Passer Montanus Research Articles

Possible conservation methods of sparrows in China

Tree and house sparrows are the most common sparrows in China, but sparrow populations have experienced extreme, man-made declines in history. Sparrows have been listed as beneficial birds in China, but the protective behavior of sparrows is almost invisible. This paper discusses the status of sparrows in China, compares the protection and coping methods of sparrows abroad, and provides possible protection schemes: (1) to provide adequate high-quality food sources in sparrow habitat; (2) to reduce the impact of habitat fragmentation; (3) to reduce unnecessary human intervention on sparrows; (4) to identify sparrow’s ecological functionality correctly. Future studies should incorporate more factors to comprehensively assess the need to protect sparrows.

Diversity of Bird Species in Urban Green Spaces of Davao City, Mindanao, Philippines

The value of urban green spaces as important habitats for the maintenance of diverse wildlife species is not well explored in the Philippines. Data on bird diversity in urban areas like Davao City is very scant. Thus, the study documented bird species diversity in 15 urban green spaces of Davao City. These areas were previously not surveyed based on published literature. This study is also the first attempt to determine the correlation between green space size and Shannon diversity values. Green spaces were pre-selected, and bird censuses following a zigzag walk across each green space were conducted from October–December 2019. Coordinates of surveyed areas plotted on a digital map were used to estimate green space size. Diversity values were calculated using Shannon and Simpson indices. Pearson r correlation was employed to calculate the correlation between green space size and Shannon diversity values. Fifty-three (53) species (32 families) were accounted for, with 28 species added to the current list of birds from Davao City’s urban green spaces. Endemism was relatively low across all sites (17%). Only four species were common in all sites – namely, Passer montanus, Lanius cristatus, Cinnyris jugularis, and Pycnonotus goiavier. Shannon diversity values varied across sites (highest H' = 3.128, lowest H' = 1.688) and showed a positive correlation (r = 0.54) with green space size. Despite positive correlation, larger green spaces do not necessarily have the highest Shannon diversity values, suggesting that bird diversity in urban green spaces may be influenced by other factors. This warrants verification in the future to include studies on green space vegetation and complexity, noise level, and impact of anthropogenic activities.

Fighting ability, personality and melanin signalling in free-living Eurasian tree sparrows (Passer montanus).

BackgroundIndividuals’ access to resources is often decided during dyadic contests the outcome of which is determined by the fighting (or competitive) ability of the participants. Individuals’ fighting ability (termed also as resource-holding power or potential, RHP) is usually associated with individual features (e.g., sex, age, body size) and is also frequently signalled through various ornaments like the black throat patch (bib) in many birds. Individual personality is a behavioural attribute often linked to fighting ability as well. Based on earlier studies, however, the relationship between personality and fighting ability is far from being straightforward. While accounting for sex and body size, we studied whether exploratory behaviour, an aspect of personality, predicts fighting ability when competing for food during winter in free-living Eurasian tree sparrows (Passer montanus). We also investigated whether the bib can serve as a potential indicator of individual competitiveness in this species.MethodsWe captured adult tree sparrows, marked them with a unique combination of colour rings, and collected data about the individuals’ sex, body size, bib size and exploratory behaviour. Birds were then released and the agonistic behaviour of the marked individuals was recorded while foraging in groups on bird feeding platforms.ResultsThe probability of winning a fight, a proxy for fighting ability of individuals, was not related to exploratory behaviour, in either of the sexes. However, bib size was positively related to probability of winning in females, but not in males. Body size was not associated with probability of winning neither in males, nor in females.ConclusionsOur results suggest that, at least in tree sparrows, the outcome of dyadic encounters over food during the non-breeding period are not determined by the exploratory personality of individuals. However, our findings provide further support for a status signalling role of the black bib in tree sparrows, and hint for the first time that bib size might function as a status signal in females as well. Finally, our results do not confirm that body size could serve as an indicator of fighting ability (i.e., RHP) in this species.

