Nest-building Behaviour of the Yellow-rumped Thornbill Acanthiza chrysorrhoa

Abstract

Nest-building by a pair of Yellow-rumped Thornbills Acanthiza chrysorrhoa, that were individually colour-banded, was observed over six years in Western Australia. Both male and female built the main nest structure but only the female entered the brood chamber. Building by the male (and helpers) continued after the female was sitting on eggs and largely involved the upper structure - 'false nest'. At different times during the six years, three progeny remained with the family group and helped to build the nest and feed the nestlings. Parasitisation by the Shining Bronze-Cuckoo Chrysococcyx lucidus was recorded.