility. Long‐term monitoring of future releases will help understand how individual variation in behaviour influences reintroduction success in this species.

Blood parasites of passerines in the Brazilian Pampas and their implications for a potential population supplementation program for the endangered Yellow Cardinal (Gubernatrix cristata).

Espinilho savanna ("seasonal steppe savanna") is a unique vegetation formation of the Pampas biome that is found near the tri-border of Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina. The Yellow Cardinal (Gubernatrix cristata) is a flagship species of this ecosystem, but it is classified as "critically endangered" in Brazil due to habitat loss and poaching for the illegal trade. Population supplementation through the release of individuals that were captive-bred or apprehended by authorities from the illegal trade has been considered as a conservation strategy for this species; however, the risk of pathogen introduction is a critical concern. We used microscopy and molecular methods to investigate the occurrence of blood parasites in wild passerines (n = 64, including three Yellow Cardinals) at Espinilho State Park, Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, and in captive Yellow Cardinals (n = 30) at three facilities in Brazil. Haemosporidian parasites were detected in the blood smears of 10.9% of the wild passerines, comprising the morphospecies Haemoproteus erythrogravidus in Rufous-collared Sparrow (Zonotrichia capensis), H. quiscalus in Grayish Baywing (Agelaioides badius), and H. tyranni in Great Kiskadee (Pitangus sulphuratus); these are the southernmost records for these morphospecies and their first record for the Pampas biome. No haemosporidian parasites were detected in the blood smears of the Yellow Cardinals, wild or captive. Microfilariae were detected in the blood smears of 14.1% of the wild passerines, including all wild Yellow Cardinals, and in 43.3% of captive Yellow Cardinals. Trypanosoma sp. was detected in the blood smear of one captive Yellow Cardinal. Nested PCR and gene sequencing of the cyt-b gene of Haemoproteus/Plasmodium was used to test a subset of wild passerines and captive Yellow Cardinals, allowing for the molecular barcoding of H. quiscalus lineage AGEBAD04 and H. tyranni lineage PITSUL01; additionally, DNA identical to that of lineage PITSUL01 was detected in the blood of one captive Yellow Cardinal. This study provides valuable data to support the conservation management of the Yellow Cardinal and other threatened passerines from the Pampas and highlights the need for further studies on the epidemiology and pathology of filarioid worms and trypanosomes in passerines from this biome.

Occurrence patterns of the endangered Yellow Cardinal Gubernatrix cristata in north-east Argentina: only in savannahs and at sites away from roads

Summary The endangered Yellow Cardinal Gubernatrix cristata is under pressure from habitat loss and from capturing for the cage bird trade. In north-east Argentina it is known to be associated with the Espinal ecoregion, but no information was available on habitat selection within this ecoregion. In Entre Ríos province, Argentina, we first sampled Yellow Cardinal presence in four environments: Espinal savannahs, Espinal open woodlands, riparian woodlands, and agricultural fields. Yellow Cardinals were only detected in savannahs. In a second set of surveys, transects were surveyed at sites with known presence of Yellow Cardinals and were placed within savannahs as well as nearby in open forests of only slightly different physiognomy. Yellow Cardinals were again only detected in savannahs. Tree density, shrub cover and height of herbaceous layer were lower in savannahs than in open woodlands. Ground-foraging Yellow Cardinals in savannahs foraged exclusively in grass patches with short grass of 3˗12 cm height. Such short grass occurred in 75% of spots of savannahs sites, but only in 48% of open woodlands. Savannah sites with Yellow Cardinals were significantly further away from permanent roads than sites without Cardinals, likely a reflection of capture pressure near roads. We recommend establishing additional protected areas with a high proportion of savannah patches and with limited or no road access. The short grass used by foraging Yellow Cardinals requires maintenance through grazing. Rewilding with native herbivores in protected areas is preferable to attain natural herbivory, but during the initial stages of rewilding, cattle and sheep grazing are essential to avoid tree and shrub proliferation in savannahs. The Yellow Cardinal can also persist on private lands with Espinal vegetation under sustainable livestock grazing. Frequent and effective patrolling and road controls are essential to reduce illegal capturing.

