Feeding ecology and specialist diet of critically endangered Ridgway's Hawks

Ridgway's Hawks (Buteo ridgwayi) are critically endangered forest raptors endemic to the Caribbean island of Hispaniola, with ～100 pairs remaining in the world. The species is ecologically little known yet such studies are important for understanding critical habitat needs and population dynamics. We studied the provisioning behavior of adults at 22 nests on the northeast coast of the Dominican Republic from 2005 to 2008. Mean brood size was 1.80 ± 0.45, and the mean number of fledglings per nest was 1.10 ± 0.97. We found that 80% of the prey items delivered to nestlings were reptiles, with lizards accounting for 65% of the prey and those in the genus Celestus accounting for nearly 35% of prey. Other prey items included snakes (14%), rats (9%), and smaller proportions of birds, frogs, and centipedes. The number of prey items and amount of biomass delivered to nestlings did not vary with brood size, but adults delivered more prey to 3‐ to 5‐week‐old nestlings and more biomass to 5‐week‐old nestlings. Food delivery rates did not differ between successful or failed nests, suggesting that food availability did not influence nest outcome. Given that most prey items delivered to nestlings in our study were reptiles, conservation strategies developed for Ridgway's Hawks (e.g., translocations and habitat conservation) should take into consideration their specialist reptile diet.     

Nest loss in capercaillie and black grouse in relation to the small rodent cycle in southeast Norway

Summary The relationship between nest loss in boreal forest grouse and the fluctuations in small rodents was studied at Varaldskogen in southeast Norway during 1979–1986, covering two complete rodent cycles. Nest loss in capercaillie (N=174) and black grouse (N=81) was calculated according to Mayfield (1975) based on nests from radio-equipped hens (N=77) and nests found by other methods (N=178). Small rodent density was measured by snap trapping during spring and autumn. Losses varied as predicted by the classical alternative prey hypothesis (Hagen 1952 and Lack 1954, as elaborated by Angelstam et al. 1984): high losses during rodent crash years (85.5% capercaillie, 51% black grouse), and smaller losses during peak years (54.5% capercaillie, 32.5% black grouse). Losses were inversely related to autumn abundance of rodents in capercaillie (P<0.05), but the correlation was not significant for black grouse (0.10<P<0.20). In capercaillie, the only species with an adequate sample for analysis, no relationship was detected between spring density of rodents and nest loss. Losses during the prepeak years were nearly as high as during crash years, a result inconsistent with the model. We conclude that the numerical response of predators to their cyclic main prey (i.e. small rodents) probably play a main role during the low phase and prepeak year, whereas the dietary shift is most important during the peak and crash year of the cycle.     

Breeding biology of White‐rumped Tanagers in central Brazil

ABSTRACT White‐rumped Tanagers (Cypsnagra hirundinacea) are widely distributed in northern Brazil, Bolivia, and Paraguay, and are classified as vulnerable in the state of Paraná and as endangered in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Little is currently known about their breeding biology. We studied the breeding behavior of White‐rumped Tanagers in the Cerrado (Neotropical savanna) in central Brazil from 2002 to 2007. The breeding period extended from mid‐August to mid‐December. Nests were cup‐shaped and located mainly in trees of the genus Kielmeyera at a mean height of 3.7 ± 0.3 m (SE). Clutch sizes varied from one to three eggs and the incubation period lasted an average of 16.0 ± 0.3 d. Incubation was by females only and started with the laying of the first egg. Mean nest attentiveness (percent time on nests by females) was 64 ± 0.08%. Nestlings were fed by males, females, and, when present, helpers. The mean rate of food delivery rate to nests was 5.2 ± 0.4 items/h, with rates similar for males (mean = 2.7 ± 0.3 items/h) and females (mean = 2.4 ± 0.3 items/h). The mean duration of the nestling period was 12.1 ± 0.5 d. Compared to many temperate species of tanagers, White‐rumped Tanagers in our study had relatively small clutches, low nest attentiveness, and long incubation periods. As with other tropical species, such characteristics might be due to food limitation or high rates of nest predation.     

