Journal Description
Birds
Birds
is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal on ornithology published quarterly online by MDPI.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within ESCI (Web of Science), Scopus, AGRIS, and other databases.
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 20.6 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 3.7 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the first half of 2024).
- Journal Rank: JCR - Q1 (Ornithology) / CiteScore - Q2 (Animal Science and Zoology)
- Recognition of Reviewers: Reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal. While single-blind peer review is standard, reviewers have the option available for signed peer review, and reviewer names are published annually in the journal.
- Birds is a companion journal of Animals.
Impact Factor:
1.5 (2023)
Latest Articles
The Effects of Disturbance Intensity on Tropical Forest Bird Communities and Vegetation Structure after Two Decades of Recovery
Birds 2024, 5(3), 388-403; https://doi.org/10.3390/birds5030026 - 25 Jul 2024
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As tropical forests are frequently impacted by human disturbance, forests in various stages of disturbance recovery are increasingly important for maintaining biodiversity. However, much remains unclear regarding the impacts of prior disturbance intensity on wildlife in regenerating forests. Here, we used mist net
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As tropical forests are frequently impacted by human disturbance, forests in various stages of disturbance recovery are increasingly important for maintaining biodiversity. However, much remains unclear regarding the impacts of prior disturbance intensity on wildlife in regenerating forests. Here, we used mist net capture data to compare bird communities in three tropical forest habitats representing various disturbance intensities: undisturbed primary forest, selectively logged forest (low disturbance), and secondary forest regenerating on abandoned agricultural fields (high disturbance). We found that after a 19-year recovery period, low-disturbance sites contained similar bird communities to undisturbed sites. High-disturbance sites, however, had lower species richness and distinct bird communities, with fewer insectivores and more nectarivores than other sites. Structural equation models revealed that the impacts of disturbance intensity on bird communities were partially explained by changes in vegetation structure: ant-following insectivore abundance declined with disturbance intensity as ground cover vegetation increased, and nectarivore abundance increased with disturbance intensity as tree density decreased. Our results suggest that selectively logged forests can regain pre-disturbance bird diversity and vegetation structure within two decades, provided that they are protected from further disturbance and located near source species pools. Increasing tree density and decreasing ground-level vegetation in secondary forests may improve these areas as habitats for forest-interior birds.
Full article
Open AccessFeature PaperArticle
DNA Prevalence of Eukaryotic Parasites with Zoonotic Potential in Urban-Associated Birds
by
Xabier Cabodevilla, Juan E. Malo, Daniel Aguirre de Carcer, Julia Zurdo, Rubén Chaboy-Cansado, Alberto Rastrojo and Juan Traba
Birds 2024, 5(3), 375-387; https://doi.org/10.3390/birds5030025 - 24 Jul 2024
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Synanthropic birds might play an important role as reservoirs of many zoonotic endoparasites; however, little information is available on many parasites and their prevalence. Here, we use an approach based on targeted metagenomic detection through the use of DNA metabarcoding of faecal samples
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Synanthropic birds might play an important role as reservoirs of many zoonotic endoparasites; however, little information is available on many parasites and their prevalence. Here, we use an approach based on targeted metagenomic detection through the use of DNA metabarcoding of faecal samples to screen for circulating parasites in alien parakeets (Myiopsitta monachus and Psittacula krameri) and urban landfill-feeding storks (Ciconia ciconia) and gulls (Larus fuscus). We focus especially on potentially zoonotic parasites, with the aim of better understanding the zoonotic risk that these birds’ faeces may pose. We detected a total of 23 genera of eukaryotic parasites: six fungi, three protists, five nematodes, two cestodes and seven trematodes. Among them, six stood out for their relevance to human health: Cryptococcus spp., Aspergillus spp. and Candida spp. (fungi); Cryptosporidium spp. (a protist); and Ascaris spp. and Halicephalobus spp. (nematodes). In parakeets, we detected Cryptococcus spp. and Ascaris spp., the latter being detected in 10–20% of the samples. In the White Stork and the Lesser Black-backed Gull, we found a high prevalence of Aspergillus spp. (in 15% and 50% of the samples, respectively) and Candida spp. (in 63% and 82% of the samples, respectively), and the presence of Cryptosporidium spp. in 10% of the samples. We detected Halicephalobus spp. in one gull sample (2%). Our results show that synanthropic birds may act as vectors and reservoirs of zoonotic parasites and their faeces could pose a risk to human health associated with the zoonotic parasites present in them. This should be taken into account when developing management plans for urban populations of these bird species.
