Reproductive biology of the Sapayoa (Sapayoa aenigma), the “Old World suboscine” of the New World

Researchers uncovered significant insights into the reproductive biology of the enigmatic Sapayoa (Sapayoa aenigma), a rare bird species found in the Chocó rainforests from Panama to Ecuador. The study documented 16 nests, providing the first detailed description of active nest dynamics and family group behaviors during nesting, including cooperative breeding—a behavior previously unrecorded for this species. Notably, the researchers observed unusual provisioning behaviors, such as mounting between same-sex individuals and between immature male helpers and females, accompanied by a distinct solicitation display. The findings also extended the known Sapayoa breeding period by several months and described the plumage of immature birds along with their vocalizations. Phylogenetic analysis further highlighted the species' unique position, bridging Old World suboscines (Eurylaimides) and New World Tyranni, offering new perspectives on its evolutionary history.

Dzielski, S. A., Van Doren, B. M., Hruska, J. P., & Hite, J. M. (2016). Reproductive biology of the Sapayoa (Sapayoa aenigma), the “Old World suboscine” of the New World. The Auk, 133(3), 347–363. https://doi.org/10.1642/auk-16-5.1