A case of Straight-billed Reedhaunter (Limnoctites rectirostris: Furnariidae) nesting in Teasel (Dipsacus fullonum: Dipsacoideae)

Abstract

I present a case of a Straight-billed Reedhaunter (Limnoctites rectirostris) nesting in Teasel (Dipsacus fullonum), an exotic plant widely distributed in the study area in northeast of Buenos Aires province, Argentina. Limnoctites nests specifically in Eryngo (Eryngium), however I show here that it may also nest in other plants with fairly similar (thistle-like) characteristics, when in close proximity to Eryngium. The nest, active with one egg and two chicks, was destroyed by a rainstorm which toppled the Teasel. Since the structure did not fall completely to the ground the nestlings initially remained alive, but eventually perished, although the nest was not destroyed.