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Nesting biology of the Aplomado Falcon (Falco femoralis) at Parque Nacional das Emas, central Brazil

Nesting biology of the Aplomado Falcon (Falco femoralis) at Parque Nacional das Emas, central Brazil Revista Brasileira de Ornitologia 27(4): 225–229. ARTICLE December 2019 Nesting biology of the Aplomado Falcon (Falco femoralis) at Parque Nacional das Emas, central Brazil 1,2 Dárius Pukenis Tubelis Departamento de Biociências, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido, Campus Mossoró, Mossoró, RN, Brazil. Corresponding author: darius.tubelis@gmail.com Received on 17 July 2019. Accepted on 03 October 2019. ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to investigate aspects of the nesting biology of the Aplomado Falcon, Falco femoralis (Temminck, 1822), at Parque Nacional das Emas, Brazil. Woodland (Campo Cerrado) firebreaks were sear ched for nests in October 2006 and October 2009 by driving a vehicle along a road adjacent to these fire managed vegetation strips. Most (62%) of the eight nests found were in canopies of fruiting Pouteria torta trees. Nests were at 2.2–3.8 m above ground. Invariably, clutch size was of three cream eggs and nestlings had a white plumage in the first days of life. For two active nests, adults also defended an additional empty nest located in the surroundings. No evidences of nest destruction or predation were detected. Falco femoralis successfully uses firebreaks for bree ding at Parque Nacional das Emas. KEY-WORDS: bird, breeding season, egg, Falconidae, fire, nest, reproduction, savanna. INTRODUCTION In Brazil, its nesting has been studied in detail in the Atlantic Forest by Granzinolli et al. (2002) but not in other The Aplomado Falcon, Falco femoralis Temminck, 1822, regions. For example, no study examined its breeding in is widely distributed through the American continents, the Cerrado, where only their feeding ecology (Silveira where it inhabits numerous habitats, except dense et al. 1997) and habitat use (e.g., Antas & Cavalcanti forest and mountain tops (del Hoyo et al. 1994, Stotz 1988, Tubelis & Cavalcanti 2001, Pacheco & Olmos et al. 1996, Mata et al. 2006). They are often found in 2010) have been studied. This study aimed to investigate grasslands, savannas and open areas, including landscapes aspects of the nesting biology of F. femoralis at Parque dominated by agriculture (Stotz et al. 1996, Sick 1997, Nacional das Emas, central Brazil. Characteristics of their Ferguson-Lees & Christie 2001). This mid-sized falcon nests, eggs and nestlings, and trees used for nesting were feeds mainly on insects and small vertebrates such as described. Results were discussed in terms of its nesting birds, lizards, bats and rodents (del Hoyo et al. 1994, biology in the Cerrado and other regions. Ferguson-Lees & Christie 2001, Macías-Duarte et al. 2004). Generally, they are resident but some groups can be migratory, such as those that migrate between the high METHODS Andes and coastal Peru and Chile; in regions such as the Cerrado, they are resident (Sick 1997, Ferguson-Lees & Observations were made at Parque Nacional das Emas, Christie 2001). Goiás state, Brazil. This 132,000 ha conservation unit Despite its wide distribution and commonness, harbors several vegetation physiognomies typical of the information on its breeding is scarce for numerous Cerrado ecoregion. Grasslands and savanna woodlands are regions. Its reproduction has been studied extensively the major matrix types and usually cover uplands (França only in North America, where investigations are et al. 2007). Savanna woodlands (Campo Cerrado and concentrated in the Chihuahua region, northern Mexico Cerrado sensu stricto) have a dense herbaceous stratum, (e.g., Montoya et al. 1997, Macías-Duarte et al. 2004, and numerous shrubs and trees (Eiten 1972 & 1993). Meyer & Williams 2005, Brown & Collopy 2008). On Climate in this region is marked by two well-defined the other hand, studies in the Neotropical region are periods: the rainy season occurs between October and lacking. Timing of breeding varies enormously through April, while the dry season occurs between May and its extensive geographic distribution and clutches have September. Annual precipitation ranges between 1200 between 2 and 4 eggs (del Hoyo et al. 1994, Ferguson- and 2000 mm (Assad 1994) and elevation ranges between Lees & Christie 2001). 720 and 900 m a.s.l. (França et al. 2007). Nests of Falco femoralis in central Cerrado Tubelis At Parque Nacional das Emas, park managers patches due to short Capim Flecha grasses. When a large nest was detected, the observer usually burn strips of grasslands and savanna woodlands approached it on foot to identify the bird associated to in the dry season almost annually to stop the spreading of fire originated on adjacent farmland. These firebreaks it. This because the Red-legged Seriema Cariama cristata called aceiros by managers and scientists lie between two (Linnaeus, 1766), the Buff-necked I bis Theristicus caudatus unsealed roads and are usually 25–100 m wide (Ramos- (Boddaert, 1783), the Curl-crested Jay Cyanocorax cristatellus (Temminck, 1823) and raptors also build large Neto & Pivello 2000, França et al. 2007). Woodland nests in tree canopies in Campo Cerrado patches at this firebreaks have a grassy stratum dominated by Capim Flecha grass (Tristachya leiostachya Ness), that can be near park (pers. obs.). 