Field metabolic rates of black-browed albatrosses Thalassarche melanophrys during the incubation stage

Field metabolic rates (FMR) and activity patterns of black-browed albatrosses Thalassarche melanophrys were measured while at sea and on nest during the incubation stage at Kerguelen Island, southwestern Indian Ocean. Activity-specific metabolic rates of five albatrosses at sea (FMR_at-sea) were measured using doubly labeled water (DLW), and by equipping birds with wet-dry activity data loggers that determined when birds were in flight or on the water. The metabolic rates of four birds incubating their eggs (FMR_on-nest) were also measured using DLW. The mean±SD FMR_at-sea of albatrosses was 611±96 kJ kg⁻¹ d⁻¹ compared to FMR_on-nest of 196±52 kJ kg⁻¹ d⁻¹. While at sea, albatrosses spent 52.9±8.2% (N=3) of their time in flight and they landed on the water 41.2±13.9 times per day. The FMR of black-browed albatrosses appear to be intermediate to that of three other albatross species. Based on at-sea activity, the power requirement of flight was estimated to be 8.7 W kg⁻¹ (or 4.0×predicted BMR), which is high compared to other albatross species, but may be explained by the high activity levels of the birds when at sea. The FMR_at-sea of albatrosses, when scaled with body mass, are lower than other seabirds of similar body size, which probably reflects the economical nature of their soaring flight.     

Effects of landscape composition on farmland and red-listed birds in boreal agricultural-forest mosaics

Farmland birds have declined in large areas of western and northern Europe. This decline has been connected with changes in the agricultural landscape. We studied the effects of landscape composition on birds in a boreal agricultural-forest mosaic in SW Finland. This study was carried out with a grid-based approach: bird pairs were counted in 105 grid squares of 25 ha within an area of 26.25 km². The total density of farmland birds and density of red-listed species were related to the land cover variables using generalized linear modelling (GLM). Farmland birds consist of a variable group of species either breeding or feeding in agricultural land. The model explained a moderate proportion (49%) of the variation in the total density of farmland birds in the landscape. In a regression analysis cover of non-arable agricultural land (semi-natural grasslands, built-up areas) explained a much higher proportion (r²=0.49) of the variation in farmland bird density than that of arable land (cultivated fields and set-aside fields, r²=0.04). Semi-natural grasslands, which have drastically declined throughout NW Europe, and built-up areas (mainly farmyards) had the most significant positive effects on the density of red-listed species. The results emphasize the significance of semi-natural grasslands for the declining red-listed farmland bird species. Birds are usually not restricted to certain patches of habitat but use several patches in their home range. Thus, when studying bird-landscape relations for land use planning, we also recommend grid-based approaches covering the whole landscape variation.     

Wing-bone length allometry in birds

A comparative analysis using both independent contrasts (CAIC) and a species level analysis was used to investigate the allometric scaling of avian wing-bone lengths. Total arm ( ta =humerus+ulna+manus) scaled with positive allometry as body mass ( M )^0.37–0.39. Similarly, and in accordance with previous studies, wing-span ( b ) was positively allometric, but CAIC suggested a lower allometric exponent ( M ^0.35) than found using species as independent data points ( M ^0.39). Contrary to previous studies, individual wing-bones appear to scale with similar exponents against M and scale isometrically with ta . In addition to a general trend for larger birds to have longer wings, wing-bones and ta , their ta was a larger proportion of their b . A detailed study of primary feather length and elbow joint angle across a wide range of bird species and bird size, however, is required before a conclusive explanation for this increase in ta relative to b in larger birds can be established. Scaling equations are presented that can be used to predict M , ta and b from individual wing-bone lengths, which may be of use to palaeontologists wishing to reconstruct whole animals from single bones.     

