Nematode parasites of birds of the fauna in Tunisia

330 birds of Tunisia were necropsied; they belong to 73 species among 29 families and 13 orders. We so collect 36 species of nematodes from 9 families. The relative importance of these is variable. The best represented are: Capillariidae (6 species), Spiruridae (6 species), Acuariidae (9 species) and Filariidae (6 species). The parasitism by nematodes is not uniform. Among the 330 birds autopsied only 51 were parasited by nematodes (15.45%) among 25 of the examined birds species (34.2%). Among these 25, sixteen (64%) presented only one species of parasitic nematode, six (24%) arboured two, (8%) three and only one, (partridges) presents six species of nematodes.     

Additional observations on blood parasites of birds in Costa Rica

Birds from the Area de Conservacion Guanacaste in northwestern Costa Rica were surveyed for blood parasites in June 2001 and December 2001-January 2002. Of 354 birds examined, representing 141 species of 35 families and 15 orders, 44 (12.4%) were infected with blood parasites. Species of Haemoproteus (4.8% prevalence), Plasmodium (0.6%), Leucocytozoon (0.3%), Trypanosoma (2.0%), and microfilariae (7.6%) were recorded. Twelve species of birds in this survey were examined for blood parasites for the first time. Several new host-parasite associations were identified.     

中国鸟类红色名录评估

中国有1,372种鸟类, 其中77种为中国特有。由于资源过度利用、栖息地丧失和片断化、环境污染等原因, 中国的鸟类多样性保护面临严峻的挑战。为了全面评估当前中国野生鸟类的濒危状况, 国家环境保护部支持启动了“中国脊椎动物红色名录”的编制工作。依照IUCN的标准, 对中国鸟类的受胁状况进行了一次全面评估。通过确定评估对象、数据收集、初评、初核、复审、定稿等步骤, 集国内27位鸟类学家的力量, 完成了本次评估。结果表明: 区域灭绝(RE)3种, 分别是白鹳(Ciconia ciconia)、镰翅鸡(Falcipennis falcipennis)和赤颈鹤(Grus antigone), 极危(CR)15种, 濒危(EN)51种, 易危(VU)80种, 近危(NT)190种; 无危(LC)876种, 数据缺乏(DD)157种。列为极危、濒危和易危等级的受胁鸟类合计146种, 占中国鸟类种数的10.6%。受威胁程度最高的科是鹈鹕科和犀鸟科, 这两个科100%的物种都属于受胁种。。77种特有鸟类中有29种(37.7%)属于受胁种。陆禽和猛禽是受胁最严重的生态类群, 分别有25.2%和23.2%的种类处于受胁状态。不同行政区域受胁鸟类差异较大。本工作对于我国鸟类保护和履行国际公约等工作均有重要意义。     

哀牢山北段大中山候鸟聚集地秋季夜间迁徙鸟类多样性

环志是研究迁徙鸟类的重要途径。云南省哀牢山北段大中山是鸟类迁徙的重要通道,但缺乏具体的研究数据。1997年、2010年和2011年秋季夜间迁徙鸟类环志研究的结果表明,哀牢山北段大中山捕获到的夜间鸟类有108种2330只,分属10目24科。其中,以雀形目鸟类为主,占总捕获数量的78.3%,捕获优势种为树鹨(占捕获数量的16.95%)、红喉姬鹟(13.39%)、红尾伯劳(9.83%)、红喉歌鸲(8.71%)和栗鹀(4.80%);水禽占捕获鸟类总种数的16.7%,与云南其他地点的研究结果相似。由于水禽是传播禽流感的主要载体,候鸟聚集地存在传播禽流感的风险,春季也有候鸟翻越哀牢山,因此有必要开展春季鸟类环志工作。     

Additional observations on the blood parasites of Ugandan birds.

One thousand and seventy-six birds of 26 families and 127 species were examined for hemoprotozoa; 404 birds (37%) of 41 species representing 17 families harbored one or more blood parasites. Most parasites were species of Haemoproteus which represented 95% of all parasitic infections detected. Prevalence of blood parasites in birds collected from four areas over a period of six years was relatively stable.     

河北沧州地区猛禽初步调查

依据2001年5月至2008年3月对沧州东部沿海湿地的野外考察和沧州市野生动物救护中心的鸟类救护记录,共收录沧州地区猛禽33种,隶属于2目5科16属.其中,隼形目3科10属26种,鹗形目2科6属7种.旅鸟16种,占48.5%;冬候鸟8种,占24.2%;夏候鸟3种,占9.1%;留鸟6种,占18.2%.古北界23种,占69.7%;东洋界和广布种各5种,分别占15.2%.     

