Australian Duck Research Articles

The cestode genus Gastrotaenia Wolffhügel, 1938 (Platyhelminthes: Cyclophyllidea) in Australian waterfowl (Aves: Anatidae)

ABSTRACT Examination of museum collections revealed the presence of two species of Gastrotaenia Wolffhügel, 1938 (Cestoda: Hymenolepididae) in Australian anatid birds. Gastrotaenia dogieli (Ginetsinskaya, 1944) was found in the gizzard of the following species of Australian ducks from New South Wales: Anas castanea (Eyton), Anas rhynchotis Latham, Anas gracilis Buller, Aythya australis (Eyton), Chenonetta jubata (Latham) and Malacorhynchus membranaceus (Latham). Gastrotaenia cf. paracygni Czapliński & Ryžikov, 1966 was found in the proventriculus of black swans (Cygnus atratus (Latham)) from New South Wales and Victoria. The two species are reported for the first time from Australia. Specimens of Gastrotaenia without scoleces, and therefore not identifiable to species, were present in Anas superciliosa Gmelin and Biziura lobata (Shaw).

Expanding the use of portable XRF to monitor lead exposure in an Australian duck species two decades after a ban on lead shot

There is growing worldwide recognition of the threat posed by toxic lead for wildlife and humans. Lead toxicity from ammunition has been shown to be a threat to waterbirds across the globe. Lead shot was banned for all waterfowl hunting in Victoria, Australia, in 2002. However, no assessments of lead exposure in Australian waterfowl have been published since the 1990s. Our aim was to estimate contemporary lead exposure via measuring bone lead concentrations in a harvested dabbling duck, the Pacific black duck (Anas superciliosa). We collected wings from 77 Pacific black ducks, spanning 2018 (n = 30) and 2021 (n = 47), from nine sites with long-term histories of regular waterfowl hunting. We sought to validate portable X-ray fluorescence (XRF) for this purpose by taking a piece of humerus bone from each bird, and measuring lead concentration (mg/kg), first via non-destructive XRF and then via destructive inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and validated the relationship via regression analysis. Portable XRF bone lead measurement demonstrated a strong correlation with ICP-MS results using root-transformed regression (R2 = 0.85). Greater than 92 % of ducks had only background lead exposure (<10 mg/kg). When compared to historical studies in the same species at similar field sites from the 1990s, lead exposure levels were considerably lower, with mean lead concentrations ∼2-fold lower (3.7 c.f. 7.7 mg/kg), and the frequency of birds with severe lead exposure (>20 mg/kg) ∼3-fold lower (2.6 c.f. 7.5 %). Our results confirm that portable XRF is a useful option for measurement of bone lead in Australasian waterbird species. Our findings also demonstrate that a ban on the use of lead shot around 20 years ago has been associated with a substantial reduction in lead exposure in at least one species of waterfowl.

A novel calicivirus discovered in trumpeter swans (Cygnus buccinator) expands the richness of known avian caliciviruses

Caliciviruses are ssRNA viruses that can infect a wide range of hosts, including birds. While several avian caliciviruses have been discovered, their taxonomy and host distribution are largely unknown. We molecularly characterized a novel calicivirus (trumpeter swan calicivirus: TruSCV) in trumpeter swans over-wintering in south-west British Columbia, Canada. The positivity rate was 20.3% (14/69) and there were no significant differences in infection rates between males (5/34, 14.7%) and females (9/35, 25.7%) or among considered age groups (juveniles: 4/14, 28.6%; sub-adults: 1/9, 11.1%; adults: 9/46, 19.6%). Twelve infected swans died of lead poisoning, one because of starvation, and one from physical injuries. TruSCV complete genome possessed the typical organization and protein motifs of caliciviruses and a type 2 IRES and its closest relative was a virus circulating in Australian ducks. Phylogenetic analyses showed the existence of 34 different but monophyletic avian caliciviruses. These viruses, while having conserved genomic organization and protein motifs, possess different IRES types and group in several divergent clades, with only two of them corresponding to currently defined genera, highlighting the need for epidemiological investigations and systematic analyses to better define their taxonomy. Follow-up studies are needed to elucidate the diversity, distribution, and pathogenic potential of TruSCV.

