Andean solitaire

Abstract: – We studied the reproductive biology of Andean Solitaire (Myadestes ralloides) over the course of 6 years on the east slope of the Ecuadorian Andes. Breeding activity lasts from January to July, peaking around April and March. Nests (n = 26) were mossy cups, thickly lined with tree fern scales, and placed either on low banks or mossy tree trunks. Clutch size (n = 13 nests) ranged from 1 (1 nest) to 3 eggs (1 nest), most often 2. Mean egg size was 24.3 by 17.1 mm (n = 28), and mean fresh egg weight was 3.7 g (n = 6). Mean rate of mass loss was 1.1% per day of original mass. Andean Solitaires had an incubation period of 14–17 days, and a nestling period of 14–15 days. Growth rate of young expressed by the K parameter of the logistic equation was 0.33. We estimate a nest survival rate of 39%. Accepted 10 December