Columbina Talpacoti Research Articles

Comparative population densities of three species of doves (Columbidae) in disturbed landscapes in Northern Paraná State, Brazil

Assessments of population density and contact number of individuals of the Eared Dove Zenaida auriculata were conducted in areas of the city of Londrina and were compared with those of two other species of the family Columbidae (Columbina talpacoti and C. picui). Data were collected from distance sampling in linear transects of 2,000 m. Analyses of density were calculated using the program DISTANCE. The results show that C. talpacoti and C. picui were recorded in all months in urban areas, and less frequently in rural and pasture areas. Zenaida auriculata was the most frequently recorded species in all areas, showing high rates of population density with seasonal variations; density peaks were observed during September and January in the urban area (coinciding with the arrival of warmer days in the region), while in rural areas, density peaks were also recorded during November/ December, March and April/May — periods in which planting of soybean and maize, and the soybean harvest, and wheat planting in the region, occurred, respectively. The density of Z. auriculata during these months showed a value that was 93 times greater in November/December and 75 times greater in April/May, compared to the density in the other months of the year. Although Z. auriculata was considered uncommon a few decades ago, we suggest that the removal of the original forest and the expansion of agriculture in the region have provided a large amount of seeds in the environment, which might favor the increased density of Z. auriculata in the region. The high rate of population density achieved by the Eared Dove suggests that the species has found a favorable environment in the region. This includes the ease of obtaining resources, suitable sites for nesting, reproductive success and possible adaptive factors, such as the opportunist movement in search of distant food sources.

Atividades cinegéticas direcionadas à avifauna em áreas rurais do Município de Jaçanã, Rio Grande do Norte, Brasil

Birds are one of the largest groups of vertebrates hunted worldwide, and in the Brazilian semi-arid region bird hunting is of great economic and cultural value. We conducted a study in Jaçanã, in the Agreste Zone of Rio Grande do Norte State (Northeastern, Brazil) to provide information on the bird capture techniques used in this region, the purpose of the captures, and the species identity of hunted birds. Data were collected from July 2012 to June 2013 through semi-structured interviews with 35 local hunters, selected using a technique Snowball Sampling. We identified avifauna through checklist-interviews and guided tours. To determine the relative importance of each species, we calculated the value of use (VU). A total of 45 species were cited, used for food consumption (35 spp.), commercialization (22 spp.) and breeding (26 spp.). VU ranged between 0.03 and 1.4, with Columbina talpacoti having the highest value. Fourteen capture techniques were identified, employed depending on the species and their intended use; shotgun, slingshot, and herding were the predominant techniques. The most commonly captured birds belonged to Passeriformes and Columbiformes. Hunting can alter animal community composition and may influence a multitude of ecological interactions, hence the results obtained here may serve as a valuable tool for conservation initiatives in the Brazilian semi-arid region.

Ecological partitioning of three Columbidae species in Northern Paraná, Southern Brazil

Three species of Columbidae (Columbina talpacoti,Columbina picui and Zenaida auriculata) were studied in Londrina, Northern Paraná (Brazil), with the aim of analyzing which foraging and habitat factors contribute to their ecological partitioning. The study was conducted over one year in three different areas (urban, rural and pasture). We made monthly observations of the foraging strategies used by the species and the habitats they selected. Possible variations in availability of resources over the twelve months of the study did not influence the type of foraging used by the three species. Significant differences between the foraging strategies used by the species were observed in relation to the foraging site, specifically the foraging substrate. Soil, grass and paving were the foraging substrates that were most used by all three species, indicating that they are ground-foraging birds. Differences in the time spent in the foraging areas were significant between species; Z. auriculata remained in the foraging area for the longest time, often foraging in a group, suggesting a possible adaptation of this species in order to obtain a greater amount of resources. Adapting to anthropological environments without continuous forest cover could be one of factors that the most influential in the selection of habitat by the three species of Columbidae. Principal Components Analysis (PCA) showed differences between the proportions of herbaceous and gramineae plants, paving, plantations and shrubs in the habitats selected by each species. We also concluded that differences in the time spent in the foraging areas and between foraging substrates are factors contributing to the ecological separation of the three species and therefore allowing their coexistence in the region.