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Open AccessFeature PaperArticle
Exploring Mountain Hikers’ Wildlife Value Orientations and Disturbance of Birds of Prey: A Case Study from Norway
by
Yosra Zouhar, Øystein Aas and Hilde Nikoline Hambro Dybsand
Birds 2024, 5(3), 363-374; https://doi.org/10.3390/birds5030024 - 23 Jul 2024
Abstract
Wildlife value orientations (WVOs) are useful for gaining knowledge about how humans’ relationship to nature, wildlife, and management differs between groups in society. Our study investigated the level of acceptance for the implementation of measures to avoid the disturbance of golden eagles among
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Wildlife value orientations (WVOs) are useful for gaining knowledge about how humans’ relationship to nature, wildlife, and management differs between groups in society. Our study investigated the level of acceptance for the implementation of measures to avoid the disturbance of golden eagles among hikers with different WVOs. Our results indicated differences between WVO typologies regarding how they assessed the consequences of outdoor recreation on nature and wildlife, as well as measures to manage human traffic. These findings contributed to confirming our hypotheses that peoples’ WVOs have an impact on how people assess wildlife and the natural environment, and that WVOs affect the acceptance of management measures. This study concluded that identifying and studying visitors’ WVOs contributes to understanding the underlying dimensions that influence peoples’ attitudes and behavior. WVOs has not been studied in a Norwegian context previously, and this study contributes new knowledge that is useful for managing human–wildlife relations in more sustainable ways.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Birds and People)
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Open AccessArticle
Artificial Light at Night Increases Growth and Impairs Reproductive Success in Budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus) in a Duration Dose-Dependent Manner
by
Malek Itay and Abraham Haim
Birds 2024, 5(3), 352-362; https://doi.org/10.3390/birds5030023 - 12 Jul 2024
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Short-wavelength artificial light at night is increasingly being associated with health and ecological risks. The negative impact of this relatively new source of pollution has been studied intensively in wild birds but to a much lesser extent in captive conspecifics. Using an avian
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Short-wavelength artificial light at night is increasingly being associated with health and ecological risks. The negative impact of this relatively new source of pollution has been studied intensively in wild birds but to a much lesser extent in captive conspecifics. Using an avian model, our objective was to evaluate the effects of short-wavelength (200 lux at 460 nm) lighting on the body mass and reproductive success of Budgerigars (Melopsittacus undulatus) under captive conditions. Birds were maintained under a naturally increasing photoperiod from March to June, with one daily artificial light at night exposure of increasing duration (0, 30, 60, and 90 min) in the middle of the dark period. During the experiments, birds were monitored monthly for body mass, number of eggs laid, hatching success, and melatonin sulfate levels in droppings. Artificial light at night increased body mass and decreased melatonin sulfate levels as well as the number of eggs and hatching success in a duration dose-dependent manner. Our findings provide further evidence of the potential adverse impact of artificial light at night on captive birds and advocate the need for effective controlling measures for light pollution.
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Open AccessReview
A Worldwide Review of Snowy Owl Feeding Ecology: The Importance of Lemmings and Voles in a Changing Climate
by
Denver W. Holt, Matthew D. Larson, Mathew T. Seidensticker and Stephen P. Hiro
Birds 2024, 5(3), 341-351; https://doi.org/10.3390/birds5030022 - 8 Jul 2024
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We compared Snowy Owl feeding ecology from 15 breeding season studies throughout Nearctic and Palearctic circumpolar regions. We used raw data and information theory to assess the owls’ feeding niche. Combined studies yielded 59,923 prey items, of which 59,585 were used for calculations.