Habitat distribution and conservation of land bird populations in northern Norway

About 300 km line transect censuses of breeding land birds were made in northern Norway in 1974–76. The data (1020 pairs in 26 samples) were grouped into seven major habitats: stony ground and oceanic heath (C1), continental dry heath (C2). "'2Calcarius heath", dry peatland, wet peatland (C5), meagre and average birch forest, and rich birch forest (C7). Bird density ranged from 22 pairs km⁻² (C2) to 364 pairs km⁻² (C7), but most habitats had 67–96 pairs km⁻². The bird communities are described.
Defining the Optimal habitat for a species as the maximum-density habitat, the 43 species observed were found to comprise three major groups: tundra species (optimal habitat C1), peatland species (C5) and forest species (C7). Species whose central range includes northern Norway had a broader habitat amplitude than those with a southern or a very northern distribution. A new index was devised for the evaluation of the conservational importance of a habitat or a species. From the North European standpoint. C1 is certainly the most important habitat in northern Norway, as C1 supports many species which are rare in other parts of North Europe. However, population trends should also be taken into account when conservational preferences are judged.     

Nocturnal autumn bird migration at Falsterbo, South Sweden

We investigated the patterns of nocturnal bird migration in autumn 1998 at a coastal site on the Falsterbo peninsula in south-western Sweden, by means of a passive infrared device. In total 17 411 flight paths, including track direction and altitude, of migrating birds were recorded for 68 nights from August to October. Mean migratory traffic rate per night varied between 6 and 6618 birds km⁻¹ h⁻¹, with an average of 1319 birds km⁻¹ h⁻¹. Migration at Falsterbo showed a similar seasonal pattern to that reported for central Europe, with pronounced peaks of migration and intermittent periods with relatively low migratory intensities. Weather factors explained two thirds of the variance in the intensity of bird migration. During nights with intense migration, associated with weak winds, the mean track direction was close to that in central western Europe (225°). Birds usually maintained a constant heading independent of wind directions and, in consequence, were drifted by the wind. The mean orientation clearly differed from that of the nearest coastline, suggesting that the birds did not use the topography below to compensate for wind drift.     

Bird community energetics in a boreal coniferous forest

The annual minimum energy consumption of the bird community was 2524 × 10³ kcal km⁻², of which 44% was consumed by wintering species and 73% by passerines. The daily energy consumption was in summer 14–16 × 10³ and in winter 1–2 × 10³ kcal km⁻². In spruce forests and in afforested swamps birds required approximately 0.12% of the net primary production. Their total annual energy consumption was covered by invertebrates (59%), vertebrates (2%) and vegetable matter (39%); the food derived from the ground (55%), from trees (44%) and from the air (1%). Arboreal insectivorous passerines, ground passerines and gallinaceous birds were the most important ecological guilds. Among passerines existence metabolism accounted for 73% of the annual energy consumption, extra activity for 17%, breeding activity for 1%, moult for 4% and nestlings for 4%.     

Preliminary estimates of the population density of the Sokoke scops owl Otus ireneae Ripley in the East Usambara lowlands, Tanzania

Preliminary population density estimates are presented for a recently discovered population of the Sokoke scops owl Otus ireneae in the lowlands of the East Usambara mountains, Tanzania. Calling birds were mapped at two sites totalling 6·3 km². Approximate densities were 3–4 territories/km² in Kwamgumi Forest Reserve and <1·5 territories/km² in Manga Forest Reserve, a much more heavily logged site. Densities in prime habitat in Arabuko‐Sokoke forest, Kenya, the only other locality for the species, exceed seven territories/km². The total population in the East Usambaras cannot be calculated, but it is probably markedly smaller than in Arabuko‐Sokoke. Suggestions for more precise surveys are made.     

