Diet and feeding of nestling Little Bitterns Ixobrychus minutus at fishponds: testing a new method for studying a difficult-to-monitor species

Capsule: The diet and feeding of nestling Little Bitterns Ixobrychus minutus was studied using trail cameras. Little Bitterns nestlings were mostly provisioned with amphibians and small fish. They were fed in the morning and evening, but not during the night, and both parents provided similar amounts of food.     

Grassland birds and rotational-grazing in the northeast: Breeding ecology,survival and management opportunities

We studied long-term (2002–2009) demographics of bobolinks (Dolichonyx oryzivorus) and savannah sparrows (Passerculus sandwichensis) breeding in rotationally grazed systems in the northeastern United States. Both nest success (6–44% bobolink; 7–48% savannah sparrow) and annual productivity (0.43–2.83 bobolink; 0.70–2.35 savannah sparrow) varied annually. Predation (48%) and trampling by cows (32%) accounted for most failed nests. Annual adult apparent survival ranged from 23% to 85% and showed substantial variation by species and sex. Although grazing resulted in substantial loss of vegetative cover, savannah sparrows responded similarly to predation and grazing-induced nest failure (time to renest, distance moved between nests) and generally remained in the same paddock to renest. Minimum paddock size to accommodate one female within this rotation was 70 m × 70 m (0.49 ha), allowing a female to stay within a paddock and move (approx. 50 m) between nesting attempts. To balance pasturing objectives and birds' needs in paddocks first grazed before 25 June, managers in the Northeast should rest that paddock 42–50 days before the second grazing. © 2011 The Wildlife Society.     

Breeding ecology of the Aquatic Warbler Acrocephalus paludicola on the Biebrza marshes, northeast Poland

Aquatic Warblers Acrocephalus paludicola were studied in a natural fen mire in the Biebrza River valley, the main breeding ground of the species in its entire distribution range. The number of males present and singing at the sample plot changed considerably during the breeding season. Individual identified colour-ringed males sang with unchanged intensity throughout the breeding season. The period of daily singing activity differed from other species of Acrocephalus ; males sang at dusk rather than at dawn. Males took no part in rearing nestlings but remained on territory and showed vigilance behaviour. The density of males in the breeding season ranged from 1.0 to 10.9 per 10 ha. The density of nesting females ranged from 1.3 to 15.7 per 10 ha. In the most suitable habitat females were more numerous than males. The distribution of females (nests) was clumped where potential food resources were higher. Nests were well hidden in places with deeper water between sedge tufts and an abundance of old dry sedge. Females feeding nestlings collected most food within a 5–60-m radius (mean 31.7 m). The return rate of males was higher than that of females. The results suggest a mating system that is intermediate between facultative polygyny and promiscuity.     

温州地区小杓鹬的代谢产热特征

动物能量代谢相关的生理生态特征与其地理分布密切相关。为探讨温州地区迁徙鸟类小杓鹬(Numenius minutus)的代谢产热特征及体温调节,本文在环境温度(T_a)5.0～42.5℃范围内,测定了小杓鹬的代谢率(R_m,以单位时间耗氧量表示,ml/h)和体温,并计算不同环境温度的热传导。结果显示：在环境温度为5～35℃的范围内,小杓鹬的体温维持相对恒定,平均体温为(42.8±0.10)℃;热中性区为27.5～40.0℃;在热中性区温度范围内,代谢率即基础代谢率为(221.31±6.01)ml/h,是体重预期值的141%;环境温度在5.0～27.5℃范围内,代谢率与环境温度(T_a,℃)呈负相关,回归方程为R_m=587.10﹣11.78 T_a;在5.0～27.5℃的环境温度范围内,小杓鹬的热传导最低,平均为(0.11±0.00)ml/(g·h·℃),是体重预期值的212%;代谢预期比和热传导预期比的比值(F值)为1.21,表明该物种有较好的体温调节能力。小杓鹬具有较高的体温和基础代谢...     

