We report the first evidence for intraspecific brood parasitism (IBP) of the open-cup nesting Pale-breasted Thrush (Turdus leucomelas) in southeast Brazil. Four of 15 nests followed from building stage onwards had evidence of IBP (27%), as detected from laying of two eggs in the same day in a nest (n = 2), laying of an additional egg after onset of incubation (n = 1), and egg laying before the end of nest construction (n = 1). Only a few cases of IBP have been reported for neotropical songbirds but it is likely more will be reported as they become better studied. We believe limited territory availability or nest loss during laying were potential causes of IBP in our study population.
How to translate text using browser tools
1 September 2012
Intraspecific Brood Parasitism of the Pale-breasted Thrush (Turdus leucomelas)
Paulo V. Davanço,
Lívia M. S. Souza,
Leonardo S. de Oliveira,
Mercival R. Francisco
ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE