Copsychus Saularis Research Articles

Intercontinental spread of Asian-origin H7 avian influenza viruses by captive bird trade in 1990's

Wild bird migration and illegal trade of infected poultry, eggs, and poultry products have been associated with the spread of avian influenza viruses (AIV). During 1992–1996, H7N1 and H7N8 low pathogenic AIV (LPAIV) were identified from captive wild birds; such as Pekin robin (Leiothrix lutea), magpie robin (Copsychus saularis), flycatcher sp. (genus Empidonax), a species of softbill and parakeet, sun conure (Aratinga solstitialis), painted conure (Pyrrhura picta), fairy bluebird (Irena puella), and common iora (Aegithina tiphia), kept in aviaries or quarantine stations in England, The Netherlands, Singapore and the United States (U.S.). In this study, we sequenced these H7 viruses isolated from quarantine facilities and aviaries using next-generation sequencing and conducted a comparative phylogenetic analysis of complete genome sequences to elucidate spread patterns. The complete genome sequencing and phylogenetic analysis suggested that H7 viruses originated from a common source, even though they were obtained from birds in distant geographical regions. All H7N1 and H7N8 viruses were LPAIV, except a H7N1 highly pathogenic AIV (HPAIV), A/Pekin robin/California/30412/1994(H7N1) virus. Our results support the continued need for regulation of the captive wild bird trade to reduce the risk of introduction and dissemination of both LPAIV and HPAIV throughout the world.

Avian frugivory and seed dispersal of an exotic palm Ptychosperma macarthurii (H. Wendl. ex H. J. Veitch) H. Wendl. ex Hook. f.

Frugivory and seed dispersal of Ptychosperma macarthurii were studied at Palmetum of KFRI Peechi campus. The whole day was divided into four time intervals morning (07.00–10.00), midday (10.00–01.00), afternoon (01.00–04.00), evening (04.00–07.00) for data collection. It was recorded that 13 bird species belonging to 11 families have been found to feed the ripened fruits of this exotic palm. The frugivores are Ocyceros griseus, Psilopogon viridis, Dendrocitta vagabunda, Eudynamys scolopaceus, Copsychus saularis, Spilopelia chinensis, Oriolus xanthomonas, Turdus simillimus, Myophonus horsfieldii, Pycnonotus cafer, Acridotheres javanicus, Acridotheres tristis and Pycnonotus jacosus. In the present study, birds preferred maximum feeding visit during morning and midday hours and minimum during evening and afternoon hours. Among 13 avian frugivores observed, Myna (2 species) and Rufous treepie made their fruit feeding visits in group and with other species and remaining species visited as single as well as with other species. It had been observed that, among avian frugivores, D. vagabunda consumed maximum number of fruits (average 6, n = 2) to be followed by A. javanicus (average 5, n = 2) O. griseus (average 9, n = 4) and appeared to be the major dispersers of P. macarthurii seeds.

The complete mitochondrial genome of Grey-streaked Flycatcher Muscicapa griseisticta (Passeriformes: Muscicapidae)

In this study, the complete mitochondrial genome of Grey-streaked Flycatcher (Muscicapa griseisticta) has been determined by the polymerase chain reaction method for the first time using the muscle tissue. The overall base composition of grey-streaked flycatcher mitogenome is 29.3% for A, 31.9% for C, 14.9% for G, and 23.9% for T. The percentage of G + C content is 46.8%. The total length of the sequence is 17,897 bp, which contains 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes, 2 control regions. Phylogenetic analysis on the basis of 12 protein-coding genes and 2 rRNA genes of 16 passeriformes species’ mitochondrial genomes using maximum likelihood (ML) demonstrated that Oriental Magpie Robin (Copsychus saularis) is the most closest to Grey-streaked Flycatcher.

