Bullfinch Research Articles

Three new species of the feather mite genus Trouessartia are described from passerines from various regions in the Asian part of Russia: Trouessartia locustellae sp. nov. from the Pallass grasshopper warbler Helopsaltes certhiola (Pallas) (type host) and the Middendorffs grasshopper warbler H. ochotensis (Middendorff) (Locustellidae), T. mugimaki sp. nov. from the mugimaki flycatcher Ficedula mugimaki (Temminck) (Muscicapidae), and T. pyrrhulae sp. nov. from the Eurasian bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula Linnaeus (Fringillidae). Descriptions and differential diagnoses are supplemented with sequences of mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (CO1).

Spermatozoa exhibit striking morphological variation across the animal kingdom. In passerine birds, sperm exhibit considerable variation in size, yet the basic sperm phenotype is highly conserved; sperm are filiform, the head is corkscrew-shaped, and the midpiece is elongated and twisted around the flagellum. A significant departure from this typical sperm morphology has been reported in the sister species, the Eurasian bullfinch (Pyrrhula pyrrhula) and Azores bullfinch (P. murina). Here, we report a second evolutionary shift in passerine sperm phenotype in the nominate subspecies of the red-browed finch (Neochmia temporalis temporalis); sperm are non-filiform, with an ellipsoid head, and an extremely short midpiece restricted to the nuclear-axoneme junction. Additionally, we show that the sperm phenotype of the red-browed finch is similar to the putatively neotenous sperm described in the two bullfinch species. Using whole-genome data, we found no evidence that the unusual sperm phenotype of the red-browed finch is associated with reduced genetic variation or a population bottleneck. In contrast, using data on relative testes size, we find some support for the hypothesis that relaxed post-copulatory sexual selection, via a lack of sperm competition, may, at least in part, explain the unusual sperm of the red-browed finch. We also discuss the possible roles of mutation, genetic drift, and genetic hitchhiking, in the evolutionary origins and maintenance of neotenous sperm phenotypes. Finally, we suggest that these dramatic evolutionary shifts in sperm phenotype warrant further investigation and highlight the need for a greater understanding of the developmental and genomic basis of sperm phenotype.

На основе оригинальных данных, полученных в 2017–2022 гг. на территории двух ООПТ регионального значения, а также литературных источников и сведений респондентов со- ставлены фаунистические списки птиц, выявлены доминанты и субдоминанты. В Челябинском (городском) бору с прилегающими территориями с 1987 по 2022 гг. зарегистрирован 151 вид, из них достоверно и предположительно гнездящихся – 74. В 2017–2022 гг. доминантами в гнездо- вой период были зяблик и пеночка-теньковка, группу субдоминантов составили большая синица, пухляк и мухоловка-пеструшка. Трансформация экосистемы бора за период с 1980-х по 2010-е гг. привела к исчезновению тетерева, обыкновенного козодоя, беркута, кобчика, а на сопредельных территориях – камышницы, кулика-сороки, серой куропатки, перепела, болотной совы. Под дей- ствием рекреации произошло сокращение числа и обилия наземно-гнездящихся видов: исчезла обыкновенная овсянка, лесной конек стал немногочислен и составляет всего 2% от населения птиц. У ряда гнездящихся видов (тетеревятник, длиннохвостая неясыть, обыкновенный снегирь, зяблик) отмечены этологические адаптации, свидетельствующие о синурбизации. В менее антро- погенно нарушенном Каштакском бору за период 2018–2022 гг. обнаружено больше гнездящихся и предположительно гнездящихся видов (81), в число которых вошли урбофобные (канюк, тете- рев, глухарь), общий список птиц составил 101 вид. В гнездовое время доминировали зяблик, пеночка-теньковка и лесной конек, в группу субдоминантов входили большая синица, мухолов- ка-пеструшка и обыкновенная горихвостка. Based on original data obtained in 2017–2022 on the territory of two specially protected natural areas of regional significance, as well as literary sources and information from respondents, faunistic lists of birds were compiled, dominants and subdominants were identified. In the Chelyabinsk (City) Forest with adjacent territories 151 species were recorded from 1987 to 2022, of which 74 are reliably assumed to be nesting. In 2017–2022 the dominants in the nesting period were Chaffinch and the Wood Warbler, the group of subdominants was made up of the Great Tit, the Willow Tit and the European Pied Flycatcher. Transformation of the ecosystem of the Chelyabinsk forest from the 1980s to the 2010s led to the disappearance of Black Grouse, Eurasian Nightjar, Golden Eagle, Redfooted Falcon, and in adjacent territories – Common Moorhen, Eurasian Oystercatcher, Grey Partridge, Common Quail, Short-eared Owl. Under the influence of recreational activities, there was a reduction in the number and abundance of ground-nesting species: the Yellowhammer has disappeared; the Tree Pipit is not numerous and comprises up only 2% of the total bird population. A number of nesting species (Northern Goshawk, Ural Owl, Eurasian Bullfinch, Chaffinch) showed ethological adaptations indicating synurbization. In the less anthropogenically disturbed Kashtak Forest for the period 2018–2022 more breeding and presumably nesting species were found (81), including urbophobic species (Common Buzzard, Black Grouse, Western Capercaillie); the total list of birds was 101 species. During the nesting period, the Chaffinch, the Wood Warbler and the Tree Pipit dominated, the group of subdominants included the Great Tit, the European Pied Flycatcher and the Common Redstart.

