Halcyon Smyrnensis Research Articles

Histological Study of Esophagus in White Breasted Kingfisher (Halcyon symernensis)

Study targeted to clarification the microscopic features of the esophagus structure in (white breasted kingfisher) bird Halcyon smyrnensis, which is primarily piscivorous, through studying of various histological modifications such as relative development of mucosal folds, mucous-secreting glands and musculature have been shown to be correlated with the specific feeding habits of studying bird. Histological study was conducted on ten adult healthy birds during the period from March to May of 2016 in the Animal House of the College of Science / University of Wasit. The results showed that the esophagus kingfisher birds characterized as a thin flexible muscular tube. The most important characteristic of the installation of the esophagus in a bird Kingfisher histologically that the wall of the esophagus found to be composed of only three layers or tunics: mucous, muscular and adventitious arranged from the inside to outside, referring to the absence of tunica submucosa. Microscopic observation of first mucosal layer of esophageal wall showed that it was consists of lamina propria, epithelia and groups of longitudinal folds without discrimination for presence of muscularis mucosae. Mucosal layer of esophagus wall lined by epithelium of non- keratinized stratified squamous epithelium tissue. Lamina propria noticed to compose of numerous mucous esophageal glands. The histological study of esophageal wall also indicated to the absence of submucosa layer because the difficulty to distinguish from the lamina propria. The second tunica tunica a muscularis externa composed of smooth muscle fibers arranged into two secondary layers, inner circular layer and an outer longitudinal layer. In addition to the mentioned tunics it's found a third layer surrounding the muscularis externa consisted of nerve fibers, and fatty cells known adventitia.

Nest and nest characteristics of common kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) and white-throated kingfisher (Halcyon smyrnensis) in Bangladesh

This study was on nest and its site, measurement and building time of Common Kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) and White-throated Kingfisher (Halcyon smyrnensis) in Bangladesh. After pair formation, both species chose nearly 900 sloppy sandy-loam areas for nesting. The nests were tunnel-like, the length of which were 31 to 48 cm (median 36.5 cm, n = 8) for Common Kingfisher and 44 to 86 cm (median 59.25 cm, n = 10) for White-throated Kingfisher. The horizontal diameter of the outer opening of the hole of White-throated Kingfisher was almost double (6.5 to 14 cm, median 9.5 cm, n = 10) than Common Kingfisher (3.8 to 5 cm, median 4.25 cm, n = 8), whereas the vertical diameter was almost same (Common: 7.7 to 10 cm, median 4.25 cm, n = 8; and White-throated: 7.5 to 12 cm, median 10.5 cm, n = 10). The average horizontal and vertical diameters of ovalshaped egg chamber of Common Kingfisher were, 11 to 15 cm, respectively (median 12.7 cm, n = 8) and 11 to 13 cm (median 11.6 cm, n = 8) and Whitethroated Kingfisher 11 to 21 cm (median 17 cm, n = 10) and 10 to 16 cm (median 12 cm, n = 10). Both species reused old nests through cleaning (37.5% in Common Kingfisher and 50% in White-throated Kingfisher) and the nest building periods were 12 to 20 days (16.1 ± 2.5 days, n = 8) and 8 to 18 days (13.2 ± 3.5 days, n = 10), respectively.Bangladesh J. Zool. 44(1): 99-109, 2016

Preying frequency of white-throated kingfisher, Halcyon smyrnensis (Linnaeus, 1758)

A study was conducted on ‘Preying frequency of White-throated Kingfisher, Halcyon smyrnensis (Linnaeus 1758) in Bangladesh’ from September 2008 to September 2011 at Nikunja-1 in Dhaka City Corporation area. The objectives of the study were to know the average preying frequency per day in different months and seasons. Scan sampling method was followed to study the kingfishers’ behaviour. At regular interval (5 minutes), day long observation was made with some observatory equipments. It preyed 4.1± 2.3 times per day on an average. They had bimodal feeding patterns, at morning (0701-1200 h) and afternoon (1401-1800 h). At noon they avoided preying. December was the highest preying month and summer was the highest unsuccessful preying season in the year. The food items composed of 36.6% arthropods and 61.1% fishes. Arthropods were preyed for 1.5 times and fishes for 2.5 times on an average per day. In association with arthropods and fishes they also preyed on amphibians and reptiles occasionally. Arthropods were preferred highly during non breeding season but fishes were preferred in breeding season for saving time and energy.ECOPRINT 22: 39-49, 2015