Singing behaviour of the oriental magpie robin (Copsychus saularis)

The oriental magpie robin (Copsychus saularis) (OMR) is a well-known tropical songbird in which males deliver two categories of songs, namely discrete song and continuous song. Discrete songs are delivered throughout the breeding season during different times of the day, while continuous songs are delivered occasionally during courtship behaviour, intruder male rivalry and female attraction. In this study, singing behaviour, song repertoire size and yearly variations in the presentation of the repertoire of discrete songs of the OMR were studied in a colour ringed population in urban habitat of Haridwar (29°55′N, 78°08′E), Uttarakhand, India. Song bout length varied from few minutes to about an hour. Song type length ranged from 0.8 to 2.8 s with a mean value of 1.67 ± 2.42 s. Length of pause between song types averaged 3.17 ± 0.76 s. Average number and types of elements in a song type were found to be 6.15 ± 2.6 and 4.95 ± 1.36 respectively. The average minimum and maximum frequencies of song types were found to be 2.4 ± 0.6 and 5.8 ± 0.8 kHz, respectively. A large repertoire of 20–82 song types with an average of 42.59 ± 13.05 song types per individual in 09 males of OMR was observed during 2011–2013. When the total number of distinct song types against the total songs observed in an individual was plotted, the cumulative curve showed a continuous progression which did not reach an asymptote. Song repertoires varied across the years largely due to addition and/or deletion of the song types in the successive years, indicating that the OMR could be regarded as an open ended song learner.

Nesting pattern of birds in Jahangirnagar University Campus, Bangladesh

Based on a study on nesting behavior conducted in Jahangirnagar University Campus between 2009 and 2011 brief descriptions are given of nest site preferences in a diverse habitat, variation in nest shape against height above ground, and materials used for constructing nests in different tree species. The study found that April is the peak time for nesting due to food availability. High competition for tree holes as nest sites forced some species to build nests in unusual sites, for example Rose-ringed Parakeet Psittacula krameri , Asian Pied Starling Sturnus contra , Common Myna Acridotheres tristis , and Jungle Myna A. fuscus , Oriental Magpie-robin Copsychus saularis showed better adaptation to the campus environment than other birds. Predation risk was found to be higher for non-hole nests than for hole nests. To minimize predation pressure, birds were seen to adopt passive protection by making false nests and constructing well-camouflaged nests. Besides predation, human disturbance was observed on low height nests in roadside vegetation resulting in breeding failure. Reducing human disturbance is needed if birds are to achieve better reproductive success in the campus. The most commonly used trees were Albizia spp. (native or long naturalized species) whereas no nest was found in Eucalyptus spp . and only a few nests were found in Acacia moniliformes , both are exotic trees which have been planted in huge numbers in the campus, indicating that birds do not prefer exotic tree species for nesting. It is recommended to plant more native tree species, which may also help birds to nest in usual sites rather than unusual sites (such as electrical pillars, electrical boxes, air conditioner boxes, and building holes). Regular monitoring in support of native tree planting and raising awareness to reduce disturbance, could enhance the successful reproduction of birds in Jahangirnagar University Campus. Finally, an update to the avifauna of the campus is presented, with 17 species added in this study or from other recent reports, bringing the total to 195 species, including one globally ‘Near Threatened’ species, the Brown-winged Kingfisher Pelargopsis amauroptera .

So much for the city: Urban-rural song variation in a widespread Asiatic songbird.

Song plays a fundamental role in intraspecific communication in songbirds. The temporal and structural components of songs can vary in different habitats. These include urban habitats where anthropogenic sounds and alteration of habitat structure can significantly affect songbird vocal behavior. Urban-rural variations in song complexity, song length and syllable rate are not fully understood. In this study, using the oriental magpie-robin (Copsychus saularis) as a model, we investigated urban-rural variation in song complexity, song length, syllable rate, syllable length and inter-syllable interval. Comparing urban and rural songs from 7 countries across its natural Asiatic range (Bangladesh, India, Malaysia, Nepal, Singapore, Sri Lanka and Thailand), we found no significant differences in oriental magpie-robin song complexity. However, we found significant differences in temporal song variables between urban and rural sites. Longer songs and inter-syllable intervals in addition to slower syllable rates within urban sites contributed the most to this variance. This indicates that the urban environment may have driven production of longer and slower songs to maximize efficient transmission of important song information in urban habitats.

