Anodorhynchus Hyacinthinus Research Articles

First record of free-living hyacinth macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) eggs hatching using camera traps in southern Pantanal, Brazil

First record of free-living hyacinth macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) eggs hatching using camera traps in southern Pantanal, Brazil

Gastrointestinal parasites in captive wild birds in Mineiros, Goiás, Brazil.

Studying parasites in captive wild birds is vital for their health, well-being, biodiversity preservation, species conservation, and safeguarding of both individual birds and ecosystems. It holds significance for public health by identifying potential zoonotic risks. We aimed to describe the occurrence of gastrointestinal parasites in captive wild birds from a Conservation Institute in Brazilian Cerrado biome. Fresh fecal samples were collected from 17 captive wild birds (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus, Ara ararauna, Ara chloropterus, Ara macao, Megascops choliba, Pteroglossus castanotis, Ramphastos dicolorus, Ramphastos tucanus and Strix huhula) at a Conservation Institution in Mineiros, state of Goiás. The samples were processed for Willis' simple flotation and Hoffman's spontaneous sedimentation examinations to identify parasitic forms of gastrointestinal endoparasites. Macaw aviary birds (Ar. ararauna, Ar. chloropterus and Ar. macao) showed higher positivity, with all six fecal samples positive for helminths or protozoa. In contrast, captive toucans showed only two positive results (P. castanotis and R. dicolorus). An. hyacinthinus showed Ascarididae, Capillarinae and Trematoda eggs; whereas S. huhula had Ascarididae eggs. Regular parasitological examinations are essential for the timely detection and treatment of gastrointestinal infections in captive birds, thereby enhancing overall bird management.

Growth model analysis of wild hyacinth macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) nestlings based on long-term monitoring in the Brazilian Pantanal

Studies on the breeding of vulnerable and endangered bird species are hindered by low numbers of individuals, inaccessible location of nests, unfavourable environmental conditions, and complex behavioural patterns. In addition, intraspecific variation may emerge only following long-term, systematic observations of little-known patterns and processes. Here, data collected over 30 years were used to determine growth model of hyacinth macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) chicks in the Pantanal biome of Brazil. During this period, the speed of growth and body mass of chicks varied widely. Four growth models were tested: logistic, Gompertz, Richards, and cubic polynomial. They were fitted using three biometric measurements: body mass, total length, and tail length. The best-fitting growth curves were identified using Akaike’s information criterion. The best models were the cubic polynomial for body mass, Richards for total length, and Gompertz for tail length. We confirmed the occurrence of dwarf individuals, whose body mass, total length, and tail length were 20%, 22%, and 70% smaller, respectively, than in the overall population. The dwarfs remain small in size after having fledged and are easily identified as adults. We discuss the importance of long-term studies to identify windows of opportunity for further research that will help in the conservation of endangered macaw species.

Gastrointestinal parasites in captive and free-living wild birds in Goiania Zoo.

Helminths are endoparasites that infect a variety of bird species. Endoparasite infections can cause severe diseases, including kill captive avian hosts and represents a problem to maintenance and conservation. The eggs and larval forms of these parasites are usually eliminated in the host feces. The main interest of this study is to report the occurrence of eggs and oocysts in feces from captive wild birds in Goiânia Zoo and free-living birds in its surroundings. The fecal samples were subjected to parasitological examination to identify the presence of helminths and to classify their eggs based on morphological characteristics. Eggs of nematode parasites (Positive/N) were identified as Ascaridia spp. in Brotogeris chiriri (2/2), Dromaius novaehollandiae (1/1) and Rhea americana (2/2); Ascarididae in Pavo cristatus nigripensis (1/1); Capillaria spp. in Ara chloropterus (1/1) and Penelope jacucaca (1/1); Capillaria plagiaticia in Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus (1/2) and Ara spp. (2/2); Capillaria venusta in Rhamphastus tucanus (1/2); and unidentified nematode eggs from Amazona amazonica (2/2). Eimeria spp. oocyst was founded in feces from A. hyacinthinus (1/2). Considering free-living birds, Diphyllobothrium spp. eggs were founded in Ardea alba (2/2) and Nycticorax nycticorax (2/3). Co-infection of Eustrongylides spp. was founded in A. alba (1/2). This is the first occurrence of: Ascaridia spp. parasitizing B. chiriri; and C. venusta parasitizing R. tucanus. In conclusion, the helminth eggs found in the abovementioned host bird species are consistent with those reported in the literature, and treatment and control protocols were based on their identification.