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We compared Snowy Owl feeding ecology from 15 breeding season studies throughout Nearctic and Palearctic circumpolar regions. We used raw data and information theory to assess the owls’ feeding niche. Combined studies yielded 59,923 prey items, of which 59,585 were used for calculations. Overall, mean food niche breadth (FNB) was narrow: H′ = 1.95; R = 1.60, D = 0.526. In 10 of 15 studies, lemmings were > 71.8% of the owls’ diet. In four studies, Lemmus was > 90% of the diet, and in three studies Dicrostonyx was >90% of the diet. In three other studies, Lemmus represented 71.8%, 73.8%, and 84.0% of the diet. In one study, Lemmus and Dicrostonyx were about equal: 49.1% and 47.5%. In the four remaining studies, Microtus and Clethrionomys voles were important. In contrast, of 5888 winter prey items from seven North American studies, the mean FNB (H′ = 4.61) was twice that of 15 breeding season scores, FNB (H’ = 1.95). The Snowy Owl is primarily an obligate lemming predator for breeding. Changes to population ecology and distribution of lemmings due to climate change will have direct affects and effects on the Snowy Owls’ reproductive output. The conservation of Snowy Owls is the conservation of lemmings.
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Open AccessEssay
Birds and People: A Symbiotic Relationship in Practice
by
Richard William Butler
Birds 2024, 5(2), 328-340; https://doi.org/10.3390/birds5020021 - 19 Jun 2024
Abstract
This Special Issue of Birds is focused on a number of ways in which people and birds interact with nature, and the example discussed here incorporates four of the seven relationships noted. These are: how birds and birding connect people with nature, the
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This Special Issue of Birds is focused on a number of ways in which people and birds interact with nature, and the example discussed here incorporates four of the seven relationships noted. These are: how birds and birding connect people with nature, the role of communities in the study and conservation of birds, the involvement of people with professional ornithologists, and citizens’ perception and knowledge of birds. The island of Fair Isle provides the location for the examination of these relationships, illustrating the positive interaction between the two human populations of the island and the two avian populations. It is based on fieldwork and literature studies conducted at intervals over a sixty-year period and a review of written and photographic evidence dating back to the beginning of the twentieth century. The purpose of the paper therefore, is to discuss how the relationships between the human and avian populations of the island have changed over time to a more positive and mutually dependent relationship, which is somewhat unique and can be described as symbiotic.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Birds and People)
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Open AccessFeature PaperArticle
Factors Affecting the Winter Distribution of Birds in Forests at the Eastern Edge of Europe
by
Arthur Askeyev, Oleg Askeyev, Igor Askeyev and Tim Sparks
Birds 2024, 5(2), 308-327; https://doi.org/10.3390/birds5020020 - 14 Jun 2024
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We show for the first time the results of a study into the spatial distribution of birds in forests at the eastern edge of Europe (Republic of Tatarstan, Russia) and changes from early to late winter. A transect method was used to census
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We show for the first time the results of a study into the spatial distribution of birds in forests at the eastern edge of Europe (Republic of Tatarstan, Russia) and changes from early to late winter. A transect method was used to census randomly selected plots spread over a large geographical area in the winters 2018/9–2022/3. We used regression and ordination methods to assess the influence of key environmental factors on species richness, total density of birds, biological diversity, and the probabilities of occurrence of individual species. The most abundant bird species in early winter was the Willow Tit, and in the late winter was the Common Redpoll. Compared with the end of the 20th century, the number of wintering bird species has increased in the study area, likely due to climate warming. Species richness, total density, and the Shannon Index of diversity were higher in early winter than in late winter. Species richness and the Shannon Index were also higher at low elevations and in the west of the study region. Our research shows strong ecological-geographical differences in the preferences of individual bird species in the studied forests. However, almost without exception, birds had a higher probability of occurrence at lower elevation and toward the west.