Perbandingan Populasi Burung Cekakak (Halcyonidae) Di Lahan Basah Desa Sungai Luar Dan Lahan Basah Desa Kibang Pacing Kecamatan Menggala Timur Kabupaten Tulang Bawang

Wetland as one of natural habitat for wild animals in Indonesia have been changed a lot. Wetland at Sungai Luar and Kibang Pacing are the nature habitat for settler birds diversity and place to stop over for migratory birds. The purpose of this research is to know, the population of kingfisher (Halcyonidae) and population ratio at two research location. Method used in this research arethe IPA method (Indicates Pountuele d’Abudance – Abudance Index On the Point) and the distributing model. This observation was done by staying at the point count and making a note for every founded birds. For each community has three point count witheach 18 days observation. To calculate population ratio of the kingfisher (Halcyonidae) birds at two research locations ware used the formula of Yuniar (2007), that is P= X ± Se.t. The result showed that from the two locations have been founded just one species from Halcyonidae that is the white-throated kingfisher (Halcyon smyrnensis). The population have been founded in Sungai Luaras many 18 birds. The population in Kibang Pacingwetland as many 12 birds. Population ratio of White-throated kingfisher (Halcyon smyrnensi) in Sungai Luar and Kibang Pacing wetland are1.5:1 bird (60% :40%). Distribution model of the bird at two locations research is systematic. Keywords: halcyonidae, population, wetland, sungai luar, Kibang Pacing

Complete mitochondrial genome and the phylogenetic position of Halcyon smyrnensis (Aves: Coraciiformes)

The complete mitochondrial genome of Halcyon smyrnensis was determined in this study. The mitogenomic length of Halcyon smyrnensis was 17 318 bp, including 13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, two ribosomal RNA genes and one control region. Phylogenetic analyses show that H. leucocephala, H. pileata and H. smyrnensis congregated together, and our sample was sister to H. pileata.

Food and feeding habits of white-throated kingfisher (Halcyon smyrnensis) in Bangladesh

Food items, preying and feeding activities of white-breasted Kingfisher, Halcyon smyrnensis were studied from September 2008 to September 2011 at Nikunja-1 in Dhaka City Corporation area. A total of 16 species of food items were recorded from the observation. Fishes (more than 60%) were mostly preferred item. The highest preference was fry of Labeo rohita (30.6%). They highly preferred the species belonging to the Family Cyprinidae and Order Cypriniformes. The length of the food items varied from 2.0 to 12.3 cm. Surface dweller species (85.8%) was highly preferred. During preying, they used 0.3 to 2.25 m height, among which the highest preference was 0.9 m (32%). H. smyrnensis targeted the food items before catching while they took 9 sec to 15 min 17 sec. After catching they either engulfed the prey immediately or hold it at their beak for 2 sec to 30 min 30 sec before engulfing. Bamboos found in the water body were mostly preferred (65.9%) as perching places during preying.Bangladesh J. Zool. 42(2): 237-249, 2014

Composition and Dynamics of Migratory and Resident Avian Population in Wintering Wetlands from Northern India