Safety and efficacy of a feed additive consisting of Allura Red AC for small non-food-producing mammals and ornamental birds (Versele-Laga).

Following a request from the European Commission, the EFSA Panel on Additives and Products or Substances used in Animal Feed (FEEDAP) was asked to deliver a scientific opinion on the safety and efficacy of Allura Red AC for small non‐food‐producing mammals and ornamental birds when used as an additive that add or restore colour in feedingstuffs. The use of Allura Red AC up to the proposed conditions of use of 500 mg/kg complete feed is considered safe for guinea pig, chinchilla, degu, hamster, gerbil and chipmunk. The following maximum safe levels (mg/kg complete feed) apply to the following species: ferrets 99, rabbits 123, canaries, budgerigars, mynah and toucans 45, lovebirds 51, cockatiels 79, cockatoos 115, amazons 145, parrots 147, yellow breast macaw 150, blue‐throated macaw 173 and hyacinth macaw 214. The maximum safe level of Allura Red AC for other small non‐food‐producing mammal is 99 mg/kg feed and for other ornamental birds is 45 mg/kg feed. Inhalation exposure of Allura Red is regarded as hazardous. In the absence of data, the Panel cannot conclude on the potential of Allura Red to be a skin/eye irritant or a skin sensitiser. The FEEDAP Panel cannot conclude on the efficacy of the additive.

Multi‐decadal land use impacts across the vast range of an iconic threatened species

AbstractAimTo explore spatiotemporal changes in Hyacinth Macaw Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus distribution and the impacts of land use change over 25 years, across its vast range in central/eastern South America.LocationBrazil, Bolivia and Paraguay, South America, covering almost 3 million km2.MethodsWe use a novel, multi‐temporal species distribution model, to combine both year‐specific occurrence records and land use/cover data in a single model that is subsequently projected over a land cover time series. We investigate changes in geographic range over 25 years and potential drivers of range extent at multiple spatial scales (10 and 30 km) and time‐lags (current and 10 years previously). We also assess protected area coverage and impacts from degazettement within the remaining range and highlight priority areas to search for undiscovered populations.ResultsThe modelled range of the species increased by 75,000 km2 to over 500,000 km2 between 1995 and 2019, during which period agriculture and pasture increased by 600,000 km2 within the species' extent of occurrence. Habitat suitability was influenced most strongly by distribution of palms, forest cover and changes in pasture over 10 years and usually by predictors measured at larger spatial scales. Just 8% of the macaw's modelled range falls within protected areas, and more than 20,500 km2 of protected areas overlapping with the range have been degazetted in the last 40 years. We highlight key areas to search for undiscovered populations in under‐sampled and remote areas, especially led by community citizen science initiatives involving indigenous groups and protected area staff.Main conclusionsNovel modelling methods, combining multi‐temporal occurrence records and land cover data, appropriate for small sample sizes per year, have revealed habitat dynamics and changes to the range of this threatened species over 25 years. The method may have wide applicability for a range of species, including elusive and poorly studied species.

Lack of protected areas and future habitat loss threaten the Hyacinth Macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) and its main food and nesting resources

Habitat loss is a major reason for population declines and thus increases extinction risk, particularly for endemic or specialist species. Protected areas are an important biodiversity conservation strategy in the face of native vegetation conversion, but local and regional factors such as anthropogenic pressure can jeopardize their effectiveness. The Pantanal biome is one of the largest inland wetlands in the world. Currently, only 11% of the Pantanal is protected, 7% with full protection and 4% under sustainable use. However, 14% of the natural vegetation of the biome was lost between 2002 and 2014, negatively affecting its biodiversity. Here, we analyse how the availability of protected areas and habitat loss affects the conservation of the Hyacinth Macaw Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus, as well as the Acuri Palm Attalea phalerata and the Manduvi Tree Sterculia apetala, its two main resources for food and nesting, respectively. We modelled potential distributions to assess the spatio‐temporal patterns of habitat loss due to the conversion of native vegetation and to evaluate to what degree currently protected areas contribute to the conservation of these three species in the Pantanal. We found that, on average, 11.8% of the suitable habitat had been converted and that 10.6% of habitat predicted as suitable is currently protected. In addition, our results indicated important areas for the three species, which are of high priority for conservation and restoration. We also identified priorities for protection and restoration to maintain native vegetation, such as the creation of corridors. We believe that the high conversion rate and the low protection of suitable areas are related to the fact that these species are associated with areas that are rarely or never flooded. In the Pantanal, these areas are more prone to the conversion of native vegetation and are poorly protected given their higher economic value compared with areas with a high frequency of flooding. These facts, and the inadequate management of these areas, such as inappropriate fire regimens, threaten the persistence of these iconic species in the Pantanal.

