Histomorphological changes in the oviduct of the mallard (Aves: Anatidae)

Studies on histomorphometrical changes in different segments (infundibulum, magnum, isthmus, shell gland and vagina) of oviduct of mallard, Anas platyrhynchos during active and quiescent phases of the reproductive cycle have been made. The absolute and per cent length and width of each segment showed a marked change. The magnum showed an increase of 280 per cent. Of all the histological parameters studied the number and height of mucosal folds and mucosal epithelium showed more marked increase in all segments of oviduct. The size of tubular glands and frequency of ciliated and secretory cells were studied in relation to oviductal activity.     

Dabbling ducks (Aves: Anatidae) from the Middle Miocene of Mongolia

A new genus and two new species of ducks (Aves: Anatidae) from the Middle Miocene Sharga locality are described. Mioquerquedula minutissima gen. et sp. nov. is a very small duck. Anas velox Milne-Edwards, 1868 from the Middle Miocene of France is transferred to the genus Mioquerquedula. Aix praeclara sp. nov. described here is the oldest record of the modern genus Aix. A revision of the previously described small duck Anas soporata Kurochkin, 1976 shows that only the specimens from the Sharga locality should be referred to this species. The status of other small ducks from the Neogene of Europe and North America is discussed. The diversity of herbivorous and diving ducks in the Sharga locality indicates that Miocene Shargyn Govi Lake was rich in food resources.     

Trichobilharzia mergi sp. nov. (Trematoda: Digenea: Schistosomatidae), a visceral schistosome of Mergus serrator (L.) (Aves: Anatidae)

Parasitological investigations on red-breasted mergansers (Mergus serrator L.) in Iceland revealed digenean flukes of the family Schistosomatidae. Adult worms were detected in blood vessels of the large intestine and eggs were deposited in the mucosa and surrounded by granulomatous reactions. Traditional morphological methods showed that the flukes have very slender filiform bodies, males are equipped with a short gynaecophoric canal and both suckers and spatulate ends are present on each sex. Among characteristics of the flukes which render them morphologically distinct from other Trichobilharzia species are: i) males—well developed vesicula seminalis (v.s.) consisting of a short v.s. externa and a significantly longer (approx. 3 times) v.s. interna, unusually well developed genital papilla and localization of the first testis a relatively long distance posterior to the gynaecophoric canal; ii) eggs—small and elongated with slightly rounded poles and a short terminal spine. DNA taxonomic techniques confirmed that a new species had been identified, Trichobilharzia mergi sp. n. The sequence data were deposited in GenBank under the accession numbers JX456151 to JX456172. Comparison of the results with our previously published data on characterization of DNA of cercariae isolated from freshwater lymnaeid snails showed that larval development of T. mergi is associated with Radix balthica L. (=Radix peregra Müller, 1774; = Radix ovata Draparnaud, 1805).     

A bittern (Aves: Ardeidae) from the early Miocene of New Zealand

Herons (Aves: Ardeidae) are rare in the fossil record globally. Fossil taxa referred to Ardeinae and Nycticoracini are known from as early as the early Oligocene and ardeids undetermined to subfamily include some as old as the early Eocene. In Australasia, the pre-Pliocene record is restricted to one species from the early Miocene of New Zealand. On the basis of a tarsometatarsus and a coracoid we describe a new species of bittern (Ardeidae: Botaurinae) from the St Bathans Fauna, of early Miocene age, from Otago, New Zealand. This is only the third and the oldest pre-Quaternary record for Botaurinae globally.     

Phylogenetic relationships of tyrant-flycatchers (Aves: Tyrannidae), with an emphasis on the elaeniine assemblage

The tyrant-flycatchers (Tyrannidae) are arguably the largest avian family in the Western Hemisphere with approximately 100 genera and 430 species. Although the composition of the family is largely settled, intergeneric relationships are poorly understood. Morphological and behavior-based classifications are in disagreement with DNA-DNA hybridization data, and both have recently been contradicted by DNA-sequence studies. However, previous DNA-sequence sampling has mostly focused on two out of the six traditional tribes. In this study, we have sampled mitochondrial and nuclear sequences of additional tyrannid genera from across the Tyrannidae, with particularly dense coverage of a third tribe (Elaeniini). Our data corroborate previous DNA-sequence studies that demonstrate a basal division of Tyrannidae into a pipromorphine group (recruited from two morphological tribes) and the core Tyrannidae. Furthermore, we identify a new assemblage that includes Platyrinchus and the enigmatic Neopipo, although the position of this lineage within the Tyrannidae remains incertae sedis. Within the core Tyrannidae, we find strong support for a monophyletic elaeniine assemblage, and discuss a number of strongly supported sub-clades and species-level arrangements that display varying levels of agreement with previous classifications. The elaeniine assemblage may be the sister group to all other core Tyrannidae, and it is in virtually complete congruence with a previous classificatory scheme based on syringeal morphology.     

