Nesting Birds Research Articles

Waterfowl and Shorebirds: Formation and evolution of “cold” wintering grounds in Inner Asia (Baikal Siberia)

Despite the widespread occurrence of “cold” wintering of waterfowl, the causes of their formation have been studied very poorly. Very harsh winter conditions are typical for Eastern Siberia, but wintering grounds with a high number of 55.0-60.0 thousand birds are also formed here. Such wintering grounds include the source and upper course of the Angara River (thermal refugium). The high death rate of nests in the summer due to the unstable mountain floodplain water regime of the rivers of the region is compensated by the repeated nesting of birds. As a result, their total breeding season is greatly increased. By the time of migration, the late broods do not have time to accumulate enough plastic substances (fat) necessary for migration to the southern wintering grounds. Favorable conditions at the beginning of winter in thermal refugiums contribute to long delays of birds in feeding and resting places. However, by the time they are able to continue migration, it becomes impossible. Snow falls in the adjacent territories, reservoirs are covered with ice and a constant negative air temperature is established. Consequently, the “cold” wintering of shorebirds and waterfowl is forced. The basis of their species composition is formed by the animal-eating diving duck species. In this regard, their protection and maintenance of numbers in extreme years are difficult and expensive tasks.

Neuroprotective Effects of Edible Bird Nest Towards Parkinson’s Disease

Neuroprotective Effects of Edible Bird Nest Towards Parkinson’s Disease

Bird Nest Detection in Railway Catenaries Using a Coarse-to-Fine Strategy

Bird Nest Detection in Railway Catenaries Using a Coarse-to-Fine Strategy

비행청소년의 부모 애착수준에 따른 새둥지화 반응특성 연구

The purpose of this study is to determine whether the Bird's Nest Drawing(BND) test has any possibility to be used as a psychological assessment tool for evaluating the response characteristics of juvenile delinquents according to their level of attachment to their parents. The subjects of this study were 252 juvenile delinquents who received criminal punishment from a juvenile protection institution located in G City. And the research tools used were a Bird's Nest Drawing test and a parent-attachment scale to determine the level of parental attachment. Data analysis was conducted through cross-analysis using SPSS 25.0.
 The research results are as follows. First, in the response characteristics of juvenile delinquents to Bird Nests Drawing, significant differences were found in nest content, presence or absence of nest support and trees, distance from parent birds, threats, use of space, and number of colors. Second, in the response characteristics of juvenile delinquents to the Bird's Nest story, significant differences were found in the theme and emotion classification of the story content.
 Based on the results of this research, it was confirmed that the Bird's Nest Drawing (BND) test can be used as a tool to evaluate psychological characteristics through the level of juvenile delinquents’ attachment to their parents.

Insights into the Structure, Metabolism, Biological Functions and Molecular Mechanisms of Sialic Acid: A Review.

Sialic acid (SA) is a kind of functional monosaccharide which exists widely in edible bird's nest (EBN), milk, meat, mucous membrane surface, etc. SA is an important functional component in promoting brain development, anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation, anti-virus, anti-tumor and immune regulation. The intestinal mucosa covers the microbial community that has a significant impact on health. In the gut, SA can also regulate gut microbiota and metabolites, participating in different biological functions. The structure, source and physiological functions of SA were reviewed in this paper. The biological functions of SA through regulating key signaling pathways and target genes were discussed. In summary, SA can modulate gut microbiota and metabolites, which affect gene expressions and exert its biological activities. It is helpful to provide scientific reference for the further investigation of SA in the functional foods.