The relationship between scale and predictor variables in species distribution models applied to conservation

Species distribution models have been used to assist decision-making in many different aspects of conservation, restoration, and environmental management. However, to apply species distribution models effectively, we need to discriminate between suitable and unsuitable environments and the models need to be developed at fine scales (i.e. covering small areas at a fine resolution). These characteristics allow more precise decision-making for heterogeneous environments in smaller areas, such as biomes. We also need to understand the potential limiting factors in relation to these models better, including the effects of sample bias in species occurrence records and the potential mismatch between the scale at which the models were built and the scale at which the predictor variables interact with species occurrence. Here we evaluate the effects of two methods used to reduce bias (geographic vs. environmental filters) and three predictor variable types (climactic, local and biotic) on model predictions. We explore these issues for the hyacinth macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus), a globally vulnerable species in the Pantanal biome of central South America. We consider broad-scale variables, local-scale habitat associations, and the interactions of the macaw with two plant species that provide its food and nesting location. Our results show that using broad-scale climate variables for local-scale models (i.e., models with a fine resolution with a small extent) can generate predictive distribution models that underpredict suitability. Using local and biotic variables generates more accurate models with predictions consistent with the known distribution of the bird species. Although not commonly used, local-scale variables strongly affect model performance by increasing accuracy, reducing omission error, and leading to more conservative predictions. On the other hand, these methods lead to variable results in relation to bias reduction, with their efficiency depending on the amount of sampling bias in the occurrence records. In conclusion, local variables and the method of bias reduction play an important role in species distribution models. Fine resolution models constructed at the local scale for small areas show the greatest skill in predicting species distribution.

Organophosphate poisoning\xa0of Hyacinth Macaws in\xa0the Southern Pantanal, Brazil

The populations of hyacinth macaws (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus), an emblematic species, have suffered declines due to many environmental factors. The Hyacinth Macaw Institute’s actions are showing positive outcomes for the conservation of A. hyacinthinus. However, environmental issues, such as fires and deforestation due to inefficient and unsustainable cattle ranching practices, are a threat to the biodiversity. Another major threat is the reckless use of pesticides. The objective of this manuscript is to describe the findings, in the Pantanal, of three dead hyacinth macaws and to investigate their cause of death and conservation implications. A necropsy was conducted on two individuals and biological samples were collected and sent to conduct toxicological exams to test for organophosphates, organochlorines, and carbomates. Compatible with other findings, results showed a highly dangerous level of organophosphate, 158.44 ppb. We describe for the first time, a rare, isolated but unusual mortality event associated with organophosphate pesticide poisoning of hyacinth macaws. Mortality reports for bees and other bird species on how the improper use of pesticides can potentially cause the contamination of food and water resources are discussed. These factors are antagonistic to long-term efforts to preserve wildlife and carry out other conservation efforts in Brazil’s southern Pantanal.

Main trends and gaps in studies for bird conservation in the Pantanal wetland

Birds are considered one of the most well-known groups of animals in the Pantanal, playing an important ecological role in wetland ecosystems. Our aim was to identify the main themes and gaps in current knowledge of these birds, considering thirty years of scientific research to direct future studies. We performed a scientometric analysis based on five platforms with the search words “Aves” and “Pantanal” as well as “Bird” and “Pantanal”. We identified 145 scientific studies, with themes of ecology (64), conservation (23), health (17), fauna (15), genetics (12), geographic distribution (7), and environmental education (7). The number of publications has increased significantly over the years. However, the focus is predominantly on certain Pantanal regions, such as the municipalities of Corumbá in Mato Grosso do Sul state and Poconé in Mato Grosso state. Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus and Mycteria americana are among the species with the largest number of studies in the Pantanal, with 12 and 11 papers, respectively. We highlighted the need for new studies in regions such as the north-west and themes such as threatened species and ecosystem services. Integrated knowledge and interdisciplinary approaches can be useful in strategic decision-making and more effective for bird conservation in wetlands.

