First observation of a brood patch on a male sunbird (Chalcomitra amethystina)

• DOI: 10.1007/s10336-022-01964-7
• Publication Date: 2022-01-30T10:02:21Z
• Authors: Svana Rogalla; Michaël P. J. Nic...; Viki Vandomme; Robin Teifel; Susana Clusella-T...; Liliana D’Alba; Matthew D. Shawkey
• Keywords: Paternal care

Peer reviewed<br/>Nest care and brooding in sunbirds (Nectariniidae) is thought to be performed exclusively by females. Here, we provide the first evidence that male sunbirds might help with brooding. During a ringing session in Hoekwil, South Africa, we observed one male Amethyst Sunbird (Chalcomitra amethystina) with a brood patch. Its sex was confirmed using molecular methods, and our observation suggests that nest care in sunbirds may at least in some cases be biparental.<br/>This work was supported by the Research Foundation Flanders (FWO) (GOG2217N). Field work was supported by the German Ornithologists’ Society and by a South Africa Research (NRF)/Fonds Wetenschappelijk Onderzoek (FWO) Joint Scientific and Technological cooperation programme (NRF—FLGR160625174165).<br/>