Seed preferences suggest a high vulnerability of the Yellow Cardinal (Gubernatrix cristata) to habitat degradation in Argentina

ABSTRACT The Yellow Cardinal is a globally endangered species endemic of southern South America. Knowledge of its general biology has increased in recent years, but its feeding ecology is less well-known. Assessing the feeding ecology of endangered species imposes ethical dilemmas, and we therefore took advantage of Yellow Cardinals rescued by rangers from illegal trafficking in the Monte desert, Mendoza, Argentina, to experimentally assess their seed preferences by using two different seed sets to test the hypotheses that (1) the birds prefer medium-sized and large seeds of native grass species, which are the seeds that are most reduced by cattle grazing, and (2) birds are not able to handle and consume the large seeds typical of non-native crop species. Choice and non-choice experiments were combined to assess the seed preferences. In the experiments with eight native seeds <1 mg (4 grasses, 4 forbs) the birds preferred the medium-sized and large grass seeds over the forb seeds. In the experiment with eight grass seeds (4 native, 4 commercial; 0.23–33 mg) birds had difficulty in handling the heaviest seeds, with a threshold between 7 and 25 mg. This difficulty might explain the positive association of the Yellow Cardinal with wild savannahs and xerophytic shrubland but not with agricultural fields, since common crops have large seeds (40–350 mg). Given the species affinity for habitats that are often used for livestock ranching, overgrazing should be included as a source of habitat degradation due to the reduction in key food resources.

Karyotype Organization of the Endangered Species Yellow Cardinal (Gubernatrix cristata)

Karyotypic analyses have several applications in studies of chromosome organization, evolution, and cytotaxonomy. They are also essential to genome assembly projects. Here, we present for the first time the karyotype description of the endangered species yellow cardinal, Gubernatrix cristata (Passeriformes, Thraupidae), using conventional staining with Giemsa and 18S rDNA probes. This species has 78 chromosomes, with 12 pairs of macrochromosomes and 27 microchromosome pairs. The 18S rDNA clusters were found in four microchromosomes. Our results revealed that G. cristata has a typical avian karyotype (approximately 80 chromosomes). However, G. cristata has an apomorphic state in relation to the 18S rDNA distribution since the ancestral condition corresponds to only two microchromosomes with these sequences. Probably, duplications and translocations were responsible for increasing the number of 18S rDNA clusters in G. cristata. The results were compared and discussed with respect to other Thraupidae and Passeriformes members. Considering the globally threatened status of G. cristata, we believe that its karyotype description could be a starting point for future cytogenetics and sequencing projects.

Genetic diversity in captive Yellow Cardinals (Gubernatrix cristata) from Southern Brazil: implications for the management and conservation of an endangered species

Yellow Cardinal is an Endangered Species. Its populations are in constant decline due to habitat reduction and loss and illegal capture. There are approximately 50 free-living animals in the south of Brazil (state of Rio Grande do Sul), but estimates indicate more than 1000 in captivity. Our goals were to investigate the genetic variability of captive animals in Brazil, compare it with the genetic variability found in free-living populations, estimate the kinship of captive individuals, and obtain updated data about the number of captive animals. We found only 13% of the registered captive Yellow Cardinals. Analysis of mitochondrial sequences of captive and free-living populations was performed. We obtained 14 haplotypes, one of them (H14) exclusive of captive individuals. Furthermore, we found a haplotype exclusive to the La Pampa population in a male born in captivity in 2013. The most frequent haplotype in captive animals was the same reported for northern Argentina and Uruguay populations, which border Brazil. We found a high number of alleles by locus (mean = 9.6) for microsatellite markers, with high average heterozygosity (HO = 0.605 and HE = 0.727). The global F was 0.168. Kinship analysis of captive birds indicates a degree of kinship means of 0.082. In addition, the probability of relationship indicates that 79.4% of them are unrelated. Our data demonstrated that the captive group retains a high degree of genetic diversity with a low level of kinship. Nevertheless, the presence of haplotype exclusive for Argentina’s population in captive birds, and the low level of parentage among captive animals may be representing cases of illegal wildlife trade.