200 cm high when fully developed with reproductive After being examined on the occasion of their parts. If controlled burnings occur every 1–2 years, findings, nests were visited 2–3 times until 11 O ctober and once between 11 and 14 November 2006. Nests Capim Flecha grass keeps 10–30 cm high at firebreaks found in 2009 were not re-visited. Nests were visited (França et al. 2007). Campo Cerrado patches, managed or not by fire, are a major habitat for F. femoralis at this whenever possible (logistic), thus, visits varied between park and in central Cerrado (Silveira et al. 1997, Antas & 1 and 3 (Table 1). During each visit to a nest, eggs and Cavalcanti 1988, Tubelis & Cavalcanti 2001, Pacheco & nestlings were counted, but not handled. Nest contents were examined by using a mirror attached to a telescopic Olmos 2010). pole. The inferior portion of the nests had t heir height Campo Cerrado woodland firebreaks were sear ched daily for nests in mornings (08:30 to 11:00 h) and from the ground measured with a Bosch laser tape. A afternoons (14:30 to 18:30 h) between 01 and 11 October branch of the tree used for nesting was collected to help 2006 and between 05 and 08 October 2009 by driving a identification of the plant species. Four tall trees were climbed once to photograph eggs and nestlings. vehicle slowly along a road adjacent to them. This sear ch was initiated in early October because active large nests built in trees of firebreaks were found in September 2006, RESULTS AND DISCUSSION when the park was visited by the author to carry out other ornithological studies. Only firebreaks were sampled due Eight nests of F. femoralis were found in Campo Cerrado to the facility of their access from adjacent roads. The firebreaks at Parque Nacional das Emas in October 2006 search covered a total of 32 km of firebreaks crossing six extensive patches of Campo Cerrado vegetation located in and October 2009 (Table 1). As the observer did not the interior (n = 2; 12 km) and at the edge of the park (n = record the precise location of the nests found in 2006, it 4; 20 km). Campo Cerrado patches not managed by fire was not possible to know if falcons used the same trees for nesting in 2009. Further, considering only nests found were not sampled due to time unavailability, and because within a given Campo Cerrado patch, two nests were firebreaks provide a better visibility than unmanaged Table 1. Content and height of nests of the Aplomado Falcon (Falco femoralis) found in Campo Cerrado firebreaks (strips of savanna woodlands managed by fire) at Parque Na cional das Emas, central Brazilian Cerrado, in 2006 and 2009, with the number of visits to each nest. The sequence of nests follows the first day of inspection. Height Number Nest Nest content (m) of visits 1 Three eggs (02 and 03 O ct); three nestlings (08 Oct); empty nest (13 Nov). 3.6 4 2 Three eggs (03 and 07 O ct); Two eggs and one nestling (08 Oct); Three 3.4 5 nestlings (09 Oct); Two young flying with difficulties with adults (12 Nov). 3 Three eggs (03 O ct); Two nestlings and one egg (07 Oct); Three nestlings (08 3.8 4 Oct); One young flying with difficulties with adults (13 Nov). 4 Three eggs (04, 05 and 06 O ct); three nestlings (11 Oct). empty (12 Nov). 2.2 5 5 Three eggs (07, 08 and 10 O ct); Two young flying with difficulties with a dults 2.4 4 (12 Nov). 6 Three eggs (06 O ct). 3.6 1 7 Three nestlings (07 O ct). 4.2 1 8 Three eggs (08 O ct). 3.1 1 Revista Brasileira de Ornitologia 27(4): 2019 Nests of Falco femoralis in central Cerrado Tubelis distant only 800 m from each other in 2006. The other were always of three eggs. Observations permitted to patches had only one nest, in both years. Calculating an examine hatching only for nests 1, 2, 3 and 4 (Table 1). overall mean distance for the eight nests would not be Based on them, it was known that the 12 eggs originated adequate, as it would strongly reflect the distribution of 12 nestlings. Nestlings were born between 03 and the surveyed areas, and not real distances between existing 11 October in 2006 and before 07 October in 2009. nests. This is because other nests could be located in areas Nestlings had a white plumage when aging 1–2 days (Fig. of savanna located between the sampled patches. Six of 1D). For two nests, no adults or young were found in the the eight nests were at less than 70 m from the park's nest or in their surroundings in November 2006. Due frontier, while other two were in more interior portions of to the long interval between visits, it was not possible to the park (firebreaks located at 2–8 km from its frontier). know if young had success or not, as predation, infanticide As longer distances were driven at the park's edge than and fledging can be involved in nest success (Ferguson- in its interior, these numbers might reflect the sampling Lees & Christie 2001, Brown & Collopy 2008). On the effort, and not nest-site selection. other hand, reproduction was successful (sensu Brown & Nests were rough and nearly round structures built Collopy 2008) for nests 2, 3 and 5, as adults were detected with numerous sticks and twigs, a few leaves and clay; when flying with one or two young in the surroundings contrary to that described by Ferguson-Lees & Christie of their nests (Table 1). (2001), grasses were absent (Fig. 1). They were built in As incubation by F. femoralis lasts for about 30–32 tree canopies, and five (62.5%) of them were in