The mitochondrial genome of the Cinnamon Bittern, Ixobrychus cinnamomeus (Pelecaniformes: Ardeidae): sequence, structure and phylogenetic analysis

Ixobrychus cinnamomeus is a member of the large wading bird family, known as Ardeidae. In the present study, we determined the complete mitochondrial genome of I. cinnamomeus for use in future phylogenetic analysis. This circular mitochondrial genome is 17,180 bp in length and composed of 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, two rRNA genes and one putative control region. Three conserved domains and a minisatellite of 17 nucleotides with 22 tandem repeats were detected at the end of the control region. Phylogenetic relationships were reconstructed using the nucleotide and corresponding amino acid datasets of 12 concatenated protein-coding genes from the mitochondrial genome. Using maximum likelihood, maximum parsimony and Bayesian inference methods, the monophyly of Ciconiidae, Ardeidae and Threskiornithidae were confirmed; however, the monophyly of traditional Ciconiiformes and Pelecaniformes failed to be recovered. Although further studies are recommended to clarify relationships among and within the orders of Ciconiiformes, Pelecaniformes, Suliformes and Phaethontiformes, our results provide preliminary exploratory results that can be useful in the current understanding of avian phylogenetics.     

Ecological characterization of the odonatofauna in lotic and lentic waters of northeast Algeria

The purpose of this paper is to determine the Odonata fauna structure and composition in Bejaia’s wetlands, which have been poorly sampled until now. This paper is a report of a pioneer study of dragonflies in the Bejaia area in northeastern Algeria, with the aim to improve the knowledge of the Odonata taxa present in this vast territory, which covers 3268 km². This region is of major importance, and contains Wadi Soummam which is classified by the Ramsar Convention as of international importance. In addition, Lake Mezaia is included in the Gouraya National Park, and the area also contains high mountain forest ponds, which are unknown to both the general public and the scientific community due to their remote location and poor accessibility. Despite the anthropogenic pressures on these wetlands, this study recorded 33 Odonata species, which represented 52% of the species known in Algeria. None were new to the country. The recorded species included two Maghrebian endemic taxa, namely Platycnemis subdilatata and Enallagma deserti.     

金眶鸻的繁殖习性

1996～1998年的4～9月,在山西省沁水县的张马十字河流域,对金眶鸻的繁殖进行了研究.该鸟在本区为夏候鸟,4月3～6日迁来,居留160～163天,栖息生境主要在河岸、砂滩、卵石间,遇见率为0.52只/km.5月营巢及产卵,窝卵数3～4枚,孵化期22天.雏鸟为早成鸟,随亲鸟在巢外生活21天后,可独立生活.     

Distribution and breeding ecology of the Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca in Algeria

We conducted a survey of the distribution of Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca across Algeria and analysed the influence of nest-site characteristics on nesting success at a Ramsar site, Lake Tonga. The species was found to occupy different wetlands (freshwater lakes, brackish marshes and salt lakes) across three major climatic belts (subhumid coastal strip, semi-arid Hauts Plateaux and arid Sahara). Mean clutch size of successful nests was 13.3 ± 6.0 eggs (N = 26) with a hatching rate of 74% for successful clutches. Nesting success was recorded for 44% of nests with clutch desertion (72.7%) accounting for the majority of failed clutches. Egg size of the study population, which breeds at the southern limit of the species’ range, was significantly smaller than that of its northerly counterparts. Clutch size was negatively related to egg size and positively associated with depth of water below the nest, suggesting that older, more experienced or high-quality birds monopolised the safest sites. Successful clutches were significantly associated with tall vegetation, suggesting that when nesting is carried out mainly on offshore floating islets, protection against aerial predators and heat stress determine nesting outcome. Conspecific brood parasitism was significantly and positively associated with deferred egg-laying and smaller egg size, suggesting an age-dependent mechanism.     

