Title
The social organization and behaviour of the hoatzin Opisthocomus hoazin in central Venezuela
Author(s)
Strahl, S.D.
Published
1988
Publisher
Ibis
Abstract
Hoatzin, a cooperatively-breeding folivorous bird, nested in communal social units of 2-8 individuals. Units were usually composed of a breeding pair and up to 6 helpers at the nest. Helpers, usually offspring retained from the previous years' nesting, aided in all breeding activities of their social unit except egg production. Hoatzin units defended extremely small, all-purpose territories along watercourses during the rainy (breeding) season, but migrated up to 2 km to areas with permanent water during the dry season. Nesting extended from early May-October. Nest and egg measurements and growth rates of young are provided. Nesting success was low (27%), primarily due to predation by Cebus olivaceus and other species. Annual survival of adults and young was high. Young did not breed during their first year; 90% of yearlings remained on their natal territories as helpers. Females appear to be the dispersing sex. -from Author
Keywords
breeding; helpers; hoatzin; predation; social organization; Venezuela; Cebus olivaceus; Opisthocomus hoazin
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PUB13053