Phalacrocorax Carbo Research Articles

Role of three bird species in the life cycle of two Sarcocystis spp. (Apicomplexa, Sarcocystidae) in the Czech Republic.

Birds are one of the groups involved in the development of Sarcocystis Lankester (1882), serving either as intermediate or definitive hosts. The white-tailed sea eagle Haliaeetus albicilla (Linnaeus, 1758), red kite Milvus milvus (Linnaeus, 1758) (both Accipitriformes) and common starlings Sturnus vulgaris Linnaeus, 1758 (Passeriformes) were examined to elucidate their participation in the development of Sarcocystis, as well as to determine the specific identity of the parasites based on morphological and especially molecular analyses. In 2020–2021, one white-tailed eagle, one red kite and five common starlings were parasitologically examined for the presence of Sarcocystis using flotation centrifugation coprological method and by wet mounts of intestinal mucosa scrapings and/or muscle samples. Positive samples were processed by light microscopy, histologically and followed molecularly at four genetic markers (18S rRNA, 28S rRNA, ITS1 and cox1). The white-tailed eagle harboured oocysts/sporocysts of S. arctica Gjerde et Schulze, 2014 in the intestinal mucosa, while the intestinal mucosa of the red kite and breasts and leg muscles of one common starling were positive to S. halieti Gjerde, Vikøren et Hamnes, 2018. Sequences from eagle shared 99.6–100% identity with each other and S. arctica in the red fox (V. vulpes Linnaeus, 1758) from the Czech Republic. Sequences from the common starling and red kite shared 100% identity with each other and with S. halieti in the great cormorant (P. carbo [Linnaeus, 1758]) from Lithuania and H. albicilla from Norway. The white-tailed sea eagle might act as definitive host of S. arctica, whereas the common starling and red kite represent intermediate and potential definitive hosts, respectively, for S. halieti.

Feeding ecology and epizootological value of the Great Cormorant (<i>Phalacrocorax carbo</i>) during the secondary expansion of the Baikal region

Aim . To research the Great Cormorant ( Phalacrocorax carbo L., 1758) ecology during the secondary expansion of the Baikal region. Material and Methods . The material for studying cormorant nutrition was 28 stomachs of harvested birds, visual observations of feeding cormorants using optical equipment, as well as regurgitated burps of nutrition obtained by a bloodless method when being fed to chicks. 21 examples of cormorants were the subjects of the parasitological research. Results . The number of the species has been growing since the beginning of the XXI century and, starting from 2020/21, is likely to stabilize, remaining at a high level. This indicates the gradual integration of the species into the Baikal Lake ecosystem. The main food item of Cormorants are the non‐commercial fish, Sleeper ( Percottus glehni Dyb.), Perch ( Perca fluviatilis L.) and Roach ( Rutilus rutilus L.). Parasitological studies have revealed 8 species of helminths from three classes with varying degrees of invasion. Only one of them, Contracaecum osculatum baicalensis (Mosgovoy et Ryjikov, 1950), is endemic and potentially dangerous to human health (its infection rate can reach 80%). Conclusion . The Great Cormorant is an obligate, but not a specialized ichthyophage, focused on the prevailing fish species. Great Cormorants as hosts of ticks, helminths and other ecto‐ and endoparasites are potentially sources of threat to the occurrence and spread, primarily, of ornithoses and helminthiasis in the Baikal region and possibly of other diseases carried from their wintering places.

Incorporation of marine organic matter by terrestrial detrital food webs: abiotic vs. biotic vectors

