Abstract

Banded Neothraupis fasciata were found in both unispecific groups and mixed-species flocks throughout the year, in cerrado (savanna) near Brasilia, Brazil. Groups with a mean of 3.0 individuals defended permanent territories. Territory size seemed to approach home-range size which was estimated for one group as being 4.3 ha. Some banded nestlings remained with their parents until the onset of the first reproductive season after birth. Pairs were occasionally assisted by helpers, which were either males or females, apparently offspring from prior years. Helpers had multiple roles, such as assisting in feeding nestlings, assisting in territorial defense, and acting as sentinels, which may increase protection against predation.

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