Here, we provide the first description of the breeding biology of the Henna-browed Foliage-gleaner, Hylocryptus rectirostris (Wied, 1831). The foliage-gleaner was studied at the Serra do Cipó Nationa Park (Parque Nacional da Serra do Cipó), in the state of Minas Gerais, southeastern Brazil. Birds were marked with color bands and monitored through two reproductive seasons from April 2004 to November 2005. Eggs, nestlings and young are described. Breeding success was calculated for five categories: nest construction, eggs, fledglings, pairs and nests. Nest predation and competition for cavities were also observed. Breeding activity is very synchronous for breeding pairs and in the two reproductive seasons. Twenty nests were found in cavities excavated in steep river banks. Incubation lasts 17 days and nestlings remain in the nest another 21-25 days. Both adults build the nest, incubate the eggs and feed the nestlings, but females develop a larger brood patch. In 2004, nesting success (one or more offspring that fledged) was 33% (n = 9) and in 2005 was 18% (n = 11). Landslides or flooding caused the most nest failures. This study can contribute to future measures for the conservation of this species.
Incubation; nest; reproductive period; reproductive success