Full article
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Open AccessFeature PaperReview
Nest Design and Breeding Success: Replicability of Methodologies and Research Findings in Secondary Hole Nesting Passerines
by
Marcel M. Lambrechts and D. Charles Deeming
Birds 2024, 5(2), 278-307; https://doi.org/10.3390/birds5020019 - 12 Jun 2024
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More than 40 hypotheses predict associations between features of nest architecture and at least one measure of reproductive success. However, quantitative studies of reproductive consequences of nest characteristics remain scarce. In addition, most studies were conducted on model species of which nests can
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More than 40 hypotheses predict associations between features of nest architecture and at least one measure of reproductive success. However, quantitative studies of reproductive consequences of nest characteristics remain scarce. In addition, most studies were conducted on model species of which nests can be easily monitored with artificial nest-boxes. Here, we review the replicability of research protocols and findings in model species, with many repeat studies focusing mainly on nest-size components, animal-derived nest material, or fresh greenery in model species of secondary hole-nesting birds: Blue Tits (Cyanistes caeruleus), Great Tits (Parus major), Tree Swallows (Tachycineta bicolor), and Starlings (Sturnus spp.). The studies looked for correlations between nest traits and aspects of breeding performance that can be easily quantified in the field, such as clutch size, brood size at hatching or fledging, the percentage of eggs that hatch or fledge, or nestling characteristics assumed to reflect qualities associated with survival probabilities (e.g., morphometry, body condition, blood profiles). We discuss the consequences of poor replicability of research methodologies and provide explanations for why many of these studies reported poor associations between nest design and breeding success at different spatiotemporal scales. We also make suggestions for future research.
Full article
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Open AccessFeature PaperArticle
Bird Species Knowledge and Its Antecedents in US High School Students—A Case Study from Michigan
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Robin Egger, Talia Härtel and Christoph Randler
Birds 2024, 5(2), 265-277; https://doi.org/10.3390/birds5020018 - 7 Jun 2024
Abstract
Bird identification is a necessary skill for citizen science projects, and teaching and learning about species is essential to halt the decline in biodiversity. Here, we investigated bird species knowledge in a case study of Michigan high school students using an online survey.
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Bird identification is a necessary skill for citizen science projects, and teaching and learning about species is essential to halt the decline in biodiversity. Here, we investigated bird species knowledge in a case study of Michigan high school students using an online survey. Participants were asked to identify 21 common species, covering a wide range of orders and families. On average, high school students achieved a correct identification score of 35%. The most well-known species were the American Robin, Blue Jay, Cardinal and Turkey Vulture. We found no difference between boys and girls, but identification scores declined with increasing age. Interest was an important predictor of identification knowledge, as were activities (field trips, outings) both in and out of class. Among species traits, high knowledge of a species was positively related to the number of eBird entries (as a proxy for year-round population size), body mass (heavier species were better known) and internet presence. We suggest expanding this study to other states, and we encourage educators and teachers to improve bird knowledge through birding field trips.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Birds and People)
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Open AccessFeature PaperArticle
Flight Initiation Distance in an Urban Bird: Influence of the Number of People, Gaze Orientation, and Bird Behavior
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Natália Cardoso de Resende, Camila Palhares Teixeira and Cristiano Schetini de Azevedo
Birds 2024, 5(2), 255-264; https://doi.org/10.3390/birds5020017 - 5 Jun 2024
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Background: The flight initiation distance (FID) measures the distance a bird flees from an approaching predator. Factors such as the frequency of predator approaches, the direction of predator gaze, variations in predator presence across different areas, and the specific behaviors displayed by predators
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Background: The flight initiation distance (FID) measures the distance a bird flees from an approaching predator. Factors such as the frequency of predator approaches, the direction of predator gaze, variations in predator presence across different areas, and the specific behaviors displayed by predators can all affect the FID. For birds, people can assume the role of predators. Methods: This study aimed to evaluate whether the FID of the species Sicalis flaveola (Saffron finch, Aves, Passeriformes) is influenced by the number of people and their gaze direction, comparing areas with the greater and lesser flow of people and relating to the types of behavior exhibited by the birds. Results: The results showed that the number of people walking towards the bird influenced the escape behavior, with more people generating longer FIDs than fewer people. If the approach was with the eyes fixed on the birds, the FIDs were longer. When birds were alert, FIDs were longer. Conclusion: Overall, the findings imply that birds exhibit nuanced reactions to human presence, even in areas with frequent human encounters, highlighting their advanced capacity for assessing and responding to perceived risks.