ESTUDIO SOBRE PELIGRO AVIARIO: ANÁLISIS DEL RIESGO DE IMPACTOS ENTRE AVES Y AERONAVES EN EL AEROPUERTO INTERNACIONAL AUGUSTO C. SANDINO, MANAGUA, NICARAGUA

El peligro aviario es el riesgo de coliciones entre aves y aeronaves. Para reducir ese peligro es necesario entender la naturaleza de las aves que habitan dentro y alrededor del aeropuerto y clasificarlas numericamente en base a la peligrosidad que representan, conociendo a la vez las estaciones del año, los meses del año, horas del día, condiciones climáticas, focos de atracción (cobertura, alimentación y agua) que incrementan la abundancia y la riqueza de aves en las áreas aeroportuarias. Para obtener la información se seleccionaron dos sitios de observación: uno en las áreas verdes alrededor de la pista de aterrizaje, con el objetivo de registrar las especies de aves hacen uso de este sitio permanente o temporalmente, y otro en la torre de control, para determinar rutas de aves de mayor peso, gregarias y de alto vuelo en un radio de 3000 m con centro en la torre de control. Las especies observadas con mayor frecuencia en la pista de aterrizaje fueron: Hirundo rustica, Quiscalus mexicanus, Molothrus aeneus, Columbina talpacoti y Columba livia. Desde la torre de control se observaron con mayor frecuencia: Coragyps atratus, Zenaida asiatica, Molotrus aeneus y Quiscalus mexicanus. En la pista de aterrizaje y desde la torre de control la abundancia y riqueza de aves no varió significativamente a lo largo de los meses del año. En la pista de aterrizaje la abundancia incrementa significativamente en el período seco en horarios de 06:00-07:00 am, principalmente por la presencia de Q. mexicanus y H. rustica. La riqueza en el periodo seco y la abundancia y riqueza en el período lluvioso no varió significativamente. Desde la torre de control no se registraron incrementos significativos de la abundancia y riqueza de aves en el período seco, pero si de la abundancia en el período lluvioso, con alzas a las 11:00 y 13:00, principalmente por la mayores actividades de la especie C. atratus a esas horas. La abundancia de aves en la pista de aterrizaje dependió de las condiciones climáticas, aumentando al aumentar la precipitación y la nubosidad y reduciéndose al aumentar la velocidad del viento y la temperatura. La actividad de las aves observadas desde la torre de control no varió significativamente con las variaciones climáticas diarias. Las especies que hacen mayor uso del enmallado perimetral del aeropuerto para perchar fueron: Passers domesticus, Columbina talpacoti, Tyrannus melancholicus, Crotophaga sulcirostris y Tyrannus forficatus. Los sitios preferidos para anidación dentro del aeropuerto fueron árboles de Almendra (Terminalia catapa), Mango (Manguifera indica) y dentro del las instalacones del cuerpo de Bomberos, torre de control y los hangares. Se concluye que C. atratus y Q. mexicanus son las especies que más peligro representan para la aviación, seguidas en menor escala de C. livia, C. talpocati, H. rustica y M. aeneus. Los sectores norte, oeste y una parte del sector sur del aeropuerto son áreas de mayor riesgo aviario por una mayor frecuencia de observación de C. atratus en esa zona. La especie Q. mexicanus esta distribuida principalmente en el sector sureste. Las fuentes de atracción para las aves van desde sitios ideales para hábitat, refugio, anidación y perchaje hasta fuente de alimentos que incluyen vegetales, insectos, vertebrados, basureros y mataderos. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5377/calera.v11i16.750 La Calera Vol. 11, No 16 p. 33-42/junio 2011