Reconstruction ofRopalidia fasciata nests by progeny females after a typhoon and its significance in the social evolution of wasps

A strong typhoon, Typhoon 13, which swept through Okinawa on 2 and 3 September 1993, knocked down 57 to 61 of 97Ropalidia fasciata nests. Thirty-five colonies soon reconstructed their nests, and these nests produced 54±46 adults per nest during the remaining two and a half months before winter. The number of females involved in nest reconstruction was 21.3±15.7 per nest. The frequency of foraging activity was significantly higher in nests being reconstructed than in normal nests. As only one out of 205 foundresses marked in spring was found in early September, most cases of nest reconstruction were considered to be made exclusively by females that emerged during the spring and summer of 1993 (progeny females). All of the reconstructed nests but one produced adult females. Many females (31%) collected from the two reconstructed nests were inseminated. As all the reconstructed nests became vacant by early January, indicating completion of the colony cycle, and a large number of nests were established in the spring of 1994, females emerging from reconstructed nests in 1993 probably become foundresses in 1994.Ropalidia fasciata is considered to be, at least partially, bivoltine in Okinawa. The significance of these facts for the evolution of multi-queen social systems in the Polistinae is discussed.     

Predators of Greater Sage‐Grouse nests identified by video monitoring

ABSTRACT Nest predation is the primary cause of nest failure for Greater Sage‐Grouse (Centrocercus urophasianus), but the identity of their nest predators is often uncertain. Confirming the identity of these predators may be useful in enhancing management strategies designed to increase nest success. From 2002 to 2005, we monitored 87 Greater Sage‐Grouse nests (camera, N= 55; no camera, N= 32) in northeastern Nevada and south‐central Idaho and identified predators at 17 nests, with Common Ravens (Corvus corax) preying on eggs at 10 nests and American badgers (Taxidea taxis) at seven. Rodents were frequently observed at grouse nests, but did not prey on grouse eggs. Because sign left by ravens and badgers was often indistinguishable following nest predation, identifying nest predators based on egg removal, the presence of egg shells, or other sign was not possible. Most predation occurred when females were on nests. Active nest defense by grouse was rare and always unsuccessful. Continuous video monitoring of Sage‐Grouse nests permitted unambiguous identification of nest predators. Additional monitoring studies could help improve our understanding of the causes of Sage‐Grouse nest failure in the face of land‐use changes in the Intermountain West.     

Nesting biology and food habits of the endangered Sakalava Rail Amaurornis olivieri in the Mandrozo Protected Area,western Madagascar§

We studied the nesting biology and food habits of the endangered and endemic Sakalava Rail Amaurornis olivieri from July to November 2015 in the Mandrozo Protected Area, western Madagascar. Three nesting pairs were observed and their nests were constructed in a dense mat of reeds Phragmites mauritianus and averaged 56.7 ± 15.3 cm above the water (n = 3 nests). Nests were built by both adults and it took 3 d on average to complete a nest (n = 2 nests). Thirteen matings were observed and lasted 4.1 s on average (n = 2 pairs). Average clutch size was three eggs (n = 2 nests). Both sexes incubated; the incubation period was 15–17 d (n = 2 nests). Both male and female participated in brooding and feeding the young, which remained for 3 d in the nest and became independent of their parents at 45 d of age. Based on 194 identified food items, the Sakalava Rail’s diet was composed of invertebrates: spiders (53.1%), insects (32%), crustaceans (10.8%) and molluscs (4.1%). The home ranges of two radio-tagged individuals were 0.95 and 1.98 ha.     

