Reproductive biology of the threatened Kaempfer's Tody-Tyrant (Hemitriccus kaempferi)

Abstract Knowledge on the reproductive biology of neotropical bird species is still scarce. Many species lack basic information regarding descriptions of nest and eggs, incubation and nestling period, and parental care. In the present study we explore several aspects of the reproductive biology of Hemitriccus kaempferi based on banded individuals that were monitored during two consecutive reproductive seasons (between August and December 2016 and 2017). Fieldwork was conducted in two distinct forest areas in the municipality of Joinville, Santa Catarina state, southern Brazil. A total of 21 individuals were captured and banded. We conducted a total of 178 h 04 min of focal-animal monitoring and 142 h of active nest search and found two nests. Nests resemble those already described for the genus, they are enclosed with lateral entrance, ovoid and has a superior and lateral fixation. The females were solely responsible for all the reproductive activities, including nest construction, egg incubation and parental care. Clutch size varies from 1 to 2 eggs, which are cream coloured and covered by small brown spots. Incubation period was 21–22 days and nestlings fledged after 19 days. We also present information regarding parental care, juvenile behaviour, and diet, which include 11 arthropods orders with prevalence of Lepidoptera and Coleoptera. This study adds valuable information on ecology and natural history of this endemic and enigmatic species as well as can guide further studies on phylogenetically related species.