Application of Making Moringa and Lemon Grass Tea to Reduce Hypertension in Denai Sarang Burung Village

A disease that has a high prevalence and reduces ` quality of life of sufferers is hypertension. Hypertension is also known as the silent killer, which sufferers often don't realize because there are no specific symptoms. Until now, hypertension is still a big challenge for Indonesia. The number of people with hypertension continues to increase every year and this disease is often found in primary health care. It turns out that in reducing hypertension, you can take advantage of plants that grow in the village which are rarely used by the local community, namely moringa leaf tea and lemongrass which grow along the area in the village near the bird's nest. The content of Moringa leaf tea with protein is two times higher than yogurt, vitamin A is seven times higher than carrots, potassium is three times higher than bananas, calcium is four times higher than milk, vitamin C is higher than oranges while lemongrass has a high citral content. capable of providing anti-inflammatory effects that are used to reduce hypertension

External Environmental and Insects Factor for Attraction of Edible Bird Nest Swiftlet (Aerodramus fuciphagus) in Sarawak

Edible Bird Nest (EBN) swiftlet industry plays a significant role in the economic growth in Sarawak. This study aimed at identifying both the external environmental factors and types of insects that are important for a successful swiftlet farmhouse (SFH). For this purpose, a total of 21 SFHs from the southern areas of Sarawak were selected. The external environmental factors of SFH and the type of insects present in relation to the number of EBN swiftlet populations were analysed using descriptive statistics. The results showed that external environmental locations, namely rural and remote areas, were highly selected (71.42%) for the construction of SFHs (p<0.05) compared to the other location categories, as analysed using the Kruskal-Wallis test. Significant relationships (p<0.05) were observed between environmental factors (habitat origin and predation) and the population of EBN swiftlets in the SFHs. Large densities of the EBN swiftlet populations were found in SFHs located in areas with fewer disturbances. The highest population of insect types in most SFHs was Diptera (52.38%). This study can be used as a guideline for swiftlet ranchers looking to startup their EBN swiftlet farming.

Increasing the Welfare of Salted Fish MSME Actors Through Innovation, Branding, and Product Digital Marketing

MSME stands for micro, small and medium enterprises run by individuals and small business entities. Business development by MSMEs aims to build a national economy based on a just economic democracy. MSMEs play an important role in the Indonesian economy by expanding opportunities and employment, increasing the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), and providing a safety net, especially for people with low incomes to carry out productive economic activities. Therefore, there is a need for support for improving the welfare of MSMEs. Denai Bird's Nest as part of Deli Serdang Regency which is located in a coastal area, most of the villagers use processed marine products for consumption and used as material for creative economic activities. But the processing is still traditional. MSME business development must be carried out so that MSME actors can develop their business, namely through product variant development innovations, branding, and digital marketing. The mentoring process in the context of empowering MSME actors must be carried out in order to generate added value for MSME products. Greater added value can play a role in increasing economic growth and have an impact on increasing the welfare of MSME actors.

A global database of bird nest traits

The reproductive success of birds is closely tied to the characteristics of their nests. It is crucial to understand the distribution of nest traits across phylogenetic and geographic dimensions to gain insight into bird evolution and adaptation. Despite the extensive historical documentation on breeding behavior, a structured dataset describing bird nest characteristics has been lacking. To address this gap, we have compiled a comprehensive dataset that characterizes three ecologically and evolutionarily significant nest traits—site, structure, and attachment—for 9,248 bird species, representing all 36 orders and 241 out of the 244 families. By defining seven sites, seven structures, and four attachment types, we have systematically classified the nests of each species using information from text descriptions, photos, and videos sourced from online databases and literature. This nest traits dataset serves as a valuable addition to the existing body of morphological and ecological trait data for bird species, providing a useful resource for a wide range of avian macroecological and macroevolutionary research.

