Pine Grosbeak Research Articles

Irruptions of Pine Grosbeaks pulled by Rowanberry peaks in southern areas

Several species of owls and seed-eating birds breeding in boreal forests may occur irruptively in areas south of their regular wintering range. One common explanation is that they may be forced to move south if food supplies have crashed (push hypothesis). Little attention has been devoted to the alternative idea that the birds are drawn towards abundant food further south (pull hypothesis), even if they could overwinter further north. I evaluate these two hypotheses (push or pull) using data on winter irruptions of the Pine Grosbeak (Pinicola enucleator) and one main type of winter food, seeds in berries of Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia). Grosbeak numbers during winter in southern Norway and Sweden usually peaked at 2–3 year intervals during 1959–2020, and Rowanberries in Norway peaked at 2–3 year intervals during 1980–2020. Pine Grosbeak peaks coincided with Rowanberry peaks in most years, and annual number of grosbeaks was positively correlated with the Rowanberry index. However, even in irruption years grosbeaks moved north already in January–February, inconsistent with the push hypothesis. Furthermore, Rowan masting in Norway and Finland usually had synchronous cycles, implying that irruptions were triggered even when Rowans had large crops close to the most likely origin of irruptions, opposite to what is expected by the push hypothesis. Thus, available evidence is most consistent with the pull hypothesis: Pine Grosbeaks move south in winters with high Rowanberry abundance and exploit this resource until it is gone by mid-winter, and then return to northern areas.

Birds of The Shumagin Islands, Alaska

We studied birds in the Shumagin Islands in 18 of the 37 years from 1970 to 2006 and synthesized all available information on birds of this area. A total of 126 forms of 125 species, including hypothetical species, has been recorded in the Shumagins, of which aquatic birds constitute 67% and terrestrial birds 33%. Overall, 52% of all forms breed, probably breed, or formerly bred; of these, aquatic birds represent 57% and terrestrial birds 43%. The avifauna is heavily weighted toward Nearctic (39% of all forms) and Beringian (32%) forms, followed by Holarctic (21%), Palearctic (6%), and Oceanian (2%) forms; breeding taxa are even more heavily weighted toward Beringian (46%) and Nearctic (40%) forms. The Shumagins have few breeding waterfowl, other freshwater birds, and shorebirds and are not on important flyways for any of these groups, despite lying near important spring and fall staging areas on the nearby Alaska Peninsula. The seabird and terrestrial avifaunas are diverse and similar to those in nearby areas, especially the eastern Aleutians. Populations of several seabird species in the Shumagins have declined substantially over the last 40 years. Two terrestrial species, the Pacific Wren (Troglodytes pacificus) and Pine Grosbeak (Pinicola enucleator), have expanded their breeding ranges into this area, and breeding distributions of some terrestrial birds in the outer Shumagins appear to be changing. Changes in range or breeding status have been caused, at least in part, by predation by introduced foxes, overgrazing by introduced cattle degrading already limited habitat, and the introduction of ground squirrels.

Птицы озерных котловин южной части хребта Черского.

New data and analysis of the avifauna and bird species abundance are given for the lake systems of the southern part of the Chersky mountain ridge. In August - October of 2018 and in June and August of 2021, bird studies of lake basins of Ui, Momontay, Malyk, Darpir and Urultun lakes, situated at altitudes of 818-1234 meters above the sea level, were performed. 81 bird species were registered, of which 69 were recorded during breeding season, including 56 species referred to breeding and 13, to summering species. In comparison to the bird fauna of neighboring mountain areas, the avifauna of the studied lake systems is characterized by low species diversity, low percentage of widely-distributed species, and high percentage of boreal-hypoartcic and hypoarctic types of zonal- landscape distribution with clearly dominating species of the Siberian origin. Species content of the studied area is similar to that of the subalpine belt of Yakutia's northern mountains in the presence of Long-toed Stint, Red-throated Pipit and Pallas' Reed Bunting as well as, contrary to the subalpine belt of the Kolyma Highland, in the absence such species as Pine Grosbeak, Siberian Rubythroat, Pallas' Leaf Warbler, and Arctic Warbler on these elevations. On the other hand, the presence of such species as Ringed Plover and Dusky Warbler and the absence of Bluethroat is similar to the bird fauna of the Kolyma Highland subalpine belt. High abundance of both Beringian and Green-headed Yellow Wagtails sharing their habitats appeared to be a unique feature of the studied area. Confirmed breeding of Fieldfare on the elevations over 1000 m above the sea level significantly increases the knowledge on the distribution and ecology of this species.

Birds of a feather don’t always flock together: variation in molt origins and movement patterns of winter finches in Ontario

For irruptive or facultative migrants in the subfamily Carduelinae, the winter finches, seasonal movements are extensive but have been poorly described in North America. We used stable hydrogen isotope measurements of feathers (δ2Hf) collected in three regions in Ontario, Canada, during the winters of 2014–15 and 2015–16 to infer potential breeding origins of four species. We also deployed color bands to better understand migratory movements within and across winters. Values of δ2Hf differed by age, sex, and capture location both within and among species. Predicted breeding origins of wintering evening grosbeaks (Coccothraustes vespertinus) and pine grosbeaks (Pinicola enucleator) were largely from northwestern North America, suggesting a predominately west–east pattern of seasonal movements. Common redpolls (Acanthis flammea) and hoary redpolls (A. hornemanni) largely originated from the High Arctic or western Canada, suggesting predominantly north–south seasonal movements. Grosbeaks were most often recaptured or re-sighted at the same capture location between winters. Recaptures and observations of color-banded redpolls only occurred within a winter and mostly at the same capture location. Our results document the first linkages between potential breeding and wintering sites for a large number of individual winter finches during two successive winters. Observed variation in breeding origins and movement patterns suggests each species employs a different migration strategy; therefore, future research and conservation efforts might be more beneficial if directed at individual species of winter finch.