Molecular diagnosis of avian viruses in grassland passerines and captive yellow cardinals Gubernatrix cristata in Brazil

ABSTRACT: Avian influenza viruses (AIVs), Newcastle disease virus (NDV), West Nile virus (WNV), adenovirus (AV) and herpesvirus (HV) play an important role in the health of human and animal populations. However, knowledge of the prevalence of these viruses in wild birds is restricted to some groups (e.g. shorebirds) or regions worldwide. Information on grassland birds of South America, which is essential for their conservation, is scarce. The objectives of the present study were to evaluate occurrences of AIV, NDV, WNV, AV and HV for the first time in a bird community of a unique protected area in southern Brazil, which is home for the critically endangered yellow cardinal (Gubernatrix cristata), and captive yellow cardinals from fauna maintainers of the Brazilian Captive Program of the Yellow Cardinal. Passerine species of wild life were caught, identified and samples (swabs) were collected from the oropharynx and cloaca of 64 passerines of 26 species (including 3 yellow cardinals) and 30 yellow cardinals of captive, for molecular diagnosis. The samples were subjected to RNA and DNA extraction and the real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for AIV, NDV and WNV and nested PCR for AV and HV. One yellow cardinal of captive presented a positive result for AV, this result is important for planning, managing natural attributes and making decisions in relation to integrated conservation of threatened species. This is the first report of AV in yellow cardinal and epidemiological investigation of viruses in wild passerines of the Pampa biome, in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

Brood parasitism leads to zero recruitment in the globally endangered Yellow CardinalGubernatrix cristata

SummaryThe Yellow CardinalGubernatrix cristatais an ‘Endangered’ passerine from southern South America. For the past three years a management plan for Yellow Cardinals has been implemented in Argentina, in which rescued individuals from the illegal cage bird trade were released back into suitable habitats within their population of origin. We studied the reproductive success of a mixed population of released and wild Yellow Cardinals in La Pampa province, Argentina, during the reproductive season of 2019. The population was highly parasitized by the brood parasitic Shiny CowbirdMolothrus bonariensis. The frequency of parasitism was 100% and the intensity of parasitism was 4.5 ± 3.4 (mean ± SD) eggs per parasitized nest (range 1–13). No Yellow Cardinal chicks were recruited in the monitored nests, mainly as a consequence of Shiny Cowbird parasitism. The unusually high rate of parasitism led to a poor outcome of the reintroduction programme and indicates the need to update the conservation actions that have been carried out for the Yellow Cardinal so far. Shiny Cowbird abundance varies within the distribution of Yellow Cardinals, related to habitat modification and farming activities. Thus, further research on habitat suitability and assessment of Shiny Cowbird abundance should be incorporated into future strategies for the conservation of the Yellow Cardinal.

A citizen science survey discloses the current distribution of the endangered Yellow CardinalGubernatrix cristatain Argentina

SummaryThe Yellow CardinalGubernatrix cristatais a globally endangered passerine from the southern cone of South America. Because of its conspicuous plumage and very attractive song, it suffers considerably from illegal pet trade. The largest remaining populations are found in Argentina, but no coordinated efforts have been made thus far to understand better its current distribution and conservation status. During three annual surveys supported by a citizen science programme, more than 140 volunteers surveyed 644 geographical points during spring and detected 221 Yellow Cardinals. Based on the survey results, we evaluated the presence of cardinals within protected areas in Argentina and found that the species was only detected in four of them, two of which were private reserves with a low level of protection. We also found that the species was not restricted to the ‘Espinal’ ecoregion, but also inhabited ‘Monte’ and ‘Chaco’ ecoregions, which are generally drier. This citizen science programme allowed us to obtain up-to-date information on the remaining populations of the Yellow Cardinal and helped to increase public awareness about the conservation problems faced by the species. We propose some future strategies for monitoring Yellow Cardinals and taking informed conservation decisions.

