鄱阳湖都昌候鸟自然保护区丰水期和枯水期鸟类多样性

2009年12月和2010年5月,利用样线法和同步调查法对江西省鄱阳湖都昌候鸟自然保护区的鸟类开展了调查,分析了丰水期和枯水期鸟类群落结构的特征及其差异.野外调查共记录到鸟类14目43科169种.丰水期鸟类有36科96种,枯水期鸟类36科135种.其中,国家重点保护鸟类17种.结合保护区日常监测到白鹤(Grus leucogeranus)、灰鹤(G.grus)、白头鹤(G.monacha)和白枕鹤(G.vipio)的分布记录,该保护区鸟类累计达173种.保护区枯水期鸟类以雀形目、鹆形目和雁形目为主,分别占枯水期鸟类种类总数的47.4％、13.3％和9.6％;丰水期鸟类以雀形目、鸻形目和鹳形目为主,分别占鸟类种类总数的58.3％、8.3％和10.4％.枯水期和丰水期鸟类物种组成存在明显的季节性变换.枯水期农田生境鸟类多样性最高,其次是草洲、沼泽和水体,泥滩生境鸟类多样性最低;丰水期农田和水体生境鸟类多样性基本相同.都昌候鸟自然保护区枯水期的优势种为八哥(Acridotheres cristatellus)、白头鹎(Pycnonotus sinensis)、灰椋鸟(Sturnus cineraceus)、麻雀(Passer montanus)和山斑鸠(Streptopelia orientalis),丰水期为白鹭(Egretta garzetta)和八哥.     

Campylobacter,salmonella and chlamydia in free-living birds of Croatia

Campylobacteriosis, salmonellosis and avian chlamydiosis are zoonotic diseases in which birds have been suggested to play an important role as reservoirs. We have investigated the prevalence of Campylobacter and Salmonella spp. and Chlamydophila sp. in 107 free-living birds belonging to 25 species from 13 families from Croatia in order to examine the natural infections caused by these agents. Campylobacter jejuni-like organisms were isolated from 2 of 107 free-living bird species examined (1.9%). Salmonella was isolated from 8 fresh fecal specimens from free-living bird species (7.4%). These isolates were identified as S. typhimurium in 4 (3.7%), and S. enteriditis in 4 (3.7%) free-living birds. These samples originated from feral pigeons (Columba livia domesticus; n=14; 28.6%), rook (Corvus frugilegus; n=13; 15.4%), buzzard (Buteo buteo; n=12; 16.7%), black-headed gull (Larus ridibundus; n=8; 12.5%) and tawny owl (Strix aluco; n=8; 12.5%). The presence of Chlamydophila sp. was not detected in the free-living birds examined during this study. Epidemiological aspects and possible significance of the examined birds as a source of infections for domestic animals and humans are discussed.     

Economic injury levels for the scarabaeid Maladera matrida infesting peanut fields in Israel

Control of Maladera matrida Argaman (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) in peanut fields in the Negev region, Israel, relies on the `rule of thumb' use of insecticides. The aim of this study was to develop an economic injury level (EIL) for a more judicious application of insecticides. Field studies were conducted from 1991 to 1993 to determine the relationship between the cumulative number of different immature stages and the damage of peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L.). Observed damage to peanut yield was found to relate best to second- and third-instars (white grubs). This was supported by grub infestation experiments on potted peanut plants. Three different EIL levels for second- and third-instars of M. matrida were established in connection with the peanut plant developmental stages as follows: an average of 13 grubs per soil sample (25 by 25 by 60 cm) taken during the first 3 weeks of nut development, of 4 grubs per soil sample during week 4 to 6, and of 1.5 grubs per soil sample from week 7 until harvest.     

Comparison of tall fescue (Cyperales: Gramineae) to other cool-season turfgrasses for tolerance to European chafer (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae)

Three cultivars of tall fescue, Festuca arundinacea Schreb., were compared with three cultivars each of fine fescue (Festuca spp.), Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.), and perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) to evaluate tolerance to root-feeding by European chafer grubs, Rhizotrogus majalis (Razoumowsky). Potted turfgrasses were infested with initial densities equivalent to 33 or 66 grubs per 0.1 m2 on 19 August 2000. More grubs were added in late September and October, bringing the total to 66 or 143 grubs per 0.1 m2. Plant growth, root loss, weight gain, and survival of grubs were measured. The experiment was repeated in fall of 2001 with an initial density of 66 grubs per 0.1 m2. The proportion of root mass lost as a result of grub feeding was a function of turf species, root growth, grub survival, and grub growth during the test. Grubs gained the most weight and consumed the most roots when feeding on fine fescue. Fine fescue suffered the greatest percentage of root loss in 2000, despite having the most rapid root growth and largest mass in control pots. Cultivars of tall fescue appeared to be the most tolerant of grub feeding, having the smallest reduction in root mass in both years. Data from fine fescue, Kentucky bluegrass, and perennial ryegrass cultivars were not as consistent as tall fescue, because for some cultivars root growth and grub survival were different between years. We also found that grubs increased in mass by 20% when the mass of available roots was doubled.     

