Reproductive biology of the threatened Kaempfer’s tody-tyrant (Hemitriccus kaempferi)

Knowledge on the reproductive biology of neotropical bird species is still scarce. Many species lack basic information regarding descriptions of nests and eggs, incubation and nestling periods, and parental care. In the present study we explore several aspects of the reproductive biology of Hemitriccus kaempferi, an endemic and threatened species of the Atlantic Forest biome, based on banded individuals monitored during two seasons (between August and December 2016 and 2017). Fieldwork was conducted in two 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 searching, and found two nests. The nests resemble those already described for the genus; they are enclosed, with a lateral entrance, ovoid, and with superior and lateral fixation. The females were solely responsible for all the reproductive activities, including nest construction, egg incubation, and parental care. Clutch size varied from 1 to 2 eggs, which are cream coloured and covered by small brown spots. The incubation period was 21–22 days and the nestlings fledged after 19 days. We also present information regarding parental care, juvenile behaviour, and diet, which include 11 arthropod orders with a prevalence of Lepidoptera and Coleoptera. This study adds valuable information on the ecology and natural history of this endemic and enigmatic species, and can guide further studies on phylogenetically related species.