Full article
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Open AccessArticle
Diet and Feeding Behavior of the South Polar Skuas Stercorarius maccormicki in the Haswell Islands, East Antarctica
by
Sergey Golubev
Birds 2024, 5(2), 240-254; https://doi.org/10.3390/birds5020016 - 31 May 2024
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The diet and feeding behavior of South Polar Skuas (Stercorarius maccormicki) are well studied within the species’ breeding range but are poorly understood on the Haswell Islands. The aim of this study was to determine how South Polar Skuas use available
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The diet and feeding behavior of South Polar Skuas (Stercorarius maccormicki) are well studied within the species’ breeding range but are poorly understood on the Haswell Islands. The aim of this study was to determine how South Polar Skuas use available resources during the pre-breeding and breeding periods at the Haswell Archipelago (66°31′ S, 93°01′ E, Davis Sea, Southern Ocean) under conditions of prolonged human activity. I studied pellets, spontaneous regurgitation, and stomach contents of feathered birds to study the diet of skuas and used direct observations of their feeding behavior. South Polar Skuas at the Haswell Islands fed primarily on the Emperor Penguin (Aptenodytes forsteri) colony and on terrestrial resources in the Adélie Penguin (Pygoscelis adeliae) and fulmarine petrel colonies. The dominant prey of skuas were breeding Antarctic penguins. Emperor Penguins and Adélie Penguins make up the bulk of the skuas’ diet in the pre-breeding and breeding periods. Surface feeding at sea was observed in the post-breeding period. In recent decades, kitchen waste supported the skua population. Scavenging (placenta and feces of Weddell seals [Leptonychotes weddellii], frozen eggs, chicks and adults of breeding bird species, kitchen refuse) is the dominant strategy for obtaining food. Adélie Penguin eggs and chicks were the main food items of the South Polar Skuas in the Haswell Archipelago. Skua predation could potentially influence the breeding success of Adélie Penguins and fulmarine petrels, but the extent of the impact is unknown. The impact of the South Polar Skua on Emperor Penguins is negligible because skuas feed mainly on frozen chicks and eggs of the species.
Full article
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Open AccessArticle
Population Trend of Colonially Nesting Heron Species in Greece
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Savas Kazantzidis, Theodoros Naziridis, Evangelia Katrana, Nikolaos Bukas, Georgios Kazantzidis, Aristidis Christidis and Christos Astaras
Birds 2024, 5(2), 217-239; https://doi.org/10.3390/birds5020015 - 15 May 2024
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Heron colonies are dynamic components of wetlands. Therefore, their systematic monitoring is important for the management of both birds and wetlands. During the period 1988–2018, we counted breeding pairs of seven colonial breeding heron species at 65 colonies across 37 wetlands in Greece.
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Heron colonies are dynamic components of wetlands. Therefore, their systematic monitoring is important for the management of both birds and wetlands. During the period 1988–2018, we counted breeding pairs of seven colonial breeding heron species at 65 colonies across 37 wetlands in Greece. We considered as annual variables of a population: (a) years since 1988, (b) Natura 2000 network inclusion, (c) protected area management authority overseeing, (d) wetland type (new or restored), and (e) new colonies (established after 2003). The Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis and the Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides had a positive breeding population trend. The Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax, Little Egret Egretta garzetta, and Grey Heron Ardea cinerea had a negative trend, while the Purple Heron Ardea purpurea population was stable. The Great White Egret Ardea alba bred sporadically at only a few sites which precluded the evaluation of its population trend. The informative population variables differed among species, even of those at the same colony, which suggests trends are also affected by conditions at wintering grounds. The study highlights the need for the systematic monitoring of heron colonies and the protection of foraging/breeding areas in order to reverse the observed negative population trends.
