Collection Of Birds Research Articles

An Enigmatic Wild Passerine Mortality Event in the Eastern United States

The ability to rapidly respond to wildlife health events is essential. However, such events are often unpredictable, especially with anthropogenic disturbances and climate-related environmental changes driving unforeseen threats. Many events also are short-lived and go undocumented, making it difficult to draw on lessons learned from past investigations. We report on the response to a mortality event observed predominantly in wild passerines in the eastern United States. The event began in May 2021 when wildlife rehabilitators and private citizens reported large numbers of sick and dead juvenile birds, mostly presenting as single cases with neurologic signs and/or ocular and periocular lesions. Early efforts by rehabilitators, veterinarians, state and federal wildlife agencies, and universities helped gather public reports and fuel rapid responses by government agencies. Collective efforts included live bird and carcass collections; submission to diagnostic laboratories and evaluation; information sharing; and coordinated messaging to stakeholders and interested parties. Extensive diagnostic evaluations failed to identify a causative pathogen or other etiology, although congruent results across laboratories have helped drive further investigation into alternative causes, such as nutritional deficiencies. This report highlights the strengths of a multi-agency, interdisciplinary investigation while exposing the need for an operational framework with approaches and resources dedicated to wildlife health.

Unlocking avian adaptations: Morphometric study of preserved bird specimens at St. Xavier’s College Zoology Museum

Unlocking avian adaptations: Morphometric study of preserved bird specimens at St. Xavier’s College Zoology Museum

First Specimen of the Horned Puffin (Fratercula corniculata) in Mexico

A dead and partially decomposed Horned Puffin (Fratercula corniculata) found on the beach near Ensenada, Baja California, on 12 June 2023 represents the first specimen and first definite record of the species for Mexico, as well as the second southernmost. The specimen is preserved in the bird collection of the Universidad Autónoma de Baja California, Ensenada. The late spring/early summer date agrees with the timing of many occurrences of the Horned Puffin along and near the coast of Upper California since the 1970s.

A New Species of the Feather Mite Genus Grallolichus Gaud, 1960 (Acariformes: Pterolichidae): First Report of a Commensal Mite Specific to the Sungrebe (Heliornis fulica).

Feather mites of finfoots (Heliornithidae), a small gruiform family, are poorly and partly erroneously recognized. Grallolichus heliornisi sp. n. (Astigmata: Pterolichidae) is here described from the sungrebe Heliornis fulica as the first representative of the genus commonly found on close relatives of finfoots, Rallidae and Sarothuridae. This species belongs to the species group having ornamented dorsal shields and is morphologically most close to G. proctogamus inhabiting Eurasian coot (Fulica atra). Males of the new species differ from G. proctogamus mainly by the shape of opisthosomal lobes (triangular vs. rounded) and the aedeagus form (parallel sided vs. tapering distally). Females differ mainly by the shape of supranal concavity (open anteriorly vs. closed) and location of setae h1 in relation to supranal concavity (lateral vs. anterior). A key to known species of the genus Grallolichus is provided. The morphological analysis and descriptive characterization of this species, like much of the approximately 2500 feather mite species described to date, were based on mummified mite material preserved in 19th-century old museum bird specimens. These often-forgotten collections are the only source for the analysis of the acarofauna of many rare, unavailable wild or even extinct bird taxa.

Effects of Urbanization on Community Composition and Conditions of Birds in Wetland Ecosystems

Urbanization in wetlands has negatively impacted bird species diversity and populations. It is important to be able to predict the consequences for avian biodiversity and to identify wetlands of special value to the maintenance of local wetland communities. This study involved conducting point counts across four permanent urban wetlands at the University of Florida and three retention ponds in the Gainesville, FL vicinity to observe patterns in wetland bird species diversity and populations. This study also utilized data from the Florida Museum of Natural History (FLMNH) to explore differences in phenotypes of wetland bird specimens. The local wetlands showed trends where specific species thrived in one type of area versus the other. Egrets were frequently observed in larger wetlands, and double-crested cormorants were observed more frequently in smaller ones. Additionally, retention ponds showed promise as a conservation method, dependent on their depth and size. The largest retention pond attracted many bird species in great numbers, showing promise for methods to negate negative the impact of human activity and climate change. Characterization for data collected at the FLMNH on both weight and species analyzed across numerous regional locations showed a negative trend between specimen weight and time progression.

