Moorhen Gallinula Research Articles

LAYING PLASTICITY IN AN AVIAN BROOD PARASITE

Abstract Females of some bird species “steal“ the parental care of other breeding individuals by laying eggs parasitically in their nests. In most populations, conspecific brood parasites lay parasitically before laying in their own nests. By contrast, in a young and expanding Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus) population, 17.4% (n = 8) of brood parasites laid parasitically when their own clutches were currently being incubated, and 13.1% (n = 6) laid parasitically when they were tending to their young. This result differs from previous data on conspecific brood parasitism in this (and other) avian species and suggests that sitespecific ecological conditions exert differing selective influences on the behavioral development of populations. The behavior adopted by individual vertebrate species may not, therefore, be rigidly fixed throughout their geographic range.

Reproductive strategies used by moorhens (Gallinula chloropus) colonizing an artificial wetland habitat in south Wales

Over the last ten years, a high-density breeding population (c.180 individuals) of moorhens Gallinula chloropus (Linnaeus) has become established in an artificially created wetland habitat at the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust (WWT) centre in Llanelli. The reproductive behaviour and success of this population was the subject of an intensive study between 1997–1999. Whilst monogamy was the dominant breeding system used at the site, some individuals bred annually in communal and co-operative groups. The majority of individuals within communal and co-operative groups in 1998 and 1999 were first order relatives. The number of communal groups recorded progressively declined whereas the number of co-operative groups increased over the period of study. Territory size of breeding groups was unrelated to either breeder type or group number. Most nests were constructed in Juncus although many birds also nested in trees and nest boxes intended for captive bred wildfowl. Vegetation height above nests strongly influenced breeding success, and nest site choice at the site was partially determined by vegetation management practices. Such practices may have been responsible for decreased nesting success in specific areas. Rats were the principal egg predators on site accounting for approximately 80% of eggs predated. The study reveals how the reproductive dynamics of this opportunistic bird influences its successful colonization of a new habitat.

SEASONAL MOVEMENT AND HOME RANGE OF THE MARIANA COMMON MOORHEN

Abstract Adult Mariana Common Moorhens (Gallinula chloropus guami) were radio-marked on Guam (n = 25) and Saipan (n = 18) to determine home range, inter- and intraseasonal space use, and movement patterns among the Mariana Islands of Guam, Saipan, Tinian, and Rota. Birds were tracked throughout the dry and wet seasons in 2000 and 2001. During the dry season, no interisland movements were detected and most birds remained at a single wetland. However, some radio-marked adults on Guam (48%) and Saipan (11%) dispersed from their capture site to other wetland sites. Inter-and intraisland movements increased during the wet season. Interisland movement from Saipan to Tinian occurred at the onset of the wet season, although no birds were observed moving off Guam. Radio-marked adults on Guam (71%) and Saipan (70%) dispersed from their capture site to other wetlands. On Guam, moorhens moved farther in the wet season than the dry season. During the wet season frequency of movement among sites was inversely proportio...

Effects of habitat characteristics and climate on the distribution and colouration of Dusky Moorhens (Gallinula tenebrosa) in south-east Queensland

We determined which factors predict the presence and abundance of Dusky Moorhens (Gallinula tenebrosa) at wetlands by surveying the ecological and habitat characteristics of 62 sites across south-east Queensland. Moorhens were observed in 48 of the sites sampled. They were more likely to be found at sites surrounded by taller terrestrial vegetation and where free-floating and attached aquatic vegetation was more abundant. The number of moorhens found at a site increased in relation to vegetation height, the abundance of attached aquatic vegetation and the number of purple swamphens observed. These results suggest that there are ecological constraints on the distribution of moorhens, and that food abundance and the availability of suitable nesting sites determine the overall distribution and abundance of moorhens in wetlands. Adult moorhens develop brightly coloured fleshy frontal shields, bills and legs when breeding, although in some populations birds maintain year-round colouration. We observed year-round breeding colouration in 23 out of 34 sampling sites that had moorhens and were surveyed in August. Coloured moorhens were found during winter at sites with higher minimum winter temperatures, and more abundant free-floating and submerged leafy vegetation. In addition, higher proportions of moorhens were coloured at sites with higher mean minimum temperatures. The retention of year-round breeding colouration appears to be restricted to areas with warmer winter temperatures and more abundant food. The results suggest that areas not occupied by moorhens are of inadequate quality to support breeding populations. We suggest that ecological constraints on independent breeding in Dusky Moorhens may have favoured the evolution of their unusual cooperative breeding system, which involves frequent mate-sharing by both sexes.