Sex Difference in Natal Dispersal in the Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer montanus

Avian dispersal patterns vary among populations and breeding conditions, although female passerine birds tend to disperse longer distances from natal sites than do males. Experimentally, we manipulated the breeding density of the Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer montanus by establishing high and low nest-box density plots. We banded nestlings and recaptured them one year later. Females were more often found at non-natal sites than were males, and both males and females from high density plots dispersed shorter distances than those from low density plots.

Coping with captivity: takeoff speed and load-lifting capacity are unaffected by substantial changes in body condition for a passerine bird.

Captivity presumably challenges the physiological equilibrium of birds and thus influences flight ability. However, the extent to which captive birds exhibit altered features underpinning maximum flight performance remains largely unknown. Here, we studied changes in physiological condition and load-lifting performance in the Eurasian tree sparrow (Passer montanus) over 15, 30 and 45 days of captivity. Sparrows showed body mass constancy over time but also an increased hematocrit at 15 days of captivity; both relative pectoralis mass and pectoralis fat content increased at 30 days. However, maximum takeoff speed and maximum lifted load remained largely unchanged until 45 days of captivity. Wingbeat frequency was independent of captivity duration and loading condition, whereas body angle and stroke plane angle varied only with maximum loading and not with duration of captivity. Overall, these results suggest that captive birds can maintain maximum flight performance when experiencing dramatic changes in both internal milieu and external environment.

Why was he murdered? The first report of the motive for conspecific killing in a flock of captive tree sparrows (Passer montanus) through direct video surveillance

Why was he murdered? The first report of the motive for conspecific killing in a flock of captive tree sparrows (Passer montanus) through direct video surveillance

Abundance and Habitat Associations of Winter and Spring Birds on a Reclaimed Surface Mine (The Wilds) in Ohio, USA

Several studies have examined how grassland birds use reclaimed surface mines during the breeding season, but few studies have documented how these birds use these areas during the winter and early spring months. Using point counts, birds occupying a reclaimed surface-mine site in southeastern Ohio were surveyed from late December 2020 to April 2021. The primary objective was to document bird abundance and species richness across a temporal gradient spanning from late December 2020 through April 2021. Additionally, bird species composition was examined in habitat patches dominated by cool-season plants and in a single warm-season plot dominated by switchgrass (Panicum virgatum). A total of 1,452 bird sightings were made consisting of 40 species in 7 orders. Songbirds (order Passeriformes) comprised 60% of all sightings, and most of these (53%) were Red-winged Blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus), Eastern Meadowlarks (Sturnella magna), and Song Sparrows (Melospiza melodia). Thirty-nine species were observed on cool-season sites versus 13 species in the switchgrass plot. Species including returning Eastern Meadowlarks, Henslow's Sparrows (Centronyx henslowii), and Field Sparrows (Spizella pusilla) were common on the cool-season plots, but uncommon or absent in the switchgrass plot. Conversely, the switchgrass plot had more wintering American Tree Sparrows (Spizelloides arborea) and returning Swamp Sparrows (Melospiza georgiana). Return rates of long-distance migratory species fell within the time frames for these species as obtained from previous studies in this region. The diverse habitat structure of the cool-season portions of this study site attracted some winter species, including birds of prey, as well as several returning migratory species.

Quantification and characterisation of commensal wild birds and their interactions with domestic ducks on a free-range farm in southwest France

The role of commensal birds in the epidemiology of pathogens in poultry farms remains unclear. Our study aimed to identify potential key species for interactions with domestic ducks on one free-range duck farm in southwest France. Methods combined direct individual observations on duck outdoor foraging areas, network analysis, and general linear mixed models of abundances. Results showed a wide diversity of wild bird species visiting foraging areas, heavily dominated in frequency by White wagtails (Motacilla alba) and Sparrows (Passer domesticus and Passer montanus). These also were the only species seen entering duck premises or perching on drinkers in the presence of ducks. Moreover, White wagtails were the species most frequently observed on the ground and in close proximity to ducks. Network analysis suggested the role of White wagtails and Sparrows in linking ducks to other wild birds on the farm. The abundance of White wagtails was positively associated with open vegetation, with the presence of ducks and particularly in the afternoon, while the abundance of Sparrows was positively associated only with the fall-winter season. By precisely characterising interactions, the study was able to identify few wild bird species which should be prioritized in infectious investigations at the interface with poultry.