Columbian sharp-tailed grouse female and nest survival in northwestern Colorado

Wildlife management and conservation can be challenging when the demography of a focal species is unknown or limited given that fecundity and adult survival influence population growth. The Columbian sharp-tailed grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus columbianus) have been reduced to ≤10% of their former range since the early 1900s. We conducted a 3-year study (2015–2017) across 4 study sites in northwestern Colorado, USA, to evaluate female hazard and nest survival. We trapped and marked 270 female sharp-tailed grouse and identified 275 nests for our hazard and survival analyses. Females during the breeding stage of the reproductive season experienced more hazard compared to the nesting and the early and late post-nesting stages for females without broods. Females experienced a higher degree of hazard during the breeding stage and mortality risk was >3 times higher than the nesting stage, >7 times higher than early post-nesting (EPN)-no brood stage, and >5 times higher than the late post-nesting (LPN)-unsuccessful stage. Two reproductive season stages (LPN-successful and EPN-brood) provided marginal inference. Nest incubation initiation date and nest age best described nest daily survival. Females that initiated incubation of initial nests earlier in the season experienced lower nest daily survival than later in the incubation season. Because female Columbian sharp-tailed grouse hazard varied among different reproductive season stages, we recommend that wildlife managers develop management actions that reduce hazard during the specific reproductive season stages (i.e., the breeding season). For Columbian sharp-tailed grouse in Colorado, we recommend that Colorado Parks and Wildlife collaborate with federal farm program agencies to implement a no-tillage restriction from 1 May through 30 June for active agricultural fields within 2 km of active Columbian sharp-tailed grouse leks to enhance nest survival.     

Parental differences in brood provisioning by Hen Harriers Circus cyaneus

Capsule Females varied their provisioning patterns according to brood age and brood size, whereas males did not.

Aims To quantify how parents balance the needs of their offspring for food and protection.

Methods We studied 13 nests from hides and spent on average 101 hours per nest monitoring prey types, provisioning rate and the time spent at the nest by both sexes in relation to brood size and brood age.

Results Males always provided more food than females. Males brought similar amounts of prey items irrespective of brood size and nestling age, whereas females brought more prey and bigger items to larger and older broods. Females spent less time brooding larger broods, particularly early on.

Conclusions Hen Harrier parents share the provisioning burden, with each parent delivering prey as a function of brood care requirements, hunting capability and the behaviour of the other parent.     

Diversionary feeding and nestling diet of Hen Harriers Circus cyaneus

Capsule: Diversionary feeding reduced Hen Harrier Circus cyaneus nestlings’ natural food intake by half. Red Grouse Lagopus lagopus scotica chicks constituted 0–4% of all nestling food items. Annually, this reduced annual grouse chick production by 0–6%.

Aim: To quantify proportions of diversionary and natural food (including grouse) delivered to Hen Harrier nestlings in relation to brood size, male status and natural prey abundance.

Methods: We recorded diversionary food provisioned to 25 Hen Harrier broods (2008–15) and studied the diet of 15 broods using observations from hides, nest cameras and regurgitated pellet analysis. Variation in nestling diet was analysed using compositional analysis.

Results: Hen Harriers took 76% of diversionary food provided. Depending on assessment method, average nestling diet was 44–53% diversionary food, 39–55% natural prey (including 24–45% passerines, 4–15% small mammals, 0–4% grouse chicks) and 0–9% unknown items. The amount of diversionary food consumed was not influenced by male status, brood size or natural prey abundance. The number of Red Grouse chicks delivered annually was 34–100% lower than expected under unfed conditions, however, the confidence intervals associated with these estimates were large.

Conclusion: Diversionary food influenced Hen Harrier nestling diet and reduced the number of Red Grouse chicks taken relative to modelled predictions. It may help reduce conflict between Hen Harrier conservation and Red Grouse shooting, but only if overall grouse productivity is thereby maintained or increased.     