Influence of environmental enrichment on the behavioral variables of caged Hyacinth Macaws (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus)

The Hyacinth Macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) is a species considered vulnerable by the IUCN Red List, and many individuals are found in captivity in Brazil. In captive environments, due to the lack of stimuli, these animals demonstrate abnormal behaviors due to a high degree of inactivity. Among the strategies to minimize this problem, increase the natural behavior, and improve the well-being are the techniques of environmental enrichment of the enclosure. In order to investigate the effectiveness of these techniques for this species, we evaluated two distinct phases: the time before and the time during the implementation of enrichment, using an ethogram. The method employed was based on the sample session by time interval, totaling 20 h per individual, per phase. As an enrichment, natural objects (branches, vines, and leaves) were assembled into mobiles, containing pieces of the animal’s daily diet. The electivity index was applied to compare the use of different quadrants and the different locations in the enclosure. The results showed greater exploration of the enclosure, a reduction of abnormal behaviors, and a decrease of inactivity. The quadrants were more used by both couples during the environmental enrichment phase and the decrease in the use of wire mesh was offset by the increase in ground use. In view of the results found, we conclude that environmental enrichment demonstrated to be an important tool in the management of captive hyacinth macaws, providing a better quality of life.

Conserving the Diversity of Ecological Interactions: The Role of Two Threatened Macaw Species as Legitimate Dispersers of “Megafaunal” Fruits

The extinction of ecological functions is increasingly considered a major component of biodiversity loss, given its pervasive effects on ecosystems, and it may precede the disappearance of the species engaged. Dispersal of many large-fruited (>4 cm diameter) plants is thought to have been handicapped after the extinction of megafauna in the Late Pleistocene and the recent defaunation of large mammals. We recorded the seed dispersal behavior of two macaws (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus and Anodorhynchus leari) in three Neotropical biomes, totaling >1700 dispersal events from 18 plant species, 98% corresponding to six large-fruited palm species. Dispersal rates varied among palm species (5%–100%). Fruits were moved to perches at varying distances (means: 17–450 m, maximum 1620 m). Macaws also moved nuts after regurgitation by livestock, in an unusual case of tertiary dispersal, to distant perches. A high proportion (11%–75%) of dispersed nuts was found undamaged under perches, and palm recruitment was confirmed under 6%–73% of the perches. Our results showed that these macaws were legitimate, long-distance dispersers, and challenge the prevailing view that dispersal of large-fruited plants was compromised after megafauna extinction. The large range contraction of these threatened macaws, however, meant that these mutualistic interactions are functionally extinct over large areas at a continental scale.

Status and distribution of Paraguayan macaws (Aves: Psittacidae) with a new country record

Eight species of macaw (Psittacidae: Anodorhynchus, Ara, Primolius) have previously been reported from Paraguay. We discuss all verifiable reports of the species from Paraguay and provide comment on their statuses. Ara chloropterus and Primolius auricollis are both widespread species known from multiple reports across a wide geographic area. We report minor range extensions within Paraguay for both species. Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus is documented as a breeding resident with a restricted distribution in the Upper Paraguay River basin. The first modern records of Ara ararauna and the first record of Diopsittaca nobilis for the country are documented with photographs. We are unable to find any confirmed records of Anodorhynchus glaucus from Paraguay and thus consider it of possible occurrence. Two species are rejected as erroneously cited, Ara militaris and Ara glaucogularis. Consequently six species in four genera are now confirmed to occur in Paraguay.

Hyacinth Macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) nests in a mosaic of protected areas in Caraj\xe1s and surrounding areas, state of Par\xe1, Brazil

Natural history studies can provide information that can be used in species conservation and management. The present study provides information about the nests and nest sites of Hyacinth Macaws (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) in a mosaic of protected areas in Carajás and surrounding areas in the Amazon region of the state of Pará, Brazil. Data were collected during four expeditions conducted in 2007, 2008, 2013 and 2014. A total of 66 tree cavities were monitored, and 28 of these were used by Hyacinth Macaws. In addition, 38 breeding events were recorded (some nests were active in multiple seasons), and 17 eggs and 33 nestlings were observed. Environmental variables for the 24 cavities that were actively used by Hyacinth Macaws were evaluated. Most of the nest cavities were located in Sterculia sp. trees (86.6%) and in open areas (e.g., near pastures). Nesting tree and cavity measurements were variable, but the mean diameter at breast height of the trees containing Hyacinth Macaw nest cavities was larger than that reported from other regions, such as the Pantanal. The present study describes the unique ecology and life history of Hyacinth Macaws in Carajás, for which information is scarce. This information will facilitate the conservation and management of Hyacinth Macaws and can be used locally for environmental education.

