No abstract

Sparkling Violetear Colibri coruscans has a wide geographic distribution and is generally abundant. However, knowledge about its breeding biology is scarce and often limited to anecdotal observations. Therefore, in this study we present new breeding data in Quito and surrounding valleys, based on descriptions and observations of 45 broods in 39 nests (some nests were reused) in urban and suburban habitats, and 11 broods in woodland patches near Quito. We provide data on nest and egg measurements, maternal care, nestlings’ development, and reproductive behavior. We studied nests reported on social media or discovered by the authors between 2009–2015 and January 2018–May 2020, with binoculars, photo and video cameras. Nests were open cups built in native and exotic vegetation or on artificial structures, protected by a roof, at 1.2–8 m above the ground. Nests under roofs suffered little deterioration, allowing their reuse. Nest materials in the outer layer included vegetal fibers and moss, whereas the inner chamber had soft vegetal material such as hairy achenes. Nests in woodlands were covered in lichens in the outer layer. Clutch comprised two white ellipsoidal eggs. Incubation lasted 14–16 days, and offspring left the nest after 20–31 days. Only the female incubated and reared the nestlings. In some cases, males’ courtship and/or feeding territory overlapped the females’ nesting territory. We observed breeding activity year-round, with a peak from November to April, corresponding to the second half of the short rainy season, the short dry season and the first half of the long rainy season. Supplementary material

We review the distribution of White-cheeked Duck Anas bahamensis rubrirostris in mainland Ecuador and show that the species is expanding its range significantly. Contrary to published records, A. b. rubrirostris has been present in mainland Ecuador at least since the early 20th century, although probably in low numbers. During the 20th century, the species increased its range along the entire coastlands of Ecuador and nowadays, it has reached the coasts of Colombia. The species has also extended its presence along the Andes, and we report the first breeding records of A. b. rubrirostris in the Andes at altitudes between 2360–2440 m, the highest across the entire range of the species. We describe the transitioning plumage between duckling–juveniles, which has not been portrayed in detail before.

I present observations on the nest, nestlings and parental care of the Brown-bellied Swallow Orochelidon murina in La Armenia, 7 km southeast of Quito, province of Pichincha, Ecuador. I observed the nest from 26 April–21 May 2020, every other day for 1.5–2 h, with a total of 20 h of observation. The nest was located in a drainpipe at 2.15 m above ground, in a wall surrounding a residence. The drainpipe had a diameter of 10 cm and a depth of 25 cm. The nest, which covered the drainpipe’s entire length, consisted of a shallow mound of vegetal fibers, feathers and feces of the nest dweller. Clutch size was three and nestling period at least 25 days. Nestlings were fed on average 8 times/h (SD = 3.4; n = 11) over the observation period.The overall mean interval between visits was 5.3 min (SD = 5.4; n = 106) and mean visit time 0.3 min (SD = 0.9; n = 103). A third adult was observed around the nest on several occasions, but no active role in nestlings’ care could be determined.