Marine organic matter can potentially enter terrestrial ecosystems via abiotic or biotic vectors. The former is facilitated by e.g. waves, tides, winds, etc.; the latter – by the activity of organisms, e.g. seabird migration. However, differences in its assimilation rate in detrital food webs at different distance from water remain generally unexplored. To fill this gap, we compared the consumption of marine organics by terrestrial invertebrates within coastal ecosystems of the Black sea using stable isotope analyses of carbon and nitrogen. We focused on relatively inland (100 m from the coast) forested areas with the recently established overwintering colonies of the great cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) and control ecosystems isolated from any marine organic matter input. Guano and cormorant food leftover input led to the significant increase of δ15N values of soil, litter and all trophic groups of soil invertebrates. However, δ13C values changed to a smaller extent. The importance of marine resources (in a form of guano) as a carbon source for soil arthropods was relatively low: approximately 15% of their diet. In contrast, coastal soil invertebrates were significantly enriched with 13C compared to control and cormorant-influenced ecosystems as they were greatly dependent on the seaweed and other marine resources (on average 45% of coastal invertebrate diet). We conclude that marine resources delivered by an abiotic vector may form the basis of the soil food web diets in a 15 m zone from the water edge. Alternatively, the biotic transfer further inland (forest on a cliff 100 m away from the water edge) with e.g. nitrogen-rich seabird guano or food remains may geographically extend proliferation of marine nutrients into terrestrial ecosystems. As far as we know, our results are among the first to demonstrate the spatial zoning of mechanisms securing bottom-up subsidy of biogenic elements to soil ecosystems having originated from the sea.

Postmortem diagnosis of gunshot injuries in great black cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) for forensic veterinary medicine

Veterinarians rarely have the opportunity to examine shot animals. This inexperience makes it difficult to assess such cases. Based on the example of postmortem examinations of shot cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo), the authors indicated the elements necessary for the proper diagnosis of gunshot wounds in birds. The study used mixed diagnostic techniques, including imaging diagnostics. Postmortem examinations of the corpses of 80 black cormorants obtained as a result of shooting with lead shot ammunition have been carried out. Autopsies and imaging examinations were performed. The results of the research were presented in the context of the needs of forensic veterinary medicine. Attention was paid to the characteristic anatomical changes caused by shotgun shells in the bodies of the birds. In addition, possible mistakes made during postmortem assessment of bird corpses were indicated. The method of using imaging techniques (X-ray and CT) in the diagnosis of gunshot wounds was presented. The possibility of using other imaging techniques, in doubtful cases that do not confirm gunshot wounds, was also indicated.

Breeding distribution and nest number of Great Cormorants Phalacrocorax carbo in Iwate Prefecture, northern Japan

Breeding distribution and nest number of Great Cormorants <i>Phalacrocorax carbo </i>in Iwate Prefecture, northern Japan

ВЕСНЯНІ МІГРАЦІЙНІ СКУПЧЕННЯ ВОДОПЛАВНИХ І НАВКОЛОВОДНИХ ПТАХІВ У ЦЕНТРАЛЬНІЙ ЧАСТИНІ КРЕМЕНЧУЦЬКОГО ВОДОСХОВИЩАВ 2014-2016 РР

Introduction. Kremenchuk reservoir plays an important role for waterbirds and wetland birds during seasonal migrations. Therefore, we provide the monitoring of the avifauna during seasonal migrations in the central part of the reservoir. The article details the results of the wetland birds and waterbirds censuses in the spring periods of 2014-2016.Purpose. To assess the species composition of wetland birds and waterbirds, their relative numbers, and seasonal dynamics in the spring period in the central part of the Kremenchuk reservoir. To compare the results with those obtained during 2007-2013.Methods. Bird censuses were conducted along the dam through the Kremenchuk Reservoir. Used the route-point method of censuses. In total 17 bird censuses were conducted (5-6 each year).Results. During the period of studies, 36 species of waterbirds and wetland birds were detected. The most numerous migratory species were Anser albifrons, Anas plathyrhynchos, A. penelope, Aythya fuligula, and Larus cachinans. Another 7 species can be considered common (Phalacrocorax carbo, Cygnus olor, Anser fabalis, Bucephala clangula, Fulica atra, Larus ridibundus, and L. canus). Five identified species are listed in the Red Data Book of Ukraine (Cygnus bewickii, Anas strepera, Bucephala clangula, Haliaeetus albicilla, and Haematopus ostralegus). The highest number of birds was observed in the second and third decades of March.Originality. Our data supplement the information on the species composition of wetland and waterbirds, their number, and dynamics in the central part of the Kremenchuk reservoir in the spring. The greatest impact on the number of birds at the local level have temperature, the area of ice cover, the water level in the reservoir.Conclusions. The central part of the Kremenchuk reservoir plays an important role for migratory waterbirds and wetland birds. A significant number of these birds (from 5 to more than 20 thousand) use this area for rest and feeding during the period of the spring migration. The most important for these birds part of the studied area is the water area of the Ornithological Reserve "Lypivskiy".Key words: migration, number, migration waves, phenology.