Full article
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Open AccessArticle
Human Perception of Birds in Two Brazilian Cities
by
Gabriela Rosa Graviola, Milton Cezar Ribeiro and João Carlos Pena
Birds 2024, 5(2), 202-216; https://doi.org/10.3390/birds5020014 - 19 Apr 2024
Abstract
Understanding how humans perceive animals is important for biodiversity conservation, however, only a few studies about this issue have been carried out in South America. We selected two Brazilian cities to assess people’s perceptions of birds: Bauru (São Paulo, Brazil) and Belo Horizonte
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Understanding how humans perceive animals is important for biodiversity conservation, however, only a few studies about this issue have been carried out in South America. We selected two Brazilian cities to assess people’s perceptions of birds: Bauru (São Paulo, Brazil) and Belo Horizonte (Minas Gerais, Brazil). From the available bird data for each city, we developed a questionnaire and applied it between September 2020 and June 2021. The data obtained were analyzed by simple counts, a Likert scale, and percentages. Also, human feelings related to birds were placed on the Free Word Cloud Generator website. Our study confirmed that most respondents were aware of the importance of birds to ecological balance and that respondents had a generally positive attitude towards most of the bird species. However, they disliked exotic species such as the Domestic Dove and the House Sparrow, which are associated with disease, dirt, and disgust. Respondents also underestimated the number of birds that can live in urban areas and the song of birds is still a sense less experienced and perceived by people. Understanding these human–biodiversity relationships can help guide public policies and environmental education activities.
Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Birds and People)
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Open AccessArticle
Genetic Monitoring of the Captive Population of the Critically Endangered Brazilian Merganser (Mergus octosetaceus)
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Davidson P. Campos, Henry P. Granger-Neto, José E. Santos-Júnior, Renata S. O. Buzatti and Fabrício R. Santos
Birds 2024, 5(1), 190-201; https://doi.org/10.3390/birds5010013 - 13 Mar 2024
Abstract
The Brazilian Merganser (Mergus octosetaceus) is one of the rarest birds in South America, and it is a critically endangered Anatidae species with an estimated population of less than 250 adult individuals in the Brazilian Cerrado. A captive population was established
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The Brazilian Merganser (Mergus octosetaceus) is one of the rarest birds in South America, and it is a critically endangered Anatidae species with an estimated population of less than 250 adult individuals in the Brazilian Cerrado. A captive population was established a few years ago at Zooparque Itatiba (São Paulo state) where 46 individuals were kept, and the founding population (progenitors derived from nature) was composed of 19 of the ex situ birds, derived from the four remaining localities with wild populations in Brazil. To characterize the genetic diversity and the genealogical relationships of the captive population, it is essential to conduct appropriate ex situ management and to assist future reintroduction projects. Thus, we have identified 425 SNPs by massively parallel sequencing of ddRAD libraries that allowed us to genotype individuals of the captive population. We observed a close relatedness between 70% of the captive population and founding individuals of Jalapão and Alto Paranaiba localities, indicating the need for supplementation with individuals from other areas of Canastra and Veadeiros. Even though many captives present a high level of inbreeding, we have identified some individuals with a high genetic value (less inbred) that can be selected for the breeding program to generate individuals for a future pilot reintroduction project.
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(This article belongs to the Topic Ecology, Management and Conservation of Vertebrates)
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Open AccessArticle
Propensity of Predator Mimicry in Steller’s Jays
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Trinity C. Harvey, Pia O. Gabriel and Jeffrey M. Black
Birds 2024, 5(1), 173-189; https://doi.org/10.3390/birds5010012 - 9 Mar 2024
Abstract
Avian vocal mimicry has been described in a variety of contexts, suggesting its function is multifaceted within and across species; however, basic empirical data describing mimetic signal prevalence and context are lacking for numerous species. We examined the occurrence and context of mimicked
