Bird Families Research Articles

The complete mitochondrial genome of the Brambling Fringilla montifringilla (Passeriformes: Fringillidae) from Maor Mountain, China

The Brambling (Fringilla montifringilla) (Linnaeus 1758) is a member of the Passeriformes family of birds and primarily feeds on grass seeds and grains. Muscle tissue was collected from birds sampled from Moar Mountain, China, and the complete mitochondrial genome was sequenced. Its mitochondrial genome consists of 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 2 rRNA genes (12S rRNA and 16S rRNA), 22 tRNA genes, and 1 control region (CR). The genome comprises 30.30% A, 23.32% T, 14.31% G, and 32.07% C bases. Phylogenetically, F. montifringilla is closely related to the Fringilla coelebs, Fringilla teydea teydea and Fringilla polatzeki.

Integrative analysis of new Clinostomum metacercariae (Digenea, Clinostomidae) using COI mtDNA and morphology rises the number of lineages found in South American freshwater fishes.

Clinostomidae is a diverse family of digenean parasitizing fish-eating birds as adults and fishes as metacercariae. The species composition, within the genus Clinostomum has been steadily increasing in recent years. In Argentina, four named species of Clinostomum have been documented, accompanied by four metacercariae representing distinct genetic lineages whose adults have not been identified. This study focused on examining clinostomids in three fish species - Australoheros scitulus (ASI), Cichlasoma dimerus (CDIM), and Pimelodella laticeps (PLA) - at various localities in Argentina. We conducted both morphological and molecular characterizations of the Clinostomum metacercariae collected from these fish species. Molecular phylogenetic analyses using COI mtDNA were performed to determine the placement of these metacercariae within the clinostomid phylogenetic tree. Clinostomum ASC represents a distinct lineage, morphologically distinguishable from other sequenced metacercariae due to its body shape (widest anteriorly and becoming slender towards the posterior end); this lineage was found to be closely related to C. caffarae. While Clinostomum CDIM and Clinostomum PLA exhibited morphological differences, they clustered together genetically with metacercariae reported in previous studies as Clinostomum L3 and Clinostomum CVI. This outcome, coupled with a low genetic distance (0 to 3%), suggests that they are conspecific with metacercariae found in fish across Mexico, Costa Rica, and Argentina. In light of the extensive diversity of fish species in Argentine freshwater ecosystems (over 500 species), and considering the relatively constrained extent of prior investigations, the anticipation of unearthing additional Clinostomum species or lineages is plausible.

Convergent evolution of elaborate nests as structural defences in birds.

The pendent nests of some weaverbird and icterid species are among the most complex structures built by any animal, but why they have evolved remains to be explained. The precarious attachments and extended entrance tunnels characteristic of these nests are widely speculated to act as structural defences against invasion by nest predators, particularly tree-climbing snakes, but this hypothesis has yet to be systematically tested. We use phylogenetic comparative methods to investigate the relationship between nest structure and developmental period length, a proxy for offspring mortality, in weaverbirds (Ploceidae) and icterids (Icteridae), two bird families in which highly elaborate pendent nests have independently evolved. We find that more elaborate nests, particularly those with entrance tunnels, are associated with longer developmental periods in both families. This finding is robust to potentially confounding effects of body mass, phylogenetic relationships, nest location and latitude. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that elaborate nest structures in birds can function as structural defences, resulting in lower offspring mortality and slower development. More generally, our findings suggest that constructing complex, protective structures may buffer against environmental hazards, reducing extrinsic mortality and contributing to the evolution of slower life histories in diverse animal lineages, even humans.

Inheritance of ornamental traits in bird cherry families with the cultivar ‘Nezhnost’ in their pedigree

