Breeding ecology of the Ashy Cuckoo-shrike Coracina cinerea

Abstract

To examine the breeding system of the Ashy Cuckoo-shrike Coracina cinerea, a species endemic to Madagascar, we studied the contributions made by males and females of three pairs to incubating, brooding, and feeding the young. The study was conducted at Ranomafana National Park, southeastern Madagascar, from October to December in 2007. Both sexes participated in incubating and brooding. During the nestling period, both sexes delivered food (mainly caterpillars and grasshoppers) to the nestlings. The nestling period lasted about 24 days. No helpers were observed during our study. These results suggest that the Ashy Cuckoo-shrike is socially monogamous.