Матеріали короткочасних досліджень зимової орнітофауни Єгипту: обліки 2022 року

SummaryObservations leading to the investigation of common indigenous wild birds of the Nile Delta as potential circulating reservoirs of West Nile virus are outlined. Methods are described for accomplishing a serological survey of the six commonest avian species, namely: house sparrow, Passer domesticus; hooded crow, Corvus corone sardonicus; buff-backed heron, Bubulcus ibis; palm dove, Streptopelia senegalensis; kestrel, Falco tinnunculus; and rock pigeon, Columba livia. Neutralization testing of more than 500 specimens of avian sera showed a significant incidence of neutralizing antibodies in all six species collected in the West Nile virus-endemic area.The hooded crow showed a remarkably high incidence of immunity—more than 80 per cent in several localities. In the Sindbis area, the positive incidence in this species diminished in the late spring collection, probably as a reflection of the new nonimmune fledgelings introduced during the nesting season, just prior to the most active mosquito transmission period.To test the implications of this serological survey, experimental infection by feeding of West Nile virus-infected Culex pipiens and Culex univittatus mosquitoes on specimens of the common avian species was carried out. Susceptibility of all the species was demonstrated by measurement of the titer and duration of the postinoculation virus circulation. Similarity of susceptibility and virus circulating capacity of individuals in the same species was consistently demonstrated. The number of infective mosquito feedings had no relation to titer or duration of virus circulation, one bite being as effective as many. Mosquitoes were infected by feeding on the infected birds, and subsequently transmitted the virus.Evidence for specificity of the neutralizing antibody against West Nile virus is given. Variable circulating virus titer and virulence relative to strain and passage level were verified.The hooded crow proved to be the best virus circulator in titer as well as duration. The bird-mosquito-bird cycle of transmission was easily demonstrated with the hooded crow, house sparrow, and buff-backed heron, as an example of what may occur under natural conditions in the endemic environment of the Nile Delta of Egypt.

New information on the presence of 27 rare, protected or little-studied species and subspecies of birds (greylag and red-breasted geese, common shelduck, gadwall, common pochard, Eurasian oystercatcher, pied avocet, black-winged stilt, Eurasian golden-plover, Eurasian curlew, sanderling, common greenshank, yellow-legged, great black-headed, Mediterranean, slender-billed, and little gulls, Caspian tern, European turtle-dove, great white and dalmatian pelicans, squacco heron, glossy ibis, Eurasian spoonbill, lesser spotted and white-tailed eagles, Eurasian hobby) obtained in the Temryuk region (Eastern Azov region) in different seasons of 2022-2023. The coast of the bay is a stopping place on the spring migration of Eurasian oystercatcher, pied avocet, Eurasian golden-plover, Eurasian curlew, sanderling, common greenshank, common shelduck, slender-billed gull, and Caspian tern; in the fall - pied avocet, sanderling, and Caspian tern. Information about the migration of the sanderling at the end of March has been obtained for the first time. The location of the concentration of Caspian tern and slender-billed gull has been identified. The glossy ibis, the number of which is growing, the black-winged stilt, and the great black-headed gull remain in the spring-summer period in the flooded rice fields. Harvested rice fields provide valuable habitat for Eurasian spoonbills during their fall migration. Information about a large aggregation of red-breasted goose in rice fields in January 2023 is presented for the first time. The great black-headed gull is found on estuaries in all seasons. The common pochard, gadwall, little gull, and Dalmatian pelican stop at the estuaries during the migration period. The migration of the lesser spotted eagle at the end of September and the migration of a large flock of great white pelican in May were recorded in this area for the first time. The squacco heron, which is disturbance tolerant, is common in reed habitats of estuaries and irrigation canals.