Circadian Rhythm of Activity in Japanese Quail in Constant Darkness: Variability of Clarity and Possibility of Selection

In conditions of constant darkness, interindividual variability in the clarity of circadian rhythmicity was observed in sexually immature young quail, with birds classified as more or less rhythmic or arrhythmic. The relative clarity of this circadian rhythm was observed on the actograms by measurement of the autocorrelation coefficient ratio over 12 cycles. Autocorrelation coefficients were calculated from sequential series of total activity over 12-minute periods. Crosses of selected phenotypes with different clarities of rhythmicity were conducted in order to study the possibility of selection of this characteristic. From a random population (N = 42, twice), pairs of the most rhythmic birds (3 families), and pairs of arrhythmic birds (4 families) were reared. Autocorrelation coefficient ratios of Fl birds from rhythmic families (N = 54) were greater than those of Fl birds (N = 48) from arrhythmic families (t-test, p <. 0001). These ratios in offspring were significantly correlated with that of the mean parent of each clutch of siblings (N= 102, r =.35, p =. 0003). This result was maintained in a second generation (F2) of birds, for which significant differences in expressed rhythmicity were observed. That is, autocorrelation coefficient ratios of F2 birds from two rhythmic families (TV = 30) were greater than those of F2 birds from arrhydimic families (N = 20) (t-test, p =. 039). Comparison of F2 outbred and inbred birds from rhythmic pairs showed greater values of autocorrelation coefficient ratios in the case of inbred birds (N = 16) than for outbred birds (N = 30; t-test, p =. 036). There was no difference between outbred (N = 20) and inbred birds (N = 15) from arrhythmic pairs. Therefore, selection of a rhythmic strain seems possible, whereas crosses between two arrhythmic birds may also give rise to rhythmic birds. Comparisons between rhythmic birds of different families did not show differences in the free-running period of the circadian rhythm, which is true also for rhythmic birds bred from two arrhythmic parents. Therefore, our selection procedure did not seem to be based on the characteristics of the pacemaker itself, but rather on a downstream event. Although the parents were not selected on the basis of quantity of activity per cycle or on the duration of the active phase, significant differences among the offspring of different families were shown. (Chronobiology International, 75(3), 219–230, 1998)     

广东莲花山白盆珠省级自然保护区鸟类资源调查

于2008年1月～2010年12月对广东莲花山白盆珠省级自然保护区鸟类进行了调查,共记录到鸟类151种,隶属于45科16目。其中非雀形目鸟类74种(占49.01%),雀形目77种(50.99%);94种属东洋界种类(62.25%),42种属古北界种类(27.81%),15种属广布种(9.93%);留鸟88种(58.28%)、冬候鸟44种(29.14%)、夏候鸟15种(9.93%)、旅鸟和迷鸟4种(2.65%);国家Ⅱ级重点保护鸟类22种(14.57%)。该保护区鸟类特色是中华秋沙鸭种群数量较大,猛禽资源和水鸟资源较丰富。     

Avian hemosporidian parasites from northern California oak woodland and chaparral habitats

During spring-summer 2003-2004, the avian community was surveyed for hemosporidian parasites in an oak (Quercus spp.) and madrone (Arbutus spp.) woodland bordering grassland and chaparral habitats at a site in northern California, a geographic location and in habitat types not previously sampled for these parasites. Of 324 birds from 46 species (21 families) sampled (including four species not previously examined for hemosporidians), 126 (39%) were infected with parasites identified as species of one or more of the genera Plasmodium (3% of birds sampled), Haemoproteus (30%), and Leucocytozoon (11%). Species of parasite were identified by morphology in stained blood smears and were consistent with one species of Plasmodium, 11 species of Haemoproteus, and four species of Leucocytozoon. We document the presence of one of the parasite genera in seven new host species and discovered 12 new parasite species-host species associations. Hatching-year birds were found infected with parasites of all three genera. Prevalence of parasites for each genus differed significantly for the entire sample, and prevalence of parasites for the most common genus, Haemoproteus, differed significantly among bird families. Among families with substantial sample sizes, the Vireonidae (63%) and Emberizidae (70%) were most often infected with Haemoproteus spp. No evidence for parasite between-genus interaction, either positive or negative, was found. Overall prevalence of hemosporidians at the northern California sites and predominance of Haemoproteus spp. was similar to that reported in most other surveys for the USA, Canada, and the Caribbean islands.     

