Observations on Fecal Sac Consumption and Near-ground Foraging Behavior in the Olive-sided Flycatcher (Contopus cooperi)

We present details on parental care and foraging behavior of Olive-sided Flycatchers (Contopus cooperi) in central Alaska. We document the first evidence of fecal sac consumption in this species. Both sexes exhibited this behavior while tending chicks less than one week old. Adults with older nestli...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:The Wilson journal of ornithology 2015-06, Vol.127 (2), p.332-336
Main Authors: Hagelin, Julie C., Busby, Shannon, Harding-Scurr, April, Brinkman, Aleya R.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
aerial insectivore
Animal behavior
Animal parental behavior
Animal parental behaviour
breeding
Contopus cooperi
fecal sac
Feces
flower phenology
foraging
Foraging (Animal feeding behavior)
Foraging behavior
Habitats
Insects
Olive-sided Flycatcher
Prey
Sexual behavior
SHORT COMMUNICATIONS
Vegetation
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Summary:We present details on parental care and foraging behavior of Olive-sided Flycatchers (Contopus cooperi) in central Alaska. We document the first evidence of fecal sac consumption in this species. Both sexes exhibited this behavior while tending chicks less than one week old. Adults with older nestlings (1.5–2 weeks) removed fecal sacs only. The general pattern of reduced fecal sac consumption with chick age is consistent with other passerines and may supplement parental nutrition. Near-ground foraging behavior in C. cooperi is rarely reported, as birds typically sally for aerial insects near or above the canopy. Two breeding females fed multiple times from 1–3 m perches, hovering over, flying directly above or disappearing into low vegetation (
ISSN:1559-4491
1938-5447
DOI:10.1676/wils-127-02-332-336.1