Ethogram of the endangered Great-Billed Seed-Finch, Sporophila maximiliani (Cabanis, 1851) (Thraupidae: Passeriformes), based on captive-born individuals

Abstract Knowing the behavioral repertoire of a species is essential for in-depth research, especially for critically endangered species that depend on conservation efforts to avoid its extinction. In addition, knowledge of a species’ behavior is essential for promoting its welfare under captive conditions. For example, endangered species that are to be reintroduced into the wild must be kept in captivity for rehabilitation and health assessment prior to release. The Great-billed Seed-finch, Sporophila maximiliani (Cabanis, 1851), is a critically endangered passerine, but we have a limited understanding of its behavior. Although rare in the wild, the species is commonly bred in captivity and these individuals are used to re-establish wild populations. Here, we provide the first description of the ethogram of captive-born individuals of S. maximiliani. We expect this to aid in the rehabilitation of individuals destined for reintroduction projects and the conservation of wild populations of the species. We described twenty-three behaviors, mainly distributed in the categories of maintenance, locomotion and alertness. We did not observe any abnormal behaviors, such as stereotyped behaviors, which is a positive signal for the welfare of these individuals. Also, the large number of alert behaviors observed is indicative of the reactivity of these individuals to their immediate environment, which is desirable for individuals to be released into the wild.