Inventory of alien birds and mammals in the Wallis and Futuna Archipelago

In November 2007 and November 2008, we conducted a bird and mammal survey on Wallis and Futuna. We found two non-native bird species on Wallis: the Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis) and the Chestnut-breasted Munia (Lonchura castaneothorax), and one on Futuna: the Jungle Myna (Acridotheres fuscus). We also recorded Black Rats (Rattus rattus) on Futuna, a recent introduction to this island. The introduction of 3 bird species and Black Rats in the last decade denotes a lack of preventive measures and demonstrates that the issue of invasive species has not received sufficient priority.     

Use of herbivore‐induced plant volatiles as search cues by Tiphia vernalis and Tiphia popilliavora to locate their below‐ground scarabaeid hosts

Japanese beetle, Popillia japonica Newman, and oriental beetle, Anomala orientalis (Waterhouse) (both Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) are considered invasive species and have been reported as key pests of urban landscapes in the Northeastern USA. Tiphia vernalis Rohwer and Tiphia popilliavora Rohwer (Hymenoptera: Tiphiidae) were introduced as biocontrol agents against these beetles. These parasitic wasps burrow into the soil and search for grubs. When a host is found, the wasp attaches an egg in a location that is specific for the wasp species. It is unknown if these wasps can detect patches of concealed hosts from a distance above ground and what role, if any, herbivore‐induced plant volatiles play in their host location. This study evaluated the responses of female T. vernalis and T. popilliavora to grub‐infested and healthy plants in Y‐tube olfactometer bioassays. Also the effect of root herbivory on the composition of turfgrass (Poaceae) volatile profiles was investigated by collecting volatiles from healthy and grub‐infested grasses. Tiphia wasps were highly attracted to volatiles emitted by grub‐infested tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) and Kentucky bluegrass (Poa pratensis L.) over healthy grasses. In contrast, wasps did not exhibit a significant preference for grub‐infested perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) as compared with the control plants. The terpene levels emitted by grub‐infested Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue were greater than that of control plants. Low levels of terpenes were observed for both test and control perennial ryegrass. The elevated levels of terpenes emitted by grub‐infested Kentucky bluegrass and tall fescue coincided with the attractiveness to the tiphiid wasps. Here, we provide evidence that plant exposure to root‐feeding insects P. japonica and A. orientalis resulted in an increase in terpenoid levels in turfgrasses, which strongly attracts their above‐ground parasitoids.     

Species interactions and habitat associations of birds inhabiting urban areas of Sydney,Australia

Abstract The absence of small birds from many suburban areas may be due to adverse garden characteristics, interspecific aggression or human behaviour such as supplementary food provisioning that encourages predators. We investigated the relationship between these factors and the presence of seven small bird species in Sydney through a community‐based survey. The survey was conducted by participants over a 7‐day period between 7 am and 10 am in November and early December 2000. Three dominant species, the noisy miner (Manorina melanocephala), pied currawong (Strepera graculina) and common myna (Acridotheres tristis) were each present in over 59% of gardens. Each small bird species was present in less than 40% of gardens. All small birds were negatively associated with noisy miners, but only the silvereye (Zosterops lateralis) was negatively associated with pied currawongs. None of the species of small birds was negatively associated with common mynas. Four species of small birds were associated with at least one habitat variable, notably the proportion of native vegetation. Although more birds were recorded in gardens in which meat was provided, there were significantly fewer small birds in these gardens. There were also more birds recorded in gardens where seed was provided, with red‐browed finches (Neochmia temporalis) positively associated with seed provisioning in most regions of Sydney. The presence of dogs and cats was not related to the total abundance of birds overall or small birds in gardens. While garden characteristics may influence the presence of small birds to some degree, the presence of noisy miners, a species that are thought to aggressively exclude other species from their territories, is likely to be an important influence on these species in suburban areas. Furthermore, supplementary feeding by people is likely to negatively influence some small birds. The presence of carnivorous pets does not seem to influence the presence of small birds at the scale of the individual garden.     