Simple SummaryMeiotic recombination, which involves the reshuffling of genes, plays an important role in generating biodiversity. However, studies on this process in bird chromosomes are scarce. Using antibodies targeting proteins involved in recombination, we examined the number of recombination events across the entire genome and their distribution along the largest chromosome in the germ cells of four closely related songbird species: Common linnet, Eurasian bullfinch, Eurasian siskin, and European goldfinch. We found significant variance in the frequency of recombination events among these species, as well as individual variability within each species. Across all four species, the distribution of recombination events on chromosome 1 was remarkably consistent, with more events occurring toward the chromosome ends and fewer near the centromere. The proximity of these events to the centromere depended on how many events took place on that chromosome, with more events being associated with closer locations. Interestingly, the size and type of the centromere did not influence this pattern. We propose that the scarcity of recombination events near the centromere may result from their sequential occurrence along the chromosome, starting from the chromosome ends, rather than from any specific influence from the centromere itself.Meiotic recombination is an important source of genetic diversity. Using immunolocalization of several meiotic proteins at the spreads of male pachytene cells, we estimated the number of recombination nodules per cell and their distribution along the macrochromosome 1 of the Common linnet, Eurasian bullfinch, Eurasian siskin, and European goldfinch. The macrochromosomes of the two former species have metapolycentromeres, composed of several centromeric domains. We detected significant interspecies differences in the mean numbers of recombination nodules per genome: 52.9 ± 2.8 in the linnet, 49.5 ± 3.5 in the bullfinch, 61.5 ± 6.3 in the siskin and 52.2 ± 2.7 in the goldfinch. Recombination patterns on macrochromosome 1 were similar across species, with more nodules localized near chromosome ends and fewer around centromeres. The distance from the proximal nodule to the centromere depended on the nodule count per chromosome arm, with more events leading to a closer location. However, species with different centromere types showed no difference in this regard. We propose that the deficiency of recombination sites near centromeres could be due to the sequential occurrence of crossovers starting from the chromosome ends and may not be attributed to any suppressive effect of the centromere itself.

Molecular detection and prevalence of human-pathologic Enterocytozoon bieneusi among pet birds in Mosul, Iraq.

For the first time, the diet of young Iberian Bullfinches (Pyrrhula pyrrhula iberiae) is studied, specifically in a hedgerow habitat in northwestern Spain, through stomach (younger nestlings up to 8 d of age, which died without researcher intervention) and faecal sac (older nestlings) analysis, and secondarily direct observation (nestlings and dependent juveniles). Also, for the first time, grit use by bullfinch nestlings is described in some detail. Bullfinches fed their young with a mixture of seeds and invertebrates, with greater quantitative importance of the former. The identity of the seeds varied considerably between spring and summer, and animal fraction gradually decreased from May to July for older nestlings, in both cases presumably because of the seasonal changes in food availability. Caterpillars and spiders were the most important arthropod prey in the diet. Apparently, the young were not fed non-arthropod invertebrates. The relative importance of invertebrates, which are very rich in proteins, was greater for younger nestlings than for older ones. Difficult to digest hard-bodied prey, such as beetles, were not present in the stomachs of the youngest nestlings. The frequency of occurrence and amount of grit in stomachs increased with nestling age, along with the need to grind food. There were no remarkable differences in number of units, size, or number of colour types of gastroliths between months. The high floristic diversity in the study area, which has great overall conservation value, provides a wide range of resources for bullfinches, including plenty of food for their young.

The data on basal metabolism and thermoregulatory responses in small passerine birds in the winter, in the temperature range natural for Yakutsk, have been analysed. Common redpoll Acanthis flammea (Linnaeus, 1758), Eurasian tree sparrow Passer montanus (Linnaeus, 1758), and Eurasian bullfinch Pyrrhula pyrrhula (Linnaeus, 1758) were researched. In Common redpoll, the minimal metabolism rates (about 3.1 ml O2/g · h) were reported in ambient temperatures between 10 °C and 20 °C. At temperatures going down from 20 °C to -30 °C, oxygen consumption doubled at a rate of 0.06 ml O2/g · h per 1 °C. In the Eurasian tree sparrow, the growth of metabolism began at the temperature decreasing to 10 °C and continued to temperatures going down to -25 °C — -30 °C. With the ambient temperature from decreasing from -20 °C to -30 °C, the metabolic rate was increasing by 0.06 ml O2/g · h per 1 °C. The Eurasian bullfinch had a significantly higher level of minimal metabolism than the Eurasian tree sparrow, while the maximum metabolic levels were close in absolute values. The rate of metabolic growth in bullfinch was half as high as in Common redpoll and Eurasian tree sparrow.