Molecular identification of Contracaecum rudolphii A and B (Nematoda: Anisakidae) from cormorants collected in a freshwater ecosystem of the pre-alpine area in Northern Italy.

Contracaecum rudolphii (s.l.) is a complex of sibling species with different genetic structure and ecological preference. This study reports the presence of specimens of Contracaecum rudolphii (s.l.) from sedentary and wintering cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis) from the pre-mountain area of the Alps in Northern Italy, an important crossroads for most of the bird migration routes. A total of 48 specimens of cormorants collected from two adjacent freshwater habitats were analysed and C. rudolphii nematodes were retrieved in 100% of the examined specimens. A subsamples of 115 C. rudolphii individuals were genetically characterized and found to belong to the sibling species C. rudolphii B (n=90) and C. rudolphii A (n=25). C. rudolphii B were retrieved from both locations and included adults as well as larvae, while only adults of C. rudolphii A were detected, and in just one location. As expected for a freshwater environment, C. rudolphii B constitutes the largest sibling fraction, indicating that this likely is the endemic species, while cormorants originating from the breeding brackish lagoons and marine coastal environments of central and northern Europe could have brought C. rudolphii A from their breeding sites or migration stopovers.

Long-term monitoring of movements by individually-identified Great Cormorants in Southern Kanto, Japan

Long-term monitoring of movements by individually-identified Great Cormorants in Southern Kanto, Japan

Examining the efficacy of a line technique in preventing great cormorant foraging of the endangered Ryukyu-ayu

Examining the efficacy of a line technique in preventing great cormorant foraging of the endangered Ryukyu-ayu

Cormorant predation mortality of perch (Perca fluviatilis) in coastal and archipelago areas, northern Baltic Sea

Abstract Perch (Perca fluviatilis) is an important prey species of the great cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis) in the coastal waters of the northern Baltic Sea. The annual predation mortality caused by cormorants was estimated based on the consumed numbers of perch in relation to the abundance of perch in vulnerable age groups in the sea. We used existing stock assessment data (Archipelago Sea) or a simple population model in other areas (Gulf of Finland, Bothnian Sea, and Quark), based on commercial and recreational perch catches, and estimated fishing and natural mortalities, with distributions describing our understanding about the likelihood of different values for every variable. The median predation mortality was 4–10% annually, depending on the sea area. The area-specific 80% likelihood limits ranged from 3 to 21% annually. Compared to a recent perch tagging study in the Quark, the cormorant-induced mortality estimates were considerably lower, but the likelihood distributions partly overlapped. The results were sensitive to the estimated number of vulnerable perch in the population, which in turn largely depends on the natural mortality in young perch age groups.

Current state of the Grey Heron Ardea cinerea and Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo populations in the Silesian Ornithological Region

Current state of the Grey Heron Ardea cinerea and Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo populations in the Silesian Ornithological Region

Birds and birding 2013-2020 at Macaneta, Southern Mozambique

The Macaneta area lies in the Incomati River estuary in northern Maputo Bay, Maputo Province, southern Mozambique. The 56 km2 area of study was selected based on access from tracks and follows no formal boundaries. The site comprises a 10 km stretch of ocean beach, coastal dunes with patchy thicket forest, and low lying wet grasslands inland to the Incomati River. The wetlands have complex hydrology offering diverse salinity and temporal conditions. The peninsula of Praia de Macaneta is also included in the study site but with few data. Improved access to the site in Oct 2016 enabled over 200 field ornithological visits Oct 2016-Oct 2020 and the sightings are analysed and reported herein. A total of 295 species was recorded including eight Globally Threatened birds (three Endangered, five Near-threatened) and Internationally Important numbers of White-breasted Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo and Whiskered Terns Chlidonias hybrida were found. Three new birds for Mozambique were discovered; Sharp-tailed Sandpiper Calidris acuminata (first for Africa), White-rumped Sandpiper C. fuscicollis and Pearl-breasted Swallow Hirundo dimidiate. An annotated checklist of selected species is presented. The Sharp-tailed Sandpiper in particular drew much birder interest with 254 international visitor days over the 12 weeks of its first visit Feb-Apr 2018, contributing over US$12,000 into the local economy. The bird returned for two further seasons but it was not possible to gather further data.