Avian influenza (AI) is a zoonotic disease significant to both public and animal health, caused by influenza virus A, and affects domestic poultry, wild birds, and mammals including humans. Aquatic birds are considered the natural reservoir of this virus. In 2016, Morocco experienced the first occurrence of low pathogenic H9N2 avian influenza virus (AIV) in poultry; however, no cases were reported in wild birds. The present study aimed to monitor the presence of AIV in wild birds in Morocco in order to trace the possible sources of the viruses affecting poultry. Between 2016 and 2019, 967 samples obtained from 480 birds representing 56 different wild bird species, 20 families, and 8 orders, mostly from Charadriiformes, Anseriformes, Pelecaniformes, and Passeriformes, were collected from various wetlands and relevant ornithologic sites in Morocco. These field samples consisted of 374 cloacal swabs, 321 tracheal swabs, 54 fecal samples, and 218 organ pools including the trachea, lung, liver, spleen, heart, intestine, and brain. The samples were examined for the presence of AIV using TaqMan-based real-time reverse transcriptase-PCR (rRT-PCR) targeting the matrix gene, followed by further subtyping rRT-PCR tests targeting the H1-H16 genes. The AI matrix gene was detected in 18 out of 967 samples (1.86%); positive samples were detected in 17 birds belonging to 10 bird species: two redshanks (Tringa totanus), one little stint (Calidris minuta), one ruddy turnstone (Arenaria interpres), one common snipe (Gallinago gallinago), one common greenshank (Tringa nebularia), one black-winged stilt (Himantopus himantopus), two black-headed gulls (Chroicocephalus ridibundus), one slender-billed gull (Chroicocephalus genei), six cattle egrets (Bubulcus ibis), and one Eurasian coot (Fulica atra). AIV was detected in 2 wetlands and 1 ornithologic site (Sidi Moussa Oualidia Complex, Smir lagoon and El Jadida Coast) and the highest positivity was revealed in fresh fecal samples (11.1%), indicating the suitability of this matrix for wild bird surveillance. Our results highlight that waders, gulls, and cattle egrets are the most affected species and may represent a potential risk for AI introduction in the poultry sector in Morocco. Regular monitoring of wild birds in Morocco, focusing in particular in the areas and species identified in this study as a high risk of virus circulation, should be implemented to anticipate and prevent possible AIV spread.

In African countries, birds damage to cereal crops represents economic losses. Serial field trials had been conducted to study some ecological aspects associated with harmful and beneficial bird species at newly reclaimed areas in Sohag Governorate, Upper Egypt. Regarding the harmful bird species, it is clear that the house sparrow, Passer domesticus niloticus was the most prevalent species in newly reclaimed areas, throughout the different year seasons. Hooded crow, Corvus corone sardonius ranked the second followed by palm dove, Streptopelia senegalensis egyptica and rock dove, Columba livia schimpari. On the other hand, crested lark, Galerida cristata and little green bee-eater, Merops orintalis clepatra were found in a few numbers during all seasons of the year. For the beneficial bird species, the results revealed that 9 beneficial and resident bird species Black-winged kite, Elanus coeruleus; fantailed warbler, Cisticola juncidis; hoopoe, Upupa epops epops; kestrl, Falco tinnunculus;little owl, Athene noctua glaux; swallow, Hirundo rustica savignii; spur winged plover, Hoplopterus spinosus; yellow wagtail, Motacilla flava and cattle egret, Bubulcus ibis ibis. White wagtail, Motacilla alba alba and chiffchaff, Phylloscopus collybita were found abundantly only in winter and spring seasons. With respect to the loss caused by harmful birds, the results revealed that the average of birds damage to wheat and sorghum varied according to the type of habitats. The highest birds damage occurred in crops of nearby trees, while the lowest damage was in those nearby field crops. Also, the most birds damage was recorded in the first 10 meters then, it decreased gradually towards the middle of the field. In conclusion, house sparrow, caused the most serious damage at ripening stage of considered crops. The highest damage was occurred in most cases during the ripening stages of sorghum than that of wheat crop.

The use of wetlands and their resources is widespread among many diverse bird taxa of the world. The diversity and abundance of avian species in Owena Multipurpose dam was assessed out between January and June, 2016 to provide baseline information of the birds in this area. The line transects method with lengths ranging from 350 m-1000 m was adopted for the survey. Birds recorded were categorized into order, family, species, migratory status and feeding guild. Relative abundance of bird species and diversity indices were determined. Significance in mean bird density in the two seasons was determined using T-test while One-Way ANOVA was used to test for significance in bird diversity indices. A total of 35 bird species belonging to 20 families and 10 orders were recorded in the study area. The common species includes Ardea alba, Vanellus spinosus, Ardea cinerea, Phalacrocorax carbo, Milvus migrans, Ardeola ralloides, Actophilornis africanus, Microcarbo africanus, and Bubulcus ibis. All the bird species recorded were in the Least Concern (LC) category. The bird species were categorized into seven feeding guilds. The granivores, insectivores and canivores were more in abundance than the nectarivores and frugivores. The order Passeriformes had the highest families (9) and species (17), followed by Pelecaniformes and Charadriiformes with 2 families each, 4 and 2 species respectively while others had one family each. The total mean number of bird was 428 ± 5.75/ observation. Lagonosticta sanguinodorsalis had the highest mean number (156.4/ observation) and relative abundance of 36.54% while Ardae cinerea and Phalacrocorax carbo had the lowest mean number (0.2/ observation) and relative abundance of 0.05% each. Transect 1 had the highest Shannon diversity index (Hl=1.664), while transect 3 had the least (1.168). All the transects had similar species evenness index except for transect 4. The findings can be attributed to the heterogeneity of the habitat resulting from alteration of the ecosystem through the construction of the dam. In conclusion, the Owena dam construction has both negative and positive impacts on avian species composition and abundance. The management programme of the Owena dam should incorporate avian conservation in the area.