Genetic assignment and monitoring of yellow cardinals

ABSTRACTThe yellow cardinal (Gubernatrix cristata) is a passerine bird endemic to southern South America. At present, the species is threatened with extinction, in part because of the capture of wild birds to supply the illegal caged‐bird market. Previous genetic evidence supports the existence of 3 management units for the species in Argentina, where the largest populations are currently found. Our objectives were to guide the reintroduction of these animals to their respective management units by determining the origin of seized specimens from illegal trade using 2 molecular markers, mtDNA and microsatellites, and to monitor the success of the released birds through radio‐telemetry. We compared the performance of different molecular markers and assignment approaches to optimize a technique capable of assigning the origin of confiscated yellow cardinals in a reliable way. Five of 10 released radio‐tracked individuals were predated shortly after liberation; however, 3 were successful in finding a mate and starting reproductive activities. Individual success was independent of the time spent in captivity, the liberation with a partner, the settlement type (semi‐open or closed), and the maximum distance traveled from the point of release. Cardinals that survived had higher individual heterozygosity. Our findings contribute a robust genetic assignment technique to be used in future yellow cardinal seizures and identify factors that might improve subsequent releases. © 2019 The Wildlife Society.

Range contraction and conservation of the endangered Yellow Cardinal

The Yellow Cardinal (Gubernatrix cristata) is distributed in Argentina, Uruguay and Brazil, inhabiting environments of xerophytic woodland and savannah; it is considered globally Endangered since 1994. Populations are under pressure from loss and modification of habitat and from capturing for the cage bird trade. We compared in a geographical analysis the past (1826–1994) and recent (1995–2018) distributional ranges of the Yellow Cardinal and its affinities to ecoregions, land use cover and presence in protected areas, and assessed continuity vs. fragmentation of the current distribution using the method of Medium Propinquity. We used 1191 location records from reviewed sources and our field observations. We found a reduction of the original distribution to areas where native savannahs are still in good condition. In Argentina, the species has disappeared from 8 out of 16 provinces. The altitudinal range of the species extends up to 1100 m, rather than 700 m as reported in earlier reviews. It is clearly associated with savannah, shrubland, and grassland land cover categories. In regions where it disappeared, suitable habitat remained at 33% of points where it was formerly present, with capturing for the cage bird trade as a likely cause of disappearance. Medium propinquity analysis showed as yet little fragmentation in the current distribution, except for a separation between northern and southern populations. The Yellow Cardinal is distributed mainly outside protected areas; it is found in 31 Important Bird Areas, 22 of which are not protected and are under threat from habitat loss through the expansion of agriculture. We urge improved control of illegal capturing and the maintaining of native vegetation in population strongholds of the Yellow Cardinal.

Breeding biology of the endangered Yellow Cardinal Gubernatrix cristata in Brazil

The Yellow Cardinal, Gubernatrix cristata, has a small geographic range in Brazil, Uruguay, and Argentina. We studied the natural history of the only known Brazilian population of this “Endangered” species (∼50 individuals), which is socially monogamous and may breed cooperatively. During two breeding seasons (October to February 2013–2015), we monitored nests and described the main breeding traits. The breeding season started from the first week of October, with a peak of active nests in mid-November and lasted until mid-February. We found 32 nests, of which 30 were monitored. Female built the open-cup nests in six days (n = 1). All nests were built on Prosopis trees, on average at 2.4 m from the ground. Modal clutch size was three eggs (n = 19), and female incubated for 13 days on average (n = 7). Hatching rate was 76% and nestlings fledged after 16 days (n = 6). Nestling survival rate was 67% with mean productivity of 1.6 fledglings/successful nest. Shiny Cowbird, Molothrus bonariensis, parasitized nests of the Yellow Cardinal, with a frequency of 67% and intensity of 1.9 egg per parasitized nest (1–4 eggs; n = 13). Parasitism in nestlings by botfly larvae (Philornis sp.) occurred in 33% of nests with nestlings. Nest predation was the main cause of nest losses (73%) and we recorded a Geoffroy’s Cat, Leopardus geoffroyi, preying on a nest with eggs. The probability of success using the Program MARK was 13%. Fledgling survival rate during the first month outside the nest was 62% (8/13 fledglings). We found a longer breeding season, occurrence of second broods, and higher rates but fewer nest losses due to brood parasitism in comparison to the Argentinian population. We highlight the importance of natural history studies for the conservation of different populations of the same species.