Multi-species settlement by secondary hollow-nesting passerine birds in a European Bee-eater (Merops apiaster) colony

Abstract Simultaneous nesting of six species of secondary hollow-nesting passerine birds in abandoned European Bee-eater Merops apiaster nest-holes has been detected and described. The holes were occupied by Great Tit Parus major, Spotted Flycatcher Muscicapa striata, European Pied Flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca, Black Redstart Phoenicurus ochruros, Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer montanus and White Wagtail Motacilla alba, which formed a multi-species settlement in a European Bee-eater colony.

Терморегуляция и уровень метаболизма у мелких воробьиных птиц Якутии в зимний период

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.

Identification of Ectoparasites and Gastrointestinal Parasites in Eurasian Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus)

This study aims to determine the prevalence and identify ectoparasite and gastrointestinal parasites in Eurasian tree sparrow (Passer montanus) in Kediri Regency, East Java, Indonesia. The research was conducted in January 2021 with 100 samples of body swabs and feces of Eurasian tree sparrow. The examination was done in the Anugerah Satwa Veterinary Clinic in Kediri Regency using direct smear and flotation methods. The observations in this study showed that from 100 samples of body swabs, 38 samples (38%) were infested with ectoparasites which are Dermoglyphus sp. and Strelkoviacarus sp. and from 100 feces samples, 47 samples (47%) were infected with helminthic eggs with the single infections by Ascaridia sp. as much as 12%, Dispharynx sp. as much as 1% and mixed infections of Ascaridia sp. and Dispharynx sp. were 25%. Assessed by examination for the protozoa also found that Isospora sp. was present with prevalence of 100% of the 100 sparrow feces samples examined.

Does environmental metal pollution affect bird morphometry? A case study on the tree sparrow Passer montanus

Morphological characteristics are the leading indicators of the health status of birds. To explore the effects of heavy metals on bird morphometry in natural populations, tree sparrows (Passer montanus) were studied in a polluted site [Baiyin (BY)] and a relatively unpolluted site [Liujiaxia (LJX)]. This study aimed to examine whether morphological variables, the fluctuating asymmetry (FA) of the wing, tarsus, and toe length, were associated with heavy metals (Cu, Zn, Pb, and Cd) and Ca levels in different tissues and feces of adults and nestlings. Results showed that adults collected from BY contained relatively higher heavy metal concentrations and lower Ca concentrations in different tissues than those from LJX. Smaller body sizes and higher FA levels of adults and nestlings were found in BY than in LJX. Although higher heavy metal concentrations in some tissues were associated with smaller morphological characteristics of adults, the effects were not obvious in nestlings. The most correlated heavy metal with as many characteristics was heavy metal in primary feather in both sites, and the most affected characteristic was body mass in BY. The FA values of adults and nestlings in BY were positively affected by heavy metal concentrations in different tissues and feces. The growth rate of wing and tarsus length of nestlings in BY were negatively affected by the FA values of wing and tarsus length, respectively. Taken together, environmental metal pollution might affect the morphological characteristics of tree sparrows. These findings suggest that the morphological characteristics of tree sparrows, especially FA, can be used as indicators of metal pollution, underscoring the importance of measuring morphological characteristics in avian ecotoxicology field studies.

