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Monitoring the feeding and parental care behavior of a pair of free-living owls (Tyto furcata) in the nest during the reproductive period in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Authors :
H. V. R. Dias
A. J. Almeida
J. A. Maia-Júnior
R. R. Ribeiro
K. A. A. Torres-Cordido
A. B. F. R. Godinho
L. S. Silveira
Source :
Brazilian Journal of Biology, Vol 84 (2021)
Publication Year :
2021
Publisher :
Instituto Internacional de Ecologia, 2021.

Abstract

Abstract The American Barn Owl (Tyto furcata) lives in urban, periurban and wild environments and feeds mainly on small rodents, meaning it has great importance in the biological control of pests. The aim of this work was to describe the reproductive, parental and eating habits of a pair of American barn owls naturally living outside a residence in the urban area of the municipality of Campos dos Goytacazes, Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil. A wood box was installed on an outside wall of the home, monitored by a video camera. A spreadsheet was created to keep track of the observations recorded. The female laid four eggs, and after an incubation period of 30-32 days all the eggs hatched, but only two chicks survived after cannibalism among the chicks. Initially, the male provided the food to the chicks and the female remained in the nest caring for the brood. After approximately a month, the female also began to leave the nest and return with prey, which was offered to the chicks, with the male also continuing this behavior. The chicks left the nest in September, 2017. The data obtained show the existence of cooperation and division of tasks between male and female owls during the reproductive period.

Details

Language :
English
ISSN :
16784375 and 15196984
Volume :
84
Database :
Directory of Open Access Journals
Journal :
Brazilian Journal of Biology
Publication Type :
Academic Journal
Accession number :
edsdoj.2fb3dc0a55d4ed8bf40e1fecb3d4205
Document Type :
article
Full Text :
https://doi.org/10.1590/1519-6984.249169