Two new species of feather mites (Acarina: Psoroptidia) from the Oriental Magpie-Robin, Copsychus saularis (Passeriformes: Muscicapidae)

Two new feather mite species from the bird host Copsychus saularis (Linnaeus) collected in Indonesia (Kalimantan) are described: Dolichodectes latilobus n. sp. (Proctophyllodidae, Pterodectinae), and Trouessartia saularis n. sp. (Trouessartiidae). The new species, Dolichodectes latilobus, has the following distinctive characters: in males, the opisthosomal lobes are widened in the posterior half; the opisthoventral shields are fused, forming a single shield that covers ventrally the posterior quarter of the body; legs I have longitudinal crest-like processes ; and setae ra on these legs are spiculiform. In females of D. latilobus, the posterior margin of the hysteronotal shield has a deep median invagination, and epimerites II extend to the level of the anterior margin of epigynum. The males of T. saularis have the adanal apodemes with two narrow lateral membranes, and the females have the terminal cleft width smaller than the opisthosomal lobe width, and the collar of the spermatheca cover 1/2 from the length of secondary spermaduct.

Utilization of Sumbawa Tropical Forest Honey Apis Dorsata to Improve Fertility of Indonesia Oriental Magpie Robin (Copsychus saularis) as Effort Animal Population Increasement

The objective of this experiment is to observe the effect of forest honey produced by giant bees Apis dorsata on improving fertility and egg number of the bird. The bird which observed in this experiment is captive bird Oriental Magpie Robin (Copsychus saularis). Twelve paired captive bird in official captivity were transferred into new pairing cage and adapted along two weeks. Every bird was fed with crickets and normal ration mixed with low protein diet (LP) with 16% of crude protein gradually. After an adaptation period, twelve paired captive bird were divided into three groups T1, T2 and T3. Birds were treatened with honey solution 5%, 10% and 15% concentration series in 1 ml aquadest intraabdominal of 10 crickets and fed with 15 crickets and 20 gram low protein ration (16%) per day for two laying periods. Egg production each group were calculated and observed its fertility among all egg production in one parental. In accordance with that, the results were analyzed descriptively. This pre-treatment, the bird’s mating behaviour becomes a week faster than the normal period. Bird’s fertility is also increasing with the provision of honey in the bird nutrition. In the bird’s pairs in cage’s number 9 and 10 have shown development by producing 3 fertile eggs after being treated with honey. In the previous period showed from 3 eggs only 1 being fertile. Honey has not been able to increase the number of eggs produced by birds. However, there is an enhancement in the animal population up to 25% of the 12 pairs of birds that are used as experimental samples in the captivity. The conclusion of this study shows that honey can accelerate the mating behaviour of birds and can increase the fertility of birds' eggs. However, honey has not yet affected the increase the quantity of the birds' egg. Longer observation’s duration with extra bird’s sample is needed for future research, in order to see the reproduction cycle of birds over several periods. Field research related to nutrition in chemistry nutrition’s fields related the active ingredient in honey that can affect the reproduction system is also important to conducted for further research. Keywords: Oriental Magpie Robin; Eggs Production; Fertility; Mating Behaviour; Honey

