Breeding observations on Buff-bellied Puffbird Notharchus swainsoni (Piciformes: Bucconidae) at Rancho Laguna Blanca, San Pedro department, Paraguay

Abstract: Beyond the fact that the species nests in arboreal termitaria, no breeding data is available for the Buff-bellied Puffbird Notharchus swainsoni . Data is presented here from 100 days of observation of an active nest in easternParaguay. The nest was active from late September to early December, and the clutch is three to four white eggs. The incubation period is between 14-21 days and the fledgling period is 30 days. A detailed description of the nest structure is provided and information on parental behaviour during the breeding period is given, including evidence of re-nesting following the loss of an initial clutch. Observations confirm that the breeding behaviour of this species is similar to that reported for other members of the genus. Key words: behaviour; breeding season; eggs; re-nesting; reproduction