河南安阳平原农耕区鸟类区系及多样性

2009年7月～2011年8月对河南安阳平原农耕区鸟类进行了调查,共记录到鸟类109种,隶属13目33科,其中雀形目鸟类59种,占鸟种总数的54.1%;留鸟30种,占总种数的28.4%;夏候鸟33种,占总种数的30.3%;冬候鸟8种,占6.4%;旅鸟38种,占34.9%。在生境分布上,以村庄农田鸟类种类最多,其次是林地果园,鸟种最少的是河流水域。在调查研究的基础上提出了鸟类保护的一些建议。     

Bird ticks in an area of the Cerrado of Minas Gerais State, southeast Brazil

In the present study the tick prevalence, mean intensity of infestation and species were recorded on birds captured between January 2009 and December 2010 in the Ecological Station Pirapitinga-ESEC from Minas Gerais State, Brazil. A total of 967 birds, from 15 families and 40 species were captured and 165 (17.1 %) individuals were parasitized by ticks. Of these 160 (97 %) belonged to the order Passeriformes. Five tick species were identified: Amblyomma longirostre (n = 274) was the most common species followed by Amblyomma parvum (n = 43), Amblyomma nodosum (n = 39), Amblyomma ovale (n = 24) and Riphicephalus sanguineus (n = 7). None of 61 unengorged larvae molted to nymph. The mean intensity of infestation was 2.7 ± 2.4 ticks per bird (448 ticks/165 birds) ranging from 1 to 10. Only 19 (11.4 %) birds were infested with one species of tick. The remaining birds were infested by two, three or four species of ticks. Also new hosts for all five ticks were recorded. Only nymphs were recorded throughout the year with two similar peaks during autumn and winter 2009 and 2010.     

黑龙江牡丹峰自然保护区鸟类多样性分析

为了更好地了解牡丹峰自然保护区的鸟类资源,保护和维持生态平衡,2005年7月至2008年2月对牡丹峰自然保护区鸟类资源进行了调查.共记录到鸟类14目30科93种.占全国鸟类总数的7.86%,其中留鸟18种,夏候鸟56种,冬候鸟4种,旅鸟12种,偶见种3种,分别占总数19.4%、60.2%、4.3%、12.9%和3.23%.     

Seasonal Incidence and Diversity Pattern of Avian Communities in the Bangalore University Campus,India

The present study deals with the species abundance, diversity and species richness of avian communities in the Bangalore University Campus (BUC), Bengaluru, India. One hundred and six species of birds belonging to 42 families under 68 genera were recorded. Shannon–Wiener’s and Fisher’s alpha diversities, species evenness, species richness of bird communities, number of bird species and percentage of population density of birds between various seasons in the BUC differed significantly between the study years. Of these bird species, the relative abundance (6.96 %) and species distribution ratio (0.070) of Psittacula krameri were highest, whereas relative abundance (0.04 %) and species distribution ratio (0.002) of Coracias benghalensis were lowest. The existing 32 species of flowering plants/trees belonging to 29 genera under 14 families in the campus are used for perching by birds. Moreover 29 species of flowering plants/trees belonging to 24 genera under 16 families depend on birds for pollination and/or seed dispersal. Occurrence of greater bird diversity and abundance of avian communities were recorded highest in the winter season in the BUC premises. In the different seasons, the BUC had varying community structure of birds between the study years. BUC suffers from numerous threats namely grass cutting, fire and grazing of domestic animals. Conservation methods needed for habitat management are restoration of vegetation and wetlands, and increase plant and tree diversity to protect the ecosystem of BUC habitat and to preserve its diversity of avifauna.     

西藏"一江两河"流域鸟类资源调查初报

自2006年以来对西藏"一江两河"流域的鸟类资源进行了观测与考察,共记录鸟类15目37科125种,约占全国鸟类的9.4%.该区域鸟类以古北界成分为主,达78种,占总数的62.4%,此外还有东洋界鸟类22种,广布种25种.鸟类中多为留鸟,种类达84种,占到总数的67.2%,冬候鸟29种,夏候鸟12种.该区域有多种被保护的鸟类资源,其中IUCN收录6种,CITES收录19种,中国濒危物种红皮书收录13种;中国重点保护动物名录收录20种.     

江西老虎脑省级自然保护区鸟类资源调查

2017年11—12月、2018年7—8月、2018年11—12月,在江西老虎脑省级自然保护区开展鸟类资源调查,调查发现该保护区有鸟类17目53科240种。其中,非雀形目16目22科94种,雀形目31科146种。本区鸟类中有留鸟115种,冬候鸟57种,夏候鸟42种,旅鸟26种;古北界87种,广布种22种,东洋界131种。其中,国家重点保护鸟类31种,列入中国红色名录濒危等级(EN)物种有1种,黄胸鹀Emberiza aureola;易危等级(VU)物种有2种,白颈长尾雉Syrmaticus ellioti、白眉山鹧鸪Arborophila gingica;近危等级(NT)物种有19种。中国特有种4种,灰胸竹鸡Bambusicola thoracica、白颈长尾雉、白眉山鹧鸪、黄腹山雀Parus venustulus。多样性分析结果显示,该区鸟类群落Shannon-Wiener指数、Pielou指数分别为4.135、0.778,通过与周围包括武夷山、井冈山、齐云山、九连山4个保护区比较,显示研究区域物种种数较高。     