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Avian vocal mimicry has been described in a variety of contexts, suggesting its function is multifaceted within and across species; however, basic empirical data describing mimetic signal prevalence and context are lacking for numerous species. We examined the occurrence and context of mimicked Red-shouldered Hawk (Buteo lineatus) calls over a 12-month period in a population of 49 individually color-marked Steller’s Jays (Cyanocitta stelleri). We documented mimicry of Red-shouldered Hawk calls in 14 of 49 (28.6%) jays during this 12-month period. We also reviewed the occurrence of the behavior in historic observation data. Hawk mimicry occurred more often during the early breeding season when jays were within home territories, their mates were present, and aggression was absent. Younger, larger, and bolder jays were most likely to perform imitations. These results suggest jays individually vary in mimetic propensity, and individuals’ proclivity for mimicry may be influenced by social and ecological contexts, physical characteristics, and personality traits.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers of Birds 2022–2023)
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Open AccessArticle
Identification of Novel Can Manipulation Behaviour in the Common Raven (Corvus corax)
by
Rebecca Dickinson and Loni Loftus
Birds 2024, 5(1), 155-172; https://doi.org/10.3390/birds5010011 - 8 Mar 2024
Abstract
This study examines the common raven (Corvus corax) population on Lanzarote, Spain, at a previously unstudied site. The study aimed to compare the use of camera trap technology and human observation in capturing a wide repertoire of raven behaviour and pay
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This study examines the common raven (Corvus corax) population on Lanzarote, Spain, at a previously unstudied site. The study aimed to compare the use of camera trap technology and human observation in capturing a wide repertoire of raven behaviour and pay close attention to the perforation of aluminium cans, a behaviour that has not been described in the scientific literature previously but has been reported anecdotally through human observation. Five cameras were sited over a period of 6 months, with three aluminium cans placed at each location. One of the three cans was baited with meat and eggs, mimicking wild feeding substrate. Human observations took place over the same period of time in the same locations. Raven sightings were highly correlated in human-inhabited areas as well as agricultural areas, seemingly linked to food acquisition. Camera trap technology identified a greater number of can-orientated behaviours (interaction, manipulation, peeking inside, and pecking) compared to the human observation method. Conversely, human observation yielded a greater number of non-can-orientated behaviours (analysed as a group) when compared to that of camera trap observation. Overall, there was a significantly greater number of ravens observed via human observation when compared to that of camera trap observation. Initial evidence suggests that ravens only perforate cans they deem salient in terms of food acquisition, with beer cans being the most common focus of the behaviours observed, possibly linked to olfactory stimuli, the movement of the can or learned behaviour relating to reward acquisition. This study presents new data regarding object interaction in ravens, adding to the current body of knowledge.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers of Birds 2022–2023)
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Open AccessArticle
Parrot Trade and the Potential Risk of Psittacosis as a Zoonotic Disease in Indonesian Bird Markets
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Abdullah Abdullah, Ahmad Ardiansyah, Michela Balestri, Marco Campera, Jessica Chavez, Tungga Dewi, Anna Fourage, Emma L. Hankinson, Katherine Hedger, Boyd Leupen, Sophie Manson, Thais Q. Morcatty, K. A. I. Nekaris, Vincent Nijman, Paula E. R. Pereyra, Erly Sintya, Magdalena S. Svensson and Meng Xie
Birds 2024, 5(1), 137-154; https://doi.org/10.3390/birds5010010 - 7 Mar 2024
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Wildlife trade, both legal and illegal, is increasingly recognized as a key factor in the rise of emerging viral infectious diseases, and this is especially apparent in Asia, where large numbers of wildlife are openly offered for sale in bird markets. We here
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Wildlife trade, both legal and illegal, is increasingly recognized as a key factor in the rise of emerging viral infectious diseases, and this is especially apparent in Asia, where large numbers of wildlife are openly offered for sale in bird markets. We here focus on the risk of Psittacosis becoming a zoonotic disease in the wildlife markets of Java and Bali, Indonesia. Psittacosis is particularly prevalent in parrots (hence the name), and the trade in parrots was instrumental in the Great Parrot Fever Pandemic in 1929/1930. Between 2014 and 2023, we conducted 176 surveys of 14 bird markets, during which we recorded 4446 largely wild-caught parrots for sale. On average, each market had nine genera on offer, and the diversity of genera increased with the increasing presence of parrots (up to 16 genera). For most of the bird markets during each survey, parrots from different genera and originating from different parts of the world, were offered for sale alongside each other. Genera offered for sale together did not cluster into natural (geographic) groups. We found no temporal difference in the sale of parrots. We conclude that the omnipresence of wild-caught parrots from various geographic regions in large numbers within the same bird markets increases the risk that psittacosis is present and that this poses a real risk for the zoonotic spread of avian chlamydiosis to humans.
