Search

Simple Summary: This study assessed the adult sex ratio and sexual dimorphism in body size in the vulnerable La Selle Thrush, Turdus swalesi, over a 26-month period, in Haiti. We found that the overall adult sex ratio was significantly male-biased. However, this was only true during the non-breeding season, suggesting that males may show more site tenacity than females, although true differences in adult survival between males and females cannot be ruled out. We observed a slight, albeit significant, sexual dimorphism in size, with males having, on average, both a longer wing chord and a longer tail than females. Tail length was the best predictor of sex in a logistic regression model, with about 80% of individuals being correctly assigned to their actual sex. Understanding the causes and consequences of the observed male-biased sex ratio might be important for the conservation of the La Selle Thrush, particularly in the face of ongoing severe deforestation in Haiti. Sex-determination is of particular importance in avian ecology and conservation. However, many bird species show no conspicuous sexual dimorphism, such as the La Selle Thrush, Turdus swalesi, a vulnerable species endemic to Hispaniola. We captured individuals in southeastern Haiti, in 2019–2022. For each one, we collected contour feathers or blood samples for molecular sex identification based on the CHD-1 gene. In addition, we took body measurements of several captured individuals and recorded their weight. Out of a total of 65 birds, 45 were identified as males and 20 as females, indicative of a significantly male-biased sex ratio. However, analyses of first captures showed that the sex ratio at our study site was male-biased only outside of the breeding season, suggesting that females may disperse at that time while males remain on their territories. Sexual dimorphism was limited to wing chord length and tail length, with males being larger than females. Tail length was the best predictor of sex in a logistic regression model and correctly classified about 80% of individuals as male or female. We discuss our results in relation to previous studies of sex ratio and sexual dimorphism in turdid species and address their relevance for the conservation of avian species in one of the major protected forest areas in Haiti. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]