Resting breathing frequency in aquatic birds: a comparative analysis with terrestrial species

Several studies have indicated that in birds breathing frequency ( f , breaths min⁻¹) scales to the −1/3 of body weight ( W , kg); this is different from the −1/4 of mammals. We wondered if this discrepancy was due to the peculiar scaling pattern of aquatic birds, as is the case of aquatic mammals. In fact, we had noted previously that the allometric scaling of f differs considerably between aquatic and terrestrial mammals, respectively, W ^−0.42 and W ^−0.25. Measurements of f were obtained in 48 aquatic birds of 22 species and in 35 terrestrial birds of 27 species, during resting conditions on land. Additional data from 11 aquatic and 14 terrestrial species, different from the ones measured, were obtained from the literature. The allometric curve of all species combined (terrestrial and aquatic, n =74) was f =13.3 W ^−0.36, similar to what is reported in previous studies. However, the allometric curve of the aquatic species ( n =33, f =14.5 W ^−0.56) differed greatly ( P <0.001) from that of the terrestrial species ( n =41, f =13.4 W ^−0.26). On average, f of aquatic birds of the 3–5 kg range was 63%, and that of birds of larger size was 57%, of the values of terrestrial birds of similar W . We conclude that, as in mammals, also in terrestrial birds f scales to the −1/4 exponent of W . The similarity of the scaling patterns of f between aquatic birds and mammals suggests a common breathing adaptation to life in the aquatic environment irrespective of phylogenetic relations.     

Wing kinematics of avian flight across speeds

To test whether wing shape affects the kinematics of wing motion during bird flight, we recorded high-speed video (250 Hz) of four species flying in a variable-speed wind tunnel. The birds flew at intervals of 2 m s⁻¹, ranging from 1 m s⁻¹ up to their respective maximum flight speed, which varied from 14 to 17 m s⁻¹ depending on the species. Kinematic data obtained from two synchronized, high-speed video cameras were analyzed using 3D reconstruction. Three species with relatively pointed, high-aspect ratio wings changed wingbeat styles according to flight speed (budgerigar, Melopsittacus undulatus ; cockatiel, Nymphicus hollandicus ; ringed turtle dove, Streptopelia risoria ). These species used a wing-tip reversal upstroke, characterized by supination of the distal wing at mid-upstroke, at equivalent airspeeds ≤7 to 9 m s⁻¹. In faster flight, they used a swept-wing upstroke, without distal wing supination. At mid-upstroke at any speed, wingspan in these species was greater than wrist span. In contrast, at all steady flight speeds, the black-billed magpie Pica hudsonia with relatively broad, low-aspect ratio wings, used a flexed-wing, feathered upstroke in which wrist spans were equal to or greater than wingspans. Our results demonstrate that wing kinematics vary gradually as a function of flight speed, and that the patterns of variation are strongly influenced by external wing shape.     

Species richness and endemism of plant and bird communities along two gradients of elevation, humidity and land use in the Bolivian Andes

Abstract.  We studied the patterns of species richness and range–size rarity (as a measure of endemism) of two plant groups (Pteridophyta, Bromeliaceae) and birds along two gradients of elevation, humidity and human land use in a forested Andean valley. Both transects covered the transition from an arid valley bottom through a cloud forest zone to relictual high-elevation Polylepis forest, but transects differed in overall precipitation. Plants were surveyed in 88 plots of 400 m² each, while birds were detected primarily through visual observations and tape recordings over areas of 0.3–1.5 km². Global range sizes of all species were mapped on 1°-grids and range-size rarity was calculated as the mean inverse range size of all species recorded in elevational steps of 200 m. Patterns of species richness and range–size rarity were mainly unrelated between and within study groups. Monotonic increases and decreases and hump-shaped patterns were observed for species richness as well as range–size rarity. Several of these patterns can be interpreted in the light of the ecological requirements of each taxonomic group, e.g. dependence of fern species richness on humidity or of bird richness on habitat complexity. Species richness of ferns and birds peaked at higher elevations along the less rainy transect, possibly as a result of higher levels of solar radiation and ecosystem productivity. Patterns of species richness and endemism of the study groups are causally unrelated and cannot be used to predict those of other groups at the spatial scale of this study. Human impact was highest in areas of mostly low to intermediate species richness, but was often high in zones of high endemism.     

