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Ornithological Science
Abstract
Abstract
The behavior and parental care of the endemic Red-tailed Vanga Calicalicus madagascariensis were studied in Ranomafana National Park, south-eastern Madagascar, from December 2007 to January 2008. Both sexes are similar in size, but show striking plumage-color dimorphism. The studied breeding pair shared duties in nest building, egg incubation and care of the young, but the male provided more parental care than the female. No helpers were observed at the nest during the study. Incubation lasted about 24 days and the nestling period was 15 days during which time chicks were fed on different types of insects and arthropods (mainly butterflies, spiders and locusts) obtained from the systematic inspection of the branches and leaves. The extensive male investment in the breeding might be due to ensure high rates of nestling growth and to avoid nest predation. To conclude, Red-tailed vanga is a socially monogamous species that exhibits classic biparental care.
We are grateful to Dr. Daniel Rakotondravony, the Head of Department of Animal Biology, for his cooperation in the realization of the present project. We also thank Lovahasina Rasolondraibe for her assistance to the measurements of the specimens, Ravomiarana Ranaivosolo for helping identify the diet of Red-tailed Vanga in the laboratory and Dr. Richard Jenkins for improving the manuscript. This study would have not been possible without the essential help of Jean de Dieu Rakotoniaina, Pierre Talata and Emile Rajery. Our hearty thanks go also to Direction Générale des Eaux et Forêts, the Madagascar National Parks (in Antananarivo and Ranomafana) which made this study possible. The present 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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