<p><strong>Mites associated with the ruddy ground dove, </strong><strong><em>Columbina talpacoti </em></strong><strong>(Temminck, 1810), in São Paulo State, Brazil</strong></p>

Mites associated with birds have different relationships with their hosts, ranging from accidental association to true ecto- and endoparasitism. A total of 51 samples of the ruddy ground dove, Columbina talpacoti (Temminck, 1810) (Columbiformes), from São Paulo State, Brazil, were examined for mites. Five of the samples were nests.Mites belonging to the following taxa were found:Astigmata—Analgidae (three species), Falculiferidae (four species) and an unidentified Pyroglyphidae species; Mesostigmata—a single species of Macronyssidae; Prostigmata—a single species each of Cheyletidae, Ereynetidae, Harpirhynchidae and Syringophilidae. Diplaegidia columbigallinae Cerny´, 1975 and Byersalges talpacoti Cerny´, 1975 were the most frequent species. Known associations of each mite species to other columbiform birds are reported.

Dos nuevos registros de alimentación de Quiscalus mexicanus Y Cyanocorax sanblasianus en la costa de Chamela, Jalisco, México

Information over the feeding habits of neotropical birds have been relatively few documented, this is the first report in México over the depredation of the mole crabs (Emerita spp.) by the Great-tailed Grackle (Quiscalus mexicanus) and for Ruddy-ground Dove (Columbina talpacoti) by San Blas Jay (Cyanocorax sanblasianus), in the coast of Chamela, Jalisco, México.

Tracing the Origin of Dietary Protein in Tropical Dry Forest Birds1

ABSTRACTFundamental to our understanding of the ecology of animal communities in the tropics is knowledge of the effect of seasonal changes in the abundance of food sources in consumer diets. We determined stable‐isotope composition (13C/12C and15N/14N) in whole blood of 14 resident avian species in a tropical dry forest to quantify the origin of their assimilated protein. We used a probabilistic approach (IsoSource) to estimate the relative contribution of C3plants, CAM‐C4plants, C3insects, and CAM‐C4insects during the dry and rainy seasons. IsoSource iteratively creates each possible combination of source contribution and produces a distribution of all feasible combinations that adequately predict the observed isotopic signature of the consumer. Granivore–frugivores and granivore–frugivore–insectivores were modeled as predominantly dependent upon plants whereas insectivorous birds were modeled to derive protein almost exclusively from insects. Between these extremes there were several species using mixed diets such as insectivore–frugivores or insectivore–granivores. In most species, virtually all assimilated food was of C3origin with the exception of Ruddy Ground‐Doves (Columbina talpacoti) in which CAM or C4plants contributed significantly. Seasonal changes in relative food source contribution were followed in eight species of birds. Of these species, White‐tipped Doves (Leptotila verreauxi), Grayish Saltators (Saltator coerulescens), and Social Flycatchers (Myiozetetes similis) increased their use of insects in the rainy season, in contrast to Great Kiskadees (Pitangus sulphuratus), which decreased their use of insects. Our study suggests that that diverse strategies are used by various avian species to obtain dietary proteins within seasonal habitats.

Systematic and pathologic study of Paratanaisia bragai (Santos, 1934) Freitas, 1959 (Digenea, Eucotylidae) infestation in ruddy ground dove Columbina talpacoti (Temminck, 1811)

This is the first report of the digenetic trematode Paratanaisia bragai infestation in a ruddy ground dove Columbina talpacoti, captured in a suburban area of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Although with a low prevalence (10%), the intensity of infection was high, considering that 116 worms were recovered from one of the kidneys. Gross lesions were not observed and histopathological analysis showed very dilated renal collecting ducts with destruction and flattening of the lining epithelial cells, without inflammatory reaction. The pathological findings were compared to those previously reported for P. bragai in other hosts, since the proposal of the species in 1934.

