Nest design and parental care of Striped Woodhaunter Automolus subulatus

Abstract

The western and trans-Andean populations of Striped Woodhaunter Automolus subulatus are sometimes considered separate species. We discuss previously published data on the nesting of Striped Woodhaunter and present novel information concerning the nest, eggs, nestlings and parental care of western A. s virgatus and trans-Andean A. s. subulatus. Nest placement and architecture of the two populations are similar to each other and to other Automolus species. However, Striped Woodhaunter build shorter nest tunnels than other related species and genera. All similarities in nest design, nestbuilding behaviour and parental care presented herein support the genetic clade including Automolus, Thripadectes and Clibanornis, but do not differentiate between the subspecies of Striped Woodhaunter. More studies are required about adult attendance and nest design within this clade, taking into account more samples across the species’ range.