Breeding biology and nest success of the East Amazonian Fire-eye Pyriglena leuconota pernambucensis in the Atlantic Forest of north-east Brazil

The breeding biology of the East Amazonian Fire-eye Pyriglena leuconota is not yet fully understood. We investigated the ecology of the northeastern subspecies, P. l. pernambucensis, in an Atlantic Forest remnant on the border between Pernambuco and Alagoas, north-east Brazil. Between 1986 and 2022, we found 40 nests between September and June, indicating a protracted breeding season. Each active nest was monitored regularly from a hide. The closed/globular/ base nest weighed on average 41.0 g and measured 17.7 × 16.8 cm. Clutch size was two eggs, measuring 24.6 × 17.9 mm, mass 4.0 g. Mean incubation and nestling periods were 15.5 and 13.1 days, respectively. Apparent nest success rate (nests where at least one nestling fledged) was 42.5%, but lower using the Mayfield method (34.1%). Nestlings were fed spiders and insects, supplemented with lizards and frogs from day ten onwards.