挂榜山小鲵的繁殖生态

2004-2006年对挂榜山小鲵(Hynobius guabangshanensis)的繁殖生态进行了观察研究.结果表明:挂榜山小鲵繁殖期为每年的11月中旬至翌年1月;非繁殖期营陆生生活,繁殖期进入水中繁殖;繁殖期活动高峰为20:00到翌日6:00;繁殖种群数量为198条,现存分布区不足10 km2;繁殖期雌雄性比为1.6,存在明显的两性异型,性成熟雌体的体长和体质量显著大于雄体;挂榜山小鲵的抱对行为与东北小鲵、黑小鲵、极北鲵相似;雄体具有求偶炫耀行为和精子竞争行为;繁殖场多为临时水凼和小而浅的池塘,大部分卵袋被固定在浅水的枯枝和水草上;挂榜山小鲵的卵袋较同科物种粗大,幼体刚出膜时卵袋长(18.40±4.21) cm(n=31),直径(4.23±0.52) cm(n=31);卵径(2.10±0.25) mm(n=45);卵粒数(88.90±20.30)个(n=98)(单个卵袋),受精率为(93.3±21.4)%(n=98).     

杂色山雀的繁殖生态

2004—2006年3—7月在辽宁省白石砬子国家级自然保护区对杂色山雀的繁殖生态进行了观察研究。结果表明:该鸟繁殖期为3—7月,筑巢地除了树洞之外,还见在墙缝、石缝、金腰燕旧巢及电柱孔洞中筑巢,筑巢主要由雌鸟完成,雄鸟从旁协助;产卵期为5～8d,日产1枚,窝卵数为(6.92±0.92)枚(n=13);产满窝卵数后即开始孵化;孵化由雌鸟单独完成,孵化期(14.00±0.00)d(n=10),坐巢时间(570.00±11.02)min.d-1(n=9)(不含夜间),平均坐巢时间(57.00±6.75)min.次-1(n=9),雄鸟担任警卫任务,孵化期较为敏感,受到干扰易弃巢;育雏期(17.50±0.58)d(n=4),由雌雄鸟共同喂雏,雏鸟出飞后先是在亲鸟的带领下在巢周活动,之后活动范围逐渐扩展,2～3d后基本离开巢区。     

Sitting ducks: diet of wintering wildfowl in Lake Tonga,northeast Algeria

Dietary studies of five species of Anatidae (Gadwall Anas strepera, Shoveler Anas clypeata, Pochard Aythya ferina, Ferruginous Duck Aythya nyroca, and White-headed Duck Oxyura leucocephala) were carried out at Lake Tonga, northeast Algeria, from December 2011 to March 2012. Diet analysis of all five wintering species indicated a heavy reliance on seeds, which included a wide variety of aquatic plants, such as Myriophyllum spicatum, Ceratophyllum demersum, Sparganium erectum, Scirpus lacustris and Potamogeton pectinatus. Noteworthy is the paucity of ingested macroinvertebrates. Despite dietary overlap, the type, abundance and frequency of food consumed clearly indicated differences in resource use among the ducks. Incidentally, the study also highlighted the high vulnerability of threatened ducks to poaching (harvesting and disturbance) in a protected area. We discuss the implications of these findings for the management and conservation of wintering wildfowl and their North African habitats.     

纵纹腹小NFDA1繁殖习性观察

1997～1999年的3～7月在山西芦芽山国家级自然保护区,对纵纹腹小NFDA1的繁殖习性进行了观察,其内容包括栖息地、营巢环境、种群密度、食物组成等.     

新疆拟游隼生态观察

拟游隼（Falco pelegrinoides babylonicus)在国内仅见于新疆南部,作者于2001年4-6月在木扎特河流域对其繁殖进行了观察,窝雏数为3只,每日有5-6次喂食,食物以鸽类为主。     

Breeding ecology of an amphidromous goby of the genusRhinogobius

Field observations of markedRhinogobius sp. DA (Dark type) individuals and monthly sampling in the Kashiwa River, Shikoku Island, Japan, indicated the breeding season of the species to be from mid-April to early July, peaking in May. Mark-and-recapture data showed that at least half of the females spawned more than once in one breeding season. Although eggs in male-guarded nests were all at the same developmental stage, their mean number exceeded that of pre-spawning yolk stage oocytes per female, suggesting that at least some guarding males received eggs from more than one female. The physical condition of both sexes deteriorated considerably during the breeding season, the hepatosomatic index of guarding males decreasing concurrently with the development of eggs. The decline in physical condition of guarding males was attributed mainly to their restricted feeding opportunities.     