Background. Bird cherry plants are highly ornamental; they are diverse in shape, size and color of leaves and flowers, flowering and fruiting schedules. At present, they are widely used for landscaping parks and public gardens. In Russia there is a need to release new highly ornamental and winter-hardy cultivars using the genetic potential of both known and newly developed genotypes.Materials and methods. In our experiment we used a pink-flowered sample found by R. A. Mastinskaya in the vicinity of Novosibirsk and transferred to Krymsk Experiment Breeding Station of VIR, where it was studied and released as a cultivar named ‘Nezhnost’. One of its seedlings from free pollination became known as No. 11-5-37. Crosses included cvs. ‘Colorata’ (source of the spring red leaf trait), ‘Purpurnaya Svecha’ (summer/autumn red leaf), ‘Pamyati Salamatova’ (number of flowers, and brush length), accessions Nos. 1-1-8 and 11-1-8 from the Central Siberian Botanical Garden’s collection (diameter of flowers and inflorescences), and selected forms “Tereshkovoy 38” and “Tereshkovoy 48/2” planted in Akademgorodok (brush length, number of flowers, and flower diameter).Results. Unlike European genotypes, these cultivars and hybrids are adapted to the conditions of Siberia. Over a long observation period, freezing was not observed on plants even in the most severe winters. Our data indicate a manifold composition of the gene complexes controlling the manifestation of both the pink flower trait and spring red leaves.Conclusion. A possibility of obtaining pink-flowered seedlings in a number of cross combinations and peculiarities of the inheritance of traits in them are shown. Five hybrids were identified for combining valuable traits; they are promising for ornamental and breeding uses. Some of them have already been developed into new ornamental cultivars.

Applying mixed methods to explore lighter and darker shades in hybrid dark tourism experiences

Aplicación de métodos mixtos Para explorar los matices más claros y más oscuros en las experiencias híbridas de turismo oscuroDiseño/metodología/enfoqueEl propósito de este estudio es demostrar el encendedor (entretenimiento y estética) experiencias) y los lados más oscuros (experiencias educativas y escapistas) de las experiencias de turismo oscuro. Este El estudio también examina el efecto de los lados más claros y más oscuros de las experiencias de turismo oscuro en funcional y valor emocional.PropósitoPara investigar cómo y dónde los visitantes experimentan más claro y más oscuro lados del turismo oscuro, los autores realizaron entrevistas en profundidad a visitantes del desmilitarizado coreano zona desmilitarizada (DMZ). Demostrar las consecuencias de los lados más claros y más oscuros de las experiencias de turismo oscuro en valor funcional y emocional, los autores recopilaron datos de encuestas de campo. En conjunto, los autores utilizaron métodos mixtos con diseño secuencial exploratorio.HallazgosLos entrevistados describieron vívidamente su entretenimiento (cruzar el puente colgante) y Experiencias estéticas (ver una familia de pájaros grulla desde una corta distancia) en la DMZ coreana. Ellos también describió experiencias educativas (comprendiendo los antecedentes de la guerra civil) y escapistas (limitar las entradas diarias les hizo sentir como si estuvieran entrando en un lugar especial o incluso en un país extranjero). Los resultados de la encuesta mostraron que las experiencias educativas y estéticas aumentaron el valor emocional, mientras que Las experiencias educativas y escapistas mejoraron el valor funcional de un recorrido por la DMZ coreana.Originalidad/valorInvestigaciones anteriores operacionalizaron los lados más claros y más oscuros del turismo oscuro con base en Características de los sitios de turismo oscuro. Específicamente, los aspectos más oscuros y más claros del turismo oscuro fueron determinado, dependiendo de si tales sitios están directamente relacionados con la muerte humana o no. sin embargo, el El estudio actual se basa en las experiencias turísticas para operacionalizar los lados más claros y más oscuros del turismo oscuro. Si bien la investigación anterior se centró en el lado de la oferta, este estudio cambia el enfoque hacia el lado de la demanda, por lo que avanzar en el conocimiento de experiencias híbridas de turismo oscuro.

VERTEBRATES FAUNA OF PULAU TINGGI, JOHOR, MALAYSIA

Islands are known for confining high disproportionality of threatened species diversity. Documenting the fauna richness in a particular island could serve as baseline information for conservation purposes in the future. Hence, a study on vertebrates using a camera trap in Pulau Tinggi, an island located in the southern part of the state of Johor was conducted from June to October 2019. A total of twenty-two camera traps were deployed for five months in Gunung Semudu and an added expedition in Sebirah in August 2019. A total of 12 species comprised of nine families of mammals, birds and herpetofauna were documented based on 166 trapping night efforts. The most abundant vertebrates were the long-tailed macaque (Macaca fascicularis) followed by the Maxomys sp. and unknown rodent. In addition, species of concern such as the Nicobar pigeon (Caloenas nicobarica) and grey-headed fish eagle (Haliaeetus ichthyaetus) were discovered during the study. The presence of species of concern in Pulau Tinggi indicates the conservation importance and proper management of the island should be formulated to ensure the continuity of the island`s biological diversity.