The present investigation concerned with a thorough survey on the serious impact of the predaceous water birds from three selected fish farms in the country, namely Al- Manahel fish farm (presently called Al-Beilad) in Babylon province, Basrah University/ Marine Science Center fish farm and Al-Mutawaa fish farm. The latter two are situated in Basrah governorate. Samples were collected on monthly basis for the period from January to October 2002. Impacts of water birds on stocks of cultivated fish species and other faunal components was detected. Stomach of seven species of water birds, namely, herring gull (Larus argentatus), black headed gull (L. ridibundus), slender billed gull (L. genei), little gull (L. minutus), great white heron (Egretta alba ), little egret (E. garzetta) and cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis) were examined to calculate food consumption. The study reveals that herring gull occupied first rank in Al–Manahel fish farm followed by cormorant which occupied first rank in Basrah University farm. Fishes formed 100% in food of cormorant, herring gull, black headed gull and slender billed gull. Shrimp was detected in food of little gull and little egret while frogs were consumed by great white heron and little egret. Cormorant occupied first rank in food menu for each birds followed by herring gull and slender billed gull.

Ten adult hooded crow and another ten adult cattle egret were used to study the oropharyngeal cavity mac- ro and microscopically. The oro- pharynx in both birds was a dorso- ventrally flattened tube, presented four openings, choanal and infundibular slits in the roof and glottis and oesophageal opening in the floor. The choanal slit divided into rostral and caudal part in hooded crow while in cattle egret it was undivided. The roof of oropharynx presents infundibular slit in midline. The horny conical papillae were widely distributed in the roof and floor of the oropharynx of hooded crow while in cattle egret it was absent except two rows in the roof of oropharynx. The opening of salivary glands ducts were widely distributed in the roof and floor of the oropharynx of the hooded crow while in cattle egret they were few in number only in the caudal part of the roof of the oropharynx. The microfolds in both birds are present in the roof of the oropharynx but absent in the floor. The cattle egret is characterized by the presence of hills and deep microgrooves in addition to micropits.

House flies spread many communicable diseases such as cholera, dysentery and spread parasitic infections. Therefore, it is important to control house flies at garbage dumping sites as they are a rich source of disease agents. Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis) is one of the common wetland birds in Sri Lanka, often seen foraging on flies at garbage dumping sites. Referring to the preliminary observations reported before, two garbage dumping sites were selected from Kandy district. Digana garbage dumping site (7.260 N 80.740 E) was selected as a Cattle Egret occupied site and Panvila garbage dumping site (7.220 N 80.430 E) was selected as the control site where no Cattle Egrets were recorded. The adult house flies (Musca domestica) were counted which random quadrate sampling twice a month for 5 min. Birds were counted from 08:00 to 10:00 hrs by point count method with a binocular. Cattle Egrets, Crows, Common Mynahs, Spotted Doves, Green bee-eaters, House Sparrows, Black Robins, Indian Pond Herons and Asian Palm Swifts were identified as bird species in Digana garbage dumping site and only Common Mynas, Spotted Doves and Asian Palm Swifts were observed in Panvila site. A strong correlation between populations of Cattle Egrets and house flies was observed in the Digana garbage dumping site (<0.05). Since major food item of Cattle Egret is insects, they are attracted to waste dumping site, which provides abundant dipterans maggots at low energy expenditure. However, the house fly population was significantly high in Panvila site than Digana site as Cattle Egrets were not observed in Panvila site. Also In both sites, no correlation was observed between populations of other bird species and population of house flies (0.05<). During breeding season, the Cattle Egrets were observed to be migrating away from the Digana site and were not recorded in late June. No Cattle Egrets in July to September were observed in this site. The number of house flies was clearly increased during this period and with the return of Cattle Egrets after breeding season the numbers of house flies decrease dramatically. The present study shows that there is a strong relationship between population of house flies and Cattle Egret abundance. Keywords: Cattle Egrets, Garbage dumping sites, House flies