Breeding ecology of the Seychelles Black Parrot Coracopsis barklyi

Knowledge of breeding ecology is required for many conservation interventions. The Seychelles Black Parrot Coracopsis barklyi, endemic to the island of Praslin, is vulnerable to extinction. We aimed to improve understanding of C. barklyi breeding ecology to aid conservation planning. We present the results of four years of research, including nesting cavity characteristics and availability, reproductive success, breeding parameters, parental behaviour and reproductive strategy. Thirty-six breeding attempts were studied over the four seasons. Nests were mainly located in Coco de Mer palms Lodoicea maldivica. Deeper cavities with more canopy cover were preferred. There may be a shortage of high-quality nesting cavities in intensive breeding seasons. Average clutch size was 2.2 eggs, incubation period was c. 15 d and egg fertility was 71%. Rats were key nest predators, causing the failure of up to 33% of breeding attempts. The probability of nest success was 53%. At least 57% of fledglings survived their first year. This species breeds cooperatively and practices a highly unusual side-by-side copulation. We discuss the implications of the results in the context of former, ongoing and potential conservation measures for C. barklyi including translocation, invasive species management, nest box provisioning, habitat restoration and further research.     

Rotifera, Cladocera, Copepoda, and Ostracoda from coastal wetlands in northeast Algeria

Two wetland complexes in the El Kala area, northeast Algeria, were sampled for zooplankton over a two-month period (mid-May to mid-July 1993). Some samples from 1976 and 1978 were also studied. A total of 98 taxa (51 species of Microcrustacea and 47 species of Rotifera) are recorded. Twenty-seven of these (26.5% overall) are new to Algeria and/or to the Maghreb and Africa. A significant fraction of Afrotropical species was found in all four groups, beside species of northern (European) origin, and at least one cyclopoid copepod with an Irano-Turanian range. These results confirm the El Kala wetlands as an important relict pocket of species of various historical and geographical origin, and highlight the urgency of safeguarding these sites. This revised version was published online in July 2006 with corrections to the Cover Date.     

Breeding ecology of farmland Yellowhammers Emberiza citrinella

Observations of Yellowhammers flying from nests to foraging sites were used to assess use of foraging habitats in relation to availability. Selection of invertebrates by foraging Yellowhammers was studied using analysis of nestling faecal samples in relation to invertebrate samples taken from farmland habitats. Both data sets were analysed using compositional analysis. Broad-leaved crops and sparsely vegetated areas were favoured early in the breeding season, but cereal crops were increasingly used as these ripened. Unripe cereal grain formed a major component of nestling diet, but invertebrates were fed to all broods. Lepidoptera larvae, Araneae and Tipulidae were consumed more than other invertebrate groups. Nestling mortality was high during cold weather when these invertebrates would have been inactive. We suggest that farming systems that increase habitat diversity and reduce pesticide application to arable crops will benefit Yellowhammers and other farmland buntings.     

Breeding ecology of the Sulawesi Red-Knobbed Hornbill Aceros cassidix

Data are presented for a four-year study of the breeding biology of the Sulawesi Red-knobbed Hornbill Aceros cassidix. The breeding season normally began in mid-June and lasted 27–30 weeks. Initiation of nesting appeared to be stimulated by the cessation of the rains and timed such that chicks emerged during a period of fruit abundance. Nesting period averaged 139 days and incubation was estimated at 35–40 days. Females remain sealed in the nest for an average of 108 days and nestlings fledged, on average, 28 davs after the female emerged. Nesting densities were up to 10.4/km², nesting success was high (up to 80%) and repeated use of nests between years was common. Males delivered a low-protein diet of ripe fruits (89% of total diet) from 12 families and 52 species; invertebrates composed only 1% of food items. Figs ( Ficus spp.) were the primary diet item, accounting for 81% of fruit biomass. Males increased feeding visits throughout the study, but the biomass of fruit delivered declined shortly after the female emerged. Reduced feeding prior to fledging may entice the nestling to emerge. The long developmental period of Sulawesi Red-knobbed Hornbills may result, in part, from the low protein content of the diet. Despite a 16% annual production, numbers in the study area have remained stable over the past 15 years. It is suggested that high post-fledging mortality or dispersal to degraded areas outside the reserve maintains population numbers. Distinguishing between these mechanisms is important for understanding the dynamics of hornbill populations.