Notes on the nesting biology of the Apical Flycatcher, a Colombian endemic

Incidental to a study of the breeding biology of other cavity-nesting speci es, we obtained data on an Apical Flycatcher (Myiarchus apicalis) female th at remained for 6.5 yr (September 1990-February 1997) in the same area in t he Cauca Valley, southwestern Colombia. The female was banded in September 1990, when incubating a two-egg clutch. Between September 1990 and April 19 91 she made four nesting attempts, three of which were successful and produ ced eight young. Our work had two interruptions, but the female was recorde d in the same pasture in 1993, 1995, and 1997, and we assume she remained t here all the time. All nests were built in nest boxes, and were lined with fur, feathers, snake skin, and pieces of plastic, a typical trait of Myiarc hus flycatchers. Mean clutch size was 2.6 eggs. The nestling period was 16- 17 d, and fledglings left the nest at 80% of adult body mass.