Bolivar Wastewater Treatment Plant provides an important habitat for South Australian ducks and waders

The populations of South Australian duck and wader species have recently decreased considerably, but their abundance at Bolivar Wastewater Treatment Plant in metropolitan Adelaide is poorly known. To help assess the importance of this site for ducks and waders, we made 25 trips to Bolivar between December 2018 and July 2020, during most of which time south-eastern Australia was experiencing a long dry period. On each trip, we observed between 11 and 26 species of ducks and waders, with a mean total of 9804 (range 2437–15,653) individuals per trip. At times, we observed several thousand Pink-eared Ducks Malacorhynchus membranaceus, Grey Teal Anas gracilis, and Australian Shelducks Tadorna tadornoides, with occasionally up to 1200 Blue-billed Ducks Oxyura australis and 2000 Hardheads Aythya australis. Several wader species that largely breed in Australia’s semi-arid and arid zones were also observed, including occasionally &gt;1000 Red-necked Avocets Recurvirostra novaehollandiae. Five species of waders that breed in the Northern Hemisphere were also recorded fairly regularly in the summer of both 2018–2019 and 2019–2020, including up to ~2000 Sharp-tailed Sandpipers Calidris acuminata, 2000 Red-necked Stints C. ruficollis and 150 Curlew Sandpipers C. ferruginea. These observations indicate that this wastewater treatment plant is a critically important refuge site for several species of ducks and waders. Every effort should thus be made to maintain this site for the conservation of these species in the future.

Detection and characterisation of coronaviruses in migratory and non-migratory Australian wild birds

We evaluated the presence of coronaviruses by PCR in 918 Australian wild bird samples collected during 2016–17. Coronaviruses were detected in 141 samples (15.3%) from species of ducks, shorebirds and herons and from multiple sampling locations. Sequencing of selected positive samples found mainly gammacoronaviruses, but also some deltacoronaviruses. The detection rate of coronaviruses was improved by using multiple PCR assays, as no single assay could detect all coronavirus positive samples. Sequencing of the relatively conserved Orf1 PCR amplicons found that Australian duck gammacoronaviruses were similar to duck gammacoronaviruses around the world. Some sequenced shorebird gammacoronaviruses belonged to Charadriiformes lineages, but others were more closely related to duck gammacoronaviruses. Australian duck and heron deltacoronaviruses belonged to lineages with other duck and heron deltacoronaviruses, but were almost 20% different in nucleotide sequence to other deltacoronavirus sequences available. Deltacoronavirus sequences from shorebirds formed a lineage with a deltacoronavirus from a ruddy turnstone detected in the United States. Given that Australian duck gammacoronaviruses are highly similar to those found in other regions, and Australian ducks rarely come into contact with migratory Palearctic duck species, we hypothesise that migratory shorebirds are the important vector for moving wild bird coronaviruses into and out of Australia.

Recent speciation and elevated Z‐chromosome differentiation between sexually monochromatic and dichromatic species of Australian teals

Sex chromosomes potentially have an important role in speciation and often have elevated differentiation between closely related species. In birds, traits associated with male plumage, female mate preference, and hybrid fitness have been linked to the Z‐chromosome (females are heterogametic, ZW). We tested for elevated Z‐differentiation between two recently diverged species of Australian ducks, the sexually monochromatic grey teal Anas gracilis and the dichromatic chestnut teal A. castanea. Despite prominent morphological differences, these two species are genetically indistinguishable at both mitochondrial DNA (mean ΦST &lt; 0.0001) and 17 autosomal loci (mean ΦST = 0.0056). However, we detected elevated Z‐differentiation (mean ΦST = 0.281) and tentative evidence of an island of differentiation on the Z‐chromosome. This elevated differentiation was explained by a high frequency of derived alleles in chestnut teal that were absent in grey teal, which parallels independent evidence for a gain in dichromatism from a monochromatic ancestor. Coalescent estimates of demographic history and simulations indicated that the elevated Z‐differentiation was unlikely to be explained by neutral processes, but instead supported a role of divergent selection. We discuss evidence for models of speciation with gene flow versus adaptive divergence in the absence of gene flow and find that both hypotheses are plausible explanations of the data. Overall, these teal have the weakest background differentiation documented to date for a species showing a large Z‐effect, and they are an excellent model species for studying speciation genomics and the evolution of sexual dichromatism.