Morphological and physiological correlates of among- individual variation in basal metabolic rate in two passerine birds

Basal metabolic rate (BMR) has been shown to be a highly phenotypic flexibility trait within species. A significant proportion of an individual's energy budget is accounted for by BMR, hence among-individual variation in this trait may affect other energetic processes, as well as fitness. In this study, we measured BMR, organ mass, mitochondrial respiration capacities and cytochrome c oxidase (COX) activities in muscle and liver and circulating levels of plasma triiodothyronine (T3) in Chinese bulbuls (Pycnonotus sinensis) and Eurasian tree sparrows (Passer montanus). Our results showed that heart and kidney mass was positively correlated with BMR in Chinese bulbuls, whereas liver and kidney mass was positively correlated with BMR in Eurasian tree sparrows. Regarding metabolic biochemical markers of tissues, state 4 respiration and COX activity in the muscles of the Chinese bulbuls was correlated with BMR, while state 4 respiration in the muscle and liver was correlated with BMR in Eurasian tree sparrows. T3 was significantly and positively correlated with BMR in Chinese bulbuls and Eurasian tree sparrows. Consistent with the above results, our findings suggest that T3 levels play an important role in modulating BMR in Chinese bulbuls and Eurasian tree sparrows. Moreover, individual variation in BMR can be explained partly by morphological and physiological mechanisms.

Hypothalamic expression of GnRH-I and GnIH in the Eurasian tree sparrow over a single long day.

Seasonal reproductive cycles of most birds are regulated by photoperiod via neuroendocrine control. The present study aims to investigate the role of a single long day in triggering hypothalamic expressions of GnRH-I and GnIH in the Eurasian tree sparrow (Passer montanus). Sparrows were divided into two groups (n = 24 each) and pre-treated under short days (9L: 15D) for 4days. On the fifth day, one group was exposed to long day (14L: 10D), while other was continued under short day for another 1day. Birds of both the groups were sacrificed and perfused on fifth day at different time points, i.e., ZT 14, ZT 16 and ZT 18 and the expressions of GnRH-I and GnIH mRNAs and peptides were studied using real-time PCR and immunohistochemistry, respectively. In addition, testicular size was measured to know testicular development. Observations revealed that birds exposed to a single long day (14L: 10D) showed an increase in hypothalamic expressions of GnRH-I mRNA and peptide and decrease in levels of GnIH mRNA only at ZT 16 and ZT 18 with no significant change in GnIH peptide. However, no significant change in GnRH-I or GnIH expression was observed at any time point under short day and birds maintained high and low expression levels of GnIH and GnRH-I, respectively. Our results clearly indicate that the photoperiodic response system of sparrow is highly sensitive to light and responds even to single long day. Furthermore, they suggest that the GnRH-I and GnIH are expressed in the hypothalamus of tree sparrow in an anti-phasic manner and switching over of their expression occurs at late hours of exposure of birds to single long day.

Novel pegiviruses infecting wild birds and rodents.

Pegivirus (family Flaviviridae) is a genus of small enveloped RNA viruses that mainly causes blood infections in various mammals including human. Herein, we carried out an extensive survey of pegiviruses from a wide range of wild animals mainly sampled in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau of China. Three novel pegiviruses, namely Passer montanus pegivirus, Leucosticte brandti pegivirus and Montifringilla taczanowskii pegivirus, were identified from different wild birds, and one new rodent pegivirus, namely Phaiomys leucurus pegivirus, was identified from Blyth's vole. Interestingly, the pegiviruses of non-mammalian origin discovered in this study substantially broaden the host range of Pegivirus to avian species. Co-evolutionary analysis showed virus-host co-divergence over long evolutionary timescales, and indicated that pegiviruses largely followed a virus-host co-divergence relationship. Overall, this work extends the biodiversity of the Pegivirus genus to those infecting wild birds and hence revises the host range and evolutionary history of genus Pegivirus.

Comparative transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis reveals pectoralis highland adaptation across altitudinal songbirds.