Application of SEAMON as Edible Bird’s Nest cleanser in the Edible Bird’s Nest Industry

Background: In Surabaya, the edible bird's nest industry has witnessed significant growth in recent years, driven by increasing demand for this highly prized delicacy, known for its nutritional and medicinal benefits. As the industry expands, effective cleaning methods for edible bird's nests become paramount. Contaminants, impurities, and feathers can compromise the quality and purity of edible bird's nests, affecting their market value and consumer appeal. Contribution: In response to this challenge, applying SEAMON as an edible bird's nest cleanser has emerged as a promising solution. SEAMON, a specific cleaning agent for edible birds' nests, offers the potential to revolutionize the cleaning process within the edible birds' nest industry. This innovative approach addresses the cleanliness and hygiene standards required for edible bird's nests, ensuring that consumers receive the highest quality product. Method: The SEAMON application was carried out at the edible bird's nest industry in Surabaya, East Java, on July 2, 2023, with twelve samples of edible bird's nests with heavy feather characteristics. All samples were tested for nitrite analysis using a Genesys 30 visible spectrophotometer. Results: Based on the results of its application, this innovation has the potential as an edible bird’s nest cleaning agent to clean hydrogen peroxide residue and can reduce nitrite levels in the white edible bird’s nest. Conclusion: This washing liquid is the first cleanser specifically for white edible bird’s nests, and another advantage is that it is food grade, so edible bird’s nests cleaned with SEAMON is safe for human consumption.

Bioinspired Design of Material Architecture for Additive Manufacturing

This research explores the enhancement of mechanical properties in material architectures, such as strength-to-weight ratio and resilience, through the inspiration of natural systems. Historically, designs for additive manufacturing have relied on simple, repetitive structures like honeycombs, often leading to unnecessary material expenditure. This study aims to examine the compressive mechanical attributes of designs inspired by natural systems, including bird nests, cocoons, and the layered structure of skull bones. Through a comparative analysis, we assessed peak load capacity, strength-to-weight ratio, and resilience between these bioinspired architectures and a standard 3D infill pattern utilized in additive manufacturing. Findings indicate that structures inspired by sandwiched bone layers excel in resilience and peak load, whereas those based on bird nests are notably lighter and, in some cases, exhibit the highest strength-to-weight ratio. The insights provided here will help design engineers with empirically backed mechanical properties of bioinspired architectures, offering a novel methodology for the development of material systems influenced by biological paradigms.

From Cultured Chats to the Chirrups of Choo-Choo-Da-Choos, or How We Found a Key to the Gate of Eden

Reinvention of the form of expression is a conceptual approach characteristic for the evolution of all arts. This research study provides one such step forward in the advancement of scientific paper, a standard form of expression in natural sciences, toward more progressive terrains. The paper adopts the form of a theatrical play where a scientific family of four attempts to find the way around a writer’s block (Act I). Their idealess sense of confinement is overcome through arts or, more specifically, through scientific research implementing the aesthetics of music as its key element. The characters record compositions differing in the degrees of consonance, rhythmicity and tonality, and play them to birds to observe their vocal and behavioral responses (Act II). They note that the birdsong volume drops significantly when the piano tunes, especially the compositionally complex ones, are played to the birds and increases signifcantly when the white noise of ocean waves is played. The bird count experiment proves indirectly that the birdsong volume reduction is an auditory response of the birds to music rather than the effect of their migrating to or away from the sound source. This science with the flavor of art elevates the characters beyond the limits of their confinement and they, exalted and uplifted, gain ideas for creative research in their own disciplines of biomedical science (Act III). They relinquish the newly gained freedom in favor of embracing love for humanity that underlies medical research and return to their confinement, where they conduct, in the coda of the paper, a series of experiments that venture beyond musicology and ornithology and fall in the domains of tissue engineering and drug delivery, but also psychology (Act III). First, sparrow nests are used as templates for tissue engineering constructs, which facilitate the growth of human fibroblastic cells better than their artificial, gridded replicas. Next, the shell of an Easter egg, predominantly calcite in composition, is used with success as a drug delivery carrier. Lastly, the bird nest drawing experiment demonstrates a greater mental health of children than that of the adults, correlating with one of the overarching points of the paper, which is to present children as a model for grownups to follow rather than the other way around. Over the course of the play, the characters discuss the value of the various fusions between art and science, question the limits of human language and repeatedly go off-topic to celebrate the freeness of the creative thinking process. The play reports on real-life research methods and scientific results through a narrative, without diminishing their empirical rigor and analytical accuracy.