PLEISTOCENE BIRD FAUNA FROM BIR TARFAWI (EGYPTIAN WESTERN DESERT)

Bocheński, Z. 1991. Pleistocene bird fauna from Bir Tarfawi (Egyptian Western Desert). Ostrich 62: 29–34.

At Bir Tarfawi, an archaeological site in the Egyptian Sahara dated to about 135000 years (before present), 202 bone fragments were identified as belonging to 24 bird species or genera. Most of the material is apparently from owl pellets. The birds represent aquatic and terrestrial forms and include different zoogeoraphical elements; Afrotropical species such as Phalacrocorax africanus, Gyps africanus, cf. Neotis denfami, Fulica cristata, Oena capensis and Corvus albus, as well as Indo-African species such as cf. Bubulcus ibis and Turnix cf. sylvatica. The fossil bird remains as well as those of other vertebrates indicate that the Pleistocene “Grey Lake 2” was surrounded by a mosaic of different aquatic and terrestrial biotopes.     

Ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) parasitizing migrating and local breeding birds in Finland

Ticks are globally renowned vectors for numerous zoonoses, and birds have been identified as important hosts for several species of hard ticks (Acari: Ixodidae) and tick-borne pathogens. Many European bird species overwinter in Africa and Western Asia, consequently migrating back to breeding grounds in Europe in the spring. During these spring migrations, birds may transport exotic tick species (and associated pathogens) to areas outside their typical distribution ranges. In Finland, very few studies have been conducted regarding ticks parasitizing migrating or local birds, and existing data are outdated, likely not reflecting the current situation. Consequently, in 2018, we asked volunteer bird ringers to collect ticks from migrating and local birds, to update current knowledge on ticks found parasitizing birds in Finland. In total 430 ticks were collected from 193 birds belonging to 32 species, caught for ringing between 2018 and 2020. Furthermore, four Ixodes uriae were collected from two roosting islets of sea birds in 2016 and 2020. Ticks collected on birds consisted of: Ixodes ricinus (n?=?421), Ixodes arboricola (4), Ixodes lividus (2) and Hyalomma marginatum (3). Ixodes ricinus loads (nymphs and larvae) were highest on thrushes (Passeriformes: Turdidae) and European robins (Erithacus rubecula). The only clearly imported exotic tick species was H. marginatum. This study forms the second report of both I. uriae and I. arboricola from Finland, and possibly the northernmost observation of I. arboricola from Europe. The importation of exotic tick species by migrating birds seems a rare occurrence, as over 97% of all ticks collected from birds arriving in Finland during their spring migrations were I. ricinus, a species native to and abundant in Finland.

     

Kairomones from scarabaeid grubs and their frass as cues in below-ground host location by the parasitoids Tiphia vernalis and Tiphia pygidialis

Cues used in below-ground host-searching behaviour and host discrimination were examined for Tiphia vernalis Rohwer and Tiphia pygidialis Allen (Hymenoptera: Tiphiidae), ecto-parasitoids of root-feeding larvae of the Japanese beetle, Popillia japonica Newman, and masked chafers, Cyclocephala spp. (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae), respectively. Response to potential stimuli was compared in dual choice tests in an observation chamber filled with soil. Each wasp showed species-specific, directed movement along residual body odor trails made by dragging its respective host through the soil. Presence of a grub was not necessary for wasps to follow such trails. Frass from either host- or non-host grubs elicited trail-following, but each Tiphia species followed frass trails from its respective host when a choice was presented. Frass trails elicited stronger responses than body odor trails. The combination of host frass and body odor elicited the strongest trail-following responses. Our results suggest that once in the soil, Tiphia spp. locate their hosts using contact kairomones present in grub body odor trails and frass.     

Forced regurgitation with tartar emetic as an effective and safe method to study diet composition in hooded crow nestlings

The effectiveness of tartar emetic in causing forced regurgitation was tested in hooded crow (Corvus corone cornix) nestlings from a protected area in western Poland. Tartar emetic was highly effective in causing regurgitation. In 84 of 98 cases (85.7%), nestlings responded by vomiting reflexes, producing 81 food samples (82.6% of all cases). After the procedure no bird was observed to develop negative symptoms. Survival of the birds subjected to forced regurgitation was higher than in the control group (no emetic), which is probably related to the administration of glucose to the birds after enforced regurgitation. Even repeated administration of tartar emetic was without negative effects on the nestlings. The use of tartar emetic does not require frequent visits at the nests, limiting the probability of cannibalistic behaviour and nest predation.     

