Observations on the breeding biology of the Luzon flameback <i>Chrysocolaptes haematribon</i> (Wagler 1827) (Piciformes: Picidae) with notes on active nest defence against dollarbird <i>Eurystomus orientalis</i> (Linnaeus 1766) (Coraciiformes: Coraciidae)

Abstract

The breeding biology of the Luzon flameback Chrysocolaptes haematribon is little known. Here we provide insights on the breeding of the species from two nests we located. Cavity nests were in dead trees and were 15-19 cm deep; entrances were vertical ovals and had dimensions (L×W) of 11-12×8-10 cm. One nest that was observed in April during the days around fledging had one male and one female nestling in it, which left and re-entered the nest on several occasions. The adult female was observed to solely provision food on six occasions, with food items including a moth, a butterfly, beetle larvae, and a small lizard. Attempts by dollarbird Eurystomus orientalis to usurp the nest were observed on each of the three observation days. Both the adult male and adult female flamebacks defended the nest either from the inside, outside or a combination of both. This paper serves as the first detailed report on the breeding biology and nest defence of the species and adds valuable information to the scarce knowledge on woodpeckers in the Philippines.

Keywords

• Asian woodpeckers
• breeding behaviour
• competition
• Luzon
• nest usurpation
• Subic Bay