Ilheus arbovirus in wild birds (Sporophila caerulescens and Molothrus bonariensis)

To report the first Ilheus arboviruses isolated from wild birds and analyze its public health impact. Wild birds and mammals were captured using mist nets and Tomahawk traps, respectively. Blood samples were drawn from these animals and inoculated intracerebrally in Swiss suckling mice found in the Parque Ecológico do Tietê, Brazil. The isolates were identified by serological tests, such as hemagglutination, hemagglutination inhibition, complement fixation and neutralization. Besides virus isolation, serum samples were also tested for the presence of hemagglutination inhibition antibodies. Two strains of Ilheus virus were isolated from the bird species Sporophila caerulescens and Molothrus bonariensis. Specific antibodies to Ilheus virus were detected in serum samples of some birds (Columbina talpacoti, Geopelia cuneata, Sicalis flaveola and Molothrus bonariensis), marmosets (Callithrix jacchus and Callithrix penicillata) and coati (Nasua nasua). Virus isolation and detection of specific antibodies in serum samples of local, migratory and captive birds, captive marmosets and wild coati corroborate the circulation of Ilheus virus in the Parque Ecológico do Tietê. The migrating behavior of some species of wild birds, like Sporophila caerulescens, enables the virus spread to other regions. Taking into consideration its human pathogenicity and the presence of the virus in this area, local authorities should be aware of the risk of infecting the local community.

Prevalence and intensity of Haemoproteus columbae in three species of wild doves from Brazil.

The prevalence and intensity of blood parasites in three species of wild doves were studied in the municipality of Junqueirópolis, in the western region of the State of São Paulo, Brazil. Three species of doves were surveyed: 331 specimens of Zenaida auriculata Des Murs, 1847, 62 specimens of Columbina talpacoti Temminck, 1811 and 57 specimens of Scardafella squammata Lesson, 1831. Haemoproteus columbae Kruse, 1890 was found in blood from all the doves species. The prevalence of this parasite was 100% in Z. auriculata, 51.6% in C. talpacoti and 19.3% in S. squammata. Specimens of Z. auriculata had a higher intensity of infection than the other doves species.

Morphological study of the testes of the dove Columba livia (Gmelin) (Columbidae, Columbiformes)

Known as domestic dove, the Columba livia (Gmelin, 1789) is a columbidae species widely distributed in Brazil, whose reproductive biology has been studied by many researchers. The testes of 12 Columba livia males were collected and prepared for histologic examination under an optical microscope, the results of which were analysed and photographed. The tunica albuginea that covers the testes consists of a thick, not very cellular layer of dense connective tissue. Groups of interstitial cells with typical morphological appearance and surrounded by loose, well vascularized connective tissue are observable within the organ, between the seminiferous tubules. The seminiferous tubules are thick, intensely wound and, when seen in cross section, show Sertoli cells and spermatogenic lineage cells in different stages of development. These include spermatogonia (type A, clear; type A, dark; and type B), spermatocytes I and II, spermatids, and a large number of spermatozoons. Similarities are found between the histological findings described and those reported for the testes of Columbina talpacoti (Temminck, 1811).

Nucleolar Organizer Regions in Somatic Chromosomes of Some Species of Birds

SUMMARYNucleolar organizer regions (NORs) were investigated in 8 species of birds. The species Gallus domesticus, Columba livia, Columbina talpacoti and Molothrus bonariensis have only 1 NOR-bearing microchromosome pair. In the species Guira guira and Pitangus sulphuratus, the NOR is located in the satellite region of the 9th chromosome pair. Speotyto cunicularia showed NORs in variable numbers of microchromosome, and Mimus satuminus, in addition to weak staining in variable numbers of microchromosomes, exhibited positive NOR-staining on the short arm of the 3rd chromosome pair. The presence of NORs in macrochromosomes and the occurrence of asymmetry in NOR staining are discussed.