Diversity, status and seasonality of wetland birds in rural ponds of District Kurukshetra, Haryana, India

Man-made and perennial ponds occurring in the rural landscape of India support a rich socio-economic and cultural heritage. Surveys were conducted from April 2019 to March 2020 to document diversity, status and seasonality of wetland birds in four man-made and perennial rural ponds of District Kurukshetra, Haryana. Point counts and direct observations were used to record bird species. A total of 70 species of wetland birds belonging to 46 genera, 18 families and 08 orders were identified, of which 38 were winter migrants, 30 were residents and 2 were summer migrants. Charadriiformes was the most dominant order with 6 families and 19 species. Anatidae (n=16) was the most diverse bird family. Carnivore (28 species) recorded to be the most represented foraging guild. Species richness, abundance, diversity and evenness differed significantly (P < 0.05) between seasons as well as among ponds. Of the species recorded, five species are classified as Near Threatened and two species as Vulnerable in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species; one species is listed in Appendix I and two species in Appendix II of CITES, and two species are included in Schedule I of the IWPA, 1972. The region also supported 27 species whose global population trend is decreasing. This reveals that rural wetlands of the study area are the potential habitat for globally threatened bird species and that appropriate conservation measures are needed to protect these species. This study will provide a baseline for future conservation measures and rural pond management programmes.

고려시기 개경 일대 야생동물의 출몰과 그 의미

It is highly important to figure out the ecological environments of Gaegyeong to understand the lives of Gaegyeong residents during Goryeo. The ecological environment around Gaegyeong was comprised of diverse elements, and this study focused on the investigation of wild animals based on Ohaengji of Goryeosa. Of wild animals that appeared around Gaegyeong, representative examples of mammals include the tiger, roe deer, fox, and deer. There were also savage beasts including the leopard, bear, boar, wolf, and wildcat and herbivores including the antelope, goat, and hare. In the birds family, the owl, night owl, pheasant, and crow appeared most frequently. In addition, there were the magpie, sparrow, meadow bunting, crane, stork, red-crowned crane, and quail. The eight species of wild animals including the tiger, roe deer, fox, deer, owl, night owl, pheasant, and crow made the most contacts with the people of Gaegyeong those days, thus having the biggest influences on them. The mammals appeared a lot in spring and summer, and the birds appeared frequently in autumn and winter. The combined number of mammals and birds was the biggest during the reign of Kings Chungryeol, Gongmin, and Woo. There were many different factors behind the appearance of wild animals in Gaegyeong, and the deterioration of the ecological environment around the capital city must have been a very important one. When it became difficult to get preys in the wild, wild animals would take a risk and enter into a capital where the human population was dense. It must have been especially true with mammals. Having a high mobility level, birds must have received relatively less impact by the ecological environment around the city, but it was not true that they had nothing to do with changes to the ecological environment. When wild animals appeared in Gaegyeong, they afflicted direct harm on people, who rather accepted their appearance seriously as they were ill omens. In the case of wild animals appearing in the city, they would hold events to prevent future ill fortunes. They would hold Beopseok and Doryang in the Buddhist style, and even government officials themselves supervised events to prevent misfortune. There were, however, no efforts to find the causes of wild animals appearing in the capital city. It was difficult to find the awareness of protecting and preserving wild animals like the modern society in the people of Gaegyeong those days. Based on these findings, the study proposes future research tasks including the reality of the entire ecological environment not limited to wild animals, its impacts on people, the impacts of people on it, and human cognition, ideas, and attitude toward it.

A rallid ballad: Communal signaling is correlated with year-round territoriality in the most duet-rich family of birds (Gruiformes: Rallidae)

Abstract Duetting, in which 2 or more individuals call in coordinated unison, is common in birds, yet most research investigating the function of avian duets has focused only on oscine passerines. However, we have discovered that duetting occurs in 61 species (59%) in the family Rallidae (rails), one of the highest known rates in any bird clade, and that rail duets are also significantly associated with year-round territoriality and habitat type. We applied a comparative approach to study the occurrence of duetting relative to socio-ecological traits and call properties in 103 rail species, with the prediction that duetting rails produce low-frequency calls that spread well over short distances in densely vegetated habitats. Using a model correcting for phylogenetic signal, we found that duetting is the ancestral state in Rallidae, and that duetting rails show a trending effect for being sedentary and nonmigratory. Contrary to our predictions, there was no significant correlation between rail duetting and social bond length, breeding system, breeding latitude from the equator, or sexual dimorphism, as year-round territoriality and forest or heterogeneous habitats were the strongest predictors of duets. Despite the prevalence of duetting in Rallidae, few studies have tested duet functions such as territory defense in this family, and our comparative phylogenetic study lays the groundwork for future research, as little remains known about the behavioral ecology and vocal interactions of many rails.