Twelve wetlands occurring in four different ecozones in Uttar Pradesh (UP), India, were selected for studying the winter composition and dynamics of avian populations. Wetland information was collected from office records of the UP Forest department. Bird populations were estimated by transect method and block-in-flock-in-sector method for woodland and aquatic birds, respectively. Across the twelve selected wetlands a total of 486,182 individuals belonging to 161 species of birds on 15,592 ha were recorded during the winter of 2010-11. The data were analyzed to assess the relationship between wetland characteristics and avian populations. Aquatic vegetation, surrounding vegetation, water availability and climate were found as important factors related to avian populations. January was found to be the peak of bird assemblage, while winter times before and after January were the waxing and waning period, respectively. Species richness and species diversity of aquatic birds varied between 18-58 and 1.90-3.20, respectively, and of all bird species between 23-109, and 1.73-3.81, respectively. The density of aquatic birds ranged between 17-384 ha-1. The most common migratory birds in wetlands were Northern Pintail, Common Teal and Greylag Goose. Common resident birds included Asian Openbill, Darter, Little Egret, Common Coot, Little Cormorant, Grey Heron, Purple Heron, Indian Pond Heron, Common Moorhen, Purple Swamphen, Cattle Egret, Indian Sarus Crane and White-throated Kingfisher. For improved conservation of aquatic avian fauna, management prescriptions are suggested for wetlands under current management which could also be extended to other wetlands, whereas conservation of avian fauna to be the emphasis.

Composition and Dynamics of Migratory and Resident Avian Population in Wintering Wetlands from Northern India

Twelve wetlands occurring in four different ecozones in Uttar Pradesh (UP), India, were selected for studying the winter composition and dynamics of avian populations. Wetland information was collected from office records of the UP Forest department. Bird populations were estimated by transect method and block-in-flock-in-sector method for woodland and aquatic birds, respectively. Across the twelve selected wetlands a total of 486,182 individuals belonging to 161 species of birds on 15,592 ha were recorded during the winter of 2010-11. The data were analyzed to assess the relationship between wetland characteristics and avian populations. Aquatic vegetation, surrounding vegetation, water availability and climate were found as important factors related to avian populations. January was found to be the peak of bird assemblage, while winter times before and after January were the waxing and waning period, respectively. Species richness and species diversity of aquatic birds varied between 18-58 and 1.90-3.20, respectively, and of all bird species between 23-109, and 1.73-3.81, respectively. The density of aquatic birds ranged between 17-384 ha-1. The most common migratory birds in wetlands were Northern Pintail, Common Teal and Greylag Goose. Common resident birds included Asian Openbill, Darter, Little Egret, Common Coot, Little Cormorant, Grey Heron, Purple Heron, Indian Pond Heron, Common Moorhen, Purple Swamphen, Cattle Egret, Indian Sarus Crane and White-throated Kingfisher. For improved conservation of aquatic avian fauna, management prescriptions are suggested for wetlands under current management which could also be extended to other wetlands, whereas conservation of avian fauna to be the emphasis.

Two new species of Quasithelazia Maplestone, 1932 (Nematoda: Acuariidae) from Malaysia, with an amended diagnosis and review of the genus.

Quazithelazia rostrata n. sp. from Ceyx erithaca (L.) (type-host) and Alcedo euryzona Temminck (Coraciiformes, Alcedinidae) and Q. alata n. sp. from Enicurus ruficapillus Temminck (Passeriformes, Muscicapidae) are described from vicinities of Gombak Biological Station, Selangor, Malaysia; both species are parasitic under the koilin lining of the gizzard. Paratypes of Schistogendra pelargopsis Nandi, De & Majumdar, 1985, a parasite of Pelargopsis capensis (L.) (Alcedinidae) from India, are redescribed and the species is recognised as a junior synonym of the type-species of Quasithelazia, Q. tenuis Maplestone, 1932 (new synonymy), a species originally described from Halcyon smyrnensis (L.) (Alcedinidae) in India. An amended diagnosis of the genus Quasithelazia Maplestone, 1932 is proposed. Currently, this genus includes eight species occurring in the Old World, six of them parasitic in kingfishers (Alcedinidae) and two species parasitic in flycatchers (Muscicapidae). These include, inter alia, Q. halcyoni n. comb. for Viktorocara halcyoni Ryzhikov & Khokhlova, 1964 from Halcyon smyrnensis and H. pileata (Boddaert) in Vietnam and the Russian Far East, Q. microcordonis n. comb. for Rusguniella microcordonis Schmidt & Kuntz, 1971 from Halcyon coromanda major (Temminck & Schlegel) in Taiwan and Q. multipapillata n. comb. for Schistogendra multipapillata Zhang, 1993 from Tarsiger cyanurus (Pallas) (Muscicapidae) in China. Comparative morphological data for Quasithelazia spp. are presented. Schistogendra oligopapillata Zhang & An, 2002 from domestic ducks in China is considered a species incertae sedis.

