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15 September 2020 Nesting Observations on a South American Subspecies of Least Grebe (Tachybaptus dominicus brachyrhynchus)
Paul Smith, Sylvia Centrón
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Abstract

Despite a wide distribution over much of the New World, the behavior of the Least Grebe (Tachybaptus dominicus) is still poorly known, and most ecological studies have been performed on Northern Hemisphere subspecies. This note reports two observations during breeding in the South American subspecies T. d. brachyrhynchus. Deliberate egg-covering to hide an active nest from an approaching threat was observed, coupled with elusive “hiding” behavior during an opportunistic breeding attempt in a novel habitat (xeric Chaco). Photographic documentation of egg destruction by a domestic Muscovy Duck (Cairina moschata) at a Least Grebe nest is also reported.

Paul Smith and Sylvia Centrón "Nesting Observations on a South American Subspecies of Least Grebe (Tachybaptus dominicus brachyrhynchus)," Waterbirds 43(3-4), 348-352, (15 September 2020). https://doi.org/10.1675/063.043.0316
Received: 6 November 2019; Accepted: 5 October 2020; Published: 15 September 2020
KEYWORDS
Chaco
egg destruction
egg-covering
Least Grebe
Muscovy duck
nest defense
trill call
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