Tropical Transition of the 2001 Australian Duck

Abstract In March 2001, a hybrid low pressure system, unofficially referred to as Donald (or the Duck), developed in the Tasman Sea under tropical–extratropical influence, making landfall on the southeastern Australian coast. Here, it is shown that atmospheric blocking in the Tasman Sea produced a split in the subtropical jet, allowing persistent weak vertical wind shear to manifest in the vicinity of the developing low. It is hypothesized that this occurred through sustained injections of potential vorticity originating from higher latitudes. Hours before landfall near Byron Bay, the system developed an eye with a short-lived warm core at 500 hPa. Cyclone tracking revealed an erratic track before the system decayed and produced heavy rains and flash flooding. A three-dimensional air parcel backward-trajectory scheme showed that the air parcels arriving in the vicinity of the mature cyclone originated from tropical sources at lower levels and from the far extratropics at higher levels, confirming the hybrid characteristics of this cyclone. A high-resolution (0.15°) nested simulation showed that recent improvements in the assimilation scheme used by the Australian models allowed for accurately simulating the system’s trajectory and landfall, which was not possible at the time of the event. Compared to the first South Atlantic hurricane of March 2004, the large-scale precursors were similar; however, the Duck was exposed to injections of upper-level potential vorticity and favorable surface heat fluxes for a shorter period of time, resulting in it achieving partial tropical transition only hours prior to landfall.

Natural duck hepatitis B virus infection in Australia.

Natural Duck Hepatitis B Virus (DHBV) infection has been studied in Australian ducks. Sera from 430 Pekin Aylesbury cross-bred ducks taken from three separate flocks were examined for duck hepatitis B virus (DHBV) DNA using a DNA dot hybridisation assay. In one flock there was significant infection with DHBV (98/140), but none was detectable in the other two flocks. Episomal DHBV DNA in liver tissue was demonstrated by gel blot hybridisation only in birds with DHBV DNA in serum. Polymerase-labelled DHBV DNA migrated as expected for linear double-stranded DNA 3.1 kilobase (kb) in length. Virus particles with characteristic DHBV morphology were observed in DHBV DNA-positive serum on electron microscopy. No overt morbidity has been noted in naturally infected ducks, but moderately severe hepatitis was found in 3/40 ducks examined histologically. These 3 ducks had DHBV DNA in serum and liver tissue. Mild hepatitis was observed in 27 ducks, but, in these, there was no correlation between the hepatitis and the presence of DHBV in serum or in liver tissue. This is the first report of DHBV in Australia. An animal model may now be established to study aspects of Hepadna virus infection which are pertinent to Hepatitis B virus (HBV) disease in man.

Presbyornis and the Origin of the Anseriformes (Aves: Charadriomorphae)

Olson, Storrs L., and Alan Feduccia. Presbyornis and the Origin of the Anseriformes (Aves: Charadriomorphae). Smithsonian Contributions to Zoology, number 323, 24 pages, 15 figures, 1980.•Evidence purportedly allying the Anseriformes with the Galliformes is discredited. The discovery of vestigial lamellae in the Anhimidae, in addition to the characters these birds share with the anomalous Australian Magpie Goose (Anseranas), proves their anseriform relationship; within the order Anseriformes, the Anhimidae are highly derived and not representative of the ancestral condition in the order. The abundant Eocene fossil Presbyornis combines the body of a shorebird with a duck-like head and shows the Anseriformes to have evolved from the Charadriiformes. The unique filter-feeding apparatus of Presbyornis and the Anatidae was the key adaptation that led to the radiation of the order Anseriformes. The skull o[ Presbyornis has its greatest similarity to that of the living Australian duck Stictonetta, which on other grounds has been considered primitive. This suggests that a rearrangement of the subgroups of Anatidae may be needed. The fossil record shows that no certain Anseriformes are known before the early Oligocene, indicating a probable mid-Tertiary date for the major radiation of Anatidae. The ancestors of ducks were Charadriiformes that adapted originally for life in shallow saline lakes, where selection pressure for filter-feeding would have been strong. The Anseriformes should be maintained as a separate order following the Charadriiformes. Presbyornis is considered still to have had a charadriiform grade of morphology and for the present is retained in the Charadriiformes. OFFICIAL PUBLICATION DATE is handstamped in a limited number of initial copies and is recorded in the Institution's annual report, Smithsonian Year. SERIES COVER DESIGN: The coral Montastrea cavernosa (Linnaeus). Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication Data Olson, Storrs L Presbyornis and the origin of the Anseriformes (Aves, Charadriomorphae) (Smithsonian contributions to zoology ; no. 323) Bibliography: p. 1. Anseriformes•Evolution. 2. Presbyornis•Evolution. 3. Birds•Evolution. L Feduccia, J. Alan, joint author. IE Title. IIL Series: Smithsonian Institution. Smithsonian contributions to zoology ; no. 323. QL1.S54 no. 323 [Q,L696.A5] 591s [568'.3] 80-607065

What Needs to be Learned About Australian Ducks

(1946). What Needs to be Learned About Australian Ducks. Emu - Austral Ornithology: Vol. 45, No. 3, pp. 229-232.