Streptopelia senegalensis and White-breasted Kingfisher, Halcyon smyrnensis

The aim of the current work was to study the histological structures of glandular stomach, the proventriculus andcompare it in two types of Iraqi wild birds according to differences in diets. The birds are, Laughing dove, Streptopelia senegalensis which comprised the grainivorous bird and white breasted Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis which comprised the carnivorous bird. The results exhibited that the wall of the stomach (proventriculus) of two birds consists of the four layers of typical tubular organ: tunica mucosa, submucosa, muscularis and serosa. The tunica mucosa of two birds consisted of three layers, epithelium, lamina properia and muscularis , the free surface of two birds is covered with circular plicae modified from of the mucosa, The surface lining cells of this folds in both of birds is simple columnar with clear cytoplasm. The lamina propria is constituted by connective tissue with blood vessels and lymphocitary infiltration. As well as simple tubular glands. Notice that these glands are lining by simple columnar in white breasted kingfisher while simple cuboidal to columnar in laughing dove. Muscularis mucosa was a smooth muscle fibers, appears scattered along the lamina propria in laughing dove surrounds the apical part of deep proventricular glands, and extend inside the proventricular folds and entirely around the deep proventricular glands in white breasted kingfisher.Submucosa layer occupy most of the real area of the proventriculus wall containing numerous deep proventricular glands that occupy great part of submucosa. This layer is thicker in kingfisher as compared with laughing dove.

Comparative Studies on the Tongue of White-throated Kingfisher (Halcyon smyrnensis) and Common buzzard (Buteo buteo)

The aim of the current study was to investigate and evaluate the ultrastructural and histological aspects of the tongue as well as the histochemical features of the lingual salivary glands of the white-throated kingfisher (Halcyon. smyrnensis); a piscivorous bird and common buzzard (B.buteo); an omnivorous bird. The tongues of the two selected species were investigated in an attempt to elucidate whether variations in the nature of diet may associate with special adaptive lingual structures. Six animals of each studied species were used for the present work. The observed results elucidated that, the tongue of white-throated kingfisher was triangular and occupied 1/2 length of the beak while, the tongue of common buzzard was elongated and biforked at its apex and occupied 2/3 length of the beak. The tongue of common buzzard was longer than that of H. smyrnensis. Morphologically, three parts were distinguished in the dorsal surface of the tongue for the two studied species: the apex, the body and the root. The results showed numerous fine hard processes on dorsal surface of H.smyrnensis tongue. On the other side, such processes were apparently absent in the tongue of common buzzard. The dorsal surface of common buzzard tongue was keratinized. In contrast, such keratinization was absent in the tongue of white-throated kingfisher. The recorded results manifested that the salivary glands of both species were mostly simply branched tubular that open on the surface of epithelium by glandular orifices. The glands were well developed and widely distributed in the lingual mucosa of the common buzzard in compared with those of white-throated kingfisher. However, the latter species showed a unique feature that represented by existence of numerous simple tubular mucus glands arranged as one raw on the dorsal lingual epithelium. In addition, the present findings indicated that, the lamina propria of H.smyrnensis tongue had connective tissue and filiform papillae. In particular, the dorsal surface at junction between the lingual body and root of H.smyrnensis was covered by pseudostratified ciliated columnar epithelium. The histochemical investigations revealed that, the salivary glands were made of mucoserous cells that elaborate neutral mucosubstances, acid mucosubstances and proteins, in which the glands of H. smyrnensis showed stronger reaction for neutral and acid mucosubstaces and weaker reaction for protein comparing to those of common buzzard.