Urban Adaptive Avifauna: A Case Study from Peradeniya, Sri Lanka

Urbanisation leads to anthropogenic modifications of natural habitats of bird species. These modifications can cause a change in the community composition of animals, a larger proportion of which would be more adaptable species whereas a smaller proportion would be less adaptable species. The bird species that show a positive response to urbanization and primarily dependent upon human influenced variables for food, habitat, dispersal, etc., are known as full synanthropes or urbanophiles. The objective of present study was to study the adaptability of avifauna towards urbanization through synanthropy. The study was conducted from December 2015 to August 2016, in two sites in Peradeniya, i.e., Hanthana and Gannoruwa, covering three habitat types which represent an urbanization gradient. Two belt transects were laid starting from urban habitat to forest habitat. Statistical analyses were done using MS Office Excel 2010 and PRIMER 7 Software. Bubble plots on abundance and distribution of identified, commonly known urbanophilic species showed a distribution restricted only to forest edge, suburban and urban habitats and their absence in forest core habitat. These urbanophilic bird species included Large-billed Crow (Corvus macrorhynchos), House Crow (Corvus splendens), Common Myna (Acrido theres tristis), Yellow-billed Babbler (Turdoides affinis), Rock Pigeon (Columba livia), House Sparrow (Passer domesticus), Oriental Magpie Robin (Copsychus saularis), Pale-billed Flower pecker (Dicaeum erythrorhynchos), Purple-rumped Sunbird (Leptocoma zeylonica), and Long Billed Sunbird (Cinnyris lotenius). The proportion of urbanophilic individuals were 55.29%, 81.70%, 51.97% and 66.81% in Hanthana-suburban, Hanthana-urban, Gannoruwa-suburban and Gannoruwa-urban habitats respectively. These species were observed feeding on human influenced food variables in garbage dumping areas, bird feeders, ornamental or cultivated plants, etc. Most of the identified urbanophiles in this study were omnivorous, grainivorous, insectivorous or nectarivorous species. Furthermore, species that exclusively feed on seeds such as the Rock Pigeon were present only in urban habitats. Apart from feeding, they were using human-made structures and trees in parks in urban matrix for perching and sometimes for nesting as well. However, urbanization favors habitat generalists and it suppresses habitat specialists; hence omnivores are more abundant in modified habitats. Food provided by humans has a major impact on bird community. These urbanophiles tend to be opportunistic feeders according to food availability and hence they tend to exploit new food sources. As a result, availability of food and habitats in urbanized environments strongly favor few ground-feeding or omnivorous bird species such as House Crow and Common Myna.Keywords: Urbanisation, Syananthropy, Adaptability, Resources, Opportunistic

Immune Responses of Chickens Infected with Wild Bird-Origin H5N6 Avian Influenza Virus.

Since April 2014, new infections of H5N6 avian influenza virus (AIV) in humans and domestic poultry have caused considerable economic losses in the poultry industry and posed an enormous threat to human health worldwide. In previous research using gene sequence and phylogenetic analysis, we reported that H5N6 AIV isolated in February 2015 (ZH283) in Pallas’s sandgrouse was highly similar to that isolated in a human in December 2015 (A/Guangdong/ZQ874/2015), whereas a virus (i.e., SW8) isolated in oriental magpie-robin in 2014 was highly similar to that of A/chicken/Dongguan/2690/2013 (H5N6). However, the pathogenicity, transmissibility, and host immune-related response of chickens infected by those wild bird-origin H5N6 AIVs remain unknown. In response, we examined the viral distribution and mRNA expression profiles of immune-related genes in chickens infected with both viruses. Results showed that the H5N6 AIVs were highly pathogenic to chickens and caused not only systemic infection in multiple tissues, but also 100% mortality within 3–5 days post-infection. Additionally, ZH283 efficiently replicated in all tested tissues and transmitted among chickens more rapidly than SW8. Moreover, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction analysis showed that following infection with H5N6, AIVs immune-related genes remained active in a tissue-dependent manner, as well as that ZH283 induced mRNA expression profiles such as TLR3, TLR7, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-10, IL-8, and MHC-II to a greater extent than SW8 in the tested tissues of infected chickens. Altogether, our findings help to illuminate the pathogenesis and immunologic mechanisms of H5N6 AIVs in chickens.