Pectoralis phenotypic variation plays a fundamental role in locomotion and thermogenesis in highland birds. However, its regulatory and metabolic mechanisms remain enigmatic to date. Here, we integrated phenomic, transcriptomic, and metabolomic approaches to determine muscle variation and its underpinning mechanisms across altitudinal songbirds. Phenomics confirmed that all highland birds had considerable increases in muscle oxidative capacity, capillarity, and mitochondrial abundance in our study. Correspondingly, transcriptomic analyses found that differentially expressed genes in phenotype-associated modules enriched for blood vessel, muscle structure development, and mitochondrial organization. Despite similar traits and functional enrichments across highland birds, different mechanisms drove their occurrence in high-altitude tree sparrow and 2 snow finches. Importantly, a metabolic feature shared by all the 3 highland birds is the improvement in insulin sensitivity and glucose utilization through activating insulin signaling pathway, which is vital to increase muscle oxidative capacity and maintain metabolic homeostasis. Nevertheless, fatty acid biosynthesis and oxidation are enhanced in only 2 snow finches which had a long evolutionary history on the high plateau, also differing from ketone body metabolism in recently introduced colonizer of the tree sparrow of the high plateau. Our study represents a vital contribution to reveal the regulatory and metabolic basis of pectoralis variation across altitudinal songbirds.

Seasonal variations in gonad morphology and hypothalamic GnRH-I and GnIH in Eurasian Tree Sparrow, a multi-brooded passerine

The hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis ubiquitously regulates seasonal reproduction, following the rhythmicity of a suite of environmental cues. Birds display prominent seasonal variations in gonad size regulated by two hypothalamic peptides, gonadotropin-releasing hormone-1 (GnRH-I) and gonadotropin-inhibiting hormone (GnIH). How multi-brooded avian species adjust GnRH-I and GnIH to regulate gonadal morphology seasonally remains largely unknown. Here, we studied the variations in the hypothalamic immunoreactivity (ir) of GnRH-I and GnIH, gonadal proliferation, and apoptosis in a typical multi-brooded species, the Eurasian Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus), across the pre-breeding (PB), first breeding (FB), second breeding (SB), pre-basic molt (PM), and wintering stages (WS). Our results showed that both sexes had higher preoptic area (POA)-GnRH-I-ir but lower paraventricular nucleus (PVN)-GnIH-ir neurons during the breeding stages (FB and SB) relative to other life-history stages, with no significant differences between two broods. The testes and ovaries were significantly larger during the breeding stages. Testicular volume increased during the two broods due to anincreased diameter of seminiferous tubules. Furthermore, there were more testicular apoptotic cells in PB and WS stages than in breeding stages, and in PB stage than in PM stage. Males had higher POA-GnRH-I expression than females during the breeding stages, but both sexes had comparable PVN-GnIH expression throughout the annual cycle. Both sexes of the sparrows may undergo a similar pattern of life-history stage-dependent variation in the hypothalamic GnRH-I, GnIH, and gonadal morphology, except that during breeding stages, males may display higher expression of POA-GnRH-I relative to females. The higher expression of POA-GnRH-I-ir in breeding male sparrows may be critical for male-dependent parental care.

Трофічні консортивні зв’язки винограду дівочого чіпкого (Parthenocissus inserta) з птахами в культурфітоценозах Києва