Yeasts and filamentous fungi in psittacidae and birds of prey droppings in midwest region of Brazil: a potential hazard to human health.

Birds of prey and from Psittacidae family are host to fungal microbiota and play an important role in the epidemiology of zoonoses. Few studies in the literature have characterized mycelial and yeast fungi in the droppings of these birds and correlated the isolates with the zoonotic potential of the microorganisms. Droppings from 149 birds were evaluated and divided into two groups: captive: Rhea americana araneipes, Primolius maracana, Ara ararauna, Ara chloropterus, Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus, Amazona aestiva, Ara macao macao, Ramphastos toco, Sarcoramphus papa, Busarellus nigricollis, Bubo virginianus nacurutu, Buteogallus coronatus, Buteogallus urubitinga urubitinga, Spizaetus melanoleucus, Spizaetus ornatus ornatus, Buteo albonotatus, Geranoaetus albicaudatus albicaudatus, Rupornis magnirostris magnirostris and Harpia harpyja, and quarantined birds: Amazona aestiva and Eupsitulla aurea. The fungal isolates were identified according to macroscopic (gross colony appearance), micromorphological and biochemical characteristics. Among birds displayed in enclosures, Aspergillus niger (41.1%) and Candida kefyr (63.8%) were the fungi most frequently isolated in Harpia harpyja and Ramphastos toco, respectively. For quarantined birds, the following percentages were observed in Eupsittula aurea , (76.6%) C. krusei, (84.4%) C. kefyr and (15.2%) C. famata, while in Amazona aestiva, (76.2%) C. krusei was observed. These findings indicate potentially pathogenic species in the bird droppings assessed, which constitute a risk of exposure for keepers and individuals who visit the zoo. Birds of the Cerrado and Pantanal of Mato Grosso (Central Western region of Brazil) could act in the epidemiological chain of important zoonoses.

Genetic analysis of the endangered Hyacinth Macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) based on mitochondrial markers: different conservation efforts are required for different populations

The Hyacinth Macaw (Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) is a threatened species of the family Psittacidae. Its classification as vulnerable by the International Union for Conservation of Nature is especially a result of habitat loss and intense illegal trade of this species. The total estimated number of wild individuals in Brazil is around 6500 birds, distributed in three regions: Pantanal, Para State, and Northeast Brazil. Data on the biology, ecology, and genetic variability of this species are fundamental to the development of conservation strategies for its natural populations. Therefore, the present study aimed to analyze the genetic structure of different populations of A. hyacinthinus and examine the population dynamics throughout its distribution in four areas of Brazil. We analyzed 100 individuals by amplifying and sequencing the mitochondrial DNA control region (D-loop) and identified 17 polymorphic sites and 16 distinct haplotypes. Total nucleotide diversity was 0.0034 and haplotype diversity was 0.7832. The fixation index indicated significant levels of genetic differentiation among all sampled populations. Our results indicate that different populations of A. hyacinthinus should be considered as evolutionarily significant units and must be independently protected and managed to preserve the adaptive diversity and evolutionary processes of this species throughout its distribution.

Anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in mammals, birds and reptiles at the zoological-botanical park in João Pessoa, Paraíba, Brazil

ABSTRACT: The purpose of this study was to verify the occurrence of anti-Toxoplasma gondii antibodies in 51 wild animals at the Arruda Câmara Zoological-Botanical Park in João Pessoa, PB, Brazil. Blood samples from different bird, mammal and reptile species were analyzed using the Modified Agglutination Test (MAT) with a cut-off point of 1:25. Anti-T. gondii antibodies were detected in 62.4% of the 51 tested animals. The following frequencies were found: 68.9% (20/29) in mammals, 80% (8/10) in birds, and 33.3% (4/12) in reptiles. This paper reports for the first time the occurrence of anti-T. gondii antibodies in birds of the species Pionites leucogaster (caíque), Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus (hyacinth macaw), Pavo cristatus (Indian peafowl), Urubitinga urubitinga (Brazilian eagle), and Buteo melanoleucus (black-and-white hawk-eagle). Reptiles of the species Caiman crocodilus (spectacled caiman), Chelonoidis carbonaria (red-footed tortoise) and Paleosuchus palpebrosus (Cuvier’s dwarf caiman) were seropositive for T. gondii, although the significance of the presence of these anti-T. gondii antibodies in this group of animals requires a more in-depth study. We conclude that the frequency of antibodies found in the animals of this zoo is high and that the prophylactic measures that aim to diminish the environmental contamination by oocysts are necessary.