From Cultured Chats to the Chirrups of Choo-Choo-Da-Choos, or How We Found a Key to the Gate of Eden

Reinvention of the form of expression is a conceptual approach characteristic for the evolution of all arts. This research study provides one such step forward in the advancement of scientific paper, a standard form of expression in natural sciences, toward more progressive terrains. The paper adopts the form of a theatrical play where a scientific family of four attempts to find the way around a writer’s block (Act I). Their idealess sense of confinement is overcome through arts or, more specifically, through scientific research implementing the aesthetics of music as its key element. The characters record compositions differing in the degrees of consonance, rhythmicity and tonality, and play them to birds to observe their vocal and behavioral responses (Act II). They note that the birdsong volume drops significantly when the piano tunes, especially the compositionally complex ones, are played to the birds and increases signifcantly when the white noise of ocean waves is played. The bird count experiment proves indirectly that the birdsong volume reduction is an auditory response of the birds to music rather than the effect of their migrating to or away from the sound source. This science with the flavor of art elevates the characters beyond the limits of their confinement and they, exalted and uplifted, gain ideas for creative research in their own disciplines of biomedical science (Act III). They relinquish the newly gained freedom in favor of embracing love for humanity that underlies medical research and return to their confinement, where they conduct, in the coda of the paper, a series of experiments that venture beyond musicology and ornithology and fall in the domains of tissue engineering and drug delivery, but also psychology (Act III). First, sparrow nests are used as templates for tissue engineering constructs, which facilitate the growth of human fibroblastic cells better than their artificial, gridded replicas. Next, the shell of an Easter egg, predominantly calcite in composition, is used with success as a drug delivery carrier. Lastly, the bird nest drawing experiment demonstrates a greater mental health of children than that of the adults, correlating with one of the overarching points of the paper, which is to present children as a model for grownups to follow rather than the other way around. Over the course of the play, the characters discuss the value of the various fusions between art and science, question the limits of human language and repeatedly go off-topic to celebrate the freeness of the creative thinking process. The play reports on real-life research methods and scientific results through a narrative, without diminishing their empirical rigor and analytical accuracy.

The role of chemical properties of the material deposited in nests of white stork in shaping enzymatic activity and fungal diversity

Organic debris accumulated in bird nests creates a unique environment for organisms, including microbes. Built from various plant materials that are typically enriched by animal residues, bird nest favours the development of various fungal groups. The aim of this study was to investigate the chemical properties of the material deposited in the white stork Ciconia ciconia nests and the link between extracellular enzyme activity and the diversity and composition of culturable fungi. Our findings revealed low C/P and N/P ratio values in the nest materials, which indicate a high P availability. Nest material C/N/P ratio ranged from 67/8/1 to 438/33/1. Enzymatic activity strongly correlated with the content of carbon, nitrogen, and pH of the material deposited in the nests. A total of 2726 fungal isolates were obtained from the nests, from which 82 taxa were identified based on morphology and DNA sequence data. The study indicates that white stork nests are microhabitat characterised by diverse chemical and biochemical properties. We found relationship between the fungal richness and diversity and the C/P and N/P ratios of materials from the nests. Our study showed that culturable fungi occurred frequently in materials with high levels of C, N, and P, as well as high concentrations of base alkaline elements (Ca, Mg, and K).