The fleas of a population of weasels in Wytham Woods, Oxford

Weasels were regularly livetrapped, anaesthetized and searched for fleas over two years, in Wytham Woods, near Oxford. Eleven species of fleas were identified among 262 collected. Seven normally occur on small rodents, one on rats, two on moles and one on birds. Fleas were collected on 103 of 338 occasions when an unconscious weasel was examined; on average males carried 0·6 fleas, females 1·5 fleas, but there was no significant difference between the proportion of males and females infested. The species distribution of the fleas on weasels in Wytham suggests that they acquire their fleas mainly from the nests and runways of their prey, which they have hunted through or taken over. Important prey, e.g. birds (22% of prey items identified) with uninviting nests contributed few fleas (2%); non-prey, e.g. moles (0–4% of items) with highly desirable nests, contributed disproportionately many, including 35 fleas (15%) of two species otherwise monoxenous on moles. A similar pattern is shown by the fleas carried by stoats in New Zealand.     

Golden Eagles Aquila chrysaetos: land use and food in northeast Scotland

This paper contrasts changes in breeding numbers and breeding success of Golden Eagles Aquila chrysaetos on four areas with different land uses. On land primarily used for deer stalking but also for grouse shooting, and supporting abundant prey, the number of eagle pairs was steady in 1944-80. On deer land with fewer prey, the number of pairs declined greatly in the 1960s, when deer carrion became scarcer following increased shooting of red deer. On grouse moors incorporating deer stalking, the number of pairs declined in the 1950s due to persecution by gamekeepers, and then largely recovered as this lessened. On grouse moors with little or no stalking, the number of pairs fell after 1946 and remained low due to persecution, which has continued since then. Eagles on grouse moors bred poorly due to persecution. On deer land they were seldom persecuted by estate staff, and bred well. On an area of deer land, the mean annual number of young reared per undisturbed clutch in summer was related to the estimated weight of prey in the spring of the same year. The eagles have remained fairly pesticide-free, and bred well in 1963-65 when more contaminated birds in west Scotland bred poorly.     

Linear roadside remnants: Their influence on den‐use,home range and mating system in bobucks (Trichosurus cunninghami)

Abstract Forest clearance results in a marked change in the dispersion of resources such as food and shelter: from a relatively continuous distribution, to patches and strips of remnant habitat set in a more or less inhospitable matrix. Such changes in the patterns of resource dispersion have the potential to strongly influence the dynamics of social and mating systems of resident animal populations. We studied the den‐use patterns, home range characteristics and mating system of a population of bobucks, Trichosurus cunninghami (Marsupialia: Phalangeridae), permanently resident in linear roadside strips of vegetation in north‐eastern Victoria, Australia in order to gain a greater understanding of the impacts of occupying linear roadside habitats on the behavioural ecology of arboreal marsupials. We radio‐tracked 11 adult females and six adult males and collected 2126 diurnal fixes (mean 125/individual) and 1044 nocturnal fixes (mean 61/individual). Males used significantly more den‐trees (mean 16.5 ± 1.5 den‐trees/individual) than females (mean 7.4 ± 0.6 den‐trees/individual) and had home ranges more than twice the size of those of females (male mean 5.1 ± 0.8 ha, female mean 2.1 ± 0.3 ha). On average, each male's home range overlapped with those of three females; there was little intrasexual home range overlap in either sex. Genetic parentage analysis of all young sampled during the study (n = 22) established that only males that overlapped in home range with females had sired those females' young. All but one male in the study sired multiple young in each of the years they were recorded breeding. These behavioural and genetic data indicate that the roadside population was polygynous, in contrast to the socially monogamous bobuck population we studied in a neighbouring forest patch. These differences in behaviour may reflect patterns of resource distribution in the two habitats.     