Local trawler fisheries operate around the seabird colonies of the Ebro Delta and Majorca. The use made of the discards produced by this fishery by scavenging breeding seabirds was examined from 1992 to 1996. All breeding species at each site (except little terns at the Ebro Delta) were observed following trawlers while fishermen were discarding fish: Audouin's, yellow-legged, lesser black-backed, black-headed and slender-billed gulls, common and Sandwich terns in the Ebro Delta area; and Audouin's and yellow-legged gulls, Cory's and Balearic shearwaters, storm-petrel and common shags in the Majorca area. Some non-breeding seabird species, such as gannets, skuas, and Chlydonias spp. terns were also recorded in small numbers. Nevertheless, species diversity of the seabird community associated with trawlers was significantly higher at the Ebro than at Majorca, because Procellariiformes, which breed only in the latter area, were displaced by large numbers of gulls. In Majorca, Audouin's gull was significantly more abundant than expected from the size of its breeding population, and in the Ebro area the same was true for the lesser black-backed gull, the black-headed gull, and the common tern. However, the success rates of feeding on trawler discards were not related to species' Presence Indices. In the Ebro area, Audouin's gull took greatest advantage of discards, whereas in Majorca only the yellow-legged gull consumed significantly higher amounts of discards than expected from its Presence Index. The consumption rate of fish discards was significantly higher in the Ebro area (72%) than in the Majorca area (64%). Although the size of fish consumed was associated with seabird body mass, most of the discard items were of a suitably small size. Crude estimates of the weight of fish discarded throughout a breeding season suggest that seabirds, especially Audouin's gulls at the Ebro Delta, may obtain a substantial part of their energy demands from this fishery, while discard availability at the Balearic Archipelago does not support the energy requirements of seabirds breeding there.

During 1993-2010 we have monitored at Lake Trasimeno the population of colonial nesting herons, with the exception of Ardea purpurea. Two distinct heronries have been found, placed 9 km away from each other and composed of the following species: Nycticorax nycticorax, Ardeola ralloides, Bubulcus ibis, Egretta garzetta, Ardea cinerea, Casmerodius albus (the last perhaps not breeding). We have usually carried out a total census of the nests and assessed the proportions of the different heron species on a sample of visible adults. Nycticorax nycticorax and Ardeola ralloides have decreased, whilst Ardea cinerea and Bubulcus ibis have shown positive trends. The cumulated breeding population has shown a strong decrease, followed by a recovery. The population size of the last year (298 pairs) is of great importance in Central Italy, accounting for 10% of the heron population of the whole region.

The main cellular line of defence of the lung consists of the free (surface) macrophages (FMs). The cells engulf foreign agents (biological and particulate) and destroy or sequester them. The goal of this study was to determine whether the numbers of FMs are good indicators of air pollution and whether birds may flourish in or prefer less polluted areas. The numbers of FMs in the respiratory systems in three species of birds, namely the House Sparrow (Passer domesticus), the Cape Glossy Starling (Lamprotornis nitens) and the Laughing Dove (Streptopelia senegalensis), from an urban and a rural area of South Africa were counted. Statistically significantly greater numbers of FMs occurred in the respiratory systems of the urban birds. For both the rural and the urban areas, the Laughing Doves had the most body mass normalized and total lung volume normalized FMs followed by the Cape Glossy Starlings, with the House Sparrows having the lowest number. The greater numbers of FMs in the urban birds can possibly be ascribed to the high levels of air pollution in the Johannesburg-Vaal Triangle industrial conurbation compared to the rural, near pristine area of Vaalwater. The differences in the number of FMs in species from the same locality may be partly ascribed to behavioural differences: the House Sparrows have a limited operation range while the Cape Glossy Starlings and the Laughing Doves have wider ranges. FMs may be good bio-indicators of air pollution. Studies of more species of birds in different rural and urban habitats are warranted to confirm the observations made here.

