Cattle Egret Research Articles

Detection and Phylogenetic Analysis of Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase (ESBL)-Genetic Determinants in Gram-Negative Fecal-Microbiota of Wild Birds and Chicken Originated at Trimmu Barrage.

Extended-spectrum β-lactamases (ESBL) give rise to resistance against penicillin and cephalosporin antibiotics in multiple bacterial species. The present study was conducted to map genetic determinants and related attributes of ESBL-producing bacteria in three wild aquatic bird species and chickens at the "Trimmu Barrage" in district Jhang, Punjab province, Pakistan. To study the prevalence of ESBL-producing bacteria, a total of 280 representative samples were collected from wild bird species; cattle egrets (Bubulcus ibis), little egrets (Egretta garzetta) and common teals (Anas crecca) as well as from indigenous chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) originating from a local wet market. The isolates were confirmed as ESBL producers using a double disc synergy test (DDST) and bacterial species were identified using API-20E and 20NE strips. A polymerase chain reaction (PCR) was used to detect ESBL genetic determinants and for genus identification via 16S rRNA gene amplification. A phenotypic antimicrobial susceptibility test was performed for ESBL-producing isolates against 12 clinically relevant antibiotics using the Kirby-Bauer disk diffusion susceptibility test. A phylogenetic tree was constructed for the sequence data obtained in this study and comparative sequence data obtained from GenBank. The overall prevalence of ESBL-producing bacteria was 34.64% (97/280). The highest percentage (44.28%; 31/70) of ESBL-producing bacteria was recovered from chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus), followed by little egrets (Egretta garzetta) (41.43%; 29/70), common teal (Anas crecca) (28.57%; 20/70) and cattle egrets (Bubulcus ibis) (24.28%; 17/70). Five different ESBL-producing bacteria were identified biochemically and confirmed via 16S rRNA gene sequencing, which included Escherichia coli (72; 74.23%), Enterobacter cloacae (11; 11.34%), Klebsiella pneumoniae (8; 8.25%), Salmonella enterica (4; 4.12%) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (2; 2.06%). Based on PCR, the frequency of obtained ESBL genes in 97 isolates was blaCTX-M (51.55%), blaTEM (20.62%), blaOXA (6.18%) and blaSHV (2.06%). In addition, gene combinations blaCTX-M + blaTEM, blaTEM + blaOXA and blaCTX-M + blaSHV were also detected in 16.49%, 2.06% and 1.03% of isolates, respectively. The ESBL gene variation was significant (p = 0.02) in different bacterial species while non-significant in relation to different bird species (p = 0.85). Phylogenetic analysis of amino acid sequence data confirmed the existence of CTX-M-15 and TEM betalactamases. The average susceptibility of the antibiotics panel used was lowest for both Klebsiella pneumoniae (62.5% ± 24.42) and Salmonella enterica (62.5% ± 31.08) as compared to Enterobacter cloacae (65.90% ± 21.62), Pseudomonas aeruginosa (70.83% ± 33.42) and Escherichia coli (73.83% ± 26.19). This study provides insight into the role of aquatic wild birds as reservoirs of ESBL-producing bacteria at Trimmu Barrage, Punjab, Pakistan. Hence, active bio-surveillance and environment preservation actions are necessitated to curb antimicrobial resistance.

Morphological, radiographic, three-dimensional computed tomographic, and histological features of the primary upstroke and downstroke muscles and bones in the domestic duck (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus) and the cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis, Linnaeus, 1758), reflecting the evolutionary transition towards the irreversible flightlessness.

The purpose of this study was to explore whether domestication could lead to evolutionary changes towards flightlessness in the domestic duck (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus) compared to the cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis) as anonflying and flying biological model, respectively. Bones of the pectoral girdle (scapula, clavicle, and coracoid) and the foramen triosseum were comparatively assessed using anatomical, radiographic, and 3D computed tomographic (CT) studies. Additionally, the muscles pectoralis and the supracoracoideus were histologically and immunohistochemically assessed. Among the differences observed, radiographically, the distance between the paired clavicles was significantly wider (p < 0.05) in the domestic duck (mean ± SD 1.43 ± 0.23cm) compared with the cattle egret (0.96 ± 0.13cm). Unlike cattle egrets, there was no connection between the sternum and the hypocladium of furcula in domestic ducks. The scapula, clavicle, coracoid, sternum, and humerus were considerably longer in domestic ducks than in cattle egrets. The foramen triosseum appeared significantly (p < 0.01) wider in domestic ducks (0.7 ± 1.17cm) compared to cattle egrets (0.49 ± 0.03cm). Histologically, compared to cattle egrets, the muscle fibers in domestic ducks were loosely connected and contained fewer nuclei and perimysial/endomysial spaces. A higher myoglobin expression was evident in cattle egrets compared with domestic ducks. Results of this study indicate that the bones and muscles of the pectoral girdle generally show specific morphological and structural changes reflective of the loss of prerequisites associated with flight behavior in domestic ducks due to domestication effects compared to cattle egrets.