Effectiveness of physical barriers and enhanced fertilization in controlling predation on tilapia and catfish aquaculture systems by four piscivorous water bird families

Waterbirds cause substantial fish-stock losses in open aquaculture systems, particularly in developing countries where fish-ponds are smaller and predator control methods largely manual or under-resourced. This study: (1) used three fish-pond treatment meassures to assess their efficiencies in deterring predation pressure by four piscivorous waterbird families in small tilapia and catfish farms in western Kenya; and (2) distinguished bird group(s) most effectively deterred by these measures. The treatment measures were: coarse-grid wire mesh barriers; finer-grid wire barriers; and enhanced pond fertilization. Twelve fish-ponds were randomly sampled to assess birds' pond-neigborhood assemblages and their predation deterrence responses to pond treatment effects. Bird species richness was not affected by pond cover status, enhanced pond fertilization or type of pond cover barrier. However, pond-cover status, singularly and interactively with enhanced fertilization, reduced bird encounter rates while cover barrier type did not. Conversely, cover status, cover barrier type and fertilization each separately but not interactively contributed to improved deterrence to bird predation rates overall. However, while predation by families of larger birds was effectively reduced by enhancing pond fertilization or cover barriers, predation by families of smaller birds was prevented only by fine-grid chicken-mesh barriers. These results demonstrate that using enhanced fertilization and physical barriers can significantly contribute to reduction in predation pressure on open-culture pond-fish by most piscivorous birds, but may not always be effective if used separately. Effectiveness of combination of measures chosen will depend on types of target bird species and their feeding habits. The results constitute additional knowledge on field techniques useful in diversifying solution options for minimizing impacts of vertebrate predation on pond-fish stocks toward promoting sustainable aquaculture production and improving rural human nutrition.

Familiar Strategies Feel Fluent: The Role of Study Strategy Familiarity in the Misinterpreted-Effort Model of Self-Regulated Learning.

Why do learners not choose ideal study strategies when learning? Past research suggests that learners frequently misinterpret the effort affiliated with efficient strategies as being indicative of poor learning. Expanding on past findings, we explored the integration of study habits into this model. We conducted two experiments where learners experienced two contrasting strategies—blocked and interleaved schedules—to learn to discriminate between images of bird families. After experiencing each strategy, learners rated each according to its perceived effort, learning, and familiarity. Next, learners were asked to choose which strategy they would use in the future. Mediation analyses revealed, for both experiments, that the more mentally effortful interleaving felt, the less learners felt they learned, and the less likely learners were to use it in future learning. Further, in this study, strategy familiarity predicted strategy choice, also mediated by learners’ perceived learning. Additionally, Study 2 verified that, in contrast to learners’ judgments, the less familiar interleaving schedule resulted in better learning. Consequently, learners are making ineffective learning judgments based on their perceptions of effort and familiarity and, therefore, do not make use of optimal study strategies in self-regulated learning decisions.

Eremophila alpestris (Alaudidae): A new bird species and family for the Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico

Eremophila alpestris (Alaudidae): una especie y familia nuevas para la Península de Yucatán, MéxicoSe reporta el primer registro de Eremophila alpestris el 23 de noviembre del 2002, en Progreso, costa norte de la Península de Yucatán, México. La población migratoria más cercana esta en la costa de Texas y posiblemente este individuo cruzo el Golfo de México.

The effects of powerlines on bustards: how best to mitigate, how best to monitor?