Impact of four insecticides on Japanese beetle (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) egg predators and white grubs in turfgrass

Field experiments were conducted to measure the effects of four commonly used turfgrass insecticides (isofenphos, diazinon, imidacloprid, halofenozide) on white grubs (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) and ant predators of white grub eggs. Ant populations were measured over time with canned tuna, whereas predation by the ants was measured with artificially placed Japanese beetle, Popillia japonica Newman, eggs. The effectiveness of each insecticide at controlling Japanese beetle grubs, when applied at different times during the growing season, also was measured. Isofenphos and diazinon significantly reduced both ant numbers and white grub egg predation, whereas imidacloprid and one halofenozide treatment did not significantly impact either measurement. A second halofenozide treatment significantly reduced white grub egg predation. Isofenphos and diazinon were ineffective at controlling Japanese beetle grubs when applied in June but were highly efficacious when applied in August. Evidence of enhanced biodegradation was found in plots that received both June and August applications of diazinon. Both June and August applications of imidacloprid and halofenozide provided good control of white grubs.     

Seasonal study of the adrenal gland of some Indian avian species.

Adrenal glands of eight Indian species of birds, namely Columba livia, Passer domesticus, Corvus splendens, Acridotheres tristis, Acridotheres ginginianus, Milvus migrans, Francolinus pondicerianus and Bubulcus ibis were examined during the sexually active and inactive phases of their annual reproductive cycles. Excepting A ginginianus and M. migrans, among members of either sex of the remaining six species the weight of the adrenal gland increases during the period of sexual activity. Histologically, the interrenal tissue of these birds could be divided into a peripheral subcapsular zone and a central zone. The cytochemical content of these two zones varies between sexual activity and inactivity. In sexually active birds of both sexes, interrenal cells of the central zone exhibit an increased concentration of alkaline phosphatase, glycogen, acid mucopolysaccharides and gross lipids, while in the subcapsular interrenal cells there is a prominent increase of ascorbic acid content. Cytochemical contents of chromaffin cells remain unchanged except acid phosphatase, which increases during the sexually active phase.     

Characteristics of body mass growth in semialtricial and altricial bird species during the nestling period

The dynamics of body mass growth were studied in nestlings of 22 semialtricial and altricial bird species based on materials collected in seven regions of Russia in the years 1976–2013. The bird species belong to four orders and 13 families. The results of the study indicate the nonuniform growth of nestlings in different bird species. Of the species investigated, only seven were found to reach or exceed the mass of adult birds. Over the nestling period, the nestlings of open-nesting species, such as the hooded crow (Corvus cornix), rook (Corvus frugilegus), magpie (Pica pica), fieldfare (Turdus pilaris), song thrush (Turdus philomelos), and goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis), do not reach the weight of adult birds and their growth continues after they leave the nest. In closed-nesting species, only the nestlings of the barn swallow (Hirundo rustica) reach or exceed the definitive mass, whereas the nestlings of the jackdaw (Corvus monedula), starling (Sturnus vulgaris), wryneck (Jynx torquilla), tree sparrow (Passer montanus), and great tit (Parus major) continue to grow after leaving the nest. The body mass of birds on the day of their hatching and before their departure from the nests and the mass of adult birds depend on the nesting type, duration of the nestling period, size groups of species, and their definitive size. The average specific growth rate of body mass and its maximum values for different species are also associated with these factors. The maximum specific growth rate in small-sized and medium-sized bird species was observed on the 0–1st days of life; in large bird species, on the 2nd–4th days. The specific growth rate did not depend on the type of nesting, but it was inversely related to the duration of the nestling period and the definitive sizes of birds.     

West Nile Virus and California Breeding Bird Declines

Since it was first detected in 1999, West Nile virus (WNV) quickly spread, becoming the dominant vector-borne disease in North America. Sometimes fatal to humans, WNV is even more widespread among birds, with hundreds of species known to be susceptible to WNV infection in North America alone. However, despite considerable mortality and local declines observed in American crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos), there has been little evidence of a large regional association between WNV susceptibility and population declines of any species. Here we demonstrate a correlation between susceptibility to WNV measured by large-scale testing of dead birds and two indices of overall population change among bird species following the spread of WNV throughout California. This result was due primarily to declines in four species of Corvidae, including all species in this family except common ravens (Corvus corax). Our results support the hypothesis that susceptibility to WNV may have negative population consequences to most corvids on regional levels. They also provide confirmation that dead animal surveillance programs can provide important data indicating populations most likely to suffer detrimental impacts due to WNV.     