Abstract The population ecology of the Eurasian BullfinchPyrrhula pyrrhulais almost unknown in Iberia, where the subspeciesiberiaelives. The present study provides a first approach to the population attributes of this subspecies in an area located in northern Spain, characterised by a landscape dominated by hedgerows and meadows. In particular, I analysed the population density, age distribution and sex ratio during a six-year period (2001–2006). By exploring the entire area, I estimated the density in each month, and distinguished males, females and juveniles. In winter, samplings by line transect were also used to obtain abundance indices to compare different days, months and years (1999−2005 period). Density values during the breeding season were similar between years, but winter abundances changed considerably at different temporal scales. A density peak was found in July–August, with the highest percentages of juvenile individuals occurring in August– September. Individuals clearly performing post-juvenile moult were seen during August–November. Sex ratio was markedly biased towards males throughout the year. Several biological and ecological characteristics of the Bullfinch, together with a favourable habitat and small changes of environmental conditions from year to year, seemingly promoted the relatively high stable breeding population densities estimated during the study period. The high variation in winter abundances was likely due to short-medium range movements. The high population density in late summer was a consequence of the addition of juveniles each year. The greater parental effort of females compared to males – since the former are responsible for most of the reproductive tasks and directly suffer considerable predation during incubation – was probably a root cause of the skewed sex ratio.

BackgroundFor all vertebrates in general, a concerted effort to move beyond single season research is vital to improve our understanding of species ecology. Knowledge of habitat use and selection by Eurasian Bullfinches (Pyrrhula pyrrhula) is limited with regard to the non-breeding season. To date, research on the habitat of the Iberian subspecies iberiae consists of very general descriptions. In relation to space use, only broad features are available for the entire distribution range of Eurasian Bullfinches, including Iberia.MethodsIn this study, seasonal preferences regarding habitat and space in a population of Eurasian Bullfinches are examined for the first time in the Iberian Peninsula, through direct observation during a six-year period. The essential habitat components, substrate selection and perch height were assessed.ResultsHedgerows were the key essential habitat component for bullfinches during all seasons. Nevertheless, small poplar plantations became increasingly important from winter to summer-autumn. Bullfinches perched mostly in shrubs/trees throughout the year, but there were significant seasonal changes in substrate use, ground and herbs being of considerable importance during spring-summer. Throughout the year, over half of the records corresponded to feeding, reaching almost 90% in winter. Generally, bullfinches perched noticeably lower while feeding. Male bullfinches perched markedly higher than females, notably singing males in spring-summer. Juveniles perched at a height not much lower than that of males. In all seasons, males tended to feed at greater heights than females. Bullfinches of different ages and sexes were seen bathing in all seasons except winter.ConclusionsHedgerow habitat in general appeared to be valuable for bullfinches throughout the year. In summer and autumn, they selected sites with an abundance of food and shade, as well as shelter, a much-needed requirement for fledglings and moulting individuals. There was usually a close link between the most used and most consumed plant species in each season. Males appeared to assume a more important role in vigilance, and often they accompanied dependent young in June and July. Bullfinch conservation strategies should consider seasonal demand for habitat and space.

ABSTRACT The breeding ecology of the Iberian subspecies of the Eurasian bullfinch, Pyrrhula pyrrhula iberiae, is addressed for the first time. The studied population occupied a hedgerow habitat in northwestern Spain. Individuals directly watched in the study area and details of these sightings were recorded over a six-year period, and a total of 56 nests were monitored. The earliest date of nest building was within 11–30 April for all years. Fledglings were recorded leaving the nest during all the ten-day periods from the end of May to mid-August. Nest attendance, from the early building stage to when nestlings were ready to leave the nest, lasted approximately 36 days. The overall mean clutch size was 4.56 eggs. Clutch size decreased significantly at the end of the breeding season. For all egg traits, the minimum values for standard deviation were obtained in the intra-clutch analysis, and egg length was more variable than width. Nesting success increased progressively from April–May to June–July and August. The main proximate cause of nest failure was egg desertion/predation, followed by nest desertion during nest building and nestling desertion/predation. Mammals were the main agents in nests where the probable predator could be identified. Approximately half of the eggs became fledglings leaving the nest, no significant seasonal differences being observed for this parameter. In August, the ratio of juveniles to adults was 2.5–4.1, juveniles representing approximately 70–80% of the individuals seen and identified that month. The absence of significant interannual variation in important reproductive parameters could have been due to lack of interannual variation in the availability of food resources. Compared to other subspecies, mean clutch size of Iberian bullfinches is the smallest recorded in the western Palearctic, and they showed an earlier start to the breeding season and shorter mean egg length than North European and Russian populations.