Sundaland's east–west rain forest population structure: variable manifestations in four polytypic bird species examined using RAD‐Seq and plumage analyses

AbstractAimA current model of rain forest population diversification in Sundaland specifies east–west vicariance into refugia during the early Pleistocene. In some taxa, this division was followed by dispersal and apparent secondary contact on Borneo in the late Pleistocene. To investigate genetic, morphological, spatial and temporal characteristics of the model, we compared genomic population and plumage variation among four bird species with east–west mtDNA and plumage structure.LocationBorneo and western Sundaland (Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula).MethodsWe quantified plumage patterns among populations of two muscicapids (Copsychus saularis and Kittacincla malabarica) and two timaliids (Mixornis gularis and Trichastoma malaccense), and compared them with population genetic patterns determined from (1) SNPs produced by RAD‐Seq and (2) previously sequenced mtDNA.ResultsAll four species exhibit east–west variation in morphological and some genetic characters, but patterns are idiosyncratic. Copsychus saularis’ mtDNA and plumage change gradually across Borneo, but RAD‐Seq comparisons indicate no population structure. In K. malabarica, all three characteristics change abruptly and concurrently on Borneo. In M. gularis, the main east–west break occurs between Borneo and western Sundaland, with marginal mtDNA, plumage and RAD‐Seq structure on Borneo. T. malaccense exhibits two distinct mtDNA and genomic transitions, an early Pleistocene break between western Sundaland and Borneo, and a Pliocene break between the north‐east and the rest of Borneo. Despite this deep genetic division, its plumage changes clinally across Borneo.Main conclusionsMtDNA, plumage and RAD‐Seq patterns may vary depending on such factors as pre‐Pleistocene distribution, habitat requirements and dispersal propensity, differential introgression among the three character types, selection on plumage and phylogenetic relationships.

The repertoire and structure of vocalizations of the Southern Magpie Robin (Copsychus saularis ceylonensis) in the Kandy region, Sri Lanka

Bird vocalizations could be used to analyze various ecological aspects and hypotheses as the environment affects the evolution of acoustic signals. Oriental Magpie Robin ( Copsychus saularis ceylonensis ) is one such ideal candidate for ecological studies in Sri Lanka since it shows a wide variety of interesting behaviors including elaborative vocalizations. Yet, there has been hardly any scientific studies directed towards the vocalization activities or on the ecological aspects of this bird. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the vocalization behavior and its physical parameters in order to identify the characteristics that need further studying and to understand the role of this bird in its habitats. The study was carried out in two sites, Peradeniya and Balagolla located in the Central Province of Sri Lanka between February and August, 2015. Behavioral observation was done according to the focal animal sampling method, and continuous recording was used as the sampling rule. Vocalizations were video recorded using a Canon SX 700 digital camera containing a built-in microphone. Recorded acoustic data were transcribed and a sonogram was obtained for each vocalization pattern. Parameters such as maximum frequency, minimum frequency duration, and intervals between phrases were used to describe and analyze the physical features of the vocalization. The dominant call of magpie robin was an inflection note. Alarm call had a physical structure fulfilling the requirements of a mobbing call. The structure of the territorial songs of the Magpie Robin ranged from simple to complex notations and holds a physical structure conducive to communicating in open habitats. Males aggressively defended territory boundaries by the usage of complex and elaborate songs.

Nesting success of the oriental magpie robin Copsychus saularis in nest boxes and tree cavities