Flightlessness and phylogeny amongst endemic rails (Aves:Rallidae) of the New Zealand region.

The phylogenetic relationships of a number of flightless and volant rails have been investigated using mtDNA sequence data. The third domain of the small ribosomal subunit (12S) has been sequenced for 22 taxa, and part of the 5'' end of the cytochrome-b gene has been sequenced for 12 taxa. Additional sequences were obtained from outgroup taxa, two species of jacana, sarus crane, spur-winged plover and kagu. Extinct rails were investigated using DNA extracted from subfossil bones, and in cases where fresh material could not be obtained from other extant taxa, feathers and museum skins were used as sources of DNA. Phylogenetic trees produced from these data have topologies that are, in general, consistent with data from DNA-DNA hybridization studies and recent interpretations based on morphology. Gallinula chloropus moorhen) groups basally with Fulica (coots), Amaurornis (= Megacrex) ineptus falls within the Gallirallus/Rallus group, and Gallinula (= Porphyrula) martinica is basal to Porphyrio (swamphens) and should probably be placed in that genus. Subspecies of Porphyrio porphyrio are paraphyletic with respect to Porphyrio mantelli (takahe). The Northern Hemisphere Rallus aquaticus is basal to the south-western Pacific Rallus (or Gallirallus) group. The flightless Rallus philippensis dieffenbachii is close to Rallus modestus and distinct from the volant Rallus philippensis, and is evidently a separate species. Porzana (crakes) appears to be more closely associated with Porphyrio than Rallus. Deep relationships among the rails remain poorly resolved. Rhynochetus jubatus (kagu) is closer to the cranes than the rails in this analysis. Genetic distances between flightless rails and their volant counterparts varied considerably with observed 12S sequence distances, ranging from 0.3% (Porphyrio porphyrio melanotus and P. mantelli mantelli) to 7.6% (Rallus modestus and Rallus philippensis). This may be taken as an indication of the rapidity with which flightlessness can evolve, and of the persistence of flightless taxa. Genetic data supported the notion that flightless taxa were independently derived, sometimes from similar colonizing ancestors. The morphology of flightless rails is apparently frequently dominated by evolutionary parallelism although similarity of external appearance is not an indication of the extent of genetic divergence. In some cases taxa that are genetically close are morphologically distinct from one another (e.g. Rallus (philippensis) dieffenbachii and R. modestus), whilst some morphologically similar taxa are evidently independently derived (e.g. Porphyio mantelli hochstetteri and P.m. mantelli).     

On the Diversity and Morphology of Anserini (Aves: Anatidae) from the Late Miocene of Western Mongolia

Paleontological Journal - New previously unstudied geese bones (two coracoids and tarsometatarsus) are described from the late Miocene locality Hyargas Nuur 2 in Western Mongolia. A...     

Phylogenetic relationships of the mockingbirds and thrashers (Aves: Mimidae)

The mockingbirds, thrashers and allied birds in the family Mimidae are broadly distributed across the Americas. Many aspects of their phylogenetic history are well established, but there has been no previous phylogenetic study that included all species in this radiation. Our reconstructions based on mitochondrial and nuclear DNA sequence markers show that an early bifurcation separated the Mimidae into two clades, the first of which includes North and Middle American taxa (Melanotis, Melanoptila, Dumetella) plus a small radiation that likely occurred largely within the West Indies (Ramphocinclus, Allenia, Margarops, Cinclocerthia). The second and larger radiation includes the Toxostoma thrasher clade, along with the monotypic Sage Thrasher (Oreoscoptes) and the phenotypically diverse and broadly distributed Mimus mockingbirds. This mockingbird group is biogeographically notable for including several lineages that colonized and diverged on isolated islands, including the Socorro Mockingbird (Mimus graysoni, formerly Mimodes) and the diverse and historically important Galapagos mockingbirds (formerly Nesomimus). Our reconstructions support a sister relationship between the Galapagos mockingbird lineage and the Bahama Mockingbird (M. gundlachi) of the West Indies, rather than the Long-tailed Mockingbird (M. longicaudatus) or other species presently found on the South American mainland. Relationships within the genus Toxostoma conflict with traditional arrangements but support a tree based on a preivous mtDNA study. For instance, the southern Mexican endemic Ocellated Thrasher (T. ocellatum) is not an isolated sister species of the Curve-billed thrasher (T. curvirostre).     

