Nesting Material and Nest Building Technique in Two Species of Broadbill (Cymbirhynchus macrorhynchos and Corydon sumatranus, Passeriformes, Eurylaimidae) from Southern Vietnam

Abstract

Despite the relatively small number of species, the biology of most representatives of Suboscines of the Old World, particularly that of broadbills, (Eurylaimidae) remains poorly studied. The nest-building behavior of two species from the monospecific genera of broadbills Corydon sumatranus (Dusky Broadbill) and Cymbirhynchus macrorhynchos (Black-and-red Broadbill) has been described. A detailed study of nest structures has allowed us to determine the materials used in the construction, as well as to study in detail the techniques of its application at different stages of construction. Some unique techniques of nest-building were described. The connection between the properties of the building materials, design features, and construction techniques was characterized. The study of nests in the described species provides a key to understanding the construction of nests in other species of broadbills and in bird species building similar domed pendent nests.