Atypical nesting of the Blue-throated Hummingbird (Lampornis clemenciae) in Oaxaca

Abstract

Reproduction is the biological process by which living organisms transmit their genes to their offspring. To enhance the process parental care strategies have been developed to protect the young. In the case of birds, nests provide protection to eggs and chicks, allowing the development of altricial chicks. Nests are constructed in a great variety of shapes and sizes, for example; in hummingbirds they have a compact cup shape. The Blue-throated Hummingbird (Lampornis clemenciae) (Family Trochilidae) builds its nests on a branch, protected by other hanging branches or on exposed roots in undercut banks, under housing eaves, or under bridges. The nests of this species are made with grasses, moss, plant fibers, feathers and cobwebs. On 26 September 2018 in the community of Yosocahua, Municipality of Magdalena Peñasco, Oaxaca, we observed a nest of L. clemenciae built on an aluminum can hung on a wire attached to a partition wall. One of the materials used for its construction was sheep wool. The nest contained three eggs that hatched, but the chicks fell from the nest the end of October and perished. The selection of the site where the nest was built is probably due to the availability of food and the ornamental plants adjacent to it. Its placement under the roof also likely protected it from adverse environmental conditions.