Birds associated with a tailings storage facility and surrounding areas from a South African gold mine

As part of the 'International Cyanide management code for the manufacture, transport, and use of cyanide in the production of gold', companies voluntarily commit towards keeping the weak-acid-dissociable (WAD) cyanide concentrations in tailings below 50 mg l⁻¹. Day and night-time observations were made in winter at the tailings storage facility (TSF) of the Mponeng mine of AngloGold Ashanti, and extensive surveys of the surroundings were made for mortalities. The cyanide levels never exceeded 50 mg l⁻¹ WAD. No dead birds or mammals were found. Twenty-five bird species were recorded in and around the TSF and the associated return water dams (RWDs), with 20 occurring only in the surrounding grasslands or RWDs, and five (four wader species and a sand martin) on the TSF. The wading birds were most likely feeding on dead insects from the pond surface, as they adjusted their locations according to wind direction. Other birds actively avoided the TSF water, suggesting a locally learned behaviour. Whether this avoidance will also hold for migratory birds or natal dispersal of local birds in summer necessitates further investigation. A better understanding of the TSF–wildlife interactions would lead to improved measures to reduce environmental risks.     

Habitat edges as a potential ecological trap for an insect predator

Abstract.  1. Ecological traps, where animals actively select poor habitat for reproduction over superior habitat, are generally associated with birds at forest edges. This study examines oviposition preference, predation, and parasitism rates in the mantid Stagmomantis limbata to determine the potential generality of this phenomenon.
2. Egg case (oothecae) densities were measured across two edge types (cottonwood and desert scrub) within desert riparian ecosystems. A positive edge effect in oothecae density was found with an approximate three-fold increase in density at cottonwood ( X _edge = 0.05 oothecae/100 m² vs. X _interior = 0.015 oothecae/100 m²) and desert scrub ( X _edge = 0.20 oothecae/100 m² vs. X _interior = 0.06 oothecae/100 m²) edges ( P  < 0.01).
3. Rates of bird predation were significantly higher for oothecae at desert scrub edges and showed a trend of higher predation rates at cottonwood edges, suggesting that riparian habitat edges may be acting as an ecological trap for this mantid species. There was no effect of edges on oothecal parasitism rates.
4. These results provide an example of the effect of habitat edges on a generalist insect predator and indicate that an ecological trap may exist with respect to one of its natural enemies.     

Flight speeds and climb rates of Brent Geese: mass-dependent differences between spring and autumn migration

Aerodynamic theories of bird flight predict that horizontal flight speed will increase with increasing load whereas vertical flight speed will decrease. Horizontal flight speed for birds minimizing overall time on migration is predicted to be higher than flight speed for birds minimizing energy expenditure. In this study we compare flight speeds of Brent Geese Branta b. bernicla recorded by tracking radar and optical range finder during spring and autumn migration in southernmost Sweden, testing the above-mentioned predictions. Geese passing Sweden in spring are substantially heavier than in autumn and there might also be a stronger element of time-selection in spring than in autumn. Recorded airspeeds were significantly higher in spring (mean 19.0 m s⁻¹) than in autumn (mean 17.3 m s⁻¹), the average difference being slightly larger than predicted due to the mass difference alone. The effects on airspeed of wind, vertical speed, flock size and altitude were also analysed, but none of these factors could explain the seasonal difference in airspeed. Hence, the results support the hypothesis of mass-dependent flight speed adjustment. The difference between the two seasons was not large enough to corroborate the hypothesis of a stronger element of time-selection in spring, but this hypothesis cannot be rejected. Vertical flight speeds were lower in spring than in autumn, supporting a negative effect of load on birds' flight power margin.     