Information on the nesting success of birds in the Indian subcontinent is almost negligible. In the present study factors affecting nesting success were studied over four years (i.e. 2011–2014) in a color ringed population of the oriental magpie robin (OMR) in an urban habitat of Haridwar district (29°55′N, 78°08′E), Uttarakhand, India. Objectives of our study were 1) to assess whether nest box affects nesting success in the OMR or not 2) to compare breeding data obtained from nest boxes with tree cavities.Out of total 114 nests built in both nest boxes and tree cavities, 80 nests were successful in producing at least one fledgling resulting 69.25% nesting success. Nesting success did not differ significantly between nest boxes and tree cavities or during different years. No correlation was found between territory size and nesting success (correlation coefficient = 0.41). Observations indicated that predation accounted for the maximum egg loss and nestling mortality. Predation rate was higher in tree cavities but did not differ significantly during different years and between nest boxes and tree cavities. In all years but 2011 clutch size was significantly higher in nest boxes than in tree cavities. However, incubation period, provisioning period, number of eggs hatched and number of young fledged did not differ significantly between nest boxes and tree cavities. When provided, nest boxes were occupied more frequently at all study sites indicating that nest box may act as an alternative nesting site for the OMR and perhaps for other secondary cavity nesters facing scarcity of nesting sites due to rapid urbanization.

Complete mitochondrial genome of oriental magpie-robin Copsychus saularis (Aves: Muscicapidae)

The total length of mitogenome of Copsychus saularis is 16 827 bp and contains 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, two rRNA genes and one D-loop. The phylogenetic tree of C. saularis and 13 other species belonging to Passeriformes was built.

Genetic differentiation in two widespread, open-forest bird species of Southeast Asia (Copsychus saularis and Megalaima haemacephala): Insights from ecological niche modeling

Abstract Ecological niche modeling has emerged as an useful tool in the investigation of the phylogeographic histories of species or communities in a region. The high biodiversity (oftentimes cryptic), and complex geography and geological history of Southeast Asia particularly call for multipronged approaches in phylogeographic investigations. Past studies have focused on taxa that are associated with lowland rainforests, which is the dominant natural vegetation type. Here, we combine published phylogenetic data, ecological niche modeling and paleo-climate models to reveal potential drivers of divergence in two open-forest bird species, the oriental magpie-robin Copsychus saularis and Coppersmith barbet Megalaima haemacephala. In spite of broad overlap in current distributions, there are subtle differences in their climatic niches, which result in different responses to past climatic changes. For C. saularis, both Last Glacial Maximum climate models indicated that the entire Sundaland was climatically suitable, while phylogenetic analyses found divergent eastern and western Sundaland lineages. We thus postulate that this genetic divergence was a result of past separations of coastal habitats into eastern and western portions due to the emergence of Sunda shelf as sea-level fell. The current separation of morphological subspecies in Borneo is maintained by low climatic suitability (high annual rainfall) in certain regions. The extirpation of M. haemacephala from Borneo and southern Malay Peninsula might have been driven by unsuitable conditions (high temperature seasonality) in central Sundaland and/or the lack of open woodlands. Our study shows that ecological niche modeling adds a powerful dimension to our attempt to understand lineage evolution in space.

Contaminants of legacy and emerging concern in terrestrial passerines from a nature reserve in South China: Residue levels and inter-species differences in the accumulation

Knowledge is limited about the bioaccumulation of persistent halogenated compounds (PHCs) in terrestrial wildlife. Several PHCs, including dichlorodiphenyltrichloroethane (DDT) and its metabolites (designated as DDTs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), decabromodiphenylethane (DBDPE) and 1,2-bis(2,4,6-tribromophenoxy) ethane (BTBPE), and stable isotopes (δ15N and δ13C) were analyzed in the muscle of four terrestrial passerines, Parus major, Copsychus saularis, Pycnonotus sinensis and Pycnonotus jocosus, from a nature reserve in South China. P. major had the highest PHC concentrations, with median values of 1060, 401, 92, 25 and 0.3 ng/g lipid weight for DDTs, PCBs, PBDEs, DBDPE and BTBPE, respectively. Fractions of DDT in P. jocosus and PCBs 153, 118 and 180 in C. saularis were higher compared with the other species. The inter-species differences in PHC concentrations and profiles could be attributed to the differences in trophic level, diet, living habits and metabolic capacity among the birds.