ABSTRACT A colour-ringing project was used to study pair-bond formation by Eurasian Bullfinches Pyrrhula pyrrhula visiting a garden in northern England. During the period July 2011 to April 2017, 427 Bullfinches were colour ringed, and 235 (55%) resighted at a seed feeder. Thirty-six pairs were identified with both partners carrying a colour ring. There was evidence that some couples might initiate pair-bond formation from as early as November, but most new bonds were first identified from January onwards. The earliest bonds were formed between birds over one year old, and older females appeared to preferentially select older males. Nearly all partnerships continued until the disappearance of one or both birds, consistent with death or dispersal, and for 12 pairs where one bird disappeared the other was subsequently observed to form a new partnership. For two longer-surviving pairs the bond was maintained over two successive breeding seasons (23 and 27 months) and, for another, from winter to winter (13 months). The findings support the previous supposition that the typical breeding strategy for this species is one of bond fidelity until the death of one or both partners, and the subsequent formation of a new bond by the surviving partner. However, there was evidence that three couples had separated and survived to form new partnerships, with the female separating in one case from a bigamous male. The study provides novel information about the pair-bond system of this species.

Infrared thermography provides insight into the thermal properties of bird nests

A new species of extinct bullfinch, Pyrrhula crassa n. sp., is described from bones found in Furna do Calcinhas, a small cave situated at Caldeira, a volcano located in the southeastern portion of the Graciosa Island (Azores archipelago, North Atlantic Ocean). It is the first extinct passerine bird to be described from this archipelago. Both skull and post-cranial bones are larger in the new species than in its relatives, the Eurasian Bullfinch (P. pyrrhula) and the Azores Bullfinch or “Priolo” from São Miguel Island (P. murina), the new species being the largest known in this genus. The morphology of its humerus and the estimated wing length and surface area seem to indicate a flying ability similar to that of the extant P. murina. The possible sources of colonization of the genus into Azores, causes and chronology of extinction of the new species are discussed

Polyomavirus Infection in Gouldian Finches (Erythrura gouldiae) and Other Pet Birds of the Family Estrildidae

Lines Written on Viewing “Ether Day, 1846” in the Bullfinch Amphitheater

Cuban Bullfinch (Melopyrrha nigra)

The Azores bullfinch is endemic to the island of São Miguel in the Azores archipelago and the sister species to the Eurasian bullfinch. Here we show that the spermatozoa of the two species have similar ultrastructure and gross morphology. Thus, the unusual and supposedly neotenous sperm morphology previously described for the Eurasian bullfinch appears to be an ancestral trait that evolved before the two taxa diverged. In addition, the coefficients of variation in total sperm length, both within and among males, were high in both species and exceed any previously published values for free-living passerines. Such high sperm-size variation is typically found in species with relaxed sperm competition. However, the high variance in mean sperm length among Azores bullfinches is surprising, because the trait has high heritability and this small, insular population shows clear signs of reduced genetic diversity at neutral loci. A possible explanation for this apparent contradiction is that the Azores bullfinch has retained more diversity at functional and fitness-related loci than at more neutral parts of the genome. Finally, we also present data on relative testis size and sperm swimming speed for the Eurasian bullfinch, and discuss the hypothesis that the small and putatively neotenous sperm in bullfinches has evolved in response to lack of sperm competition.

Taxonomic recommendations for British birds: seventh report

A molecular phylogeny of bullfinches Pyrrhula Brisson, 1760 (Aves: Fringillidae)

ABSTRACT. The Eurasian Bullfinch (Pyrrhula pyrrhula) is unusual among passerines in that it has both an extremely unusual sperm morphology and unusually high levels of inter- and intra-male variation in sperm morphology. One possible cause of this high level of variation in sperm design is the phenotypic results of inbreeding following a bottleneck event. There are two points in time when the Eurasian Bullfinch may have been subject to a bottleneck. Many Eurasian passerines underwent a series of post-Pleistocene bottlenecks following the retreat of the glaciers. More recently, in the United Kingdom the Eurasian Bullfinch has declined severely in numbers in the past 40 years. We used universal bird microsatellite primers to directly compare the genetic diversity of the Eurasian Bullfinch with that of three fringillid finch species that display “typical” passerine sperm morphology: the European Greenfinch (Carduelis chloris), Common Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs), and Red Crossbill (Loxia curvirostra). We fo...