A scientific study also carried out, for the first time, a bioacoustic analysis and a graphic representation of the call of the chicks of this bird in the country.
A study developed by researchers from the University of La Laguna and the National Institute of Biodiversity (Inabio) shows that the defensive behavior of the chicks of the black vulture (Coragyps atratus) in front of the human presence is one of the determining factors in its success of colonization and reproduction in Ecuador and in other countries of South America.
In addition, this research conducted for the first time in Ecuador a bioacoustic analysis and a graphic representation of the call obtained from two chicks of the species west of the Andes, according to a statement from Inabio.
The scientists presented the description of two black vulture nests with chicks at different stages of development. These observations support previous reports on the seasonal reproduction of C. atratus in Southamerica.
The black vulture is distributed in warm temperate and tropical areas from southern Canada to southern Chile and Argentina. ANDn Ecuador is a common species that is present in the three natural regions (Costa, Sierra and Amazonia). Its known altitudinal range goes from 0–3650 meters above sea level.
Generally, it prefers intervened areas around human settlements, being less frequent in extensions of primary forest.
In North America, reproduction has been reported in the first half of the year, between October and May in Central America, and in South America eggs have been found throughout the year, although more frequently between winter and spring in countries that have these climatic seasons.
The nests of this bird are generally found in the roots of large trees. Selecting a nesting site provides protection from predators, provides ideal microclimates for the development of eggs and chicks, and minimizes the detrimental effects of parasites.
The researchers suggest that nests hidden among the dense shrubby vegetation, such as the one found on Cerro Bombolí, are probably common, although poorly studied. In this way, it is proposed that it could be relevant to identify the variables that favor the nesting success of the species from its early stages of development (chicks) and in each nesting event.
Understanding their reproductive requirements is essential if one takes into account that the species, in addition to eliminating decomposing organic matter and preventing the spread of pathogens, provides various ecosystem services from its juvenile stages, such as accelerating the nutrient cycling process and detection of contaminants.
Chicks and adults emit hissing warning sounds that have been documented by observers in Brazil and the United States, and are deposited in online archives (www.xeno-canto.org).
The recording, analysis and graphic representation of the vocalisation of the pigeons of C. atratus It is the first in Ecuador. On the other hand, the aggressive behavior observed in the offspring of the species, both chicks and juveniles, suggests a high degree of defense that has also been evidenced in adult individuals. This defensive attitude is probably one of the determining factors in their colonization and reproduction success.
The laying dates of the eggs in this report were calculated between December (Yasuní) and March (Bombolí). This determined an approximate age of two months for individuals from the Yasuní National Park and one month for individuals from Cerro Bombolí.
The study was published in the Ecuadorian Journal of Ornithology. (I)
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