Breeding biology and nest survival of an endemic manakin in the Cerrado savanna of central Brazil

Understanding the breeding biology of birds is essential in studies of avian life history, ecology and behaviour. However, data on fundamental parameters, such as nest survival and predation rates, remain scarce for Neotropical species. This study provides a comprehensive analysis of the breeding biology of the Helmeted Manakin (Chiroxiphia galeata), focusing on factors influencing nest survival. We investigated the effects of nest proximity to water (i.e. streams), nest height, parental visitation rates and nesting stages on the daily survival rate of Helmeted Manakin nests by monitoring 28 nests over four breeding seasons. Females actively defend the nests and are responsible for all nesting duties, including a 12-day nest construction period, 19 days of incubation and an 18.3-day nestling care period. This is similar to other manakins with a non-monogamous mating system, but confirmation of the species’ mating system awaits molecular parentage analysis. As predicted, the nesting stage significantly influenced nest survival. However, the daily survival rate increased during the nestling stage (DSR = 0.992), contrary to our expectation that increased parental activity in this stage would attract predators. Nest survival was not affected by parental visit rate or nest-site attributes (nest height and distance to water). Predation, mainly by primates, accounted for approximately 59% of nest failures, and we provide, to our knowledge, the first documentation of avian egg predation by the Bearded Capuchin monkey (Sapajus libidinosus). This study complements our understanding of the Helmeted Manakin breeding biology and identifies the nesting stage as a key factor influencing nest survival.