Influence of a Reservoir Drawdown on Bird Use of Lake Talquin, Florida

ABSTRACT We examined the effects of a reservoir drawdown on avian use of Lake Talquin in the Florida Panhandle. Observations during the drawdown of 1998 showed increased wading bird, larid, and passerine bird usage of the lake. A decline in the number of osprey (Pandion haliaetus) nests and mean brood size was also observed during the drawdown. The two years following the drawdown showed increased wading bird usage, non-significant (P > 0.05) change in osprey nest success and young-of-year sport fish numbers, and declining common moorhen (Gallinula chloropus) and lesser scaup (Aythya affinis) use compared to the two years prior to the drawdown. No significant correlation (P > 0.05) was observed between young-of-year sport fish numbers and total wading bird numbers. Post-drawdown changes may have been due to actual biotic changes in the lake, but also may have been part of larger regional or national trends. Lake managers should consider avian species along with the needs of lake front property owners and anglers when implementing a drawdown and refill schedule.

Use of fish nets as a method to capture small rails

Abstract We used a modified fish trap called a “single strip Dutch sleeve” to capture small rails in Spain. During 94 trap-days, we captured 29 individual Water Rails (Rallus aquaticus), three Spotted Crakes (Porzana porzana), and nine Common Moorhens (Gallinula chloropus). Use of bait such as fruits, vegetables, or cat food increased capture rate by 93%, whereas inclement weather (heavy rain or wind) decreased capture rate. We had greater rates of capture and recapture compared to other studies using different methods. Advantages include ease of transport and placement, low injury rates to birds, the possibility of simultaneous captures, and a wide spectrum of target species. As improvements, we propose the use of playback rail vocalizations to increase capture of individuals and species, and the use of rigid, inaccessible receptacles to protect captured rails from predators.

AVIAN RESPONSE TO NUTRIENT ENRICHMENT IN AN OLIGOTROPHIC WETLAND, THE FLORIDA EVERGLADES

Abstract We studied the effects of nutrient enrichment on the bird community in an oligotrophic wetland, the Florida Everglades. Among the non-wading birds surveyed in 1996 and 1997, Boat-tailed Grackles (Quiscalus major) and Common Moorhens (Gallinula chloropus) were consistently more abundant in enriched sites, whereas Common Yellowthroats (Geothlypis trichas) were consistently more abundant in unenriched sites. The abundance of Red-winged Blackbird (Agelaius phoeniceus) was not significantly different between enriched and unenriched sites. Among wading birds, Wood Storks (Mycteria americana) and Great Egrets (Ardea alba) were significantly more abundant in enriched than unenriched areas in a dry year, 1991. Great Egrets and all wading species combined were significantly more abundant in enriched than unenriched areas in the wet year, 1995. Great Blue Herons (Ardea herodias) and White Ibises (Eudocimus albus) did not differ in abundance between enriched and unenriched areas in the dry or wet year. A sig...

Daily and Seasonal Activity of Moorhens Studied by Motion-Sensitive Transmitters

-We studied the diurnal and seasonal activity budget of Moorhens (Gallinula chloropus) along a river in NW Italy. Since visual observations are sometimes difficult, we utilized radio-tracking with motion-sensitive transmitters, a technique that distinguishes between resting and walking/foraging activities. Radio-tracking estimates of the home ranges provided values (mean 3-5 ha) about one order of magnitude higher than those reported in the literature and based on visual estimates. Analysis of habitat preferences showed a positive selection for reeds, marsh woods and stretches of water, while cultivated fields were avoided. The percentage of time spent in activity during the day was distributed differently between the colder (December to February) and warmer months (March and April). In winter, the birds were active mainly in the early morning, and resting increased progressively as the day proceeded. In spring, activity was distributed uniformly throughout the day. However, there was no overall difference between the colder and warmer periods in the total time spent in activity each day (about 44%). The time spent in activity was not related to daily temperature. In the same group of birds, the fat reserves were progressively depleted during winter, as demonstrated by a gradual decrease of total body mass and fat; moreover, the loss of mass was greater on colder days. The findings for both activity budget and mass variation suggest that the birds do not try to counteract fat loss; they do not increase the time spent feeding in the colder months nor do they increase their activity during days with lower temperatures. Received I June 1999, accepted 22 October 2000.