Summary Bustards comprise a highly threatened family of birds and, being relatively fast, heavy fliers with very limited frontal visual fields, are particularly susceptible to mortality at powerlines. These infrastructures can also displace them from immediately adjacent habitat and act as barriers, fragmenting their ranges. With geographically ever wider energy transmission and distribution grids, the powerline threat to bustards is constantly growing. Reviewing the published and unpublished literature up to January 2021, we found 2,774 records of bustard collision with powerlines, involving 14 species. Some studies associate powerline collisions with population declines. To avoid mortalities, the most effective solution is to bury the lines; otherwise they should be either routed away from bustard-frequented areas, or made redundant by local energy generation. When possible, new lines should run parallel to existing structures and wires should preferably be as low and thick as possible, with minimal conductor obstruction of vertical airspace, although it should be noted that these measures require additional testing. A review of studies finds limited evidence that ‘bird flight diverters’ (BFDs; devices fitted to wires to induce evasive action) achieve significant reductions in mortality for some bustard species. Nevertheless, dynamic BFDs are preferable to static ones as they are thought to perform more effectively. Rigorous evaluation of powerline mortalities, and effectiveness of mitigation measures, need systematic carcass surveys and bias corrections. Whenever feasible, assessments of displacement and barrier effects should be undertaken. Following best practice guidelines proposed with this review paper to monitor impacts and mitigation could help build a reliable body of evidence on best ways to prevent bustard mortality at powerlines. Research should focus on validating mitigation measures and quantifying, particularly for threatened bustards, the population effects of powerline grids at the national scale, to account for cumulative impacts on bustards and establish an equitable basis for compensation measures.

Short Communication: Taxonomic status of Great Argus (Argusianus argus) Sumatra and Borneo based on cytochrome B gene

Abstract. Ericca C, Tjong DH, Roesma DI, Novarino W, Syafullah, Janra MN, Aandrean. 2022. Short Communication: Taxonomic status of Great Argus (Argusianus argus) Sumatra and Borneo based on cytochrome B gene. Biodiversitas 23: 4670-4676. Great Argus (Argusianus argus) belongs to the bird family Phasianidae. Currently, there are two Great Argus subspecies: A. argus argus in Sumatra and the Malay Peninsula, and A. argus grayi in Borneo. Therefore, this study aims to determine the taxonomic status of Great Argus across its distribution region. Phylogenetic relationships between two Great Argus subspecies were inferred in this study using the mitochondrial cytochrome b gene. DNA was isolated, amplified, and sequenced from the feathers of Great Argus sampled from Kinantan Wildlife and Cultural Park, Bukittinggi, West Sumatra, Indonesia. Phylogenetic relationships were analyzed with Maximum Likelihood methods. The phylogenetic trees show monophyletic relationships between Sumatran Great Argus subspecies. Analysis result shows that Bornean Great Argus has a 3.26-3.80% genetic distance from the Sumatran Great Argus based on analysis using the 789 bp of cyt b gene. Based on the result, it also refers that Bornean Great Argus and Crested Argus (Rheinardia ocellata), have a close relationship, indicated by low genetic distances (5.87-6.73%). This study suggests that Bornean Great Argus is genetically different from Sumatran Great Argus.

Draft genome assemblies of four manakins

Manakins are a family of small suboscine passerine birds characterized by their elaborate courtship displays, non-monogamous mating system, and sexual dimorphism. This family has served as a good model for the study of sexual selection. Here we present genome assemblies of four manakin species, including Cryptopipo holochlora, Dixiphia pipra (also known as Pseudopipra pipra), Machaeropterus deliciosus and Masius chrysopterus, generated by Single-tube Long Fragment Read (stLFR) technology. The assembled genome sizes ranged from 1.10 Gb to 1.19 Gb, with average scaffold N50 of 29 Mb and contig N50 of 169 Kb. On average, 12,055 protein-coding genes were annotated in the genomes, and 9.79% of the genomes were annotated as repetitive elements. We further identified 75 Mb of Z-linked sequences in manakins, containing 585 to 751 genes and an ~600 Kb pseudoautosomal region (PAR). One notable finding from these Z-linked sequences is that a possible Z-to-autosome/PAR reversal could have occurred in M. chrysopterus. These de novo genomes will contribute to a deeper understanding of evolutionary history and sexual selection in manakins.