WILDLIFE TRAFFICKING IN NORTH AND SOUTHEAST OF BRAZIL: 5 YEARS OF STUDY

Trafficking of wild animals has been identified as an exceptionally lucrative activity. Mammals, along with birds and reptiles, are among the most traded animals nationally and internationally. The aim of this paper was to characterize and quantify the species of birds, reptiles and mammals trafficked in the North and Southeast of Brazil. Overall, from 2015 to 2020, approximately 2775 animals were seized, accounting for 1853 specimens of birds, 803 reptiles and 119 mammals. Concerning the conservation status of the species, most belong to the Least Concern category, however, there are threatened species contemplating all the IUCN categories. Trafficking in exotic wildlife raises issues that still need attention and it may result in abandoned animals or invasion of species in balanced environments. In view of this, the profile of trafficked wildlife is necessary in Brazil and other countries, making it possible to combat trafficking as well as implement conservation measures.

Bird Specimens Transferred from Overseas Museums to National Museums of Japan in the 1800s: The Tokyo Imperial Household Museum Collection

The Tokyo Imperial Household Museum inherited bird specimens that had been acquired by two national museums between 1872–1923, including specimens of foreign species, non-native to Japan (Kobayashi and Kato 2017). Today, the Yamashina Institute for Ornithology holds most of this collection (Kobayashi and Kato 2017). The collection cannot be effectively used for research, because the specimen data is unclear. My ultimate goal was to restore the collection data for the specimens. As the first step, I examined various archive records (e.g., catalogues, invoices, letters) associated with those museums involved, to clarify details of its transfer history. The collection included specimens sent in the 1800s from, among others, the United States National Museum at the Smithsonian Institution, the Australian Museum, and the Muséum National d’Histoire Naturelle, Paris (Kobayashi and Kato 2020a, Kobayashi and Kato 2020b). It also included type specimens, which are academically important. This study demonstrates that catalogues and invoices are useful to clarify the collection transfer history, which may improve the incomplete collection data.

Collaborative wildlife disease outbreak investigation and response at Bells Swamp Victoria, February 2023.

In February 2023, a report of morbidity and mortality in waterbirds triggered a collaborative regional wildlife disease outbreak investigation and response, led by Parks Victoria. Triage, rehabilitation and diagnosis of sick and dead birds were undertaken by Zoos Victoria (ZV), Agriculture Victoria, Vets for Compassion, Wildlife Victoria and Melbourne Veterinary School (MVS). The field response focused on collection of sick and dead birds for wildlife welfare, for diagnosis, and to reduce environmental contamination. Botulism was suspected, based on clinical signs and lack of significant gross pathology, and this diagnosis was confirmed by PCR testing. Low pathogenicity avian influenza (LPAI) viruses non H5 or H7 were detected in two birds and ruled out in all in others tested. These incidental, non-clinical LPAI detections are considered part of the natural wild bird virus community in Australia. A number of elements contributed to the collaborative effort. Regional individuals had the necessary connections for reporting, collecting and transporting birds. There was rapid determination by the Victorian Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action (DEECA) that Parks Victoria, as the land managers, should lead the response. Zoos Victoria provided capacity and expertise in wildlife triage and rehabilitation, and Agriculture Victoria, ZV and MVS were responsible for veterinary management of the response and diagnosis. Field investigation and response were conducted by Parks Victoria, Agriculture Victoria, MVS and veterinary teams from Vets for Compassion and Wildlife Victoria. Wildlife Health Australia (WHA) provided guidance and information, approved National Significant Disease Investigation Program funding and captured the event in the national wildlife health information database. Communication and media were important for community understanding of the event.

CHARACTERISTICS OF BIRD EGGSHELL COLORATION DEPENDING ON NEST LOCATION

Based on the analysis of egg collections of different ecological groups of birds and various literature sources, a summary of scientific studies on morphological adaptations related to the color of eggshells in birds is given. Eggshell color in birds is a morphological adaptation with a masking function that depends on nesting conditions. The article examines egg collections of birds with an open nesting type: Eurasian skylark (ground-nesting), Eurasian chaffinch (crown-nesting), and Red-backed shrike (bush-nesting). The study confirmed the high variability of eggshell color in birds with an open nesting type, which allows clutches to be invisible which contributes to successful nesting. The correlation between the location of the nest and the color of the eggshells of the studied bird species was analyzed, and the peculiarities of this correlation were determined.