Studies on the life-cycle of Uvulifer iruvettiensis sp. nov. (Digenea: Diplostomidae)

The life-cycle stages of a new species of Uvulifer, U. iruvettiensis sp. nov. infecting the white-throated kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis (Linnaeus) in Kerala, India are described. The new species is described in detail, and compared with its related species. The furcocercous cercariae emerged from the planorbid snail Indoplanorbis exustus (Deshayes). Metacercariae were found below the skin of tadpoles of Euphlyctis cyanophlyctis (Schneider). H. smyrnensis became infected when fed on tadpoles containing infective metacercariae. Pre-patent period is 10 days. Successive stages in the development of metacercariae and adults were followed in the laboratory.

Ranking birdstrike risk: A case study at Huanghua International Airport, Changsha, China

Bird-aircraft collisions (birdstrikes) pose a major threat to aviation safety worldwide. The bird distribution at the airfield of Huanghua International Airport in Changsha, Hunan Province, China, was investigated between December of 2006 and December of 2008, to study birdstrike avoidance and aviation safety. A total of 60 bird species was found and their risks were assessed by a birdstrike ranking assessment system. The highest-risk species were Barn swallow ( Hirundo rustica), Red-rumped swallow ( H. daurica), Grey-headed lapwing ( Vanellus cinereus), Pintail snipe ( Gallinago stenura), Oriental skylark ( Alauda gulgula), Little egret ( Egretta garzetta), and Eurasian woodcock ( Scolopax rusticola), whereas the lowest-risk species were Black-capped kingfisher ( Halcyon pileata) and White-throated kingfisher ( H. smyrnensis). Through a hierarchical cluster analysis, all species were classified as four groups: (1) the extremely high-risk group with a risk level between 84% and 100%, which includes bird species ranked from the 1st to the 16th, and is the priori group in birdstrike prevention; (2) the high-risk group with a risk level between 71% and 81%, which includes bird species ranked from the 17th to the 28th, and is the sub-prior group in birdstrikes; (3) the sub-high-risk group with a risk level between 60% and 69%, which includes bird species ranked from the 29th to the 43rd, and is the concern group in birdstrike prevention; (4) the low-risk group with a risk level between 60% and 69%, which includes bird species ranked from the 44th to the 60th, and is the negligible group in birdstrike prevention. Finally, the first 16 bird species with high-risk values, which are the main focus of birdstrike prevention, were categorized as six prevention groups by a hierarchical cluster analysis. Therefore, this study provides targeted implementations for birdstrike prevention at Huanghua International Airport, Changsha.

Foraging behavior of selected insectivorous birds in Cauvery Delta region of Nagapattinam District, Tamil Nadu, India

This paper reports the foraging behavior of five insectivorous birds, namely White-breasted Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis, Small Bee-eater Merops orientalis, Indian Roller Coracias benghalensis, Common Myna Acridotheres tristis and Black Drongo Dicrurus macrocercus in Nagapattinam District of Tamil Nadu, India. The birds used a variety of perch types for hunting insect prey; in general the electric power line was a common perch type used by all species except the Common Myna. The perching and foraging height used by birds were classified into 3 meter categories, up to 12m. Aerial feeding or hawking in Bee-eaters and ground feeding in Common Mynas were major feeding techniques, recorded 68% and 86% of the time respectively. The other three species used gleaning as a feeding technique. The highest niche overlap was recorded between Indian Rollers and Black Drongos and between White-breasted Kingfishers and Indian Rollers.