fruiting days (del Hoyo et al. 1994, Ferguson-Lees & Christie Pouteria torta (Mart.) (Sapotaceae). Trees that supported 2001) and young were born in early October, egg the other three nests could not be identified due to the laying might have occurred in early September or late loss of branches and photographs, but certainly were not August. Thus, bree ding activities such as pairing, the P. torta. The height of nests ranged between 2.2 m and search for nesting sites and its nest building might start 3.8 m above the ground (Table 1), with a mean of 3.29 in August, coinciding with the end of the dry season in m (SD = 0.35). central Cerrado. October appears to be the main month Eggs and nestlings of F. femoralis were found in both involving young-care; this activity also reaches the next years (Table 1). Eggs were of cream color and had some month, as adults still fly with t heir young around the darker patches originated from dust (Fig. 1C). Clutches nest until at least mid-November. The conduction of Figure 1. Aspects of the nesting biology of the Aplomado Falcon (Falco femoralis) in Campo Cerrado woodland firebreaks at Parque Nacional das Emas, central Brazilian Cerrado, in October 2006: (A) a nest in a short Pouteria torta tree; (B) detail of a nest built in a fruiting P. torta tree; (C) a nest with three eggs; (D) two days old nestlings in a nest. Revista Brasileira de Ornitologia 27(4): 2019 Nests of Falco femoralis in central Cerrado Tubelis observations year-round in future studies will bring more both regions, nest height was higher than 2 m. However, detailed information on the length of different activities the mean height of nests found at firebreaks is lower than of their breeding in central Cerrado. that reported for other regions, such as Argentina (de Generally, when the observer approached the nests Lucca & Saggese 1996) and the Brazilian Atlantic Forest in October, the adults left it; then, the pair kept flying (Granzinolli et al. 2002). around the tree and, alternately, performed a few flights Factors related to the access of adults to the nest, towards the observer, with no physical contact, as often their departure from it, vigilance and avoidance of reported for falcons (e.g., del Hoyo et al. 1994, Sick 1997, predators might be involved in the choice of trees for Ferguson-Lees & Christie 2001). On the other hand, the nesting. Interestingly, T. caudatus (pers. obs.) and C. adults associated with two nests with eggs or nestlings cristata (Tubelis 2019) also use P. torta trees for nesting at also performed these defensive flights when the observer firebreaks in O ctober–November at Parque Nacional das approached other nest distant about 15 m and 20 m Emas. This later study showe d that C. cristata also built from their nests. These nearb y nests were very similar in most (69%) of their nests in P. torta trees. As Aplomado structure to the active nests, but were empty (had no eggs Falcons sometimes use abandoned nests of other birds or nestlings in October 2006). This behavior appears to (del Hoyo et al. 1994, Ferguson-Lees & Christie 2001), be an attempt of distraction to make the observers (or further observations are necessary to know if these falcons potential predators) not find the real active nest. use abandoned nests of seriemas, ibises and other bird No evidences of nest destruction or predation were species in the Cerrado. detected in nests during this study. As observations made The finding of clutches of 3 eggs in woodland in October and November 2006 were separated by about firebreaks agrees with results of major compilations of 30 days, the absence of a nestling or young in the nests information on the breeding biology of F. femoralis, that might represent predation, infanticide or a successful reported nests with 2–4 eggs (del Hoyo et al. 1994, de fledging prior to the latest inspection. The hatching rate Lucca & Saggese 1996, Ferguson-Lees & Christie 2001). of 100% (n = 4) observed in this study is higher than Similar to this study, several studies had reported as that recorded in other regions (e.g., Montoya et al. 1997, frequent clutches of 3 eggs in a diverse range of regions Macías-Duarte et al. 2004, Meyer & Williams 2005, (e.g., Newton 1977, del Hoyo et al. 1994, Montoya et al. Brown & Collopy 2008). It was not possible to know 1997, Granzinolli et al. 2002). what happened with eggs or young in the other four nests. This is the thir d study to examine the use of firebreaks This is the second study to reveal a high per centage as nesting sites by birds at Parque Nacional das Emas, as it of occurrence of nests of Aplomado Falcons in a has been shown that Burrowing Owls [Athene cunicularia particular tree species. This is because Montoya et al. (Molina, 1782)] and Red-legged Seriemas build their (1997) reported a preference for Yucca elata trees in nests in fire managed grasslands and savanna woodlands, Mexican desert grasslands, considering a sample of seven respectively (Tubelis & Delitti 2010; Tubelis 2019). In nests. Other studies have not identified t he plant species both cases, nests were more abundant at firebreaks than used for nesting or involved a few nests, not being able in unmanaged vegetation, and it was argued that a major to identify a choice (e.g., de Lucca & Saggese 1996, reason leading to this nest choice was the shortening of tall Granzinolli et al. 2002, Macías-Duarte et al. 2004, Meyer Capim Flecha grasses