SEASONAL SHIFTS IN BEHAVIOR AND SOCIAL INTERACTIONS OF STREAMER-TAILED TYRANT (GUBERNETES YETAPA) IN SOUTHERN BRAZIL

Seasonal patterns in Gubernetes yetapa behavior

Abstract

This study investigates the seasonal shifts in behavior and social interactions of Gubernetes yetapa in southern Brazil, addressing significant gaps in understanding of wetland-dependent birds. We sampled two wetlands in northwestern Rio Grande do Sul state. Our research employed extensive observational methods to document the behavioral repertoire of G. yetapa across breeding and non-breeding season. A total of 25 behaviors were identified, revealing that the species plays a crucial role in mixed-species flocks during the non-breeding season while exhibiting increased territoriality and intraspecific interactions during the breeding season. Notably, G. yetapa demonstrated sentinel behavior within mixed flocks. We observed significantly differences in activity patterns between the two seasons, particularly in social interactions. Our findings highlight the need for further research on the natural history and conservation of wetland-dependent birds, as understanding their behavioral dynamics is essential for effective habitat protection and management. This study contributes to the knowledge of G. yetapa and emphasizes the broader implications of mixed-species interactions in Neotropical ecosystems.