Asymmetric Antipredator Behaviour in a Mixed-Species Colony of Two Non-Mobbing Bird Species

Avian species have a variety of antipredator strategies in response to predator threats of different levels. Mobbing behaviour is most common in colonial birds, although the defensive behaviour and interspecific relationships in mixed-species colonies composed of non-mobbing species are still unclear. In a mixed-species colony of Great Cormorants Phalacrocorax carbo and Grey Herons Ardea cinerea, we investigated defensive responses to potential avian predators and to actual avian predators. Our observations revealed that the birds distinguished between potential predators and reacted to particular predator species that could prey on large birds. Moreover, we found that the two colonial species showed different defensive antipredator behaviours: Herons exhibited aggressively defensive behaviours; whereas Cormorants, though vigilant, remained on the nest. To our knowledge this is the first report to suggest the possibility of commensalism in the Phalacrocoracidae, whereby Great Cormorants benefit from the defensive behaviour of Grey Herons.

Stomach contents of the great cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo inhabiting northeastern Poland

Stomach contents of the great cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo inhabiting northeastern Poland

Impacts of Great Cormorant and Cattle Egret Nesting on Other Waterbirds in a Shared Breeding Site in Piedmont (NW Italy)

Some waterbird species are believed to have an impact on other waterbird species as they are able to usurp a limited habitat and destroy vegetation. In this study, we have analysed the nesting dynamics of five waterbird species: Grey Heron Ardea cinerea, Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo, Little Egret Egretta garzetta, Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax and Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis, that had settled in a colony in the Royal Castle Park of Racconigi (Cuneo, NW Italy) over a 17-year period (2000 to 2017). The Great Cormorant and the Cattle Egret settled in the colony in 2008 and 2012, respectively. We analysed the relationships between the number of breeding pairs of the five species. In addition, we used the time series forecasting method to study the nesting dynamics and the impact of the new settlements on the pre-existing colony. The number of nests of the Great Cormorant and the Cattle Egret increased annually, and these species significantly affected the nesting trends of the other pre-existing species: Grey Heron, Black-crowned Night Heron and Little Egret. The Grey Heron mainly suffered from the occupation of its old nests by the Great Cormorant from 2008 to 2013. However, since 2014, the Grey Heron has been able to react, by displacing its breeding site to the tops of trees adjacent to the old heronry, and this has resulted in an even greater number of nests than before 2008. The Black-crowned Night Heron and the Little Egret suffered more from the settlement of the new species than the Grey Heron did, and started to suddenly or gradually abandon the breeding site. The colony has been modified profoundly by the settlement of the Great Cormorant and the Cattle Egret, and it is still subject to dynamics that could transform it in the coming years.

Molecular identification of Sarcocystis halieti in the muscles of two species of birds of prey from Spain

BackgroundMembers of the genus Sarcocystis are protozoan parasites characterized by a prey–predator two-host life-cycle. Sarcocysts are formed in the muscles or central nervous system of the intermediate host (IH), while sporocysts develop in the small intestine of the definitive host (DH). Various birds of prey have been confirmed to be DH for Sarcocystis spp. Three Sarcocystis species, S. wobeseri, S. halieti and S. falcatula, have been identified in the muscles of birds of prey, of which the latter are known to be pathogenic and can cause encephalitis in various birds. The aim of this study was to identify Sarcocystis spp. in the muscles of birds of prey from Spain.MethodsBetween 2019 and 2020, muscle tissue samples taken from 59 birds of prey admitted to the Wildlife Recovery Centre in Ilundain (Navarra, Spain) were examined for the presence of Sarcocystis spp. Sarcocysts in fresh squashed samples were morphologically characterized under the light microscope (LM). Sarcocystis spp. were identified by means of 28S ribosomal RNA and internal transcribed spacer 1 sequence analysis.ResultsMicroscopic examination of squashed tissue samples stained with methylene blue revealed the presence of sarcocysts in three of the 59 (5.1%) birds examined. Only one sarcocyst type was observed under the LM. Sarcocysts were thread-like (1050–2160 × 130–158 μm) and had a thin (0.7–1.4 μm) and smooth cyst wall. Septa divided the cysts into compartments filled with banana-shaped (5.9 × 1.7 μm) bradyzoites. On the basis of DNA sequence results, S. halieti was identified in the western marsh harrier (Circus aeruginosus) and the black kite (Milvus migrans) for the first time. Sarcocysts of S. halieti were shorter and wider compared to those observed in the great cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) and the herring gull (Larus argentatus). According to current knowledge, S. halieti may infect birds belonging to four different orders: Suliformes, Charadriiformes, Strigiformes and Accipitriformes.ConclusionsThis is the first report of S. halieti in the western marsh harrier and the black kite as IH. So far, little research has been conducted on birds of prey as IH for Sarcocystis spp. These results indicate that further studies combining morphological, histopathological, and molecular methods are required.Graphical abstract

