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Ornithological Science
Abstract
Abstract
Although the family Vangidae provides one of the most striking examples of adaptive radiation in the avifauna of Madagascar, basic information on the breeding biology of each species is lacking. To examine the breeding system of the Tylas Vanga Tylas eduardi, a species endemic to Madagascar, we studied the contributions made by males and females of two pairs (involving four nests) to nest building, incubating, brooding, and feeding the young. The study was conducted from October 2007 to January 2008 at Ranomafana National Park, situated in southeastern Madagascar. Males had dispersed territories and paired with single females. Copulation took place between females and males on whose territories they nested. During the nest-building stage, males and females provided nest materials. We observed parental care at two nests. Both sexes participated in incubating and brooding at one nest, whereas only the female incubated and brooded at another nest. During the nestling period, both sexes delivered food (mainly caterpillars, moths, butterflies and crickets) to the nestlings and no helpers were observed. These results suggest that the Tylas Vanga is socially monogamous. We discuss the sex determination based on plumage color and mating system of Tylas Vanga.
We are grateful to the Government of the Republic of Madagascar for providing permission to conduct research in the nature reserves, and to the staff of ANGAP at Ranomafana National Park. This study would have not been possible without the help of Jean de Dieu Rakotoniaina and Pierre Talata. Dr. Harison Rabarison helped identify the nest materials. We also express our thanks to Dr. Shigeki Asai and two anonymous reviewers for their many constructive comments and suggestions. This study was supported by a Grant-in-Aid for Scientific Research (B) of the Japan Society for the Promotion of Science (No. 17405008).
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