STRUCTURE, COMPOSITION AND BIOGENESIS OF PRASINOPHYTE SCALES

The species composition of phytoflagellates in the Salton Sea has recently been the subject of intense investigation as part of an analysis of the Salton Sea ecosystem. The Salton Sea, an inland sea occupying 980 km² in southern California, has become a major stopping point for migratory birds along the Pacific Flyway. The increasing salinity of the sea, currently at 44 gm L⁻¹, and its eutrophic condition (average depth is nine meters, with a high nutrient load contributed by agricultural drainage from the surrounding farmlands) have contributed to a stressed ecosystem. Massive fish kills and bird kills, including such endangered birds as the brown pelican, have become a recurring problem. Although previous investigations have noted the presence of at least two phytoflagellates implicated in fish mortality, little attention has been paid the to the identities of the smaller flagellates observed growing in the sea and their possible contribution to the fish and bird population mortality. Using freshly collected field samples as well as enrichment culture techniques, we report the occurrence of several genera of cryptomonads in the Salton Sea, including representatives from the genera Chroomonas , Hemiselmis , Leucocryptos , Plagioselmis , Storeatula and Teleaulax.     

Determinants of avian species richness at different spatial scales

ABSTRACT. Studies of factors influencing avian biodiversity yield very different results depending on the spatial scale at which species richness is calculated. Ecological studies at small spatial scales (plot size 0.0025–0.4 km²) emphasize the importance of habitat diversity, whereas biogeographical studies at large spatial scales (quadrat size 400–50,000 km²) emphasize variables related to available energy such as temperature. In order to bridge the gap between those two approaches the bird atlas data set of Lake Constance was used to study factors determining avian species diversity at the intermediate spatial scales of landscapes (quadrat size 4–36 km²). At these spatial scales bird species richness was influenced by habitat diversity and not by variables related to available energy probably because, at the landscape scale, variation in available energy is small. Changing quadrat size between 4 and 36 km², but keeping the geographical extension of the study constant resulted in profound changes in the degree to which the amount of different habitat types was correlated with species richness. This suggests that high species diversity is achieved by different management regimes depending on the spatial scale at which species richness is calculated. However, generally, avian species diversity seems to be determined by spatial heterogeneity at the corresponding spatial scale. Thus, protecting the diversity of landscapes and ecosystems appears to ensure also high levels of species diversity.     

Genetic polymorphism and isoenzyme patterns of lactate dehydrogenase in tench (Tinea tinea), crucian carp (Carassius carassius) and carp (Cyprinus carpio)

Isoenzyme patterns and the polymorphism of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were investigated in 3 fish species of family Cyprinidae, i.e. tench ( Tinea tinea ), crucian carp ( Carassius carassius ) and carp ( Cyprinus carpio). The isoenzyme patterns were tissue and species specific. In crucian carp subunits with different electro-phoretic mobility are present, which are genetically controlled from the B¹, B², A¹, A²and C loci, while the set of loci in carp is B¹, B², A, C¹and C²and in tench B, A, C. The locus B of LDH in tench, the locus B²in crucian carp, and the loci B¹, C¹and C²in carp are polymorphic and have two different alleles in each case. The polymorphism did not affect the total LDH activity in the tissues. All the populations investigated were in Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. The genetic control of the polymorphism in B¹and C¹loci in carp was proved by test matings. The polymorphism in B loci tested in erythrocytes may be utilized as genetic markers in the fish breeding.     

Effects of Vegetation Traits on Habitat Preferences of Frugivorous Birds in Atlantic Rain Forest

Structural and floristic components of vegetation and fruit production were examined to evaluate the relative importance of each vegetation aspect on patterns of habitat use and to determine whether differences in degree of frugivory would affect sensitivity of birds to vegetation components. Abundances of 12 bird species were quantified in four different habitat types in the Southeastern Atlantic rain forest of Brazil using captures with mist nets. Structural and floristic traits and fruit production were sampled within plots along the mist net lines. Best explanations for the variation in species abundance were obtained by different combinations of the vegetation components (generalized linear models, Akaike information criterion; R ² mean values = 0.48, Δ AIC c = 0). Although each species had a particular preference for some vegetation variables, floristic components stood out in those relationships, generating models with a stronger explanatory capacity ( R ² > 0.40) and higher levels of empirical support (Δ AIC c = minimum values). The variation in bird sensitivities to the floristic component was associated with bird dependence on a fruit diet: there was a correlation between the explanatory capacity of models built with only floristic composition and a species' degree of frugivory (Spearman rank correlation, r = 0.66, P = 0.04), indicating that floristics had a higher effect in more frugivorous birds. For the other vegetation components, there was no clear pattern with statistical support. These results indicate that sensitivities of bird species to vegetation aspects are associated with their dependence on a fruit diet.     