Dispersal of the Australian Duck (Anas superciliosa)

Dispersal of the Australian Duck (Anas superciliosa)

Note on some Points in the Anatomy of an Australian Duck (Biziura lobata)

Proceedings of the Zoological Society of LondonVolume 50, Issue 3 p. 455-459 Note on some Points in the Anatomy of an Australian Duck (Biziura lobata) W. A. Forbes B.A., Prosector to the Society, W. A. Forbes B.A., Prosector to the SocietySearch for more papers by this author W. A. Forbes B.A., Prosector to the Society, W. A. Forbes B.A., Prosector to the SocietySearch for more papers by this author First published: October 1882 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1096-3642.1882.tb02754.xCitations: 2Read the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat Citing Literature Volume50, Issue3October 1882Pages 455-459 RelatedInformation

Note on an Australian Duck living in the Society's Gardens

Proceedings of the Zoological Society of LondonVolume 50, Issue 3 p. 452-454 Note on an Australian Duck living in the Society's Gardens P. L. Sclater M.A., Ph.D., F.R.S., P. L. Sclater M.A., Ph.D., F.R.S. Secretary to the SocietySearch for more papers by this author P. L. Sclater M.A., Ph.D., F.R.S., P. L. Sclater M.A., Ph.D., F.R.S. Secretary to the SocietySearch for more papers by this author First published: October 1882 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1096-3642.1882.tb02753.xRead the full textAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInRedditWechat Volume50, Issue3October 1882Pages 452-454 RelatedInformation

Note on the tracheae of certain Australian ducks

Note on the tracheae of certain Australian ducks

Societies and Academies

LONDONzoological Society, November 7.-Prof. Newton, F.R.S., vice-president, in the chair. The secretary read a report on the additions that had been made to the society's menagerie during the months of June, July, August, and September 1871, amongst which were specimens of the Tamandua Ant-eater (Tamandua tetradactyld), Baird's Tapir{Tafih-us bairdi), and several other animals of special interest.-A communication was read from Mr. Gerard Krefft, Curator of the Australian Museum, Sydney, N.S.W., containing notes on a rare Ziphioid Whale, which had been stranded near Sydney, and which appeared to be referable to Ziphws layardi.-Mr. Gould exhibited and characterised a small but lovely Fruit Pigeon from the Fiji Islands, which he proposed to name Chrysana victor.-Mr. Sclater called attention to the supposed existence of an undescribed animal, of about the size of a Dingo, in the Rockingham Bay district of Queensland, and read a letter addressed to him by Mr. Brinsley G. Sheridan, containing particulars on this subject.-Dr. John Anderson, of Calcutta, communicated a description of a short tailed Macaque from Upper Burmah, supposed to be new, which he proposed to call Macacus brunnens.-A communication was read from the Viscount Walden on a new and interesting Falconine Bird, of the genus Polihierax, recently obtained by Major Lloyd, in the vicinity of Tongoo, Upper Burmah, and proposed to be called Polihierax insignis.-Mr. W. H. Flower, F.R.S., read a memoir on the recent Ziphioid Whales, among which he proposed to recognise the following generic types:-Hyfleroodo7i, Zipkius, Mesofilodon, and Berard'ms. This was followed by a description of the skeleton of Berardius arnouxii, founded on a specimen lately transmitted to the Museum of the Royal College of Surgeons from New Zealand by Dr. J. Haast, F.R.S.-Mr. Plerbert Taylor Usher read some notes on the habits of the Horned Viper (Vipera nasicornis), as observed by him in the vicinity of Cape Coast Castle, Western Africa.-Prof. Newton read a notice of a remarkable peculiarity which he had recently discovered in an Australian duck, Anas fltmctata, viz., that in this species the osseous development of the lower trachea was common to both sexes.-A paper by Dr. J. C. Cox, of Sydney, was read, describing a new Volute and twelve new species of Land Shells from Australia and the Solomon Islands.-A communication was read from Surgeon Francis Day, Inspector-General of Fisheries of British India, containing some remarks on the identification of certain species of Indian Fishes.-Mr. P. L. Sclater, F.R. S., read some notes on Pelicans, being supplementary to a previous paper on the same subject read at a meeting of the society in May, 1868.-A communication was read from Mr. J. Brazier, of Sydney, containing descriptions of eight new Australian Land Shells.-Prof. Newton communicated a paper by Dr. J. Murie, containing supplementary notes concerning the powder-down patches of Rhinochetus jubatus.