Species composition and ecological groupings of birds of extrazonal transformed landscapes of Yenisei Siberia in the spring and summer period

The article presents the results of a pilot study conducted in May–June 2022 in the places of interpenetration of the Krasnoyarsk forest-steppe and subtaiga, where extrazonal transformed landscapes were formed. An important role in this was played by such factors as the location of the territory on the border of natural zones, the dismembered hilly-rocky terrain, active human economic activity, which also caused the high mosaic of biotopes. As a result, there is an overlap of ranges of typically forest and steppe bird species, as well as their nesting in close proximity to each other, which is explained by their ecological specialization. During this period, 105 species and subspecies of birds belonging to 13 groups were noted. All the diversity is distributed by ecological groups that correspond to the large biotopes identified in the study area: small-leaved birch and mixed forests; forest edges, felling and chopping; coniferous forests; high-stemmed and shrubby floodplain forests; residential landscapes; wetland complex; high-grass and low-grass open areas. Some phenological data, information on the biotopic placement, abundance and nesting of birds collected in the process of route hiking are presented.

Water depth influences survival and predator-specific patterns of nest loss in three secretive marsh bird species.

Wetlands have become increasingly rare in the United States, negatively influencing wetland-dependent birds, and many remaining wetlands are intensively managed through seasonal dewatering mimicking historic flood pulses during spring and summer. However, water around nests may provide protection from terrestrial predators, and lowering water levels during the breeding season of wetland birds may increase predation risk and exacerbate marsh bird population declines. Understanding interactions between water depth, nesting marsh birds, and nest predators is critical to aid managers in developing a multi-species management approach in emergent wetlands. During the 2020 and 2021 breeding seasons, we examined nest survival of 148 marsh bird nests (American Coot, Fulica americana, n = 1; Common Gallinule, Gallinula galeata, n = 64; and Least Bittern; Ixobrychus exilis, n = 83) and installed cameras at 78 nests to identify predators at a large, restored floodplain wetland in Illinois where the primary management technique is seasonal water removal to stimulate germination of moist soil plants. We found nest predation of, and abandonment by, Least Bittern and Common Gallinule were related to shallower water, and early season, high volume dewatering. Least Bitterns nested more commonly along wetland edges and nests farther from the shore were more likely to survive. Similarly, we found mammalian depredation of nests and nest abandonment decreased when deeper water was present around nests. Alternatively, snake predation was observed earlier in the year prior to water removal from inundated emergent vegetation. Our results demonstrate water depth may be an important deterrent of nest predators, especially mammals, during the breeding season. Further, we recommend managers delay dewatering until after the nesting season at sites where management for conservation-priority marsh birds is a focus.

Characterization of the damage and its effect on the production of pitayas Stenocereus pruinosus and S. stellatus under different forms of management in Central Mexico

The use of several columnar cacti stretches back several thousand years and is still going at the present. In many of them, their populations within their range of distribution, are subject to three forms of management, including wild, in situ, and cultivated, each of one exposed to different types of damage, biological or physical. This study attempted to characterize the types of damage affecting pitayas (Stenocereus pruinosus and S. stellatus) in central and southern Mexico, and to analyze the relationship between some types of damage under different forms of management, and its effect on reproductive success. The two species were sampled in three populations with different forms of management. The branches (167-180) were selected and measured the amount of damage, characterized the types of damage, and a percentage of the total damage together with the number of fruits that were produced throughout their annual fruiting season were estimated. A x2 test was used to determine the variations in the characterized damage, and the effects of the damage on fruit production in populations with different forms of management was assessed using linear regressions. The eight different types of damage were listed, its frequency, and the effect of damage on fruit production varies in populations. Depending on human management, populations managed demonstrate acceptance of some types of damage by pitaya farmers: bird nests and external black scar, which do not affect the production of fruits; and reduction of others, branch rot and ant herbivory, the latter of which does affect the production of fruits. The fisheye disease, anthropogenic, gray scab and sooty mold and branch rot damage should be addressed in plant health activities in all populations, and the exchange of knowledge with pitaya farmers should be developed to propose measures to attend to these damages. This will support the sustainable use of the species.

