Title
Population density and behavior of Chestnut-breasted Wren in a Colombian cloud forest
Author(s)
Tello, S. A.;Kattan, G. H.
Published
2010
Publisher
Ornitología Neotropical
Abstract
Population density and behavior of Chestnut-breasted Wren in a Colombian cloud forest. The patterns of use of space in populations depend both on ecological factors and the social systems of species. Responses of species to such factors are reflected in their population densities. This study presents estimates of population density and describes the social structure of the Chestnut-breasted Wren (Cyphorhinus thoracicus) in the Otun Quimbaya Flora and Fauna Sanctuary, Central Andes of Colombia, during a seven-month period. To obtain population densities, visual and aural censuses using song playbacks were conducted in points distributed across three habitat types. The estimated density was 2.06 individuals/ha for a total sampled area of 76.4 ha. The social structure was determined by following animals opportunistically, for the longest times possible. Wrens stayed in pairs and family groups that remained together for the duration of the study, within a territory where they conducted all their activities. All members of a social unit took part in territorial defense by means of songs and agonistic behaviors. Mean territory size for ten territories was 0.53 ha. The high population density estimate in the survey area suggests that the Chestnut-breasted Wren could be abundant in Andean forest fragments; however its dispersion capabilities might be limited due to its microhabitat requirements.

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PUB14841