The lack of males due to illegal trapping is causing polygyny in the globally endangered Yellow Cardinal Gubernatrix cristata

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.

Distribución y abundancia del cardenal amarillo (Gubernatrix cristata, Passeriformes: Thraupidae) en el sur de la provincia de Buenos Aires

The Yellow Cardinal ( Gubernatrix cristata ) is an endangered species distrib- uted mainly in the South American Espinal. In Buenos Aires province it is mainly distributed in the departments of Bahia Blanca, Puan, Villarino and Patagones. The knowledge about its current distribution, population status and habitat use is currently scarce. This work makes an approximation to the knowledge of the current status of the populations of the species in the south of Buenos Aires, contributing new data on its distribution, abundance and on forest use. We performed 303 independent extensive, unlimited, radio sampling points with the use of playback over 13 transects, totaling 1,183 km between 2015 and 2017, during 11 sampling campaigns. The percentage of forest cover was estimated at each point within 100 m radius. We obtained 19 records of a total of 48 individuals: 24 males, 17 females, and 7 undeterminated individuals. The 78,9 % of records and the 83,3 % of individuals were observed in the southern area. Forest cover was similar between sites with and without Yellow Cardinal records. The low records at the North and Centre areas could be due to the illegal capture of individuals, as long as the species has been abundant in the past, but not sought, otherwise the species may have always been scarce in these areas.

Genetic structure reveals management units for the yellow cardinal (Gubernatrix cristata), endangered by habitat loss and illegal trapping

The yellow cardinal, Gubernatrix cristata, is an endangered passerine from southern South America. Populations are declining due to the loss of their natural habitat, which has caused a fragmented distribution, and the continuous extraction of individuals from the wild, mainly males, to sell them as cage birds. In this study, we assess the genetic variability of remaining yellow cardinal’s populations and determine whether these populations represent independent management units. We found that the degree of geographic isolation of the remaining populations parallels the genetic differentiation of these populations for both mitochondrial and nuclear markers, and supports the delimitation of four management units for the yellow cardinal (three in Argentina and one in Uruguay). Assignment tests showed that geographic genetic differentiation can be used to assign seized individuals from illegal pet trade to their original populations and thus manage their release.

Cooperative breeding and demography of Yellow Cardinal Gubernatrix cristata in Brazil

We studied demography, territoriality and social/mate system of the Brazilian population of Yellow Cardinal (Gubernatrix cristata). The study was conducted in the municipality of Barra do Quaraí, western Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, during two breeding seasons (October to February, 2013-2015). We ringed 35 (seven females, 14 males and 14 young) out of 53 individuals found, and by September 2015, the Brazilian population of Yellow Cardinal had 38 remaining individuals. Adult sex ratio was 1.5:1 and the lifespan was at least 8 years. Pairs are socially monogamous and territorial, with male-biased philopatry and female-biased dispersal. The mean territory size was 18 ha, and mean home range was 27.7 ha. Some pairs and nests (23%) were attended by one or two nest helpers, which contributed on nest and territory defense, and provisioning of nestlings and fledglings. Presence of helpers is a key new finding for this species. Parental care was biparental or cooperative, and the pair had high frequency of visits to the nest than helpers. Mean nest productivity was two fledglings/successful nest attended by helpers, and one fledgling/successful nest not attended by helpers. We recorded second broods after a successful attempt, only when helpers were present. Overall Mayfield nesting success was 18%, 40% for nests with and 13% without helpers. We recorded a case of inbreeding, between father and daughter. The species need for large home ranges and factors that may adversely affect the breeding success such as inbreeding, predation, and parasitism can exacerbate the status of the threatened Brazilian population and the species. It reinforces the importance of autecology studies and their contribution to the conservation schemes.