Ground cavity nest temperatures and their relevance to Blue Swallow Hirundo atrocaerulea conservation

Blue Swallows Hirundo atrocaerulea are Critically Endangered within South Africa. They nest in natural underground holes in mist-belt grasslands. Temperature dataloggers were used to record ground cavity nest (T_n) and ambient temperature (T_a) for one artificial and 11 natural Blue Swallow nests. Mean ground cavity T_n was significantly different to mean T_a. T_n ranged from 17.0 ± 0.1 °C to 28.5 ± 0.3 °C and varied less than T_a (14.0 ± 0.2 to 47.7 ± 0.4 °C). Mean ground cavity T_n averaged 3.3 ± 0.9 °C warmer than mean T_a for 58% of nests, and mean T_a averaged 2.6 ± 0.5 °C warmer than mean ground cavity T_n for 42% of nests. There was no significant difference in mean ground cavity T_n for the aardvark-excavated holes (22.7 ± 1.6 °C) and sinkholes (21.5 ± 1.2 °C). Blue Swallows also nest in man-made holes, potentially a way to increase nesting sites. Mean aardvark-excavated T_n (19.2 ± 0.1 °C) was significantly warmer than mean artificial cavity T_n (18.5 ± 0.2 °C). Further investigation of breeding success of Blue Swallows in relation to T_n, incubation strategies and predation risk needs to be addressed in future studies for a better understanding of their reproductive ecology.     

Goshawk predation during winter, spring and summer in a boreal forest area of central Sweden

Predation by goshawks was studied in a central Swedish boreal forest area. Data were collected in winter (January–February) 1977-81 by tracking radio-tagged goshawks, and in the breeding season (April–July) by collecting prey remains at the nest. In the breeding season birds dominated the prey, amounting to 86% of prey number and 91% of prey biomass. Wood pigeon Columba palumbus , black grouse Tetrao tetrix , hooded crow Corvus corone cornix and jay Garrulus glandarius accounted for more than 50% of the prey animals, whereas capercaillie Tetrao urogallus and black grouse accounted for more than 50% of prey biomass. There was no functional response to black grouse density fluctuations. Every year goshawks killed significantly more females than males of both capercaillie and black grouse, due to high vulnerability of the grouse hens while laying and incubating. It was estimated that during spring and early summer goshawk predation removed 25% of the female, and 14% of the male black grouse population. In winter squirrel was the dominating prey, both in terms of number (79%) and weight (56%). The proportion of squirrel in the diet was equally high both in winters of low and high squirrel density. The high proportion of squirrel in the winterdiet, as compared to the breeding season, is believed to be due to squirrels having to accept an increased predation risk in winter, in order to feed efficiently enough.     

Running on empty? Freshwater feeding by spawning anadromous alewife Alosa pseudoharengus

Anadromous alewife Alosa pseudoharengus (n = 202; mean ± s.d . fork length = 231 ± 14 mm) were captured from 10 May to 27 June 2018 in an upper watershed lake on the Isthmus of Chignecto, Canada (45°57′N, 64°14′W). Thirty individuals (mean ± s.d. fork length = 250 ± 12 mm) were captured in an adjacent estuary downstream of a tide gate on 25 April 2018. Comparing estuarine to freshwater specimens, mean gonad mass and gonadosomatic indices in males and females decreased approximately 40% and 60%, and 31% and 50%, respectively. Individuals were characterized as pre-spawners in the estuary and spawners in the lake. Males maintained similar body condition throughout the spawning run whereas female condition decreased 9.4% between the estuary and lake. Stomach fullness decreased comparing estuarine and freshwater specimens, yet 93% of stomachs examined from individuals captured in the lake contained prey. Most males fed throughout all spawning stages (3%–17% empty stomachs), while all females fed during pre- and post-spawning stages and some fasted during spawning (11% empty stomachs). Cumulative prey curve never reached an asymptote, either weekly or for the entire sampling period, so freshwater diet may not have been completely described. Calanoid copepods (79.3%I_A) were a diet staple, with the secondary prey of mayfly nymphs (O. Ephemeroptera) consumed more by females (13.6%I_A) than males (6.2%I_A). PERMANOVA and PERMDISP analyses revealed significant dietary differences in freshwater were weekly and not due to dispersion effects, thus most likely due to feeding on various development stages of insect species. Our results challenge the long-held paradigm that anadromous A. pseudoharengus fast during the spawning migration.     