Mathematical modelling for intra-specific brood-parasitism: coexistence between parasite and non-parasite

In this paper, we consider an aspect of the intra-specific brood-parasitism with a mathematical modelling. As in case of moorhen Gallinula chloropus, the case dealt with in this paper in such that just a part of the whole population has the parasitising behaviour against the individuals belonging to another part of non-parasite subpopulation that does not have such behaviour. Analysing the expected fitness gain from the brood-parasitism, we consider the condition in order that parasite individuals coexist with non-parasite ones within a population. From the mathematical modelling analysis, it is shown that the stable equilibrium frequency of parasite individuals within a population, if exists, depends on the difference among individuals in terms of the individual quality reflected to the survival probability of bred offsprings.

Rapid decline of host defences in response to reduced cuckoo parasitism: behavioural flexibility of reed warblers in a changing world

On Wicken Fen and nearby watercourses eastern England, parasitism by cuckoos, Cuculus canorus, declined from 26 and 16 of reed warbler (Acrocephalus scirpaceus) nests in 1985 and 1986, respectively...

Brood Parasitism in the Moorhen: Brief Encounters between Parasites and Hosts and the Significance of an Evening Laying Hour

Female Moorhens Gallinula chloropus laid their eggs in the evening, with more than 80% being laid between 1900 and 2200 hours BST. Parasitic eggs were laid within the same range of times as eggs laid by females in their own nests. Observation from videotape of laying events by eight different brood parasites revealed that parasitic laying is a stereotyped behaviour, consistent between females and characterized by speed and stealth. Parasitic females travelled directly to the host nest. By contrast with females laying at their own nests, brood parasites did not stop and wait for the host males to get off the nest before getting on, and they did not remain on the nest longer than was necessary to lay an egg. As predicted, hosts were aggressive toward brood parasites. Yet, brood parasites tolerated the hosts' aggression, and laid successfully in host nests in spite of the hosts' attacks. Although parasitic females and their mates both stood to benefit from brood parasitism, the act of laying parasitically was initiated entirely by (and entailed a potential risk for) the female alone. I discuss the implications of an evening laying hour for the evolution of intraspecific brood parasitism.

Scanning and Tail-Flicking in the Australian Dusky Moorhen (Gallinula tenebrosa)

Scanning and Tail-Flicking in the Australian Dusky Moorhen (Gallinula tenebrosa)

American mink Mustela vison in the upper Thames catchment: Relationship with selected prey species and den availability

American mink Mustela vison and three prey types of economic and conservation importance were censused along four rivers in the Upper Thames catchment area. There were no significant correlations between any measures of mink abundance and any measures of fish or moorhen Gallinula chloropus abundance, suggesting that mink were neither limiting nor limited by these prey items. Water voles Arvicola terrestris, however, were negatively correlated with mink, being absent at four sites where mink were most numerous. Sites at which mink were most numerous had a high availability of potential den sites and low emergent vegetation cover, but there were no correlations between water voles and the availability of their preferred habitat.

Interspecific Cooperative Nesting between Barn Swallows and Say's Phoebes in South-Central New Mexico

Intraspecific cooperative nesting is not a common event in the avian world, although it is well documented in species like the Acorn Woodpecker (Melanerpes formicivorus; Koenig et al. 1984) and Common Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus; Gibbons 1986). Intraspecific cooperative nesting occurs when more than two birds of the same species take part in providing parental care to rear the young (Emlen and Vehrencamp 1983). Our purpose is to document an observation of interspecific cooperative nesting between a pair of Barn Swallows (Hirundo rustica) and a Say's Phoebe (Sayornis saya). We have found no published records that document interspecific cooperative nesting in birds. This event is even more unusual in that Say's Phoebes often usurp Barn Swallow nests (Bent 1942). In late March 1993, a pair of Say's Phoebes built a nest atop an old Barn Swallow nest at our housing facilities at the Orogrande base camp on the Fort Bliss Military Reservation. The nest was located at the juncture of two steel girders supporting the roof. Orogrande is located in south-central New Mexico, approximately 96 km north of El Paso, Texas. Adjacent habitat is Chihuahuan Desert scrub (Shreve 1942) and desert grassland (Budd et al. 1979). After fledging one of three young in late April, the phoebes left the general area and were observed occasionally foraging from surrounding poles and utility wires. A short time after the phoebe fledged, Barn Swallows began to occupy and restore other nearby swallow nests with no apparent interest in the phoebe nest. On 13 June, we observed Barn Swallows lining the phoebe nest with feathers. Barn Swallows commonly line their nests with feathers, but phoebes do not (Terres 1991). On 15 June, we discovered a Barn Swallow egg in the phoebe nest. Because nest reuse occasionally occurs in birds (Butler 1980, Butler and Campbell 1987, Shields et al. 1988), the fact that the Barn Swallows were using the phoebe nest did not appear odd. However, later that same day, a Say's Phoebe was observed on the nest. We checked the nest using a mirror and saw that a Barn Swallow egg