Neogene geese and ducks (Aves: Anatidae) from localities of the Great Lakes Depression, western Mongolia

New material of ducks and geese from Late Miocene-Early Pliocene localities of the Great Lakes Depression in western Mongolia is described and the previously described material is revised. This study confirms the presence of four goose species, four dabbling ducks, and three diving ducks. A large goose previously described as Heterochen vicinus is assigned to a separate genus, Heteroanser. Bonibernicla ponderosa is transferred to Anserinae, and North American Branta woolfendeni is regarded as a junior synonym of Bonibernicla ponderosa. The validity of two goose species, Anser devjatkini and A. liskunae, is confirmed and both are assigned here to the subgenus Chen. It is also shown that the holotype of Anas molesta actually belongs to a diving duck of the genus Aythya. The presence of Anas soporata in the Hyargas Nuur Formation is not confirmed.     

Genetic differentiation of starling (Sturnus vulgaris: Aves) populations in New Zealand and Great Britain

Several hundred starlings (Sturnus vulgaris) were introduced to New Zealand from Great Britain during1860–1880. Allozymic variation at 24 loci was analysed in winter populations sampled at six localities in each country. New Zealand samples had fewer alleles per locus but the same mean heterozygosity (3% per locus) and proportion of polymorphic loci as did British samples. Winter populations in Britain contain European migrants and were genetically homogeneous. Paradoxically, genetic distances among derived New Zealand populations, and between New Zealand and Great Britain were much greater, similar in magnitude to those observed among allopatric populations in other avian species. The geographical pattern of genetic variation in New Zealand suggests that reproductive isolation of populations and random drift have contributed to the development of population differentiation.     

The Anatidae and Scolopacidae (Aves: Anseriformes,Charadriiformes) from the late Neogene of Gargano,Italy

The late Neogene (MN13-14) fissure fillings found in the limestone quarries near Apricena (Foggia, Southern Italy) contain a well-diversified fossil bird assemblage. Most of the bird taxa show endemic characteristics following the high degree of insularity of the whole vertebrate assemblage. In addition to the endemic taxa, some non-endemic forms are present, mostly only recently found after the still ongoing revision of the whole bird remains. Here the remains of Anatidae and Scolopacidae are presented. This analysis reveals the occurrence of at least two taxa of Anatidae, Anas velox and Anatidae indet., and two taxa of Scolopacidae, Calidris sp. and an Scolopacidae indet. In addition, some remains are determined as Charadriiformes indet., but they probably represent more than one taxon, even if their bad status of preservation does not allow any further consideration. The detailed study of these remains and their comparison with the other European Neogene taxa already described is carried out.     

Foods of the silvereye (Zosterops lateralis; Aves) near Nelson,New Zealand

Abstract

The foods of 98 silvereyes (Zosterops lateralis) collected in winter from an orchard near Nelson, New Zealand, consisted of 61 different arthropods belonging to 14 orders. Commonest were Hemiptera in 54% of the birds, Diptera 53%, Coleoptera 34%, Lepidoptera 32%, and Araneida 23%. In addition earthworms, fruit, and seeds were eaten. Except for more beetles (Coleoptera) in males, the diets of the sexes were not significantly different.     

Wing noises,wing slots,and aggression in New Zealand honeyeaters (Aves: Meliphagidae)

Abstract

Two of New Zealand’s honeyeaters, the tui (Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae) and the bellbird (Anthornis melanura) can produce loud wing noises. In both species, modified primary feathers form slots in the wing that presumably make these noises. The slots of bellbirds are similar to those of hummingbirds (Trochilidae). Asymmetries in aggressiveness — as determined from inter- and intraspecific dominance — are closely related to the presence or size of the wing slots.     