Impact of climate change and prey abundance on nesting success of a top predator, the goshawk

Contemporary research has documented a large number of shifts in spring phenology and changes in distribution range although the average spring temperatures have increased by only 0.3–0.6 °C over the past 100 years. Generally, earlier breeding birds have larger clutch sizes, and the advancing spring could thus potentially increase breeding success. Shifts in spring phenology can, however, be crucial for bird reproduction, and mistiming the breeding event may even have negative consequences for population development. Our aim was to explore how weather and prey abundance relates to the breeding performance of a north European top predator, the northern goshawk Accipiter gentilis. Our nationwide dataset from Finland, spanning the period 1989–2004, shows that ambient weather has a greater impact on the timing and success of breeding than the density of grouse Tetraonidae, the main prey of goshawks. Higher early spring temperatures were associated with advancing hatching date of goshawks. Correspondingly, grouse density and temperature during laying and brooding were positively associated with brood size, while precipitation showed a negative connection. Applying our models to a future scenario of climate warming, combined with a 50 % reduction in grouse density, suggests that average breeding dates will advance only 2.5 days and average breeding success would remain the same. Notably, breeding success was not spatially equal throughout Finland, as northern and eastern populations suffered most from declining grouse densities. The observed pattern is thus the opposite to what is expected from a population situated at the northern edge of its distribution range, and thus may help to understand why populations may not increase at the northern edge of their thermal distribution due to climate change.     

9. LIST OF MEMBERS (as at date of publication)

We studied the breeding ecology of the Chestnut-backed Sparrowlark Eremopterix leucotis over three years between 2008 and 2010. The breeding season was bimodal with a main peak in laying in autumn (March–April) and another smaller peak in spring (September–October). Nest microhabitat analyses showed they prefer nesting in open areas with lots of bare ground (median 67.5%). Nest entrance directions were biased towards the south (mean vector (µ) = 186.44°). The majority of nests (78.2%) had an apron at the nest entrance. The mean clutch size was 1.88 but there was geographic variation in clutch size between northern and southern races of the species. The mean incubation and nestling periods were 10.33 d (range 10–11 d) and 9.20 d (range 8–10 d), respectively. The results suggest that parental contributions during incubation are almost equal, but females made significantly more food deliveries during the nestling period compared to males. The diet of nestlings comprised mainly of invertebrates (50.2%), seeds (34.4%) and unidentified food items (15.4%). Breeding success was low, averaging 16.1% (range 8.1–20.6%), and the average number of fledged young per pair was 0.36 ± 0.71. Replacement broods were common and we also recorded repeat brooding attempts.     

Population structure,recruitment, and mortality of the freshwater crab Dilocarcinus pagei Stimpson, 1861 (Brachyura,Trichodactylidae) in Southeastern Brazil

Freshwater crabs of the family Trichodactylidae are widely distributed in major river basins of the South American continent. The population structure of one species, Dilocarcinus pagei, was analyzed in an artificial reservoir in Southeastern Brazil, recording data on the sex ratio, recruitment, and mortality. A total of 1339 crabs were collected and included 804 males and 535 females (3 ovigerous and 4 with hatchlings); the sex ratio was 1:0.61 (males: females). Two modes of male and female carapace width (CW) were recorded, with means of 14.4 mm (n = 407) and 38.9 mm (n = 394) for males and 17.9 mm CW (n = 269) and 39.2 mm (n = 267) for females. The mean size of males (CW = 26.6 ± 13.8 mm) was significantly larger than that of females (CW = 28.5 ± 12.8 mm). The data indicated that recruitment occurs in summer (January–March), with the reproductive period in spring (October–December), periods with the highest rainfall and temperature values in the region. Reproduction leads to the death of the parents, influencing the sex ratio, which oscillates mainly during the reproductive period.     