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Open AccessArticle
Zebra Finch Females Avoided the Scent of Males with Greater Body Condition
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Luisa Amo and Isabel López-Rull
Birds 2024, 5(1), 127-136; https://doi.org/10.3390/birds5010009 - 6 Feb 2024
Abstract
The role of chemical communication in the social relationships of birds is receiving growing attention, but our knowledge is still scarce compared to that of other taxa. Previous evidence suggests that chemical cues emitted by birds may carry information about their characteristics, which
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The role of chemical communication in the social relationships of birds is receiving growing attention, but our knowledge is still scarce compared to that of other taxa. Previous evidence suggests that chemical cues emitted by birds may carry information about their characteristics, which may be useful in the context of sexual selection. However, experimental studies are needed to investigate the role of bird chemical cues in signalling the quality of potential partners. We performed an experimental study aimed at disentangling whether the female Zebra Finches (Taeniopygia guttata), use chemical cues to assess the body condition of potential partners. We offered focal females (N = 28) the scent of two males differing in body condition (body mass/tarsus length ratio) (N = 28 scent donor males). Our results showed that females can assess the body condition of potential partners using olfaction. However, contrary to what should be expected in a mate choice context, females avoided the scent of males with greater body condition. Our results, therefore, suggest that, despite performing the study during the breeding period, social interactions may be mediating the avoidance of the scent of the male in better condition in this gregarious species, probably to avoid a conspecific competitor with better body condition.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers of Birds 2022–2023)
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Open AccessArticle
Salience Beats Individual Cue Preferences
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Oceane Larousse and Claudia Mettke-Hofmann
Birds 2024, 5(1), 115-126; https://doi.org/10.3390/birds5010008 - 4 Feb 2024
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Animals can use different cues to memorise food resources, which can be broadly divided into spatial and feature cues. Differences in species-specific preferences for spatial or feature cues has been historically linked to their reliance on spatial information (food-caching and migratory species prefer
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Animals can use different cues to memorise food resources, which can be broadly divided into spatial and feature cues. Differences in species-specific preferences for spatial or feature cues has been historically linked to their reliance on spatial information (food-caching and migratory species prefer spatial cues), but more recently, attention has shifted to procedural differences largely affecting the salience of cues. Here, we investigated cue preferences in the colour-polymorphic Gouldian Finch to test a range of hypotheses. Birds were trained to find food either in a white or coloured feeder always positioned in the same location. In experimental trials, feeders were swapped, dissociating the feature and the spatial cue from the feature cue rewarded. Similar numbers of birds preferred the feature or the spatial cue in the first experimental trial. Preferences were not affected by head colour morph, sex or age group. However, birds with a spatial preference changed their choices over time, resulting in a significant number of birds choosing the feature cue at the end of the experiment. These results indicate that Gouldian Finches have individual preferences for one cue type or the other but can change their preference flexibly depending on the salience of the cue.
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Open AccessReview
Current Knowledge of Helminths of Wild Birds in Ecuador
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Patricio D. Carrera-Játiva and Gustavo Jiménez-Uzcátegui
Birds 2024, 5(1), 102-114; https://doi.org/10.3390/birds5010007 - 2 Feb 2024
Abstract
Parasitic helminths are diverse in wild birds globally, but knowledge about helminths in Ecuadorian avifauna is still fragmentary. In the present review, records about helminths (Platyhelminthes, Nematoda, and Acanthocephala) in Ecuadorian wild birds is presented. A systematic search was carried out using the
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Parasitic helminths are diverse in wild birds globally, but knowledge about helminths in Ecuadorian avifauna is still fragmentary. In the present review, records about helminths (Platyhelminthes, Nematoda, and Acanthocephala) in Ecuadorian wild birds is presented. A systematic search was carried out using the PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis) guideline to compile and summarize the available literature on helminths in wild birds in Ecuador. Data were obtained from ten scientific articles, eight undergraduate theses, and one doctoral dissertation, published between 1966 to 2022. Forty helminth taxa were recorded and information about the host species, site of infection, and location are provided. Nematodes of the genus Ascaridia Dujardin, 1844 were the helminth taxa with the greatest number of records in birds, parasitizing 16 avian species. Also, the Rock Dove (Columba livia; Gmelin, 1789) was the avian species with the greater number of helminth records (n = 11). This review serves as a compendium for future ecological and epidemiological studies on helminths in wild birds in Ecuador and South America.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers of Birds 2022–2023)
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