Systematic relationships and biogeography of the tracheophone suboscines (Aves: Passeriformes)

Based on their highly specialized "tracheophone" syrinx, the avian families Furnariidae (ovenbirds), Dendrocolaptidae (woodcreepers), Formicariidae (ground antbirds), Thamnophilidae (typical antbirds), Rhinocryptidae (tapaculos), and Conopophagidae (gnateaters) have long been recognized to constitute a monophyletic group of suboscine passerines. However, the monophyly of these families have been contested and their interrelationships are poorly understood, and this constrains the possibilities for interpreting adaptive tendencies in this very diverse group. In this study we present a higher-level phylogeny and classification for the tracheophone birds based on phylogenetic analyses of sequence data obtained from 32 ingroup taxa. Both mitochondrial (cytochrome b) and nuclear genes (c-myc, RAG-1, and myoglobin) have been sequenced, and more than 3000 bp were subjected to parsimony and maximum-likelihood analyses. The phylogenetic signals in the mitochondrial and nuclear genes were compared and found to be very similar. The results from the analysis of the combined dataset (all genes, but with transitions at third codon positions in the cytochrome b excluded) partly corroborate previous phylogenetic hypotheses, but several novel arrangements were also suggested. Especially interesting is the result that the genus Melanopareia represents a basal branch within the tracheophone group, positioned in the phylogenetic tree well away from the typical tapaculos with which it has been supposed to group. Other novel results include the observation that the ground antbirds are paraphyletic and that Sclerurus is the sister taxon to an ovenbird-woodcreeper clade. Patterns of generic richness within each clade suggest that the early differentiation of feeble-winged forest groups took place south of the Amazon Basin, while the more recent diversification was near the equator and (in tapaculos and ovenbirds) in the south of the continent.     

Systematic relationships of the palaeogene family Presbyornithidae (Aves: Anseriformes)

The early Tertiary (Paleocene and Eocene) family Presbyornithidae is one of the most completely known group of fossil birds. Essentially all parts of the skeleton are represented in the fossil record, allowing a thorough analysis of the phylogenetic position of the family. Forty-two families of nonpasserine birds representing the orders Ciconiiformes, Anseriformes, Galliformes, Gruiformes and Charadriiformes, were included in a cladistic analysis of 71 skeletal characters. The previously suggested anseriform affinity of the Presbyornithidae was confirmed. Furthermore, the family proved to be closer to the Anatidae than to the Anhimidae or Anseranatidae. The many postcranial similarities with certain charadriiform birds as the Burhinidae, obviously are plesiomorphies. By this observation, a better undestanding of character evolution in nonpasserine skeletal morphology is gained. The often suggested close relationship of anseriform and galliform birds is not confirmed by osteology. Instead, the Anseriformes and the Phoenicopteridae form a monophyletic clade that is the sister to the remaining ciconiiform birds. This result renders the Ciconiiformes sensu Wetmore (1960) polyphyletic.     

中国蛾蜡蝉科一新记录属并记一新种(半翅目:蛾蜡蝉科:涩蛾蜡蝉族)

报道了中国新记录属长蛾蜡蝉属Gomeda Distant,1906,该属隶属于蛾蜡蝉科Flatidae、涩蛾蜡蝉族Selizini,综述了该属的分类研究历史,并记述1新种——素长蛾蜡蝉Gomeda unicolorata,sp.nov.,提供了新种的形态和雌性外生殖器特征图,编制了本属分种检索表。新种模式标本保存在中国科学院动物研究所。     

Beyond a morphological paradox: complicated phylogenetic relationships of the parrotbills (Paradoxornithidae, Aves)

The parrotbills (Paradoxornithidae, meaning "birds of paradox," Aves) are a group of Old World passerines with perplexing taxonomic histories due to substantial morphological and ecological variation at various levels. In this study, phylogenetic relationships of the parrotbills were reconstructed based on sequences of two mitochondrial segments and three nuclear coding regions. Three major clades with characteristic body size and plumage coloration were found in both mtDNA and nuclear gene trees. However, mtDNA phylogeny suggested that the Paradoxornithidae is paraphyletic and relationships among three major parrotbill clades were poorly resolved. On the contrary, apparent and well-supported monophyletic relationships among the three major clades of Paradoxornithidae were revealed by concatenated nuclear dataset. Since paraphyly based on mtDNA data has commonly been found within avian taxa, the conflicting phylogenetic signal between mtDNA and nuclear loci revealed in this study indicates that results obtained from mtDNA dataset alone need to be evaluated with caution. Taxonomic implications of our phylogenetic findings are discussed. These phylogenies also point out areas for future investigation regarding the rapid diversification, morphological evolution and environmental adaptation of various parrotbill species or species complexes.