Testing Mini-FLOTAC for the Monitorization of Gastrointestinal Parasitic Infections in Birds Kept at Four Iberian Zoological Institutions

Birds kept in zoological institutions are highly exposed to gastrointestinal (GI) parasitism caused by coccidia and nematodes. The current research aimed to characterize the avian GI parasitic fauna in several zoological collections in Portugal and Spain. During the full year of 2022, a total of 120 fecal samples were collected from four zoological institutions: Lisbon Zoo, Olivais Pedagogical Farm, and Avian Biodiversity Center (Lisbon, Portugal), and Avifauna park (Lugo, Spain). Analysis was conducted in domestic bird species (autochthonous and exotic poultry breeds), and 18 different exotic bird species like Galliformes (peacock, pheasant), Anseriformes (duck), Psittaciformes (parrot, macaw, cockatiel, parakeet, cockatoo), Coraciiformes (motmot), Charadriiformes (avocet), Strigiformes (owl), Phoenicopteriformes (flamingo), Struthioniformes (ostrich), Rheiformes (rhea), and Casuariiformes (emu, cassowary). Feces were processed using Mini-FLOTAC (MF), to identify parasitic forms and quantify their shedding (oocysts or eggs per gram of feces). Moreover, 15 fecal samples from pheasants were also processed using the McMaster method (McM), to compare the parasite shedding and frequencies between techniques. MF implementation allowed identification of coccidia infections in all bird collections. Also, peacocks of the Lisbon Zoo tested positive for Trichostrongylus tenuis and Strongyloides pavonis, and the exotic birds from Avifauna park were also positive for several nematode species, with Ascaridia sp., Capillaria sp., Strongyloides sp., and Syngamus trachea eggs being detected in pheasants’ feces. Moreover, the analysis of pheasants’ feces with MF detected prevalences of 33% for coccidia oocysts, and 47% for Capillaria sp. and Ascaridia sp. eggs, while McM detected prevalences of 13%, 27%, and 40% for the respective parasite taxa, with no differences being observed between methods (p = 0.39, p = 0.45, and p = 0.50, respectively). This research provided more scientific support regarding the importance of using Mini-FLOTAC in routine parasitological diagnosis in birds kept at zoological institutions.

Differential peptide-dependent regulation of growth hormone (GH): A comparative analysis in pituitary cultures of reptiles, birds, and mammals

Growth hormone (GH) is a pituitary protein that exerts pleiotropic roles in vertebrates. The mechanisms regulating GH synthesis and secretion are finely controlled by hypothalamic neuropeptides and other factors. These processes have been considerably studied in mammals but are still poorly understood in other groups. To better understand the pituitary GH regulation during vertebrate phylogeny, we compared the effects of incubating several peptides on cultures of ex-vivo pituitary fragments obtained from representative specimens of reptiles (iguana), birds (chicken) and mammals (rat). The peptides used were: growth hormone-releasing hormone (GHRH), thyrotropin-releasing hormone (TRH), pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP), ghrelin, gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), and somatostatin (SST). In rat pituitary cultures, GH secretion was stimulated by GHRH and TRH, while gh mRNA expression was increased by GHRH and PACAP. In the case of chicken pituitaries, GH release was promoted by GHRH, ghrelin, PACAP, and GnRH, although the latter two had a dual effect since at a shorter incubation time they decreased GH secretion; in turn, gh mRNA expression was significantly stimulated by TRH, PACAP, and GnRH. The most intense effects were observed in iguana pituitary cultures, where GH secretion was significantly augmented by GHRH, PACAP, TRH, ghrelin, and GnRH; while gh mRNA expression was stimulated by GHRH, TRH, and PACAP, but inhibited by ghrelin and SST. Also, in the three species, SST was able to block the GHRH-stimulated GH release. Furthermore, it was found that the expression of Pou1f1 mRNA was increased with greater potency by GHRH and PACAP in the iguana, than in chicken or rat pituitary cultures. Additionally, in-silico analysis of the gh gene promoter structures in the three species showed that the reptilian promoter has more Pit-1 consensus binding sites than their avian and mammalian counterparts. Taken together, results demonstrate that pituitary peptide-mediated GH regulatory mechanisms are differentially controlled along vertebrate evolution.

Toxic to the touch: The makings of lethal mantles in pitohui birds and poison dart frogs.