Serological evidence of Newcastle disease virus antibodies in wild birds in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria.

Wild birds have been reported to be reservoirs of viral diseases of poultry, and play an epidemiological role in their maintenance and spread. A serological survey was undertaken to determine the evidence of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) antibodies in wild birds in Zaria Kaduna State, Nigeria. A total of 150 apparently healthy wild birds comprising 30 each laughing dove, speckled pigeons, cattle egrets, village weavers and African silver bills were sampled. Sera collected were analysed for the presence of antibodies against NDV and avian paramyxovirus‑2 (APMV‑2) using the haemagglutination inhibition test. The results showed an overall seroprevalence of 4% (95% CI: 2.05‑10.1) to NDV. African silver bill showed a seroprevalence of 10.0% (95% CI: 2.61‑24.9) NDV antibodies while seroprevalence of 3.3% (95% CI: 0.16‑15.4) was recorded for cattle egrets, village weavers and laughing doves respectively. No statistically significant difference existed for NDV seroprevalence (P>0.05) among the different species of wild birds. All the 150 sera tested negative for APMV‑2 antibodies. The result of this study confirmed the exposure of wild birds to NDV in the study area. Continuous surveillance with isolation and characterization of NDV in the wild birds is therefore recommended for strategic planning for control.

NCNU dedicates to develop green campus and renewable energy for environmental sustainability

National Chi Nan University (NCNU) is located in Puli in central Taiwan with an altitude of 665 meters, making it the highest university in Taiwan. NCNU has a single campus with a total area of 150 ha and a ratio of green cover of 80% including 39.6% forest and 40.7% planted vegetation. In addition to forest and planted vegetation areas, area for water absorption accounts for 16.3% of campus. NCNU designates around 40% of total budget for sustainability effort each year. Percentage of operation and maintenance activities during Covid-19 pandemic is up to 92% because of good disease prevention measures. NCNU campus is surrounded by dense valleys and forests that provides a habitat for many wild animals such as cattle egrets, pangolins, and butterflies. Recently, NCNU dedicates to construct solar power generation system on campus. The power generation capacity of the system is around 3.0 MW to date, which supplies for 20% of annual power consumption. The solar power generation system is constructing continuously and will reach a total power generation capacity of 8.2 MW in 2023, which accounts for around 90% of annual power consumption.

Predation of the Nicobar Shrew Crocidura nicobarica by a Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis

The Nicobar Shrew Crocidura nicobarica (Miller, 1902) is an endemic and ‘Critically Endangered’ species restricted to Great Nicobar Island in the Andaman Sea, India. Predation instance on the Nicobar Shrew by a Cattle Egret is reported herewith for the first time in the littoral forests near Govind Nagar, Great Nicobar Island.

Diversity and abundance of aquatic birds in Koonthankulam village pond, Tamil Nadu, India

The diversity of birds in Koonthankulam pond, located in Koonthankulam village (8.495N, 77.755E), Tirunelveli district, southern Tamil Nadu, was studied. A total of 90 species belonging to 21 orders, 42 families, and 73 genera were recorded. The study recorded seasonal migrants such as Black Ibis, Oriental White Ibis, Bar-headed Goose &amp; Spoonbill and indigenous species including the Pond Heron, Cattle Egret, White-breasted Kingfisher, Red-wattled Lapwing, Rose-ringed Parakeet, Purple-rumped Sunbird, Hoopoe, and Indian Robin. The primary data were analyzed by principal component analysis, cluster, and analysis of variance. Analysis of variance showed that the Menhinick index is statistically significant P &lt;0.05. A structural equation model was applied to analyze the physico-chemical parameters of water samples collected from the sampling site. Analysis of experimental data through the structural equation model indicates temperature and dissolved oxygen may indirectly affect bird diversity.