by frequent burning. Apparently, & Williams 2005). Also, studies that investigated nest- the burning of firebreaks in June–Ju ly (França et al. 2002) site selection by these falcons examined physical nest-site is also leading to suitable conditions for the breeding of characteristics, but not the plant species used for nesting F. femoralis. Likely, a short grassy stratum favors vigilance (e.g., Brown & Collopy 2008). and prey capture by falcons at firebreaks. As unmanaged The preference for P. torta trees observed at Parque woodlands were not investigated in this study, further Nacional das Emas is weaker than that (86%) reported for research is necessary to understand the influence of fire Yuccas in Mexican grasslands by Montoya et al. (1997). It management on the breeding biology of this species in the was not possible to know the reasons of this differential use Cerrado. This study has shown that Aplomado Falcons of P. torta trees, especially because there is a high species can successfully reproduce in Campo Cerrado firebreaks richness of trees in Campo Cerrado firebreaks. Differently at Parque Nacional das Emas. from that occurred with Yucca trees in Mexican grasslands (Montoya et al. 1997), where they were the only woody ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS plants taller than 2 m, numerous plants were taller than P. torta at firebreaks. However, a similarity between them occurs - Y. elata is the second most abundant plant species The Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido (UFERSA) in the desert grasslands (Montoya et al. 1997), while P. provided logistic support. Rogério Souza (IBAMA) torta is abundant in the studied fire breaks (pers. obs.). In provided a license to study birds at Parque Nacional Revista Brasileira de Ornitologia 27(4): 2019 Nests of Falco femoralis in central Cerrado Tubelis sudeste do Brasil. Biota Neotropica 2: bn01902022002. das Emas. Mário Barroso Ramos-Neto provided a map Macías-Duarte A., Montoya A.B., Hunt W.G., Terrazas A.L. & Tafanelli of this park. Margarete Naomi Sato identified t he plant R. 2004. Reproduction, prey and habitat of the Aplomado Falcon species. Cristiano S. Azevedo and João Paulo S.V. de (Falco femoralis) in desert grasslands of Chihuahua, Mexico. Auk Alencar improved this manuscript by making numerous 121: 1081–1093. suggestions. This resear ch was funded by Fundação Mata J.R.R., Erize F. & Rumboll M. 2006. A field gui de to the birds of South America. London: Harpercollins Publishers Ltd. de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo/FAPESP Meyer R.A. & Williams S.O. 2005. Recent nesting and current status (Process No. 05/00773-3) and Conselho Nacional de of Aplomado Falcon (Falco femoralis) in New Mexico. North Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico/CNPq (Process American Birds 2: 352–356. No. 471360/2006-6). Montoya A.B., Zwank P.J. & Cardenas M. 1997. Breeding biology of Aplomado Falcons in desert grasslands of Chihuahua, Mexico. Journal of Field Ornithology 68: 135–143. Newton I. 1977. Breeding strategies in birds of prey. Living Bird 16: 51–82. REFERENCES Pacheco J.F. & Olmos F. 2010. As aves do Tocantins, Brasil: Jalapão. Revista Brasileira de Ornitologia 18: 1–18. Antas P.T.Z. & Cavalcanti R.B. 1988. Aves comuns do Planalto Central. Ramos-Neto M.B. & Pivello V.R. 2000. Lightning fires in a Brazilian Brasília: Universidade de Brasília. savanna national park: rethinking management strategies. Assad E.D. 1994. Chuva nos cerrados: análise e espacialização. Brasília: Environmental Management 26: 675–684. EMBRAPA/SPI. Sick H. 1997. Ornitologia brasileira. Rio de Janeiro: Editora Nova Brown J.L. & Collopy M.W. 2008. Nest-site characteristics affect Fronteira. daily nest-survival rates of Northern Aplomado Falcons (Falco Silveira L., Jácomo A.T.A., Rodrigues F.H.G. & Crawshaw-Júnior. femoralis septentrionalis). Auk 125: 105–112. 1997. Hunting association between the Aplomado Falcon (Falco de Lucca E.R. & Saggese M.D. 1996. Nidificación del Halcón femoralis) and the Maned Wolf (Chrysocyon brachyurus) in Emas Aplomado (Falco f. femoralis) en la provincia de San Luis. Hornero National Park, central Brazil. Condor 99: 201–202. 14: 77–80. Stotz D.F., Fitzpatrick J.W., Parker-III T.P. & Moskovits D.K. 1996. del Hoyo J., Elliot A. & Sargatal J. 1994. Handbook of the birds of the Neotropical birds: ecology and conservation. Chicago: University of world (New World Vultures to Guineafowl), v. 2. Barcelona: Lynx Chicago Press. Editions. Tubelis D.P. 2019. Fire management and the nesting biology of Eiten G. 1972. The Cerrado vegetation of Brazil. Botanical Review the Red-legged Seriema (Cariama cristata) in woodlands at 38: 205–341. Parque Nacional das Emas, central Cerrado. Revista Brasileira de Eiten G. 1993. Vegetação do Cerrado, p. 17–73. In: Pinto M.N. Ornitologia 27:230–237. (ed.). Cerrado: caracterização, ocupação e perspectivas. Brasília: Tubelis D.P. & Cavalcanti R.B. 2001. Community similarity and Universidade de Brasília. abundance of bird species in open habitats of a central Brazilian Ferguson-Lees J. & Christie D.A. 2001. Raptors of the world. Boston: Cerrado. Ornitología Neotropical 12: 57–73. Houghton Mifflin Company. Tubelis D.P. & Delitti W.B.C. 2010. Fire management and the nesting França H., Ramos-Neto M.B. & Setzer A. 2007. O fogo no Parque of Athene cunicularia (Aves, Strigidae) in grasslands in central Nacional das Emas. Brasília: Ministério do Meio Ambiente. Cerrado, Brazil. Biota Neotropica 10: bn02910022010. Granzinolli M.M., Rios C.H.V., Meireles L.D. & Monteiro A.R. 2002. Reprodução do Falcão-de-coleira Falco femoralis Temminck Associate Editor: Cristiano S. Azevedo. 1822 (Falconiformes: Falconidae) no município de Juiz de Fora, Revista Brasileira de Ornitologia 27(4): 2019 http://www.deepdyve.com/assets/images/DeepDyve-Logo-lg.png Ornithology Research Springer Journals

