title: Reproduction of the Atlantic Forest endemic star-throated antwren, Rhopias gularis (Aves: Thamnophilidae).
abstract: The Thamnophilidae are one of the most speciose Neotropical bird families, yet aspects of their natural history remain poorly documented. Here we provide information on breeding phenology, the length of incubation and nestling periods, parental care, and nesting success of the Star-throated Antwren, Rhopias gularis, an Atlantic Forest endemic. The data are discussed in light of life history theories. We found 27 active nests during two breeding seasons (2013/2014 and 2014/2015) at Carlos Botelho State Park in southeastern Brazil. Nesting activities were observed from September to January. Incubation and nestling periods lasted 16.8 ± 0.6 and 11.0 ± 0.86 days, respectively, as with most other antbirds. Males and females shared equally in incubation and nestling provisioning. The small clutch size of two eggs is that most commonly found in tropical birds and is hypothesized to have evolved due to increased nest predation rates. However, our data was not consistent with this hypothesis as the nest survival probability was high (57%). This is one of only a handful of studies that provide comprehensive information on the breeding biology of a Thamnophilid species in undisturbed habitat.
authors: Programa de Pós-graduação em Ecologia e Recursos Naturais - PPGERN, Universidade Federal de São Carlos - UFSCar, Rodovia Washington Luís, Km 235, CEP 13565-905, São Carlos, SP, Brazil.
authors: D F
authors: DF
authors: Perrella
authors: Programa de Pós-graduação em Diversidade Biológica e Conservação - PPGDBC, Universidade Federal de São Carlos - UFSCar, Campus Sorocaba, Rodovia João Leme dos Santos, Km 110, CEP 18052-780, Sorocaba, SP, Brazil.
authors: C H
authors: CH
authors: Biagolini
authors: Programa de Pós-graduação em Ecologia e Recursos Naturais - PPGERN, Universidade Federal de São Carlos - UFSCar, Rodovia Washington Luís, Km 235, CEP 13565-905, São Carlos, SP, Brazil.
authors: L
authors: L
authors: Ribeiro-Silva
authors: Programa de Pós-graduação em Ecologia e Recursos Naturais - PPGERN, Universidade Federal de São Carlos - UFSCar, Rodovia Washington Luís, Km 235, CEP 13565-905, São Carlos, SP, Brazil.
authors: P V Q
authors: PVQ
authors: Zima
authors: Departamento de Ciências Ambientais, Universidade Federal de São Carlos - UFSCar, Campus Sorocaba, Rodovia João Leme dos Santos, Km 110, CEP 18052-780, Sorocaba, SP, Brazil.
authors: M R
authors: MR
authors: Francisco
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D001938:Brazil; D005260:Female; D008297:Male; D009425:Nesting Behavior; D012098:Reproduction; D020308:Songbirds / Q000502:physiology*