Brain Gross Anatomy and Cerebellar Histology of the Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis)

Abstract The structural parts of brain are similar in all vertebrates, but they differ in their complexity and organization. The avian brain for instance, is organised differently compared to mammals, with variations existing in the relative size and location of their structures. The cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis) is a cosmopolitan avian species native to Africa. Despite their economic importance as excellent sentinels in assessing environmental pollutants, there is a dearth of information on their neuroanatomy. Hence, we here investigated their gross morphological features and morphometric parameters, and the cerebellar histology. Twelve transcardi-ally perfused juvenile cattle egrets were studied, with the body and brain weights and brain linear measurements considered. The brain weight constituted 0.46 % of the total body mass, with a strong positive correlation recorded between the body and brain weights (r = 0.9204). Morphologically, the brain was lissencephalic, with the corpus callosum absent and the olfactory bulbs rudimentary with no discernible division into the olfactory bulb, olfactory tract and olfactory lobe. We observed prominent sagittal eminence and vallecula telencephali, as well as an obvious fovea limbica on the dorsal and lateral surfaces of the cerebral hemispheres, respectively. The diencephalic structures were completely covered by telencephalon, with the pineal gland occupying the polygonal space between cerebrum, optic lobe and cerebellum. The mesencephalic tectum appeared as a large oval bilaterally bulging structure with prominent optic tracts and constituted the bulk of the midbrain. There was a dorsal extension of the fourth ventricle into the cerebellum known as the ventriculus cerebelli and the cerebellar histology presented a persistent external granular layering suggestive of a potential for adult neurogenesis. Our data has added relevant literature on the cattle egret brain and could prove useful in comparative, developmental and evolutionary avian neuroanatomy.

Bird Diversity in Paddy Field Habitats During The Paddy Ripening Phase (Oryza sativa L.) Jurong Peujeura Village, Aceh Besar Regency, Indonesia

Birds are organisms that can be found in a variety of habitats. One of the bird habitats is paddy fields. Birds found in paddy fields generally carry out activities such as foraging, breeding, and competing. This study aims to determine the diversity of birds in paddy field habitats during the paddy ripening phase (Oryza sativa L.). The study was conducted from April to June 2022. The location of the study was Jurong Peujera Village, Ingin Jaya District, Aceh Besar Regency. This study used the Point Count method with a radius of 50 m and a distance between points of 150 m. Observations were made at 9 observation points with 4 repetitions, in which the duration of observations was 10 minutes at each observation point. The observation was conducted in the morning and evening at 06.30-10.00 AM and 03.30-05.00 PM. The results obtained were 2586 bird individuals consisting of 14 species from 11 families. The species with the highest number of individuals are Lonchura punctulata with 1535 individuals and Bubulcus ibis with 637 individuals. The highest percentage of families by species is Ardeidae (22%), and Estrildidae (15%). The Shannon-Wiener bird species diversity index in the paddy field area during paddy ripening phase was obtained H'=1.24 which indicates the level of diversity of the bird species is moderate. Meanwhile, based on the dominance index, Simpson shows a value of C=0.42 which indicates a low bird dominance level. The low level of bird dominance is due to the moderate diversity of species in the paddy field area.

When a pest-control species becomes a pest: A shift in the foraging habitat of cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis) and the threat to grazed natural ecosystems

Ecosystem services such as natural pest control and pollination may benefit agriculture, but may also adversely affect adjacent ecosystems. Here, we explored the cosmopolitan cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis), a commensal insectivorous large bird which has been expanding worldwide and is often considered as a pest control agent. We assessed the changes in the distribution of this new resident and its nesting and foraging habitat preferences in Mediterranean agroecosystems in northern Israel over the last few decades. We evaluated the relative importance of reptile, amphibian and arthropod prey in its diet by analysing regurgitated food in nesting colonies, and modelled the effect of land-use on reptile prey composition. We found that a recent expansion of B. ibis has been facilitated by the introduction of cattle grazing to natural habitats, and by augmentation of human-dominated landscapes and crop fields. Arthropods have dominated the egret diet (73.75 %), but the overwhelming proportion of reptile species (19.67 %) comprises predominantly maquis dwellers, indicating high predation pressure in natural rangelands. Although B. ibis acts as an agricultural pest control agent in croplands, its function as a harmful predator in grazed natural habitats seems to be substantial. Such intrusion of a novel predator into natural ecosystems may have catastrophic implications for native fauna, particularly in human-dominated and fragmented landscapes. Our findings underscore the potential adverse effects of a naturally thriving predator on local fauna and the importance of further research to understand its actual impact on both agricultural pests and non-pest prey communities in the wild.