Analysis on the hotspot characteristics of bird diversity distribution along the continental coastline of China

Global climate change and disturbances from human activities lead to habitat loss and changes in habitat quality, resulting in a reduction in biodiversity. The continental coastline of China distributes some cities with highly developed economies and coastal wetlands with rich biodiversity, and both economic development and biodiversity conservation are important topics. In order to clarify the spatial distribution of bird biodiversity in coastal areas, based on the MaxEnt model and GIS spatial analysis, the distribution data of 488 species of birds and 15 environmental variables were used to simulate the suitable distribution areas of birds, and to analyze the spatial distribution and hotspots of bird biodiversity in coastal areas. The main findings of this study are as follows. (1) A total of 488 species in 249 genera of 21 orders and 81 families of birds were involved in the modeling of coastal areas. The main environmental factors affecting the potential distribution of birds in general are: land use, monthly mean diurnal temperature range, and precipitation of the driest month. (2) High value areas of bird richness are distributed in different locations in the four sea areas: In the Bohai Rim region, they are mainly distributed in the Liaohe Estuary Wetland in Liaoning Province, the vicinity of the Yongdingxin River and Haihe River in Tianjin, the eastern part of Tianjin, and the Yellow River and Yellow River Delta Wetland in Shandong Province; In the coastal area of the Yellow Sea, they are primarily found in Kunyu Mountain National Nature Reserve, Laoshan Provincial Nature Reserve in Shandong Province, and Yancheng Wetland Rare Birds National Nature Reserve in Jiangsu Province; In the coastal areas of the East China Sea, they are mainly found at the mouth of the Yangtze River, at the national nature reserve of Dongtan birds on Chongming Island, along the southeastern coast of Zhejiang Province, near the Min River and along the coast of Quanzhou in Fujian Province; In the coastal areas of the South China Sea, they are mainly distributed in the Pearl River Delta wetlands of Guangdong Province, the southeastern coastal areas of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, and the Shiwanda Mountain National Nature Reserve in Guangxi Province. (3) The spatial trends in the distribution of hotspots of birds of national priority protection in coastal areas are generally consistent, but more concentrated than the distribution of all birds. (4) After the high-value areas of bird richness were superimposed with protected areas, it was found that the intersecting area accounted for a small proportion of the protected area, and many areas near the inland had low bird richness. Finally, the findings provide references for bird biodiversity conservation and planning in coastal areas.

An Evaluation of Three Diet Conversion Methods in Psittacine Birds Converting from Seed-Based Diets to Pelleted Diets.

The nutritional deficiencies of popular seed-based diets for captive psittacine birds have been linked to physical and psychological disease conditions in these species. However, bird owners often reject transitioning their pets to nutritionally complete pelleted diets because of concerns over the difficulty of diet conversion. To assess dietary conversion of psittacine birds from seed-based to pelleted diets, avian veterinarians presented 3 diet conversion methods to owners with birds of varying ages and species. The owners implemented their chosen conversion method at home and then received a survey when they successfully completed diet conversion or abandoned their attempt. "Birdies Choice" was a reward-based method in which birds were offered 3 different pelleted diets on a tabletop. If there was a positive interaction and the bird ate one or more of the diets, the bird was rewarded. The preferred pellet was then gradually transitioned into their food dishes. In the "Slow and Steady" method, pellets were alternated with familiar food at varying intervals to increase the birds' exposure to the pellets. The "Tough Love" method maximized exposure to new pellets by introducing a small portion of familiar food for a limited time, along with multiple dishes of new pellets. Survey results showed 96% of birds converted regardless of method, with 57.5% converting within the first 7 days. When conversion times were evaluated by life stage (juvenile, adult, and geriatric), sex, or bird family (Psittacidae, Cacatuidae, and Psittaculidae), differences noted between groups were not significant. The only variable significantly affecting time to conversion was method used, with Tough Love converting birds faster than the other methods. Ultimately, all 3 methods of dietary conversion were successful with the majority of birds during the first month of implementation. These results provide evidence-based information to owners and veterinarians to facilitate pellet conversion attempts for psittacine birds.

Microbial communities associated with mounds of the Orange-footed scrubfowl Megapodius reinwardt.