Diet of three insectivorous birds in Nagapattinam District, Tamil Nadu, India – a preliminary study

The dietary composition of the White-breasted Kingfisher Halcyon smyrnensis, the Small Bee-eater Merops orientalis and the Black Drongo Dicrurus macrocercus was studied between 2005 and 2006 in Nagapattinam District, Tamil Nadu, India by analyzing regurgitated pellets. The analysis revealed that the White-breasted Kingfisher preys mainly on arthropods (83.40%) and less on vertebrates; seven orders of insects were identified, with Coleoptera, Hemiptera, Hymenoptera and Orthoptera predominant. The small bee-eater diet is composed of Coleoptera (22.3%), Hymenoptera (20.8%), Hemiptera (14.1%), Orthoptera (12.6%), Odonata (10.7%), Lepidoptera (10.4%) and Diptera (8.6%). Beetles were also found to be the most frequent prey (23.7%) in the diet of black drongos, followed by Hemiptera (21.6%), Orthoptera (19.3%), Hymenoptera (14.4%), Lepidoptera (7.5%), Diptera (6.8%) and Odonata (6.0%).

Mercury levels in selected tissues of three kingfisher species; Ceryle rudis, Alcedo atthis, and Halcyon smyrnensi, from Shadegan Marshes of Iran

This study presents concentrations of mercury in tissues (feather, kidney, liver, and muscle) of three kingfisher species from Shadegan Marshes located in the Khuzestan province in the lowlands of southwestern Iran at the head of the Persian Gulf. The order of mercury concentrations in tissues of all the kingfishers such as pied kingfisher (Ceryle rudis), common kingfisher (Alcedo atthis) and white-breasted kingfisher (Halcyon smyrnensis) was as follows: feather > kidney > liver > muscle. No significant difference was detected in mercury tissue levels between species of birds. Liver mercury concentration was positively correlated with kidney mercury levels in all of the three species of kingfishers. Although, the average levels of mercury we observed in these birds were below levels known to be associated with adverse behavioral or reproductive effects, mercury levels in some individual birds exceeded adverse effect level.

The White-breasted Kingfisher,Halcyon smyrnensis, in Turkey: On the occurrence of an endangered species

Abstract The size of the Turkish population of the White-breasted Kingfisher is estimated to be about 100–150 pairs of which approx. 75% are concentrated in five localities. This makes the species vulnerable. A distribution map is given.

Restudy of the generitype of Aviculariella, a. alcyona Wehr, 1931 (Nematoda: Acuariidae)

Aviculariella alcyona Wehr, 1931 is redescribed on the basis of specimens from the gizzard of Megaceryle a. alcyon (L.) (Alcedinidae). Numerous characters are reported for the first time. The genus is distinguished from Rusguniella and Ingliseria by the presence of triangular cordons with an inner denticulate border, a prominent cephalic vesicle behind the cordons and simple deirids. The genus also contains: A. brevis (Maplestone, 1931) of Halcyon smyrnensis in India; A. alcedonis (Yamaguti & Mitunaga, 1943) of Alcedo atthis bengalensis in Taiwan; A. collaricephala (Oschmarin, 1959) of Alcedo atthis in the U.S.S.R.; A petterae Bain & Chabaud, 1965 of Corythornis vingtsioides (Turdidae) in Madagascar and A. alii (Rasheed, 1960) n. comb. of Ceryle radis leucomelanura in India; the last-named species may be a synonym of A. brevis. The status of some of these species requires further study. ac]19790421

Histoenzymological demonstration of alkaline and acid phosphatases in the intestinal mucosa of several birds, viz. <i>Ploceus philippinus</i>, <i>Megalaima haemacephala</i> and <i>Halcyon smyrnensis</i>

Alkaline and acid phosphatases were histochemically localized in the ileum of three birds with diverse feeding habits. The birds chosen for study included the granivorous Ploceus philippinus, the frugivorous Megalaima haemacephala, and the mainly piscivorous Halcyon smyrnensis. It was found the the activity of these phosphatases tend to be greater in H. smyrnensis and M. haemacephala and comparatively less in P. philippinus, as demoted by variable enzymatic deposition. Simultaneously, their functional significance has been discussed, correlating enzymatic activities with the specific feeding habits of the birds.