Potential for individual recognition in acoustic signals: a comparative study of two gulls with different nesting patterns

Simple SummaryNewcastle disease virus (NDV) is a highly contagious viral disease affecting a wide range of avian species. The disease can be particularly virulent in chickens, resulting in high mortality and morbidity. In this study, we characterized velogenic NDV sub-genotype VII.1.1 from wild birds and assessed its pathogenicity in susceptible chickens. One hundred wild birds from the vicinity of poultry farms with a history of NDV infection were examined clinically. Pooled samples from the spleen, lung, and brain were screened using real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RRT-PCR) and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to detect the NDV F gene fragment, and phylogenetic analysis was carried out for identification of the genetic relatedness of the virus. Chickens were infected with the strains identified, and the major histopathological changes were assessed. Interestingly, NDV was detected in 44% of cattle egret samples and 26% of house sparrow samples by RRT-PCR, while RT-PCR detected NDV in 36% of cattle egrets examined and 20% of house sparrow samples. Phylogenetic analysis revealed close identity, of 99.7–98.5% (0.3–1.5% pairwise distance), between the isolates used in our study and other Egyptian class II, sub-genotype VII.1.1 NDV strains. Histopathological examination identified marked histopathological changes that are consistent with NDV. These findings provide interesting data in relation to the detection of NDV sub-genotype VII.1.1 in wild birds and reveal the major advantages of the combined use of molecular and histopathological methods in the detection and characterization of the virus. More research is needed to determine the characteristics of this contagious disease in the Egyptian environment.Newcastle disease (ND) is considered to be one of the most economically significant avian viral diseases. It has a worldwide distribution and a continuous diversity of genotypes. Despite its limited zoonotic potential, Newcastle disease virus (NDV) outbreaks in Egypt occur frequently and result in serious economic losses in the poultry industry. In this study, we investigated and characterized NDV in wild cattle egrets and house sparrows. Fifty cattle egrets and fifty house sparrows were collected from the vicinity of chicken farms in Kafrelsheikh Governorate, Egypt, which has a history of NDV infection. Lung, spleen, and brain tissue samples were pooled from each bird and screened for NDV by real-time reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RRT-PCR) and reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) to amplify the 370 bp NDV F gene fragment. NDV was detected by RRT-PCR in 22 of 50 (44%) cattle egrets and 13 of 50 (26%) house sparrows, while the conventional RT-PCR detected NDV in 18 of 50 (36%) cattle egrets and 10 of 50 (20%) of house sparrows. Phylogenic analysis revealed that the NDV strains identified in the present study are closely related to other Egyptian class II, sub-genotype VII.1.1 NDV strains from GenBank, having 99.7–98.5% identity. The pathogenicity of the wild-bird-origin NDV sub-genotype VII.1.1 NDV strains were assessed by experimental inoculation of identified strains (KFS-Motobas-2, KFS-Elhamoul-1, and KFS-Elhamoul-3) in 28-day-old specific-pathogen-free (SPF) Cobb chickens. The clinical signs and post-mortem changes of velogenic NDV genotype VII (GVII) were observed in inoculated chickens 3 to 7 days post-inoculation, with 67.5–70% mortality rates. NDV was detected in all NDV-inoculated chickens by RRT-PCR and RT-PCR at 3, 7, and 10 days post-inoculation. The histopathological findings of the experimentally infected chickens showed marked pulmonary congestion and pneumonia associated with complete bronchial stenosis. The spleen showed histocytic cell proliferation with marked lymphoid depletion, while the brain had malacia and diffuse gliosis. These findings provide interesting data about the characterization of NDV in wild birds from Egypt and add to our understanding of their possible role in the transmission dynamics of the disease in Egypt. Further research is needed to explore the role of other species of wild birds in the epidemiology of this disease and to compare the strains circulating in wild birds with those found in poultry.