Nesting biology of the Aplomado Falcon (Falco femoralis) at Parque Nacional das Emas, central Brazil

Ornithology Research , Volume 27 (4) – Dec 1, 2019

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Revista Brasileira de Ornitologia 27(4): 225–229. ARTICLE December 2019 Nesting biology of the Aplomado Falcon (Falco femoralis) at Parque Nacional das Emas, central Brazil 1,2 Dárius Pukenis Tubelis Departamento de Biociências, Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido, Campus Mossoró, Mossoró, RN, Brazil. Corresponding author: darius.tubelis@gmail.com Received on 17 July 2019. Accepted on 03 October 2019. ABSTRACT: The objective of this study was to investigate aspects of the nesting biology of the Aplomado Falcon, Falco femoralis (Temminck, 1822), at Parque Nacional das Emas, Brazil. Woodland (Campo Cerrado) firebreaks were sear ched for nests in October 2006 and October 2009 by driving a vehicle along a road adjacent to these fire managed vegetation strips. Most (62%) of the eight nests found were in canopies of fruiting Pouteria torta trees. Nests were at 2.2–3.8 m above ground. Invariably, clutch size was of three cream eggs and nestlings had a white plumage in the first days of life. For two active nests, adults also defended an additional empty nest located in the surroundings. No evidences of nest destruction or predation were detected. Falco femoralis successfully uses firebreaks for bree ding at Parque Nacional das Emas. KEY-WORDS: bird, breeding season, egg, Falconidae, fire, nest, reproduction, savanna. INTRODUCTION In Brazil, its nesting has been studied in detail in the Atlantic Forest by Granzinolli et al. (2002) but not in other The Aplomado Falcon, Falco femoralis Temminck, 1822, regions. For example, no study examined its breeding in is widely distributed through the American continents, the Cerrado, where only their feeding ecology (Silveira where it inhabits numerous habitats, except dense et al. 1997) and habitat use (e.g., Antas & Cavalcanti forest and mountain tops (del Hoyo et al. 1994, Stotz 1988, Tubelis & Cavalcanti 2001, Pacheco & Olmos et al. 1996, Mata et al. 2006). They are often found in 2010) have been studied. This study aimed to investigate grasslands, savannas and open areas, including landscapes aspects of the nesting biology of F. femoralis at Parque dominated by agriculture (Stotz et al. 1996, Sick 1997, Nacional das Emas, central Brazil. Characteristics of their Ferguson-Lees & Christie 2001). This mid-sized falcon nests, eggs and nestlings, and trees used for nesting were feeds mainly on insects and small vertebrates such as described. Results were discussed in terms of its nesting birds, lizards, bats and rodents (del Hoyo et al. 1994, biology in the Cerrado and other regions. Ferguson-Lees & Christie 2001, Macías-Duarte et al. 2004). Generally, they are resident but some groups can be migratory, such as those that migrate between the high METHODS Andes and coastal Peru and Chile; in regions such as the Cerrado, they are resident (Sick 1997, Ferguson-Lees & Observations were made at Parque Nacional das Emas, Christie 2001). Goiás state, Brazil. This 132,000 ha conservation unit Despite its wide distribution and commonness, harbors several vegetation physiognomies typical of the information on its breeding is scarce for numerous Cerrado ecoregion. Grasslands and savanna woodlands are regions. Its reproduction has been studied extensively the major matrix types and usually cover uplands (França only in North America, where investigations are et al. 2007). Savanna woodlands (Campo Cerrado and concentrated in the Chihuahua region, northern Mexico Cerrado sensu stricto) have a dense herbaceous stratum, (e.g., Montoya et al. 1997, Macías-Duarte et al. 2004, and numerous shrubs and trees (Eiten 1972 & 1993). Meyer & Williams 2005, Brown & Collopy 2008). On Climate in this region is marked by two well-defined the other hand, studies in the Neotropical region are periods: the rainy season occurs between October and lacking. Timing of breeding varies enormously through April, while the dry season occurs between May and its extensive geographic distribution and clutches have September. Annual precipitation ranges between 1200 between 2 and 4 eggs (del Hoyo et al. 1994, Ferguson- and 2000 mm (Assad 1994) and elevation ranges between Lees & Christie 2001). 720 and 900 m a.s.l. (França et al. 2007). Nests of Falco femoralis in central Cerrado Tubelis At Parque Nacional das Emas, park managers patches due to short Capim Flecha grasses. When a large nest was detected, the observer usually burn strips of grasslands and savanna woodlands approached it on foot to identify the bird associated to in the dry season almost annually to stop the spreading of fire originated on adjacent farmland. These firebreaks it. This because the Red-legged Seriema Cariama cristata called aceiros by managers and scientists lie between two (Linnaeus, 1766), the Buff-necked I bis Theristicus caudatus unsealed roads and are usually 25–100 m wide (Ramos- (Boddaert, 1783), the Curl-crested Jay Cyanocorax cristatellus (Temminck, 1823) and raptors also build large Neto & Pivello 2000, França et al. 2007). Woodland nests in tree canopies in Campo Cerrado patches at this firebreaks have a grassy stratum dominated by Capim Flecha grass (Tristachya leiostachya Ness), that can be near park (pers. obs.). 