Breeding biology of the White-collared Swift Streptoprocne zonaris in southeastern Brazil

Abstract

White-collared Swifts Streptoprocne zonaris are common throughout the tropical Americas. They usually breed in colonies in wet caves and next to waterfalls. Despite their widespread range, little is known about their breeding biology. Here I present data gathered from 2012 to 2014 at two breeding sites, Luminosa Cave and Água Comprida waterfall, located within Intervales State Park, in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. More than 30 nests were found in the cave and one behind a waterfall. The egg-laying period began in late October and lasted until the first week of November. Nests were made mostly of bryophytes, with some fresh and dry leaves and sand. Eggs were dull white, and had an oval shape. Nestlings per nest varied from 1 to 3. The fledging period was between 41-51 days. This is the first record for this species of a successful nest with 3 nestlings. The species showed high nest site fidelity. Plumage development was similar to other species in the genus.