Occurrence of keratinophilic fungi on Indian birds

Keratinophilic fungi were isolated from feathers of most common Indian birds,viz. domestic chicken (Gallus domesticus), domestic pigeon (Columba livia), house sparrow (Passer domesticus), house crow (Corvus splendens), duck (Anas sp.), rose-ringed parakeet (Psittacula krameri). Out of 87 birds, 58 yielded 4 keratinophilic fungal genera representing 13 fungal species and one sterile mycelium. The isolated fungi were cultured on Sabouraud's dextrose agar at 28±2°C.Chrysosporium species were isolated on most of the birds.Chrysosporium lucknowense andChrysosporium tropicum were the most common fungal species associated with these Indian birds. Maximum occurrence of fungi (47%) was recorded on domestic chickens and the least number of keratinophilic fungi was isolated from the domestic pigeon and duck. The average number of fungi per bird was found to be the 0.44.     

Current issues involved with the identification and nutritional value of wood grubs consumed by Australian Aborigines

The so called witchetty grub is a publicized food source for Australian Aborigines. Despite heavy use, the identities and number of species consumed is still not known because of the lack of identified voucher specimens. Taxonomy based on adults makes identification of larval forms difficult. Dwelling in the root, trunks, and stems of woody plants, grubs are a reliable and highly valued food source that may be in decline. Much information on edible insects may already be lost in parts of Australia heavily settled by Europeans. However, there are many parts of Australia where information on edible insects is still strong and needs to be recorded accurately for long‐term use. Recent identification of “witchetty grubs” from the witchetty bush at Barrow Creek has revealed that those there, based on their DNA, are not Endoxyla leucomochla. As grubs are collected and eaten before they mature and scientific taxonomy is based on adults, there are many unanswered questions on the grub identification and biology, host plants, and plant and grub distributions.     

Handbook of the Birds of the World,Volume 14: Bush-Shrikes to Old World Sparrows

The Kotoka International Airport in Accra, the capital city of Ghana, has in recent years been confronted with increased presence of birds posing great challenges to aviation safety due to a high risk of bird strikes. As part of measures to mitigate the negative impacts of increasing numbers of birds, a species-specific bird strike risk index (SSBR) was modelled and calculated for a total of 86 species recorded within and near the airport. Based on the SSBR index, four species were classified as ‘critical risk’ and another four species as ‘high risk’. All six species, namely Corvus albus, Necrosyrtes monachus, Milvus migrans parasitus, Bubulcus ibis, Falco biarmicus and Falco tinnunculus, constituting 7% of the total species assemblage, were considered ‘problem species’. During the intensive, albeit short, study period, we also recorded bird strikes of N. monachus, F. biarmicus and notably M. m. parasitus. We conclude that wildlife management to avert the risk of bird strikes could be successfully achieved by adopting both proactive and reactive measures to reduce the presence of problem species at the aerodrome.     

Synergism of imidacloprid and entomopathogenic nematodes against white grubs: the mechanism

Entomopathogenic nematodes and the chloronicotinyl insecticide, imidacloprid, interact synergistically on the mortality of third-instar white grubs (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae). The degree of interaction, however, varies with nematode species, being synergistic for Steinernema glaseri (Steiner) and Heterorhabditis bacteriophora Poinar, but only additive for Steinernema kushidai Mamiya. The mechanism of the interaction between imidacloprid and these three entomopathogenic nematodes was studied in the laboratory. In vials with soil and grass, mortality, speed of kill, and nematode establishment were negatively affected by imidacloprid with S. kushidai but positively affected with S. glaseri and H. bacteriophora. In all other experiments, imidacloprid had a similar effect for all three nematode species on various factors important for the successful nematode infection in white grubs. Nematode attraction to grubs was not affected by imidacloprid treatment of the grubs. Establishment of intra-hemocoelically injected nematodes was always higher in imidacloprid-treated grubs but the differences were small and in most cases not significant. The major factor responsible for synergistic interactions between imidacloprid and entomopathogenic nematodes appears to be the general disruption of normal nerve function due to imidacloprid resulting in drastically reduced activity of the grubs. This sluggishness facilitates host attachment of infective juvenile nematodes. Grooming and evasive behavior in response to nematode attack was also reduced in imidacloprid-treated grubs. The degree to which different white grub species responded to entomopathogenic nematode attack varied considerably. Untreated Popillia japonica Newman (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) grubs were the most responsive to nematode attack among the species tested. Untreated Cyclocephala borealis Arrow (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) grubs showed a weaker grooming and no evasion response, and untreated C. hirta LeConte (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) grubs showed no significant response. Chewing/biting behavior was significantly increased in the presence of nematodes in untreated P. japonica and C. borealis but not in C. hirta and imidacloprid-treated P. japonica and C. borealis. Our observations, however, did not provide an explanation for the lack of synergism between imidacloprid and S. kushidai.