200 cm high when fully developed with reproductive After being examined on the occasion of their parts. If controlled burnings occur every 1–2 years, findings, nests were visited 2–3 times until 11 O ctober and once between 11 and 14 November 2006. Nests Capim Flecha grass keeps 10–30 cm high at firebreaks found in 2009 were not re-visited. Nests were visited (França et al. 2007). Campo Cerrado patches, managed or not by fire, are a major habitat for F. femoralis at this whenever possible (logistic), thus, visits varied between park and in central Cerrado (Silveira et al. 1997, Antas & 1 and 3 (Table 1). During each visit to a nest, eggs and Cavalcanti 1988, Tubelis & Cavalcanti 2001, Pacheco & nestlings were counted, but not handled. Nest contents were examined by using a mirror attached to a telescopic Olmos 2010). pole. The inferior portion of the nests had t heir height Campo Cerrado woodland firebreaks were sear ched daily for nests in mornings (08:30 to 11:00 h) and from the ground measured with a Bosch laser tape. A afternoons (14:30 to 18:30 h) between 01 and 11 October branch of the tree used for nesting was collected to help 2006 and between 05 and 08 October 2009 by driving a identification of the plant species. Four tall trees were climbed once to photograph eggs and nestlings. vehicle slowly along a road adjacent to them. This sear ch was initiated in early October because active large nests built in trees of firebreaks were found in September 2006, RESULTS AND DISCUSSION when the park was visited by the author to carry out other ornithological studies. Only firebreaks were sampled due Eight nests of F. femoralis were found in Campo Cerrado to the facility of their access from adjacent roads. The firebreaks at Parque Nacional das Emas in October 2006 search covered a total of 32 km of firebreaks crossing six extensive patches of Campo Cerrado vegetation located in and October 2009 (Table 1). As the observer did not the interior (n = 2; 12 km) and at the edge of the park (n = record the precise location of the nests found in 2006, it 4; 20 km). Campo Cerrado patches not managed by fire was not possible to know if falcons used the same trees for nesting in 2009. Further, considering only nests found were not sampled due to time unavailability, and because within a given Campo Cerrado patch, two nests were firebreaks provide a better visibility than unmanaged Table 1. Content and height of nests of the Aplomado Falcon (Falco femoralis) found in Campo Cerrado firebreaks (strips of savanna woodlands managed by fire) at Parque Na cional das Emas, central Brazilian Cerrado, in 2006 and 2009, with the number of visits to each nest. The sequence of nests follows the first day of inspection. Height Number Nest Nest content (m) of visits 1 Three eggs (02 and 03 O ct); three nestlings (08 Oct); empty nest (13 Nov). 3.6 4 2 Three eggs (03 and 07 O ct); Two eggs and one nestling (08 Oct); Three 3.4 5 nestlings (09 Oct); Two young flying with difficulties with adults (12 Nov). 3 Three eggs (03 O ct); Two nestlings and one egg (07 Oct); Three nestlings (08 3.8 4 Oct); One young flying with difficulties with adults (13 Nov). 4 Three eggs (04, 05 and 06 O ct); three nestlings (11 Oct). empty (12 Nov). 2.2 5 5 Three eggs (07, 08 and 10 O ct); Two young flying with difficulties with a dults 2.4 4 (12 Nov). 6 Three eggs (06 O ct). 3.6 1 7 Three nestlings (07 O ct). 4.2 1 8 Three eggs (08 O ct). 3.1 1 Revista Brasileira de Ornitologia 27(4): 2019 Nests of Falco femoralis in central Cerrado Tubelis distant only 800 m from each other in 2006. The other were always of three eggs. Observations permitted to patches had only one nest, in both years. Calculating an examine hatching only for nests 1, 2, 3 and 4 (Table 1). overall mean distance for the eight nests would not be Based on them, it was known that the 12 eggs originated adequate, as it would strongly reflect the distribution of 12 nestlings. Nestlings were born between 03 and the surveyed areas, and not real distances between existing 11 October in 2006 and before 07 October in 2009. nests. This is because other nests could be located in areas Nestlings had a white plumage when aging 1–2 days (Fig. of savanna located between the sampled patches. Six of 1D). For two nests, no adults or young were found in the the eight nests were at less than 70 m from the park's nest or in their surroundings in November 2006. Due frontier, while other two were in more interior portions of to the long interval between visits, it was not possible to the park (firebreaks located at 2–8 km from its frontier). know if young had success or not, as predation, infanticide As longer distances were driven at the park's edge than and fledging can be involved in nest success (Ferguson- in its interior, these numbers might reflect the sampling Lees & Christie 2001, Brown & Collopy 2008). On the effort, and not nest-site selection. other hand, reproduction was successful (sensu Brown & Nests were rough and nearly round structures built Collopy 2008) for