Chromosomal Evolution in Columbiformes (Aves)

SUMMARYThe karyotypes of the following species of Brazilian Columbiformes (family Columbidae) were analysed: Claravis pretiosa, Columba cayennensis, Columba picazuro, Columba speciosa, Columbina picui, Columbina talpacoti, Geotrygon montana, Leptotila rufaxilla, Leptotila verreauxi, Scardafella squammata and Zenaida auriculata.The diploid chromosome number varied from 74 to 86. Great similarities were found among species belonging to the same genera, as in Columba, Leptotila, but Columbina species were quite different one from another, as far as karyotypes are concerned. Striking differences were found among genera. Structural rearrangements involving mainly centric fusions and fissions, as well as pericentric inversions, must have been responsible for the divergences observed. The sexual Z chromosome is quite uniform, but W shows an appreciable variation in size and centromere position, thus pointing out different steps in the differentiation of this chromosome within the family.

Ruddy Ground Dove in south Texas

Ruddy Ground Dove in south Texas

Life History of the Blue Ground Dove

To the student eager to learn the roles of the sexes at the nest, the Blue Ground Dove (Claravis pretiosa) is especially attractive because of the ease of distinguishing the male from the female. This is exceptional in a family in which the sexes are usually nearly or quite alike in appearance, at least in the American species. The male is largely blue-gray, fading to white on the forehead and throat, with some prominent black bars and spots on the wing coverts. As I saw while watching at a nest at close range, his iris is deep red, bill pale grayish-yellow with a narrow black stripe along the culmen, tarsus and toes pink, claws black. In the female, the warm cinnamon-brown or russet of the central rectrices and upper tail coverts contrasts strongly with the paler, more buffy brown of the remaining upper parts, and the spots on her wing coverts are bright chestnut instead of black as in the male. Her under parts are largely grayish, tinged with brown on the chest. Her featherless parts are much as in the male, but the culmen is dark gray rather than black. The species ranges, with little or no geographic variation, from eastern Mexico to northern Argentina, and from western Ecuador to Trinidad and eastern Brazil. In Guatemala it seems to be confined to the Caribbean lowlands, although there is an old and dubious record from Retalhuleu in the Pacific lowlands (Ridgway, 1916:434). In Costa Rica it occurs not only on the Caribbean side but also in the wetter parts of the Pacific littoral, especially about the Gulf of Nicoya and to the southward, where it becomes abundant. It likewise penetrates the central highlands and has been recorded up to 5000 feet above sea level, but it was possibly more abundant in this region in former times than today, for I have never seen it there. In most parts of its range, the Blue Ground Dove inhabits regions where rain forest is the natural vegetation, yet in my experience it strictly avoids the interior of heavy forest and lives in clearings, tangled second-growth thickets, and the lighter woods. It forages largely if not wholly on the ground, where at times a dozen individuals may be seen together; often it is seen in company with other ground-foraging pigeons such as the Ruddy Ground Dove (Columbigallina talpacoti) and the White-tipped or Whitefronted Dove (Leptotila verreauxi). Yet it is not truly gregarious, for when disturbed the doves fly off in different directions, and I have never seen them travel in a compact flock. Once in February, two adult males in blue plumage kept close company about our house in the valley of El General in Costa Rica. For several days they walked over the lawn together and behaved much as though they were a mated pair. In northeastern Venezuela, however, flocks of more than 100 individuals were seen in the heavier woods bordering a stream, although generally the parties consisted of less than 10 birds. Strangely enough, in Venezuela, the Blue Ground Dove was almost exclusively arboreal and was very rarely noticed on the ground (Friedmann and Smith, 1950:469-470). The call of the Blue Ground Dove is a low, soft monosyllable, coo or, perhaps better, coot, easily distinguished from the trisyllabic kitty-woo of the Ruddy Ground Dove with which it so often associates, and from the more powerful or more mournful notes of the species of Columba, Leptotila, and Oreopeleia whose voices are heard in El General. In this region, the Blue Ground Dove is heard most frequently from January to August.

Life History of the Ruddy Ground Dove

Life History of the Ruddy Ground Dove