New insights on the breeding biology of the Crow Honeyeater Gymnomyza aubryana suggest convergence with the Mao G. samoensis

Phylogenetic study of the honeyeater family shows that four insular species genus Gymnomyza are polyphyletic, with largest, Crow Honeyeater G. aubryana, being a distinct and ancient lineage. The Critically Endangered is secretive lives in rainforest New Caledonia. For two breeding seasons (S1 2019 S2 2020) we studied its biology Parc Provincial de la Rivière Bleue. In S1, three nests (N1, N2, N3) were found one nest (N4) S2. Three dismantled N2 N4) revealed layers; detailed measurements showed Nest consisted 507 pieces material weighed 103 g. female built incubated one-egg clutch for 75% time over 24-hour period. rolled egg each 33 minutes (n = 50) during day 118 23) at night. was 9.5 m above ground small tree (trunk 12 cm diameter) trees shrubs within 10 mainly had trunks ⩽10 diameter 4). Laying occurred dry season (August–October). feeding rate nestling 2.6 times/h. Animal prey items accounted 74.7% by number, which 66.5% orthopterans; indeterminate 9.7%, fruit 12.4% only 3.2% nectar 1788). Prey size range 21–40 mm length constituted 59% nestlings’ food number. number faecal sacs produced per averaged 1.7/h 956). young fledged 25.5 days (mean nests) did not return to nest, but fed another months. One juvenile, from an unknown remained least 16.5 months adults’ territory. home male (September early December) 24 ha. has slow life history biology, as also Mao samoensis. Both evolved on tropical islands show convergent adaptation.