Skip to main content
WCS
Menu
Library
Library Catalog
eJournals & eBooks
WCS Research
Archives
Research Use
Finding Aids
Digital Collections
WCS History
WCS Research
Research Publications
Science Data
Services for WCS Researchers
Archives Shop
Bronx Zoo
Department of Tropical Research
Browse By Product
About Us
FAQs
Intern or Volunteer
Staff
Donate
Search WCS.org
Search
search
Popular Search Terms
WCS History
Library and Archives
Library and Archives Menu
Library
Archives
WCS Research
Archives Shop
About Us
Donate
en
fr
Title
The social organization and behaviour of the hoatzin Opisthocomus hoazin in central Venezuela
Author(s)
Strahl, S.D.
Published
1988
Publisher
Ibis
Published Version DOI
https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1474-919X.1988.tb02714.x
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
Access Full Text
A full-text copy of this article may be available. Please email the
WCS Library
to request.
Back
PUB13053