Megapodius reinwardt, the orange-footed scrubfowl, belongs to a small family of birds that inhabits the Indo-Australian region. Megapodes are unique in incubating their eggs in mounds using heat from microbial decomposition of organic materials and solar radiation. Little is known about the microorganisms involved in the decomposition of organic matter in mounds. To determine the source of microbes in the mounds, we used 16S and 18S rRNA gene sequencing to characterize the microbial communities of mound soil, adjacent soil and scrubfowl faeces. We found that the microbial communities of scrubfowl faeces were substantially different from those of the mounds and surrounding soils, suggesting that scrubfowls probably do not use their faeces to inoculate their mounds although a few microbial sequence variants were present in both faeces and mound samples. Further, the mound microbial community structure was significantly different to the adjacent soils. For example, mounds had a high relative abundance of sequence variants belonging to Thermomonosporaceae, a thermophilic soil bacteria family able to degrade cellulose from plant residues. It is not clear whether members of Thermomonosporaceae disproportionately contribute to the generation of heat in the mound, or whether they simply thrive in the warm mound environment created by the metabolic activity of the mound microbial community. The lack of clarity in the literature between designations of heat-producing (thermogenic) and heat-thriving (thermophilic) microbes poses a challenge to understanding the role of specific bacteria and fungi in incubation.

A biogeographical description of the wild waterbird species associated with high-risk landscapes of Japanese encephalitis virus in India.

Wild reservoirs of Japanese encephalitis virus are under-studied globally, which presents critical knowledge gaps for JEV epidemiology and infection ecology despite decades of received wisdom regarding this high-impact mosquito-borne virus. As a result, ardeid birds, generally understood to be the primary reservoirs for JEV, as well as other waterbirds occupying landscapes at high risk for spillover to humans, are frequently ignored by current surveillance mechanisms and infrastructure. This is particularly true in India, which experiences a high annual burden of human outbreaks. Incorporating wild reservoirs into surveillance of human and livestock populations is therefore essential but will first require a data-driven approach to target individual host species. The current study sought to identify preliminary waterbird target species for JEV surveillance development based on species' distributions in high-risk landscapes. Twenty-one target species were identified after adjusting species presence and abundance for the biotic constraints of sympatry. Furthermore, ardeid bird species richness demonstrated a strong non-linear association with the distribution of human JEV outbreaks, which suggested areas with the highest ardeid species richness corresponded to low JEV outbreak risk. No association was identified between JEV outbreaks and anatid or rallid richness. The lack of association between Anatidae and Rallidae family-level diversity and JEV outbreak risk notwithstanding, this study did identify several individual species among these two bird families in high-risk landscapes. The findings from this work provide the first data-driven evidence base to inform wildlife sampling for the monitoring of JEV circulation in outbreak hotspots in India and thus identify good preliminary targets for the development of One Health JEV surveillance.

Nutrition of free-living Neotropical psittacine nestlings and implications for hand-feeding formulas.

Psittacidae is one of the most endangered families of birds in the world. Knowledge of their nutrition is important for understanding their survival and productivity in the wild, as well as for their adequate husbandry under human care. Hand-rearing is a common practice for psittacines, however research on their nutrition is limited. We analysed the predicted metabolisable energy, crude protein, crude fat, mineralsand the essential amino acid profiles of the crop contents from free-living nestlings of scarlet macaws (Ara macao) and red-and-green macaws (Ara chloropterus) from southeastern Peru, Cuban Amazons (Amazona leucocephala bahamensis) from the Bahamas, lilac-crowned Amazons (Amazona finschi) from northwestern Mexicoand thick-billed parrots (Rhynchopsitta pachyrhyncha) from northern Mexico. The crop content of the different parrot species displayed remarkably similar nutritional profiles, considering their diversity in habitats, geographic rangesand food sources. The crude protein and crude fat concentrations in crop samples were particularly similar for the Ara and Amazona species, while the thick-billed parrot stood out for its higher crude fat and lower crude protein content. Wider variations were found among the concentrations of sodium (Na) and iron (Fe), prolineand tryptophan. Compared with the requirements of 6-12weeksleghorn chickens, all free-ranging parrot diets contained lower crude protein, calcium (Ca), potassium (P)and Na concentrations. The hand-feeding formulas contained lower crude fat, magnesium (Mg), arginine, valine and phenylalanine concentrations, as well as much higher levels of Ca and zinc (Zn), in comparison with parrot crop samples. Our data suggest that a single formulation could be used to hand-rear Ara and Amazona sp. of 3weeks of age and older, while a different formulation would likely be more appropriated for Rhynchopsitta sp. Experimental studies should evaluate if increasing the concentration of crude fat, Mg, arginine, valineand phenylalanine enhances psittacine chick growth and health.