Spatial dynamics in breeding performance of a predator: the connection to prey availability

Using nationwide long-term data on goshawk and grouse populations in Finland we study the spatial dynamics of the numbers of breeding northern goshawk ( Accipiter gentilis ) pairs, goshawk brood size and offspring sex ratio and their connection to the abundance of grouse. Our first large-scale data comprise of observations on goshawk nests during 1986–2001 pooled to 21 different regions. The second set are annual (1989–1998) observations of brood size and offspring sex ratio (females over the sum of females and males) in goshawk nests all over the country, aggregated to 50 km grid level (n=28 grid units). The third set comprises counts (1989–2001) of four species of woodland grouse, split to adults and juveniles, also given in the same 50 km grid units. Using these data, we show that the annual numbers of northern goshawk nests in the different regions fluctuate in synchrony. Synchrony is also found in long-term fluctuations of northern goshawk brood size and offspring sex ratio. Moreover, synchrony is found in annual numbers of grouse juveniles and adults, the main prey for the northern goshawk. In the brood size and offspring sex ratio of the goshawk, as well as in the annual numbers of grouse juveniles and adults the degree of synchrony falls off with increasing distance. However, only in sex ratios and in grouse dynamics are the slopes of synchrony vs distance roughly matching. We also found that sex ratio either vs grouse juveniles or grouse adults has a more matching spatial dimension (50 km radius) that sex ratio vs brood size. These observation lend support to the hypothesis that goshawk offspring sex ratio and grouse abundance are interconnected. Despite the reason, consequences of spatial coupling in sex ratio could have repercussions on other life history events.     

The social organization and breeding behaviour of the Yellow-faced Honeyeater Lichenostomus chrysops– a migratory passerine from the Southern Hemisphere

Southern Hemisphere passerines are generally thought to have long breeding seasons and high annual survivorship, but this may reflect a bias resulting from a disproportionate concentration on sedentary species. This study presents a detailed examination of the breeding biology and social organization of a migratory population of a passerine from the Southern Hemisphere – the Yellow‐faced Honeyeater Lichenostomus chrysops. It took place between 1997 and 2000 in the Coranderrk Reserve, Healesville, Australia. Following the birds’ return from migration, breeding commenced in mid‐November, roughly 2 months after arrival. The breeding season was short (3.5–4 months) compared with sedentary honeyeaters occupying the same habitat. Territories (0.19 ± 0.11 ha) were established by males but defended by both sexes against conspecific and heterospecific intruders. Within a breeding season, pairs were multibrooded (mean no. of clutches per season 2.14 ± 0.76, range 1–3) and always re‐nested within the same territory with the same partner. However, only 12.5% of pairs bred together in a subsequent breeding season despite, on many occasions, their partner from the previous season being alive (divorce rate of 75% for males and 66% for females). Females alone built the nest, incubated the eggs and brooded the nestlings. However, males contributed 44.5% of feeding visits to nestlings. The breeding cycle of Yellow‐faced Honeyeaters (clutch size 1–3 eggs, mean 2.4 ± 0.6, n = 84, incubation period 14.4 ± 0.7 days, n = 11, nestling period 13.0 ± 1.7 days, n = 6) was similar to that of sedentary honeyeaters (and Southern Hemisphere Corvidae in general), except that fledglings only remained on the parental territory for 2–3 weeks post‐fledging. At least one young fledged from 32.1% of nests (n = 156). Predation was the major cause of nest failure (74.5% of 106 failed nests). Only 4.4% of nestlings (n = 136) were observed on the study site in subsequent seasons (five males and one female). None of those males was observed on the study site until their second year of life. Adult annual survivorship (ignoring losses due to dispersal) was 43% for females and 51% for males. Our study suggests that if more data were available for the numerous migratory species from the Southern Hemisphere, some apparent differences from northern hemisphere passerines might disappear.