Photosynthetic and respiratory responses to temperature and light of three Alaskan tundra growth forms

Photosynthetic and respiratory response of four Alaskan tundra species comprising three growth forms were investigated in the laboratory using an infrared gas analysis system. Vaccinium vitis-idaea , a dwarf evergreen shrub, demonstrated a low photosynthetic capacity: P_max= 1 mg CO₂ g dry wt⁻¹ h⁻¹; T_opt < 10°C. Betula nana , a deciduous shrub, had a high relatively photosynthetic capacity: P_max= 14 mg CO₂ g dry wt⁻¹ h⁻¹; T_opt 17°C. Two graminoid (sedge) species, Carex aquatilis and Eriophorum vaginalum , showed different responses. Carex showed a high photosynthetic capacity: P_max= 20 mg CO₂ g dry wt⁻¹ h⁻¹; T_opt 22°C. Eriophorum vaginatum demonstrated an intermediate photosynthetic capacity of 4 mg CO₂ g dry wt⁻¹ h⁻¹ at saturated light levels. Leaf dark respiration, up to 20°C, was approximately the same for all species. The patterns of root respiration among species was opposite to the trend in photosynthesis. Vaccinium vitis-idaea had the highest rate of root respiration and B. nana the lowest ( C aquatilis was not measured). Correlation between leaf nitrogen content (%) and photosynthetic capacity was high. Hypothesized growth form relationships explained differences in photosynthetic capacity between the deciduous shrub and evergreen shrub, but did little to account for differences between the two sedges. Differences in rooting patterns between species may affect tissue nutrient content, carbon flux rates, and carbon balance.     

Year-Round Tracking of Small Trans-Saharan Migrants Using Light-Level Geolocators

Since 1899 ringing (or banding) remained the most important source of information about migration routes, stopover sites and wintering grounds for birds that are too small to carry satellite-based tracking systems. Despite the large quantity of migrating birds ringed in their breeding areas in Europe, the number of ring recoveries from sub-Saharan Africa is very low and therefore the whereabouts of most small bird species outside the breeding season remain a mystery. With new miniaturized light-level geolocators it is now possible to look beyond the limits of ring recovery data. Here we show for the first time year round tracks of a near passerine trans-Saharan migrant, the European Hoopoe (Upupa epops epops). Three birds wintered in the Sahel zone of Western Africa where they remained stationary for most of the time. One bird chose a south-easterly route following the Italian peninsula. Birds from the same breeding population used different migration routes and wintering sites, suggesting a low level of migratory connectivity between breeding and wintering areas. Our tracking of a near passerine bird, the European Hoopoe, with light-level geolocators opens a new chapter in the research of Palaearctic-African bird migration as this new tool revolutionizes our ability to discover migration routes, stopover sites and wintering grounds of small birds.     

Food intake and growth in the blue-spotted trevally, Caranx bucculentus Alleyne and Macleay 1877, with reference to predation on penaeid prawns

Blue-spotted trevally, Caranx bucculentus , were fed different rations of pilchard and prawn in order to investigate feeding and growth relationships. Maintenance rations at 25.5° C amounted to 3.7% B.W. day⁻¹ and 2.7% B.W. day⁻¹ for prawns and pilchards, respectively. Additional feeding experiments at 28.9° C yielded a maintenance ration of prawns of 3.8% B.W. day⁻¹, suggesting there is very little if any temperature effect on the feeding-growth relationship over the range studied. Fish fed twice or more each day consumed about 7.3 ± 1.4% B.W. day⁻¹.
Given the biomass of this trevally in Albatross Bay, Gulf of Carpentaria, and the contribution of prawns to its diet, we estimate consumption of commercial prawns at 25 ± 5 g.ha⁻¹ day⁻¹ or 11 g kg⁻¹ day⁻¹.