Endoscopic Removal of Gastrointestinal Foreign Bodies in Two African Grey Parrots ( Psittacus erithacus) and a Hyacinth Macaw ( Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus).

Two African grey parrots ( Psittacus erithacus) and one hyacinth macaw ( Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus) were examined because of varying clinical signs ranging from general lethargy to seizure-like episodes and regurgitation. Radiography and fluoroscopy in the 3 birds demonstrated variable degrees of gastric abnormalities, suggesting the presence of foreign material or stricture-like defects. Upper gastrointestinal rigid endoscopy by ingluviotomy revealed foreign bodies that were removed endoscopically. Minor postoperative complications were pulmonary congestion or mild aspiration and cardiac arrhythmia, both of which resolved, and no serious deleterious effects were associated with endoscopy in the short or long term. Endoscopy is recommended for examination and removal of foreign bodies from the upper gastrointestinal tract because it is less invasive and traumatic than traditional surgical approaches.

Dona Aúrea, and: The Midwives, and: Dona Terezinha’s Oriole, and: Dona Orínia’s Hyacinth Macaw

Dona Aúrea, and: The Midwives, and: Dona Terezinha’s Oriole, and: Dona Orínia’s Hyacinth Macaw Eleanor Stanford (bio) Dona Aúrea I was midwife to fear. Its crowning. Its bloody show. Midwife to sun opening the cervix of the valley, slipping through the narrow pass to Angêlica Falls. I was midwife to spirit and to form. To the smooth egg still warm from the chicken. Midwife to death, too. The wind astonishing the canyon. Shaking that overtakes a body in transition. There was no other. When they called me I came. [End Page 166] The Midwives Bahia, Brazil The secrets of philosophy are the secrets of the body. You think because we’re old and wear headscarves and lay our hands on pregnant bellies we don’t know how the baby got in there? You think we didn’t once, or many times, slink into the thicket at the edge of town with a man, or even by ourselves? The secrets of the body are deeper. You think we didn’t once or twice invite the delivery boy in for a quick fuck? Dona Terezinha’s Oriole The cage swings above cow pasture. Wind through the tree branches, and bars of light and dark shifting on the hard-trod ground. Even the beams of your own body are meant to open. You don’t believe me? Terezinha’s seen: ribs unhinge. Hips [End Page 167] pivot: the same frame that contains us sometimes lets us go. Are you surprised? But it’s the midwife’s job to bring suffering into the world as well as beauty. Sofrê, they call me. Do you think that these sweet syllables mean grief? She reaches her bent finger through the bars to touch my bright cupped flame. Dona Orínia’s Hyacinth Macaw Baxíos, Sergipe How tenderly she’d pinion me: my heart a small throb beneath her thumb. For years this went on: the Spanish came and went, bought up the coastline, paid in empty promises. Their fancy hotels ill- conceived, part-built, like the son she never stopped mourning, the boy born still half-fish. One can live an entire life in the shallows. The ocean murky-eyed like us; like us, sharp-tongued and flightless, spreading its gray wing. With firm and steady hands, she’d apply the styptic powder to stanch the blood. [End Page 168] Eleanor Stanford Eleanor Stanford is the author of two books of poetry, Bartram’s Garden and The Book of Sleep. Her poems and essays have appeared in Ploughshares, the Iowa Review, Kenyon Review, and other journals. She was a 2014–2016 Fulbright fellow to Brazil, where she researched and wrote about traditional midwifery. She lives in the Philadelphia area. Copyright © 2017 University of Nebraska Press

Birds from the Pirizal region, Pantanal of Poconé, Mato Grosso, Brazil

Pantanal is the world largest inland wetland and is internationally renowned by its high species diversity, but low level of endemism. Extensive areas of the Pantanal have never been subject to adequate sampling, and we still have much to learn about the composition and distribution of the biota found in this threatened biogeographic province. In this paper we present the results of a long term inventory conducted in Pirizal region since 1999. We recorded 344 bird species in the study area, 54.7% of them documented with specimens. A significant Amazonian influence was observed in the composition of bird community observed. Only two threatened species were recorded: Penelope ochrogaster and Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus. Noteworthy records include Ictinia mississippiensis, Attila phoenicurus, Empidonax alnorum, Myiothlypis leucophrys, Dolichonyx oryzivorus and Catharus fuscescens.