nests 2, 3 and 5, as adults were detected with numerous sticks and twigs, a few leaves and clay; when flying with one or two young in the surroundings contrary to that described by Ferguson-Lees & Christie of their nests (Table 1). (2001), grasses were absent (Fig. 1). They were built in As incubation by F. femoralis lasts for about 30–32 tree canopies, and five (62.5%) of them were in fruiting days (del Hoyo et al. 1994, Ferguson-Lees & Christie Pouteria torta (Mart.) (Sapotaceae). Trees that supported 2001) and young were born in early October, egg the other three nests could not be identified due to the laying might have occurred in early September or late loss of branches and photographs, but certainly were not August. Thus, bree ding activities such as pairing, the P. torta. The height of nests ranged between 2.2 m and search for nesting sites and its nest building might start 3.8 m above the ground (Table 1), with a mean of 3.29 in August, coinciding with the end of the dry season in m (SD = 0.35). central Cerrado. October appears to be the main month Eggs and nestlings of F. femoralis were found in both involving young-care; this activity also reaches the next years (Table 1). Eggs were of cream color and had some month, as adults still fly with t heir young around the darker patches originated from dust (Fig. 1C). Clutches nest until at least mid-November. The conduction of Figure 1. Aspects of the nesting biology of the Aplomado Falcon (Falco femoralis) in Campo Cerrado woodland firebreaks at Parque Nacional das Emas, central Brazilian Cerrado, in October 2006: (A) a nest in a short Pouteria torta tree; (B) detail of a nest built in a fruiting P. torta tree; (C) a nest with three eggs; (D) two days old nestlings in a nest. Revista Brasileira de Ornitologia 27(4): 2019 Nests of Falco femoralis in central Cerrado Tubelis observations year-round in future studies will bring more both regions, nest height was higher than 2 m. However, detailed information on the length of different activities the mean height of nests found at firebreaks is lower than of their breeding in central Cerrado. that reported for other regions, such as Argentina (de Generally, when the observer approached the nests Lucca & Saggese 1996) and the Brazilian Atlantic Forest in October, the adults left it; then, the pair kept flying (Granzinolli et al. 2002). around the tree and, alternately, performed a few flights Factors related to the access of adults to the nest, towards the observer, with no physical contact, as often their departure from it, vigilance and avoidance of reported for falcons (e.g., del Hoyo et al. 1994, Sick 1997, predators might be involved in the choice of trees for Ferguson-Lees & Christie 2001). On the other hand, the nesting. Interestingly, T. caudatus (pers. obs.) and C. adults associated with two nests with eggs or nestlings cristata (Tubelis 2019) also use P. torta trees for nesting at also performed these defensive flights when the observer firebreaks in O ctober–November at Parque Nacional das approached other nest distant about 15 m and 20 m Emas. This later study showe d that C. cristata also built from their nests. These nearb y nests were very similar in most (69%) of their nests in P. torta trees. As Aplomado structure to the active nests, but were empty (had no eggs Falcons sometimes use abandoned nests of other birds or nestlings in October 2006). This behavior appears to (del Hoyo et al. 1994, Ferguson-Lees & Christie 2001), be an attempt of distraction to make the observers (or further observations are necessary to know if these falcons potential predators) not find the real active nest. use abandoned nests of seriemas, ibises and other bird No evidences of nest destruction or predation were species in the Cerrado. detected in nests during this study. As observations made The finding of clutches of 3 eggs in woodland in October and November 2006 were separated by about firebreaks agrees with results of major compilations of 30 days, the absence of a nestling or young in the nests information on the breeding biology of F. femoralis, that might represent predation, infanticide or a successful reported nests with 2–4 eggs (del Hoyo et al. 1994, de fledging prior to the latest inspection. The hatching rate Lucca & Saggese 1996, Ferguson-Lees & Christie 2001). of 100% (n = 4) observed in this study is higher than Similar to this study, several studies had reported as that recorded in other regions (e.g., Montoya et al. 1997, frequent clutches of 3 eggs in a diverse range of regions Macías-Duarte et al. 2004, Meyer & Williams 2005, (e.g., Newton 1977, del Hoyo et al. 1994, Montoya et al. Brown & Collopy 2008). It was not possible to know 1997, Granzinolli et al. 2002). what happened with eggs or young in the other four nests. This is the thir d study to examine the use of firebreaks This is the second study to reveal a high per centage as nesting sites by birds at Parque Nacional das Emas, as it of occurrence of nests of Aplomado Falcons in a has been shown that Burrowing Owls [Athene cunicularia particular tree species. This is because Montoya et al. (Molina, 1782)] and Red-legged Seriemas build their (1997) reported a preference for Yucca elata trees in nests in fire managed grasslands and savanna woodlands, Mexican desert grasslands, considering a sample of seven respectively (Tubelis & Delitti 2010; Tubelis 2019). In nests. Other studies have not