Cooperative breeding, mate guarding, and nest sharing in two parrot species of New Caledonia

Abstract

We provide evidence for cooperative breeding in two endemic parrot species of New Caledonia, the New Caledonian Parakeet (Cyanoramphus saisseti) and the Horned Parakeet (Eunymphicus cornutus). We intensively monitored 11 breeding attempts in two nests of New Caledonian Parakeets over 5 years, and noticed that two males of different size fed the female and the chicks in each nest. During one breeding attempt, the larger male guarded the female and the smaller male tried to copulate with her inside the nest. Genetic analyses showed that males shared paternity. During 17 breeding attempts in 11 Horned Parakeet nests, we observed two pairs sharing a nest on one occasion but we never saw feeding helpers.

Large-scale habitat selection by parrots in New Caledonia

“…Additionally, most of the trees flower and fruit during the warmest months when parakeets typically breed, and a considerable number even bear flowers and fruits in unfavourable seasons (Carpenter et al 2003). Under ideal breeding conditions, this means that the female parakeet will rarely need to leave the nest to forage as most of the food is supplied by the male partner, or by multiple partners (Theuerkauf et al 2009). Aside from any nutritional advantage this provides, reproductive success may improve because Black Rats (Rattus rattus) rarely prey upon eggs or chicks in a nest that is guarded by the female (Gula et al 2010).…”

“…Rainbow Lorikeets exploit nectar from a variety of plants (Smith and Lill 2008;Waterhouse 1997), and are generally more prevalent in anthropogenic environments than in woodlands (Utschick and Brandl 1989;Legault et al, unpublished data). The species is not strictly Rainforests are particularly important for parakeets in New Caledonia, as they yield a diverse and abundant source of food (authors' unpublished data) and mature rainforest trees additionally provide hollows for breeding (Robinet and Salas 1999;Theuerkauf et al 2009). Although we assume that these are the main reasons why parakeets selected this habitat, additional research is required to determine how these and other factors might contribute to rainforest selection.…”

Cooperative breeding by Buff-throated Partridge Tetraophasis szechenyii: a case in the Galliformes

“…To examine this, further studies aimed at conducting intraspecific comparative-analyses (e.g., between populations or between sites) are recommended. In addition, a genetic analysis that measures relatedness between group members using DNA fingerprinting techniques could provide information critical in identifying the extent of benefits helpers gain by joining a cooperative breeding group (e.g., Theuerkauf et al 2009b).…”

An audio/video surveillance system for wildlife

“…The system also proved useful for studying the behaviour of nesting birds, particularly their interactions. We were able to quantify social interactions in Kagus (Theuerkauf et al 2009a) and discovered polyandry in New Caledonian Parakeets (Theuerkauf et al 2009b).…”