SUCCESSFUL BREEDING STATUS OF CATTLE EGRET (BUBULCUS IBIS) IN AND AROUND AREA OF LAKE BOUNDED WITH POR VILLAGE, AMBAPUR, AHMEDABAD, GUJARAT

Por is a village 2.8 Km from Ambapur and 20 Km from Ahmedabad. Here, nesting of cattle egret was observed and studied during the month of April to July in 2022. The maximum number of nests were observed at tree (Acasia Nilotica) which covering the lake area. This study includes the observations of various activities like nest building, breeding parameters such as egg laying, incubation, hatching and Parental care was performed by cattle egrets with successful breeding

Abundance and diversity of waterbirds around the Begnas Lake of Pokhara Valley, Nepal

We studied the seasonal abundance and diversity of waterbirds around the Begnas lake of Pokhara Valley. The status of waterbirds in Begnas wetland is not documented so; we monitored the waterbirds using the point count method in 12 different plots around the lake and compared the seasonal abundance and diversity during the 2019 Summer and 2020 winter with 24 hours of observation in each plot. A total of 585 individuals of 25 waterbird species from 10 families were recorded during the study period. Among the recorded species two species were globally threatened and the remaining were the least concerned categories. The greater abundance of waterbirds was recorded during winter (t = -5.98, p &lt; 0.001). The abundance of all feeding guilds was found higher during winter. Cattle egret was recorded with the greatest abundance (N = 85) and Relative abundance (RA = 14.52), it was followed by great cormorant (N = 57, RA = 9.74) and common pochard was the least abundant (N = 2, RA = 0.34). There was no seasonal variation in the Shannon Wiener index (H’) and species evenness however, the species richness was higher during winter (W = 16.5, p &lt; 0.01). Distance to the forest, road, and settlement did not affect the abundance and diversity of waterbirds however, the abundance of insectivore birds was increased with the decrease of distance to croplands (t = -3.13, p &lt; 0.05). The Begnas wetland was found with a lower abundance and diversity of waterbirds in comparison to the Phewa and other wetlands of the Terai region of Nepal. The lake water pollution, infrastructural development, anthropogenic activities, recreational activities, and infestation of invasive plants like water hyacinth were the main threats to the waterbirds around Begnas lake. An awareness program about the conservation of waterbirds and regular monitoring of waterbirds in Begnas was recommended.

Populasi Burung pada Habitat Nipah di Pantai Tiram Kabupaten Padang Pariaman Provinsi Sumatera Barat

Nipah is one of the main species that make up the mangrove ecosystem that can support the survival of birds with the availability of food, resting places, nesting, perching and breeding and shelter for the birds. The activity of calculating the population of bird species is carried out to protect birds from threats and damage to their habitat. Observations were made on January 9, 2022 at Tiram Tapakih Beach, Ulakan Tapakih District, Padang Pariaman Regency, West Sumatra Province using direct counting or the census method along the nipah habitat while counting birds from 10.00 am to 18.00 pm. Based on observations, found 9 species of birds with a total of 36,388 individuals consisting of 5 families. The species most commonly found was Bubulcus ibis, 36,352 species.

A Comparison of Direct &amp; Indirect Survey Methods for Estimating Colonial Nesting Waterbird Populations

Population estimates derived from monitoring efforts can be sensitive to the survey method selected, potentially leading to biased estimates and low precision relative to true population size. While small unmanned aerial systems (UAS) present a unique opportunity to survey avian populations while limiting disturbance, relatively little is known about how this method compares with more traditional approaches. In this study we compared population estimates of Snowy (Egretta thula) and Cattle Egrets (Bubulcus ibis) in a mixed-species colony in the Chesapeake Bay (Maryland, USA) derived from UAS photo counts, flush counts, flight-line surveys, and in-colony nest counts along with the time required to derive an estimate via each approach. We found that UAS counts and flush counts produced lower pair estimates than nest counts and flight-line surveys (P < 0.05), and required dramatically less time (x̄ = 6, 8, 84 and 90 min, respectively). These results suggest that while UAS have the potential to collect valuable survey data from breeding colonies that are hard to reach or are especially sensitive to the disturbance inherent in other methods, inherent biases should be considered and caution should be used when comparing results between survey types.