Estimating the total number of wintering waterbirds in Tunisia : period 2001/2002 to 2006/2007 Over the past decades, many waterbird populations have undergone rapid changes in numbers as well as in distribution. These continuing changes make it necessary to update population estimates on a regular basis. From this point of view, a regular mid-winter survey of wintering waterbirds was carried out in Tunisian wetlands. The overall objective of this paper is to record wintering population sizes for the period 2001–2002 to 2006-2007 and to identify waterbird indicator species relative to these Tunisian ecosystems. The preliminary analysis of the collected information enabled us to define the size and the actual status of wintering waterbird populations in Tunisia. A total richness of 106 species (3 common, 18 frequent and 85 rare ones), belonging to 23 families and 10 orders, was identified. The most abundant species, which accounted for about 90 % of the total abundance, were : Calidris alpina (18.7 %), Phoenicopterus ruber (13.6 %), Aythya ferina (11.4 %), Fulica atra (10.7 %), Tringa totanus (5.9 %), Larus michahellis (5.2 %), Larus genei (3.9 %), Anas penelope (3.7 %), Calidris minuta (3.5 %), Anas clypeata (2.2 %), Larus ridibundus (2.0 %), Charadrius alexandrinus (1.9 %), Phalacrocorax carbo (1.6 %), Vanellus vanellus (1.4 %), Pluvialis squatarola (1.3 %), Anas platyrhynchos (1.3 %), Anas crecca (1.3 %) and Numenius arquata (1.1 %). With an average of about 427 300 birds per year, Tunisian wetland areas play an important role in waterbird populations conservation due to their large habitats, high productivity and geographical position connecting European and African continents. Considering the Ramsar Criterions, a total of 20 sites appear as internationally important. Indeed, 3 sites individually and regularly held more than 20 000 birds and should be classified as internationally important : Kneiss islands (72 368 birds per year), Ichkeul National Park (91 587 birds per year), and sebkhat Sejoumi (29 276 birds per year). Together, these wetlands host about 45 % of the total national population sizes. Three other sites are also potentially important, recorded as hosting more than 20 000 wintering birds at least once : Kerkennah islands (16 608 birds per year), Jerba island (14 962 birds per year) and sebkhat Ariana (19 122 birds per year). The 1 % threshold for use in Ramsar Convention was met for 14 species (Sterna sandvicensis, Larus genei, Platalea leucorodia, Grus grus, Charadrius alexandrinus, Phoenicopterus ruber roseus, Pluvialis squatarola, Calidris minuta, Calidris alpina, Tringa totanus, Anser anser, Anas penelope, Aythya ferina and Fulica atra) and was exceeded in 10 wetlands. Among all species, 6 are globally threatened (Marmaronetta angustirostris, Aythya nyroca, Oxyura leucocephala, Gallinago media, Limosa lapponica and Larus audouinii) and were regularly observed in 10 sites. Application of the global ANOVA Kurskal-Wallis test to data relative to species richness, mean abundance and Hill (N1 and N2) diversity values reveals highly significant differences between the 8 wetland classes. However, the spatial organization of aquatic birds doesn’t reflect any clear gradient. The ANOSYM test discriminates two major associations : artificial versus natural habitats. The latter are themselves organized into 3 sub-associations according to permanence of water and marine influences. Despite these important carrying capacities of Tunisian wetlands, natural factors and human exploitation have greatly modified many of these ecosystems through habitat loss and fragmentation. Thus, it appears essential to use appropriate strategies, like indicator species method, to enhance the value of these areas for waterbird species, which are very sensitive to habitat changes. In the present case, based on the SIMPER analyses method, 15 species are indicators of the wetland status : Phoenicopterus ruber, Charadrius alexandrinus, Calidris alpina, Larus michahellis, Ardea cinerea, Bubulcus ibis, Ciconia ciconia, Vanellus vanellus, Grus grus, Phalacrocorax carbo, Larus genei, Fulica atra, Tachybaptus ruficollis, Aythya ferina, Podiceps cristatus and Anas platyrhynchos. Besides their fundamental interest and importance, results of the present study can be essential to the application of conservation programs.

Salama, M.A., M.I. Aamir, A.A. Gh. Farag, M.A. Issa and M.A. Hendawy. 2024. Estimating the Damage of Birds to Wheat, Gurma Melon and Cowpea Crops During the Ripening Period at Sharkia Governorate, Egypt. Arab Journal of Plant Protection, 42(4): 552-557. https://doi.org/10.22268/AJPP-001281 The damage caused by birds to wheat crop is increasing during the ripening stage. The house sparrow, Passer domesticus niloticus is the main bird pest that attacks wheat spikes during the ripening stage (milk, dough, and mature levels) during 2020 and 2021 seasons. The 6th week of the ripening period suffered the highest damage in all samples compared with other weeks. The samples collected from the field edge showed the highest damage, with 13.05 and 6.75% yield loss during 2020 and 2021, respectively. The samples collected at 6 m from borders didn't show any damage. The statistical analysis indicated that there were significant differences between the tested distances in all weeks of the repining stage during 2020 and 2021 seasons. The gurma melon fruits were attacked by hooded crow, Corvus corone during the ripening stage and the mean proportion of damaged fruits reached 9.47% at the 6th week of fruit development. The special features of the gurma melon plants made it easy for hooded crows to land and take off, thus the birds attacked the crop at any point in the field, thus there was no significant difference between the fruit damage level and distance from the field border. Cowpea was an attractive crop for many bird species such as pigeons and house sparrows. Birds did attack the cowpea pods during the ripening stage, with 6.97% damage during this stage. Keywords: Damage, birds, house sparrow, hooded crow, wheat, gurma melon, cowpea.