Nesting Biology and Relationships of the Lesser Melampitta Melampitta lugubris

Abstract

Four active nests of the Lesser Melampitta Melampitta lugubris were studied in mixed lower montane forest at Tan Gap, Southern Highlands, Papua New Guinea. Nests, eggs, sexual dimorphism and parental care of this species are described for the first time. Iris colour is red in males, dark brown in females. Only females incubate and brood young but both sexes feed the nestling, male participation increasing with nestling age. The male regularly feeds the female close to and on the nest. Incubation period is at least 27-28 days and nestling period 35 days in one nest and at least 3 1 and 32 days in two others. DNA-DNA hybridisation studies suggest this species is a bird of paradise of the subfamily Paradisaeinae closest to Manucodia. Lesser Melampitta biology indicates, however, that it is unlike paradisaeine birds of paradise in most respects but is more like cnemophiline Cnemophilus macgregorii to which it would seem closest if its placement within Paradisaeidae is correct.