EXPOSURE AND EFFECTS OF TOXIC TRACE METALS IN BIRDS OF PAKISTAN

Increasing concentration of trace metals in the environment and their subsequenthealth effects in living organisms has become a major threat particularly in developing parts of theworld. Therefore present study was designed to investigate the concentration of trace metals such asPb, Cd, Cr and Cu in liver, pectoral muscle, pelvic muscle and blood of two terrestrial (Bank Myna;Acridotheres ginginianus and Jungle Babbler; Turdoides striata) and two aquatic (Grey Heron; Ardeacinerea and Cattle Egret; Bubulcus ibis) bird species collected from the premises of Lahore, Pakistan.The detection frequency of trace metals in collected samples were highest in Cd (100%) followed byPb (83%), Cr (80%) and Cu (76.5%). Species revealed heterogeneous levels of metals in all organs. Ingeneral the mean concentration (µg/g) of trace metals in organs and blood of terrestrial speciesfollowed the pattern as Pb &gt; Cu &gt; Cr &gt; Cd contrary to aquatic species in which the trend was Cu &gt; Pb&gt; Cr &gt; Cd. Highest concentration of Pb (3.23 µg/g) was reported in pelvic muscle of jungle babbler,Cd (0.15 µg/g) in liver of bank myna, Cr (0.40 µg/g) in pelvic muscle of Cattle Egret and Cu (1.89µg/g) in liver of Cattle Egret. Whereas lowest concentration of Pb (0µg/g) and Cd (0.09 µg/g) wasreported in blood and pelvic muscle of Grey Heron respectively, Cr (0µg/g) in blood of Bank Myna,Grey Heron and Cattle Egret, Cu (0 µg/g) in blood of Grey Heron, Cattle Egret and Jungle Babbler.Concentration of metals varied significantly (P&lt;0.05) among organs however, no significant difference(P&gt;0.05) was observed among species except Cu(P&lt;0.05). Further, no significant difference (P&gt;0.05)of metals was observed between feeding guilds and habitat of the species. The increasing concentrationof toxic trace metals in the birds reflects deteriorating environmental health as a result of greater metalsexposure which must be reduced through proper legislation and strict implementation of laws.

Isolation and identification of filamentous fungi and yeasts with zoonotic potential obtained from cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis) droppings.

The different microorganisms that make up the normal microbiota of birds can be present in different substrates such as the soil and other elements that make up the habitat. In the case of the cattle egret, the intestinal microbiota can change due to partially migratory habits. Thus, this study aimed to isolate and identified fungi and yeasts with zoonotic potential obtained from cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis) droppings settler in Tulancingo, Hidalgo, at Eastern economic zone of Mexico. Cattle egret droppings were collected for analysis, a total of 240 pool samples, which were spread on Sabouraud agar and incubated at 25.00 - 37.00 ˚C for 2 to 3 days. Filamentous fungi and yeast were identified by morphology and Lactophenol Blue staining or Chinese Ink stains. Filamentous fungi genera Mucor spp. (42.35%), Rhizopus spp. (26.71%); Penicillium spp. (13.35%); Paecilomyces spp. (11.40%); Scedosporium spp. (1.95%); and, from yeasts such as Cryptococcus spp. (2.29%); Rhodotorula spp. (1.95%) were identified. In this work, the presence of filamentous fungi genera and yeasts with zoonotic potential were isolated from droppings of cattle egret. The clinical presentation of fungal infections in humans can occur when immunosuppression is present or different predisposition factors are conjugated. The presence of birds and their dropping in anthropogenic activities is not a predisposing factor for the presentation of the disease in immunologically competent humans.

Food and Feeding Habits of Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis) in Thanjavur District, Tamil Nadu

The cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis) is a cosmopolitan species of heron (family Ardeidae) and they are found in the tropics, subtropics and warm temperate zones. The cattle egret and grazing cattle in close association is a classic example of commensalism. Their feeding habitats include seasonally flooded grasslands, pastures, farmlands, wetlands and rice. They often accompany cattle or other large mammals, catching insect and small vertebrate prey disturbed by these animals. This study is a first attempt in the Cauvery delta region where the abundance and distribution of cattle egrets which are common. The study was conducted in the villages such as Thugili and Kanjanur which are situated in Thiruvidaimaruthur Taluk of Thanjavur District of Tamil Nadu. The methods used for this study was direct observation involves following the birds early in the morning between 7. 00 am and 10.00 am and 4.00 pm - 6.00 pm in the evening. The observation was made on birds for feeding directly on the field. Samples of the food material eaten by the birds were collected for further observation. It fed mainly on arthropods species such as grasshoppers, cricket, catterpillers, flies, termites, ants, rarely on ticks and spiders and very rarely on plants which makes the bird to be an omnivorous. The diet of cattle egret reveals that order Orthopteran insects were the highest percentage (33.33%). This study recommends that all efforts should be taken to reduce further decline in the population of this birds so as to improve its conservation status in the environment.

