Breeding

There are no studies on the reproductive ecology of this species.

Clutch size and egg laying

2-3 eggs are typically laid (Bond 1943). On Cat Island (The Bahamas), two nests were found with 2 eggs on 7 and 14 June 1986, and another two nests were found with 3 eggs on 31 May and 13 July 1986 (Buden 1987). In the Exumas (The Bahamas), a nest with 2 eggs was found on Hawksbill Cay, 4 June 1991, and another on Stocking Island, 17 July 1991 (Buden 1992b). On Long Island (The Bahamas), a nest was being built 29 April 1990, two nests each had one egg on 7 July 1990, and another nest had one egg on 3 August 1990 (Buden 1992a). Four nestlings were collected in June 24 and 25, 1897, on Nassau (Bangs 1900). Breeding starts in March on Ile La Tortue (Bond 1943). During 16-20 May 1997, the Grand Cayman population was incubating and had reduced singing, compared to Cayman Brac where males were still in full song during the same period (Walker 1998).

Nest

Both males and females have been seen with nesting material (leaves, spider silk) as early as January in The Bahamas (personal observation).

Nests are typically a grass-lined cup shape, attached to a fork or branch in a tree or shrub.

Nests on Long Island were 1-1.25m high, in shrubs and trees (Buden 1992a).

Eggs

White, with dark spots.

Incubation

Both sexes incubate.

Parental care

Likely both parents feed offspring, but has not been studied.

Cooperative breeding

Does not occur.

Brood parasitism

No reported cases.