四川长沙贡玛自然保护区的鸟类资源

2005年7月～2006年8月,对四川长沙贡玛自然保护区的鸟类调查结果显示,保护区有鸟类155种,分属于15目37科.以留鸟和夏候鸟为主,占总数的80.63%.从繁殖鸟的区系上看,有东洋界成分37种,古北界成份64种,广布种23种,分别占繁殖鸟总数的29.83%、51.61%和19.56%.保护区有国家Ⅰ级重点保护鸟类10种,Ⅱ级重点保护鸟类21种,我国特有种11种.列入<中国濒危动物红皮书>的有19种,列入CITES(2003)名录的有21种,列入IUCN(2004)名录的有7种.鸟类栖息地受到沙化和过度放牧的威胁,亟待保护.     

Blood parasites of some birds from Colombia

Blood films from 421 birds of 142 species, representing 29 avian families, from the environs of Cali, Colombia, were examined for blood parsites. Only 30 (7.1%) birds of 26 species harbored hematozoa. Species of Haemoproteus (3.1%) and microfilaria (2.3%) were the most commonly encountered blood parasites; species of Leucocytozoon, Plasmodium, Akiba and Lankesterella were found in a few birds. Mixed infections with more than one genus of blood parasite were rare; most infections encountered were of low intensity.     

山东省滨州市湿地水鸟的多样性调查

于2008年3月～2009年4月,采用路线调查法和定点观察法对滨州市区水鸟多样性情况进行了调查,共记录7目15科36属64种。其中国家Ⅰ级保护鸟类1种,国家Ⅱ级保护鸟类2种;冬候鸟10种(15.6%),夏候鸟18种(28.1%),旅鸟28种(43.8%),留鸟8种(12.5%)。区系组成包括:古北界40种(62.5%),东洋界6种(9.4%),广布种鸟类18种(28.1%)。多样性分析显示,滨州市区水鸟的Shannon-Wiener指数H′=2.5655、Pielou指数J=0.6169及G-F指数DG-F=0.6137。在市区3个水库中,北海水库的水鸟多样性指数最高。人类活动和自然环境恶化是该地区水鸟面临的主要威胁。     

Blood parasites of some birds from Ghana

A total of 135 birds of 26 species in 13 families was examined for blood parasites; 43 birds (31.9%) of 13 species were infected; species of the Ploceidae were the most heavily infected. Species of Haemoproteus occurred most commonly 29 birds) while Leucocytozoon and Plasmodium species were virtually absent. There was no significant difference in the prevalence of hematozoa in birds from the mature rainforest and those in a savannah-urban setting.     

The phenology of molting,breeding and their overlap in central Amazonian birds

The energetically challenging periods of molting and breeding are usually temporally separated in temperate birds, but can occur simultaneously in tropical birds, a condition known as molt–breeding overlap. Here, we document great variation in the timing and duration of molting and breeding, and in the extent of molt–breeding overlap, among 87 species of understory passerines in central Amazonia. We analyzed molt and breeding from 26 871 birds captured over a 30‐yr period near Manaus, Brazil. Although most species typically bred during the late dry season (about October through January), many thamnophilids apparently bred year‐round, whereas a few other species from a variety of families bred mainly during the wet season (about January through May). Of all breeding birds with an active brood patch, 12.7% were simultaneously molting. Molt–breeding overlap was more frequently observed among suboscines (13.3%), especially thamnophilids (23.0%), than oscines (6.4%). Some families had <5% molt–breeding overlap frequency, including Tyrannidae (4.4%), Tityridae (0.0%), Pipridae (1.5%), Turdidae (0.0%), and Thraupidae (0.0%), indicating that not all tropical species exhibit molt–breeding overlap. Among 31 well‐sampled species (n ≥15 brood patches), variation in molt–breeding overlap frequency was positively correlated with each species’ average duration of flight feather replacement (range 98–301 d). We also measured feather growth rates of individual birds in nine species; in five of these, slower‐growing feathers increased with an individual's probability of having molt–breeding overlap. Among furnariids, molt–breeding overlap occurred either at the beginning or end of the molt cycle, suggesting that physiological mechanisms typically separate molting from breeding. Thamnophilids showed a much different pattern; molt–breeding overlap occurred at any stage of feather replacement, apparently not regulated to be independent of breeding. These results reveal substantial life‐history variation among Amazonian birds. Future work to resolve the physiological regulation of molting and breeding in tropical birds will greatly contribute to understanding these patterns and their relevance to avian diversity.