Evolution and modification of physicochemical properties of coal-coke-slag powder within the tuyere bird's nest area of a blast furnace

Understanding the occurrence of phases and the evolution of physicochemical properties in coal-coke-slag powder within the blast furnace tuyere's bird's nest area is crucial for reducing carbon emissions and energy consumption in the blast furnace. By dissecting a 2200 m3 blast furnace in China, the temperature field and high-temperature physicochemical properties of coal-coke-slag powder in the tuyere bird's nest area along the radial direction were determined. Firstly, the temperature range in the tuyere bird's nest area spanned from 1523 °C to 1709 °C, with the maximum temperature near the end of the bird's nest area. Secondly, the mass proportions of coal, coke and slag in coal-coke-slag powder were 42.16 %, 25.90 % and 31.94 %, respectively. Along the radial direction of the blast furnace, the degree of graphitization of carbon components of coal-coke-slag increased gradually, and the melting temperature and viscosity of the slag phase also exhibited a gradual increase. Finally, the modification suggestions of the physicochemical properties of coal-coke-slag were put forward, with a focus on three factors: fuel, slag, and temperature. By employing tuyere injection operations with Ca-Fe flux, and using fuel with low ash content, larger particle size, fewer harmful elements, and excellent combustion performance, more heat input was provided to the front of the bird's nest area, which contributed to improved furnace efficiency and performance.

Nest attachment, rather than nest type, correlates with passerine bird brain size

Variation in relative interspecific brain size has been correlated with cognitive capacities in different animal groups. Bird nest construction is one of the most remarkable animal abilities, and has reached the highest diversification in the Passeriformes. Yet, its relationship with brain size is not fully understood. Here, we used a dataset of 455 species to address potential correlations between nest types (open and enclosed) and five categories of nest attachment mode, as well as a set of covariables, with relative brain mass (Rbmass) of passerine birds. Bayesian regression modelling with phylogenetic control revealed that nest attachment mode, rather than nest type, was associated with Rbmass variation, despite the strong effects of habitat, migration and phylogeny. A phylogenetic confirmatory path analysis suggested that Rbmass and nest attachment can interact via a direct evolutionary link and also through an indirect link mediated through habitat (vegetation density). Phylogenetic ridge regression indicated that Top suspended nests were associated with species close to a maximum relative brain size, and that Rim suspended nests were associated with brain size radiations and probably with the exploration of new ecological niches. Our study provides evidence that the construction of nests with different attachment modes requires different levels of cognitive abilities, and we provide insights into the relationships between passerine brain size and nest attachment diversification.

Comparison of prebiotic activity of dietary sialoglycoprotein and N-acetylneuraminic acid: Sialylation is a key factor

Sialoglycoproteins, rich in sialic acid, are dietary mucins with potential effects on human nutrition and health. This study examined the influence of sialoglycoprotein from edible bird's nest (EBN), desialylated edible bird's nest (ABN), and N-acetylneuraminic acid (Neu5Ac) on the proliferation of probiotics and fecal bacteria from pregnant women in vitro. EBN and Neu5Ac, compared with ABN, were more effective in promoting the growth of beneficial gut microbiota, particularly Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium. EBN, with intact sialic acid, markedly enhanced the growth of Akkermansia muciniphila. Within 24 h, EBN stimulated short-chain fatty acid production during in vitro fermentation of fecal samples from healthy and late-stage pregnant women. EBN also modulated the microbial community, decreasing the relative abundance of potentially pathogenic bacteria, including Enterobacteriaceae and Klebsiella, and increasing the abundance of beneficial genera, such as Bacteroides and Faecalibacterium. Notably, EBN was superior to ABN in suppressing pathogenic bacteria and promoting probiotic proliferation. In contrast, monomeric Neu5Ac failed to decrease Klebsiella populations and increased Enterococcus faecium in fecal samples from elderly pregnant women. Overall, protein-bound Neu5Ac exhibited greater prebiotic activity than the free monomeric form.