Comparison of metal burden in different muscle tissues of Great cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo)

Concentrations of 12 metals (As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb and Zn) were examined in the pectoral and thigh muscle of great cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo). The samples were collected from Central Tisza-Jászság Nature Conservation Area in Hungary. The tissue samples were analysed by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The aim of the study was to examine the impacts of heavy metal pollution on the water birds, determine the concentrations of the abovementioned metals in the different muscle tissues of these wetland birds, and provide the basic materials for monitoring the environmental pollution. Among the investigated elements/metals, the detected concentrations of As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Mo and Ni were below the detection limit. Higher concentration of Cu, Hg, Mn and Pb was measured in the pectoral muscle compared to the thigh muscle, but only in the case of Cu and Mn were found significant differences between the tissues. In the case of the Zn concentration, the higher value was detected in the thigh muscle. There were no statistical differences between males and females in either metal concentrations.

Characterization of Clinostomum sp. (Trematoda: Clinostomidae) infecting cormorants in south-eastern Australia.

Clinostomum Leidy, 1856 (Trematoda: Clinostomidae) is a cosmopolitan, zoonotic genus of fluke that has been poorly studied in an Australian setting. Following previous reports of reservoir fish in Australian fish ponds being heavily infected with Clinostomum metacercaria, the current study was conducted to determine the specific identity of Clinostomum sp. in inland Australia, by examining and characterizing parasites collected from a potential definitive host, cormorants. A total of 33 parasite specimens belonging to the genus Clinostomum were collected from two cormorants (little black cormorants, Phalacrocorax sulcirostris) that were collected from the Narrandera Fisheries Research Centre, New South Wales, at the same locality where metacercaria of Clinostomum sp. have been reported in fish. All specimens in our study were immature adults. Clinostomum specimens with similar morphology have been identified as C. complanatum in the past, based on their morphological characteristics. However, phylogenetic analyses based on the ITS sequence data in the present study suggest they are the same as the Clinostomum sp. previously reported from carp gudgeons (Hypseleotris spp.) from the same farm, and distinct from C. complanatum. The ITS sequences obtained from the specimens in the present study were most similar to those belonging to C. phalacrocoracis (never reported in Australia). Our specimens formed a distinct clade on the phylogenetic tree and their specific identity awaits until fully mature specimens are described in future studies.

Differential spatial migration programmes are both sex and age specific for migratory great cormorants

Differential spatial migration programmes are both sex and age specific for migratory great cormorants

Occurrence of echinostomatoids (Platyhelminthes: Digenea) in Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) and Grey Heron (Ardea cinerea): first insights into the DNA barcodes from Lake Victoria, Tanzania

Most migratory aquatic birds are regarded as reservoir hosts for many parasitic diseases, including digenetic trematodes that cause significant losses to farmed fish. However, in Tanzania, studies of birds focus more on their species diversity and patterns of speciation than their parasites. The current study attempted to use molecular methods, mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA), cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COX-1) in particular, and ribosomal DNA (rDNA) i.e. 28S rRNA and internal transcribed spacer (ITS1-5.8S-ITS2) regions, to investigate the occurrence of intestinal echinostomatoid species recovered from fish-eating birds, i.e. Grey Herons (Ardea cinerea) and Great Cormorants (Phalacrocorax carbo), from Mwanza Gulf in Lake Victoria. Both morphology and molecular markers revealed the presence of three echinostomatoid species: Stephanoprora amurensis and Petasiger phalacrocoracis in P. carbo, and the Patagifer vioscai in A. cinerea. The present species are reported for the first time in African bird species.