identified t he plant species both cases, nests were more abundant at firebreaks than used for nesting or involved a few nests, not being able in unmanaged vegetation, and it was argued that a major to identify a choice (e.g., de Lucca & Saggese 1996, reason leading to this nest choice was the shortening of tall Granzinolli et al. 2002, Macías-Duarte et al. 2004, Meyer Capim Flecha grasses by frequent burning. Apparently, & Williams 2005). Also, studies that investigated nest- the burning of firebreaks in June–Ju ly (França et al. 2002) site selection by these falcons examined physical nest-site is also leading to suitable conditions for the breeding of characteristics, but not the plant species used for nesting F. femoralis. Likely, a short grassy stratum favors vigilance (e.g., Brown & Collopy 2008). and prey capture by falcons at firebreaks. As unmanaged The preference for P. torta trees observed at Parque woodlands were not investigated in this study, further Nacional das Emas is weaker than that (86%) reported for research is necessary to understand the influence of fire Yuccas in Mexican grasslands by Montoya et al. (1997). It management on the breeding biology of this species in the was not possible to know the reasons of this differential use Cerrado. This study has shown that Aplomado Falcons of P. torta trees, especially because there is a high species can successfully reproduce in Campo Cerrado firebreaks richness of trees in Campo Cerrado firebreaks. Differently at Parque Nacional das Emas. from that occurred with Yucca trees in Mexican grasslands (Montoya et al. 1997), where they were the only woody ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS plants taller than 2 m, numerous plants were taller than P. torta at firebreaks. However, a similarity between them occurs - Y. elata is the second most abundant plant species The Universidade Federal Rural do Semi-Árido (UFERSA) in the desert grasslands (Montoya et al. 1997), while P. provided logistic support. Rogério Souza (IBAMA) torta is abundant in the studied fire breaks (pers. obs.). In provided a license to study birds at Parque Nacional Revista Brasileira de Ornitologia 27(4): 2019 Nests of Falco femoralis in central Cerrado Tubelis sudeste do Brasil. Biota Neotropica 2: bn01902022002. das Emas. Mário Barroso Ramos-Neto provided a map Macías-Duarte A., Montoya A.B., Hunt W.G., Terrazas A.L. & Tafanelli of this park. Margarete Naomi Sato identified t he plant R. 2004. Reproduction, prey and habitat of the Aplomado Falcon species. Cristiano S. Azevedo and João Paulo S.V. de (Falco femoralis) in desert grasslands of Chihuahua, Mexico. Auk Alencar improved this manuscript by making numerous 121: 1081–1093. suggestions. This resear ch was funded by Fundação Mata J.R.R., Erize F. & Rumboll M. 2006. A field gui de to the birds of South America. London: Harpercollins Publishers Ltd. de Amparo à Pesquisa do Estado de São Paulo/FAPESP Meyer R.A. & Williams S.O. 2005. Recent nesting and current status (Process No. 05/00773-3) and Conselho Nacional de of Aplomado Falcon (Falco femoralis) in New Mexico. North Desenvolvimento Científico e Tecnológico/CNPq (Process American Birds 2: 352–356. No. 471360/2006-6). Montoya A.B., Zwank P.J. & Cardenas M. 1997. Breeding biology of Aplomado Falcons in desert grasslands of Chihuahua, Mexico. Journal of Field Ornithology 68: 135–143. Newton I. 1977. Breeding strategies in birds of prey. Living Bird 16: 51–82. REFERENCES Pacheco J.F. & Olmos F. 2010. As aves do Tocantins, Brasil: Jalapão. Revista Brasileira de Ornitologia 18: 1–18. Antas P.T.Z. & Cavalcanti R.B. 1988. Aves comuns do Planalto Central. Ramos-Neto M.B. & Pivello V.R. 2000. Lightning fires in a Brazilian Brasília: Universidade de Brasília. savanna national park: rethinking management strategies. Assad E.D. 1994. Chuva nos cerrados: análise e espacialização. Brasília: Environmental Management 26: 675–684. EMBRAPA/SPI. Sick H. 1997. Ornitologia brasileira. Rio de Janeiro: Editora Nova Brown J.L. & Collopy M.W. 2008. Nest-site characteristics affect Fronteira. daily nest-survival rates of Northern Aplomado Falcons (Falco Silveira L., Jácomo A.T.A., Rodrigues F.H.G. & Crawshaw-Júnior. femoralis septentrionalis). Auk 125: 105–112. 1997. 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Cerrado: caracterização, ocupação e perspectivas. Brasília: Tubelis D.P. & Cavalcanti R.B. 2001. Community similarity and Universidade de Brasília. abundance of bird species in open habitats of a central Brazilian Ferguson-Lees J. & Christie D.A. 2001. Raptors of the world. Boston: Cerrado. Ornitología Neotropical 12: 57–73. Houghton Mifflin Company. Tubelis D.P. & Delitti W.B.C. 2010. Fire management and the nesting França H., Ramos-Neto M.B. & Setzer A. 2007. O fogo no Parque of Athene cunicularia (Aves, Strigidae) in grasslands in central Nacional das Emas. Brasília: Ministério do Meio Ambiente. Cerrado, Brazil. Biota Neotropica 10: bn02910022010. Granzinolli M.M., Rios C.H.V., Meireles L.D. & Monteiro A.R. 2002. Reprodução do Falcão-de-coleira Falco femoralis Temminck Associate Editor: Cristiano S. Azevedo. 1822 (Falconiformes: Falconidae) no município de Juiz de Fora, Revista Brasileira de Ornitologia 27(4): 2019

Journal

Ornithology ResearchSpringer Journals

Published: Dec 1, 2019

Keywords: bird; breeding season; egg; Falconidae; fre; nest; reproduction; savanna

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