Abstract

ALARCON, Ibeth P. et al. NESTING OF DARK-BILLED CUCKOO (Coccyzus melacoryphus) ON ISABELA ISLAND, GALAPAGOS, ECUADOR. Hornero [online]. 2023, vol.38, n.2, pp.6-6. ISSN 0073-3407.  http://dx.doi.org/10.56178/eh.v38i2.1437.

We present new data and reviewed the information available on the breeding biology of the Dark-billed Cuckoo (Coccyzus melacoryphus), a widespread South American species. We collected opportunistic observations from three nests in a mangrove forest on Isabela Island, Galapagos Archipelago, Ecuador. The nests were built in forks of White Mangrove (Laguncularia racemosa) branches 5 to 9 m above the ground. They were low/cup-shaped, with intertwined branches on the outside and leaves, stipules, and strips of stem bark in the inner cup. The clutch size was three eggs, which were light green and sub-elliptical in shape. The nestling period lasted between 7 and 8 days. We observed biparental care during incubation and brooding. In addition, we documented the parasitism of the Avian Vampire Fly (Philornis downsi) on Dark-billed Cuckoo chicks.

Keywords : Avian Vampire Fly; breeding behavior; breeding biology; Cuculidae; nesting; Philornis downsi.

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