Egg-dumping by the Moorhen, Gallinula chloropus, in japan

The Moorhen Gallinula chloropus is a well known intraspecific brood parasite.However, there has been no reports on brood parasitism of the Moorhen in japan. During a 8-yr field study of marsh nesting birds in Akigase marsh, central japan, we found some Moorhen nests which contained abnormally large number of eggs (super-normal clutch) and we obtained evidence of intraspecific brood parasitism and/or cooperative nesting. Moorhens were unable to distinguish between foreign (Japanese Quail and conspecific) and their own eggs. A proximate cause of frequent egg dumping may due to the high breeding density in the habitat. This is the first report on the egg-dumping in a Japanese population of the Moorhen.

Mercury bioaccumulation in organisms from three Puerto Rican estuaries

We analyzed mercury levels in shrimp (Palaemonetes sp.), Blue Crabs (Callinectes sp.), fish (Tarpon Megalops atlantica and Tilapia Tilapia mossambica), lizards (Ameiva exsul), Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis) and Moorhen (Gallinula chloropus) in three estuaries in Puerto Rico in 1988. There were no quantifiable concentrations greater than the method detection limit of mercury in shrimp, crabs and lizards from any site. Mercury levels were also below detection limits in Tilapia, except for specimens collected at Frontera Creek, allegedly contaminated with mercury. However, mercury levels ranged from 92-238 μg/kg (wet weight) in Tarpon, a predaceous fish that feeds on smaller fish. Few of the birds had detectable levels of mercury. Our results indicate relatively low concentrations of mercury in biota collected in all of the three estuaries at most trophic levels, although 10 of 12 Tarpon fillet samples from Frontera had detectable mercury compared to 3 of 12 fillet samples for the other two lagoons.

The Mariana Common Moorhen: Decline of an Island Endemic

Current status of Mariana Common Moorhens (Gallinula chloropus guami) in the Mariana Islands was determined by wetland surveys. A total of 300-400 moorhens exist on Guam, Saipan and Tinian. Extinctions have occurred recently on Pagan and prehistorically on Rota. A review of literature, field notes, and habitat loss indicates the subspecies' total population has probably been reduced by at least 36-52% in this century. The degradation and loss of wetlands and introduced competitors and predators pose the greatest threats to the moorhen in the Marianas.

Radium-226 in Wetland Birds from Florida Phosphate Mines

Radium-226 is a naturally-occurring radionuclide found in enhanced levels at Florida phosphate mines. We inventoried levels of radium-226 in the tissues of 4 wetland bird species from 2 mined and 2 umined areas in Florida. Bone tissues of wood duck (Aix sponsa), mottled duck (Anas fulvigula), common moorhen (Gallinula chloropus), and double-crested cormorant (Phalacrocorax auritus) colleted at phosphate mines contained more radium-226 than tissues from unmined areas. Radium-226 concentrations in these birds were within guidelines inferred from radiological standards designed for human protection and should not adversely affect bird populations.

Food provisioning lowers inter‐clutch interval in Moorhens Gallinula chloropus

Food supplements were provided to Moorhens Gallinula chloropus during production of their first brood, to test whether food availability limited the number of broods they could rear in a season. Supplemented territories had shorter inter‐clutch intervals when individual differences were held constant, although they did not produce more broods. Because unmanipulated birds with short inter‐clutch intervals produced more broods, food availability may be one of several factors limiting the production of multiple broods and therefore reproductive success.

Seasonal reproductive success of the Moorhen Gallinula chloropus: the importance of male weight

During a three‐year study of 82 pairs of Moorhens Gallinula chloropus, seasonal reproductive success (SRS) varied greatly between pairs. Pairs on big territories had a higher SRS than pairs on small territories, probably because clutch survival was higher on big territories. Pairs that began breeding early had a higher SRS than pairs that began late because early breeders laid larger clutches and could attempt more broods. Pairs with heavy males had bigger territories and began breeding earlier than pairs with light males. Heavy males therefore had a higher SRS than light males. Female weight did not affect territory size, timing of breeding, or female SRS. Assuming SRS to be a good predictor of lifetime reproductive success, selection should favour heavy males but not heavy females. Male Moorhens are significantly heavier than female Moorhens. Finally, pairs with breeding experience had a higher SRS than pairs without, because they had bigger territories and began breeding earlier. However, males in inexperienced pairs were not lighter than males in experienced pairs, so it is not clear why they defended smaller territories or laid later.