Reproductive strategies of the widely distributed neotropical burrow-nesting bird Momotus momota (Aves: Momotidae) in tropical forest remnants

Abstract

Abstract Birds represent one of the most diverse groups of organisms, particularly in tropical regions. Despite this, our understanding of tropical bird reproductive strategies remains limited, and many theories on the subject are based on non-tropical species. Furthermore, existing studies on the breeding biology of tropical birds have focused on only a few aspects, leaving much of the information speculative. To address this gap, we studied pairs of the Amazonian Motmot (Momotus momota), a widespread neotropical bird, common in forest fragments of central Brazil. We used the mark-recapture method to track pairs over seven reproductive periods. The Amazonian Motmot pairs exhibited characteristics typical of a monogamous social reproductive system, including the absence of dichromism and low sexual dimorphism, pronounced paternal care, solitary nesting, and year-round territoriality. Additionally, pairs remained together for multiple reproductive periods, with a high probability of reuniting with the same partner in subsequent periods (45.5%–73.6%), indicating long-term social monogamy. This study provides significant insights into the reproductive strategies of tropical birds, focusing on nest site selection, parental care, territoriality, and pair bonding in a widely distributed species. Future research should explore broader patterns across different biomes in the neotropics, which host the richest avifauna globally.