How do chemically defended animals resist their own toxins? This intriguing question on the concept of autotoxicity is at the heart of how species interactions evolve. In this issue of Molecular Ecology (Molecular Ecology, 2024, 33), Bodawatta and colleagues report on how Papua New Guinean birds coopted deadly neurotoxins to create lethal mantles that protect against predators and parasites. Combining chemical screening of the plumage of a diverse collection of passerine birds with genome sequencing, the researchers unlocked a deeper understanding of how some birds sequester deadly batrachotoxin (BTX) from their food without poisoning themselves. They identified that birds impervious to BTX bear amino acid substitutions in the toxin-binding site of the voltage-gated sodium channel Nav1.4, whose function is essential for proper contraction and relaxation of vertebrate muscles. Comparative genetic and molecular docking analyses show that several of the substitutions associated with insensitivity to BTX may have become prevalent among toxic birds through positive selection. Intriguingly, poison dart frogs that also co-opted BTX in their lethal mantles were found to harbour similar toxin insensitivity substitutions in their Nav1.4 channels. Taken together, this sets up a powerful model system for studying the mechanisms behind convergent molecular evolution and how it may drive biological diversity.

Correlates of Bird Collection Compositions in Thai Zoos: Implications for Conservation and Management

Zoo collection management is increasingly driven by meeting global conservation needs. Many avian species have experienced population declines throughout Southeast Asia, underscoring the importance of ex situ conservation in these countries. We focus on Thailand, a bird diversity hotspot with a long tradition of keeping birds in captive settings. We aimed to understand what drives species acquisition and maintenance in Thai zoos. To that end, we surveyed 55 zoos, making a complete inventory of reptiles, birds, and mammals on display. We recorded 249 bird species, of which 149 are not native to Thailand. Bird species diversity was positively correlated with mammal species diversity but not with the entry ticket price, the Gross Domestic Product of the province in which the zoo was based, or the size of the zoo. Diversity did differ significantly between zoo types (accredited, government and private zoos). There was a clear difference in the proportion of native and non-native species between zoos, with private zoos containing the highest number of non-native species, which may be related to the licensing status of these zoos. The composition of bird species in Thai zoos appears to be largely driven by their availability, the legal status for keeping them and serendipity. The conservation status seems to be of minor importance, contradicting the typical role of a zoo. To be considered global conservation players, zoos in countries of high species diversity, such as Thailand, have the unique opportunity to provide breeding programmes for some of the rarest species, yet they must improve their collection management plans to focus on such aims.

Bird specimen number linked with species trait and climate niche breadth

Biological specimens are fundamental for taxonomy and flora/fauna research. More importantly, they also play crucial roles in recording environmental impacts on morphology and behavior, which is vital for biodiversity research and conservation. However, there are few systematic studies on the patterns and drivers of bird specimen number at regional scales. This study is the first attempt to examine the relationships between bird specimen number and species traits as well as climate niche breadth in China, aiming to answer two questions: 1) how do species’ temperature niche breadth and precipitation niche breadth influence specimen number? 2) which trait is most associated with bird specimen number? The associations between bird specimen number and explanatory variables were examined using ordinary least squares, generalized linear models, phylogenetic generalized linear mixed models, and multiple comparisons. The results showed that Muscicapidae was the family with the highest specimen number, and Passeriformes was the order with the highest specimen number. Bird specimen number significantly increased with larger temperature niche breadth and precipitation niche breadth. Specimen number was also positively associated with geographic range size, habitat specificity, hunting vulnerability and clutch size, but negatively associated with body size. These findings suggest that future bird specimen collection should pay more attention to birds with limited ecological niches, large body sizes, and small clutch sizes. This research enhances the use of bird specimen data to study and preserve biodiversity.

Else Hoff’s (fl. 1907–1925) collection of birds from the island of New Britain, Melanesia, with notes on the possibly extinct rail Gymnocrex plumbeiventris intactus (Aves: Rallidae)

Else Hoff’s (fl. 1907–1925) collection of birds from the island of New Britain, Melanesia, with notes on the possibly extinct rail Gymnocrex plumbeiventris intactus (Aves: Rallidae)