Bioecology and breeding performance of cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis) in selected sites at Sharkia Governorate, Egypt.

Cattle egret Bubulcus ibis, feeds on insect pests in many agro-ecosystems. Thus, there is an urgent need to study the breeding chronology of cattle egret, in order to develop suitable protection programs for this beneficial bird to perform its role as abiological control agent in Egyptian agro-ecosystems. The study was conducted at Sharkia Governorate, Egypt, from December 2018 to December 2020; in different habitats (irrigation canals, drainage canals, garbage collection areas and Abbasa ponds). The mean clutch size ranged from 2-5 eggs/nest with an incubation period ranging between 21-25 days. The mean percentage of hatching success was 90.21%, while the total number of mortality eggs was 47 and the total egg hatching was 433. Also the total number of nests located nearby tree trunks were 73, while nests located in the core of the tree were 47 nests, and nests located at the peripherals were 15 nests.

Estudos morfológicos e moleculares do parasita nematoide Heterakis gallinarum (Heterakidae) que infecta a garça-vaqueira Bubulcus ibis (Ardeidae)

ABSTRACT Parasites infecting migratory birds all over the world are still under investigation. The identification of parasitic taxa infecting ardeids was done concerning their morphological and morphometric features. A total of 20 Bubulcus ibis (Ardeidae) specimens were collected and investigated for nematode parasites. Only one nematode species, belonging to the Heterakidae family, has been identified, with a prevalence rate of 40% (8/20) among infected egrets. The Heterakis species isolated from the lumen of the ceca of the egret host is morphologically and morphometric compatible with Heterakis gallinarum. Additionally, utilizing the partial small subunit ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA) and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COI) genes, maximum parsimony based on the Tamura-Nei model was used to infer the phylogeny of the recovered Heterakis species. The query sequences revealed 99.61% and 97.11% identities for the 18S (MK844591.1) and COI (MF066715.1) genes of the previously mentioned H. gallinarum. In addition to clarifying several morphological features of H. gallinarum, this study also provided new DNA data for this species. The combination of morphological and molecular data could be helpful to other veterinaries in finding a way to treat and control this infection in the cattle egret.

Within-colony nest distribution of a waterbird mixed colony in a small alluvial forest at El Salvador

ABSTRACT Breeding in colonies is a defining characteristic of many waterbird species and several behavioural and habitat traits determine nest-site selection. Although there is relatively extensive literature on the topic, information on the within-colony distribution of nests lacks for mixed colonies, especially for ardeid-cormorant associations and in regions such as Central America. Here, geospatial data on vegetation associated with a mixed colony, established in a small alluvial forest northwest of El Salvador and collected from June to November 2015 was assessed to identify some behavioural and habitat features that could influence nest-site selection. Four ardeid species (Ardea alba, Egretta thula, Bubulcus ibis, and Nycticorax nycticorax) and one cormorant (Phalacrocorax brasilianus) conformed the colony, where the last was the outstanding species. The total area of the colony was 2.14 ha (14% of La Barra forest) with high nest densities (584.58 nests/ha). Spatial analyses indicate that some species prefer to occupy trees/shrubs close to other trees/shrubs with conspecific or similarly sized species. A remarkable height-strata distribution was found, with large-sized species in the canopy, and small-sized species in the lower strata. The resulting estimates of the generalized linear models applied suggest that the within-colony nest-site selection is determined by the combination of higher heights of the tree/shrub used for nesting, nearest distance to a food source, fewer species sharing the same tree/shrub and an increasing effect of the interaction of the latter two factors. Finally, the temporal evolution of La Barra’s colony shows that the increasing number of Neotropical Cormorants (Phalacrocorax brasilianus) could be shaping and threatening the colony’s species structure and possibly the vegetation as well. Conservation measures should be implemented to manage the population of this species.

Preference of host plants for nesting by cattle egrets, Bubulcus ibis in three agro-climatic zones of semi-arid tropical Telangana state

Preference of host plants for nesting by cattle egrets, Bubulcus ibis in three agro-climatic zones of semi-arid tropical Telangana state