Accumulation of Dechlorane Plus flame retardant in terrestrial passerines from a nature reserve in South China: The influences of biological and chemical variables

Although a number of studies have addressed the bioaccumulation of Dechlorane Plus (DP) flame retardant in wildlife, few data are available on terrestrial organisms. This study examined the presence of DP isomers in the muscle tissue of seven terrestrial resident passerine species, i.e., the great tit (Parus major), the oriental magpie-robin (Copsychus saularis), the red-whiskered bulbul (Pycnonotus jocosus), the light-vented bulbul (Pycnonotus sinensis), the streak-breasted scimitar babbler (Pomatorhinus ruficollis), the long-tailed shrike (Lanius schach), and the orange-headed thrush (Zoothera citrina), from a national nature reserve located in South China. The ∑DP (sum of syn-DP and anti-DP) concentrations ranged from 1.2 to 104ng/g lipid weight, with significantly higher levels in insectivorous birds than in omnivorous birds. The overall exposure to DP isomers of the current passerines may be attributed to the intensive release of this pollutant from electronic waste recycling sites and industrial zones in the vicinity of the nature reserve. Species-specific DP isomeric profiles were also found, with significantly greater fanti values (the isomer fractions of anti-DP) in the red-whiskered bulbul and the oriental magpie-robin. Additionally, the fanti values were significantly negatively correlated to ∑DP concentrations for the individual bird samples, suggesting the influence of DP concentrations on the isomeric profiles.

Morning territorial calls of male oriental magpie robin (Copsychus saularis)

Oriental magpie robin, Copsychus saularis (Linnaeus, 1758) a resident breeder in tropical Southern Asia including India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, east Indonesia, south China and Phillippines, prefers cultivated areas, woodlands and areas close to human settlement. It is mainly insectivore and its activities are influenced by surrounding environment. Rajasthan is the largest state of India and distribution of this species is restricted to south-eastern part of the state. The study was conducted in Sitamata Wildlife Sanctuary (24°04´-24°23´N, 74°25´-74°40´E), located in southern Rajasthan, India, and covers an area about 423 km2.

Behavioral ecology of Oriental Magpie Robin Copsychus saularis

Every species of bird possesses some behavior which differ it from other species. It was interesting to note that species wise some different peculiar behaviors are found. Several ornithologists have described about Oriental Magpie Robin (Fleming et al., 1984; Grimmett et al., 2000; Ali, 2002). In case of the Oriental Magpie Robin, behavioral ecology such as feeding behavior, breeding behavior, nesting ecology, territorial behavior, social behavior, communicational behavior and singing behavior were observed and studied in Biratnagar, Nepal for one year.

Species- and tissue-specific accumulation of Dechlorane Plus in three terrestrial passerine bird species from the Pearl River Delta, South China

Little data is available on the bioaccumulation of Dechlorane Plus (DP) in terrestrial organisms. Three terrestrial passerine bird species, light-vented bulbul, long-tailed shrike, and oriental magpie-robin, were collected from rural and urban sites in the Pearl River Delta to analyze for the presence of DP and its dechlorinated products in muscle and liver tissues. The relationships between trophic level and concentration and isomeric composition of DP in birds were also investigated based on stable nitrogen isotope analysis. DP levels had a wide range from 3.9 to 930ngg−1lipid weight (lw) in muscle and from 7.0 to 1300ngg−1lw in liver. Anti-Cl11-DP and syn-Cl11-DP, two dechlorinated products of DP, were also detected in bird samples with concentrations ranged between not detected (nd)-41 and nd-7.6ngg−1lw, respectively. DP preferentially accumulated in liver rather than in muscle for all three bird species. Birds had significantly higher concentrations of DP in urban sites than in rural sites (mean, 300 vs 73ngg−1lw). The fractions of anti-DP (fanti) were higher in birds collected in rural sites than in urban sites. Significant positive correlation between DP levels and δ15N values but significant negative correlation between fanti and δ15N values were found for birds in both urban and rural sites, indicating that trophic level of birds play an important role in determining DP level and isomeric profile.