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Unusual incubation rhythms the Spotted Barbtail, Premnoplex brunnescens

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Abstract

The Spotted Barbtail (Premnoplex brunnescens) inhabits the understory of humid montane forests in Central and South America. Apart from basic information on eggs and nest form, little has been published on its breeding ecology. Using temperature sensors in nest cups, I have collected data on the diurnal patterns of egg-coverage from three nests in eastern Ecuador and reveal a remarkable incubation rhythm. After providing near-constant coverage during the morning, adults leave the eggs unattended for most of the afternoon, returning to the nest only in the late afternoon. The mean duration (±standard deviation) of this period of absence, across the entire incubation period at three nests, was 6.4 ± 1.9 h. These results are discussed in relation to their physiological and ecological significance.

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Acknowledgments

This study was funded in part by the following: a Pamela and Alexander F. Skutch Award from the Association of Field Ornithologists, the Population Biology Foundation, Field Guides Inc., and the Maryland Ornithological Society. In addition, the following individuals were generous enough to support my work over the past 8 years: Matt Kaplan, Tim Metz, V. John and Ruth Ann Moore, and Jay Peltz. I thank Charles Deeming, Phil DeVries, Chris Funk, Paul Martin, and an anonymous reviewer for valuable suggestions on early drafts. This is publication no. 141 of the Yanayacu Natural History Research Group.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Yanayacu Biological Station and Center for Creative Studies, Cosanga, Napo, Ecuador

    Harold F. Greeney

  2. c/o Foch 721 y Amazonas, Quito, Ecuador

    Harold F. Greeney

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  1. Harold F. Greeney
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Correspondence to Harold F. Greeney.

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Communicated by J. Fjeldså.

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Greeney, H.F. Unusual incubation rhythms the Spotted Barbtail, Premnoplex brunnescens . J Ornithol 150, 529–535 (2009). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10336-009-0372-8

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