THE ANNUAL CYCLE AND BREEDING-BEHAVIOR OF THE MAURITIUS FODY FOUDIA-RUBRA

The Mauritius Fody Foudia rubra, a highly endangered species of weaver (Ploceidae) endemic to Mauritius, was studied from 1989-1993. The plu mage, various display postures (typical of the family), and seven adul t and two juvenile vocalisations are described. The diet consisted of insects, nectar and fruit, Males were in breeding plumage, and breedin g took place, between late August and early April, although severe wea ther in February 1992 terminated breeding activity early. The species appeared to be monogamous and was suspected to maintain a long-term pa ir bond. Pairs occupied exclusive territories of not less than 0.9 ha. Both sexes built the nest from the outset, but only the female lined it. Between breeding attempts, some pairs habitually started but then abandoned one or more nests. Clutch sizes of two to four were recorded , three being the norm. Incubation and brooding were carried out by th e female; the male joined in feeding the young after daytime brooding ceased. Juvenile dependency appeared to last around two weeks after wh ich the young were ousted from the territory. The potential productivi ty of up to three broods per pair per year was not achieved by any pai r studied because of poor nesting success. A complete moult followed b reeding. Territorial defence continued throughout the year, and no evi dence for seasonal movements was seen. Two behavioural features seem u nexpected: 1) male nest invitation and nest advertisement behaviour ap peared to be absent; 2) females participated from the outset of nest-b uilding (including prospecting). These could be explained by the exist ence of a long-term pair bond, which needs to be confirmed but would n ot; be surprising in a species that remains on territory all year. Hyp otheses that could be tested to find a mechanism responsible for the u nusual features of the fody are suggested. In comparison with other fo dies studied, the breeding behaviour most resembled that of the Seyche lles Fody F. sechellarum (also a monogamous, nongraminivorous omnivore that breeds in solitary pairs in evergreen forest). The annual cycle was similar to that of other native passerines and most other fody tax a.