Вклад Михаила Дмитриевича Рузского в изучение фауны птиц Волжско-Камского края

Mikhail Dmitrievich Ruzsky is one of the last encyclopedic scientists of the 20th century, known for his works on zoology, ichthyology and ornithology, hydrobiology, and entomology. Professor Mikhail Dmitrievich Ruzsky (1864-1948) is one of the country outstanding biologists and founders of the national science of ants, the first researcher of the myrmecofauna of Russia and neighboring countries. He made a significant contribution to the development of not only individual sciences, but also the formation of university education in Russia. The Kazan period of his biography is significant for his life and career. Mikhail Dmitrievich began his bird watching in Kazan and its surroundings while still being a very young researcher. His formation as a scientist began in Kazan Imperial University. Ruzsky had his first publications on birds in 1889, although he began conducting ornithological observations from the first years of university. The significant coverage of the territory allowed him not only to obtain new data on the distribution of birds in these areas, but also compare the lists of species and changes in their composition. His interest in studying fauna was influenced by the works of his predecessors - famous local historians and scientists of Russia - Pallas, Eversman, Bogdanov, and others. Ruzky gave the first list of birds of the Kazan province. In 1893, he presented his master’s thesis, Materials for the Study of Birds of the Kazan Province, whose results were published in the Proceedings of the Society of Naturalists of Kazan University. Ruzsky was the curator and collector of the Zoological Museum of Kazan University; within just one decade (from 1887 to 1896), he delivered 439 specimens of birds to the museum. His works made it possible to compile the first list of the avifauna of Kazan. He noted 56 species of birds directly inhabiting the city, and about 50 species found in the vicinity. A comparison of Ruzsky’s regional avi-faunistic lists with the data from recent years made it possible to present the dynamics and main changes that occurred in the composition of the bird fauna of the Volga-Kama Region over two hundred years. He was one of the organizers of the Kazan City Museum (now the National Museum of the Republic of T atarstan), chairman of its Council (1912), and having received the title of honorary member of the museum staff, he became director of the Natural History Department (1908-1913). Mikhail Dmitrievich was directly involved in the formation of the third Zoological Museum in Kazan located in the Veterinary Institute (now the Kazan State Academy of Veterinary Medicine), where he also worked for some time. The studies conducted on the avifauna of the Volga-Kama Region laid the foundation for subsequent large-scale work on both zoogeography, species distribution, and species ecology. In 1913, Mikhail Dmitrievich Ruzsky was elected professor of the Department of Zoology in Kiev and Tomsk Universities. He faced the choice and gave his preference to Tomsk devoting next 35 years of his life to working for the benefit of science in Tomsk University. The article contains 2 Figures, 13 References. The Authors declare no conflict of interest.

Юрій Прожига — колектор зоологічних колекцій

An essay about a researcher who made a significant contribution to the formation of zoological collections and faunal research in Zhytomyr and Kyiv zoological centres. Yuriy Prozhyha collected numerous specimens of mammals, birds, and insects in various locations, primarily in the vicinity of Zhytomyr and several districts of Zhytomyr region (1914–1922, 1929–1932), as well as in Kyiv (1928) and Uzbekistan (1929). His mammal collections include 116 osteological specimens housed in the Paleontological Department of NMNH, NAS of Ukraine. He also wrote two articles on beavers (1928, 1929) and a book on plant protection from pests (1931).

Лев Корабельников — зоолог, китобій і музеолог

An essay about one of the famous whale researchers of Ukraine, who went through a difficult path to became a whale specialist from the first day of his professional work. The researcher participated in eight voyages as a member of the research team of the Antarctic whaling flotilla ‘Slava’ (later ‘Soviet Ukraine’), studied the diet of whales and patterns of their distribution in the Antarctic (1956–1959, 1965–1970). He is the author of about 15 publications about Antarctic whales and birds. Later, he became a scientist at the Research Institute of Biology at Kharkiv University (1970–1975), and then became the director of the Museum of Nature of this university (1975–1989). He collected and mounted many specimens of marine mammals and birds.

Євген Мошков — колектор зоологічних колекцій, дослідник екофізіології ссавців і птахів

An essay about a researcher whose beginnings are associated with the study of mammals and the gathering of zoological collections. In the post-war period, before entering Kyiv University (1945) and until the time of defending his dissertation (1953), he participated in expeditions and collected specimens, primarily rodents and bats. These collections have been preserved in NMNH, where his collections of hollow-nesting birds are also kept. The researcher worked on scientific topics under the supervision of Prof. B. Novykov, his dissertation was devoted to seasonal and age-related changes in the function of the thyroid gland in cattle. In subsequent years, he switched to studying similar changes in birds.

Zoological Collections of Museum and Institute of Zoology of the Polish Academy of Sciences: Unique Bird Specimens Collected in Oceania by Jan Kubary in the 19th Century

Zoological Collections of Museum and Institute of Zoology of the Polish Academy of Sciences: Unique Bird Specimens Collected in Oceania by Jan Kubary in the 19th Century