The state of adaptation of alien species to new conditions of existence is expedient to investigate by elucidating the consortial relationships that these species form with aboriginal representatives of the biota. We studied a species with invasive characteristics: Parthenocissus inserta (A. Kern.) Fritsch., 1922. Purpose is to find out the species composition of P. inserta birds-consorts in the urban plantations of Kyiv; residence status and trophic specialization of consorts; to evaluate the synchronization of P. inserta phenodates with the key periods of the life of birds, in trophic consortial “P. іnserta – birds”, as an indicator of the inclusion of advent plants in the biocenoses of the Kyiv region. The material analyzed in the present study was observations of birds that feed on P. іnserta (n=11). The material was collected according to the widely accepted method of bird observation. In total, 218 P. іnserta were monitored in parks and streets of Kyiv in 2020–2022. Forty-one cases of bird feeding on the plant were recorded. Intensive phenological monitoring P. іnserta (n=5) was used. The distribution of birds by trophic groups was carried out according to a recognized classification. The trophic consortive relationships of P. inserta with 17 species of birds of 3 orders were revealed. They form 2 types of relationships: 1) direct, when feeding directly berries; 2) indirect, when they eat invertebrates on the vine, leaf, flowers and fruits. From 1 to 24 bird individuals on 1 plant fed per one observation, on average 5,90±0,95 (n=41). Consorts are birds of the following residence statuses: residents are the species living in Kyiv all year round; nesting – only during the reproductive period; wintering – in the winter period in the Kyiv; migratory – birds whose migration routes pass through the territory of Kyiv. Resident species were dominated (52,94%). The next species dominate in abundance: Columba livia, Passer montanus, Sturnus vulgaris, Turdus pilaris. Consorts of “P. іnserta – birds” formed from August up to mid-February.

Historical avifaunal change and current effects of hiking and road use on avian occupancy in a high‐latitude tundra ecosystem

Tourism is increasing in tundra ecosystems across the world, yet its influence on bird communities and its interaction with other drivers of change is poorly known. To help fill this gap, we paired an interview‐based survey of 11 people with local knowledge of Denali National Park and Preserve, with an occupancy study of 15 bird species in relation to road proximity, traffic volume and hiking. Interviewees noted declines in American Golden PloverPluvialis dominica, Arctic TernSterna paradisaea, Long‐tailed JaegerStercorarius longicaudusand Northern WheatearOenanthe oenantheover the past five decades. Our occupancy study confirmed these reports as we detected no Arctic Terns, few Northern Wheatears, and found both plovers and jaegers to be sensitive to hiking. Occupancy of tundra and shrub habitats by American Golden Plover, American Tree SparrowSpizelloides arborea, Lapland LongspurCalcarius lapponicus, Long‐tailed Jaeger and Willow PtarmiganLagopus lagopusdeclined with increasing hiking intensity. We found that occupancy probability of tundra by Horned LarkEremophia alpestrisincreased, while that of the shrub‐tolerant Wilson’s WarblerCardellina pusilladecreased, with distance from the park road. Detection of species varied based on survey length, noise, start time, presence of a trail and date. The knowledge gained from this study reveals a loss in avian diversity over the past few decades that has the potential to cause a shifted baseline syndrome, and ongoing threats of hiking to sensitive tundra‐breeding birds. Park managers should seek to balance human recreation with the needs of sensitive tundra‐breeding birds to further protect species of conservation concern. This may be done by not building new trails in tundra, limiting access to tundra hiking areas during the early breeding season, reducing the spatial extent of hiking by improving maintained trails and designating a single, maintained path in areas with multiple unofficial hiking tracks, educating tourists about tundra‐nesting birds and closing especially important nesting areas to the public.

Morphological and Ultrastructural Studies of Pecten in the Eurasian Tree Sparrow.

We studied the fine histological structures of pecten oculi of the Eurasian tree sparrow using various microscopy techniques. The pecten of the tree sparrow was found to be of a pleated type comprising of pleats, bridges, and base. The light microscopic study revealed further that the pleats consist of capillaries of varying sizes, blood vessels, and numerous pigmented cells that give them a black color. Histochemical studies of pecten showed a large deposition of lipid droplets, which were more abundant in the basal area. The transmission electron microscopy displayed capillaries and blood vessels that remain surrounded by a thick fibrous basal membrane. They are formed of endothelial cells having a large lumen and abluminal area with microfolds. Interstitial spaces were found filled with rounded melanocytes, electron-dense pigment granules, and mitochondria. Observations under the scanning electron microscope revealed the presence of a dense vascular network of capillaries and vessels. In addition, large hyalocytes were also observed on the surface of the pleats. The above observations suggest that the histological structure of the pecten of the tree sparrow resembles those present in the pecten of other diurnal birds. However, further investigation is required to ascertain its functional role in birds.