New avian breeding records for Kugluktuk, Nunavut

New breeding records for 10 species of tundra and boreal nesting birds were documented near the community of Kugluktuk (Nunavut, Canada) over the course of the 2015 and 2016 breeding seasons and incidentally in 2017 and 2018. These species include American Wigeon (Mareca americana), Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), Northern Shoveler (Anas clypeata), Green-winged Teal (Anas carolinensis), Greater Scaup (Aythya marila), Say’s Phoebe (Sayornis saya), Canada Jay (Perisoreus canadensis), Greycheeked Thrush (Catharus minimus), Yellow-rumped Warbler (Setophaga coronata), and Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis). Previously unpublished breeding evidence for Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is also discussed along with suspected breeding of Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica), Bohemian Waxwing (Bombycilla garrulus), White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis), and Pine Grosbeak (Pinicola enucleator). These records represent the first described breeding occurrences for these species in the Kitikmeot region, or new records for the mainland of Nunavut. A lack of historical ornithological survey effort in this area has likely led to the diversity of these previously unrecorded breeding observations. These results highlight the need to increase geographic coverage of bird surveys in northern Canada to more accurately delineate the northern limit of breeding ranges and suggest that further formal survey effort will undoubtedly lead to additional new breeding records.

HOUSE FINCH ( HAEMORHOUS MEXICANUS)-ASSOCIATED MYCOPLASMA GALLISEPTICUM IDENTIFIED IN LESSER GOLDFINCH ( SPINUS PSALTRIA) AND WESTERN SCRUB JAY ( APHELOCOMA CALIFORNICA) USING STRAIN-SPECIFIC QUANTITATIVE PCR.

: In 1994 Mycoplasma gallisepticum was found to be the etiologic agent of House Finch ( Haemorhous mexicanus) conjunctivitis, a rapidly expanding epidemic caused by a genetically discrete, House Finch-associated strain of M. gallisepticum (HFMG). While most prominent in House Finches, HFMG has been reported in other members of the family Fringillidae, including American Goldfinches ( Spinus tristis), Purple Finches ( Haemorhous purpureus), Pine Grosbeaks ( Pinicola enucleator), and Evening Grosbeaks ( Coccothraustes vespertinus). Herein we report two new potential host species of HFMG strain, the Lesser Goldfinch ( Spinus psaltria), belonging to the Fringillidae family, and the Western (California) Scrub Jay ( Aphelocoma californica), belonging to the Corvidae family. The latter is one of only two reports of HFMG being found outside the Fringillidae family, and of these is the only one reported outside of captivity. Furthermore, non-HFMG M. gallisepticum was identified in an American Crow ( Corvus brachyrhynchos), indicating presence of additional strains in wild birds. Strain typing of M. gallisepticum isolates was done via HFMG-specific quantitative PCR analysis and validated using random amplified polymorphic DNA analysis. Our results suggested an expanded host range of HFMG strain, and further suggested that the host range of HFMG was not limited to members of the family Fringillidae.

Effects of roads on fruit crop and removal rate from rowanberry trees (Sorbus aucuparia) by birds in urban areas of Finland

Roads destroy natural habitats. To reduce erosion, support wildlife and decorate surroundings, ornamental trees are planted near the roadside. However, it is inadequately understood how roads influence fruit production of trees and birds that consume their fruits, within urban landscapes. During the autumn and winter of 2012–2013, we studied the extent to which birds used the fruit from rowanberry trees (Sorbus aucuparia), in two cities along a 700km latitudinal gradient in Finland. In matched pair design (total of 35 pairs), we compared roadside trees (approximately 8m from main roads) with trees grown away from roads (control trees; approximately >80m from the roads). During the autumn, each rowanberry tree pair was photographed, and frugivorous birds were surveyed twice per month until all of the rowanberry fruit-crop was consumed. There was no difference in fruit crop size between roadside trees and control trees. A total of eight frugivorous bird species and 960 individuals were observed foraging in roadside trees. The three most abundant species were Bohemian waxwing (Bombycilla garrulus, 56.4%), Pine Grosbeak (Pinicola enucleator, 28.9%) and Fieldfare (Turdus pilaris, 10.5%). Total abundance and species richness of frugivorous birds were lower around roadside trees than control trees during most of the study period. Fruits were consumed later from roadside trees than from control trees, probably due to human-caused disturbance. Therefore, roadside rowanberry trees extended the period when frugivorous birds stayed in urban habitats. Later consumption of fruits in northern areas than in southern areas was related to earlier peak abundance of frugivorous birds in south than in north. Our results indicated that rowanberry is a suitable ornamental tree for urban and roadside landscaping and may additionally benefit birds and other frugivorous wildlife.

353. Notes on the vocalizations of Pine Grosbeak (Pinicola enucleator)

353. Notes on the vocalizations of Pine Grosbeak (Pinicola enucleator)

Redpoll Snow Bathing: Observations and Hypothesis

Abstract - A flock of 100–150 Carduelis flammea (Common Redpolls) made at least 252 cavities and short tunnels in fluffy snow over 5 consecutive days in western Maine at temperatures from -26 °C to -14 °C. They produced neither structure during 4 days when temperatures were above freezing and the snow was wet, nor during a month of other variable weather. In the same area during two winters, Carduelis tristis (American Goldfinches), Carpodacus purpureus (Purple Finches), Pinicola enuncleator (Pine Grosbeaks), and Coccothraustes vespertinus (Evening Grosbeaks) exhibited no snow tunneling behavior at any time even though, excluding the Pine Grosbeaks and Goldfinches, I observed them throughout the entirety of 2 winters. Common Redpolls did not use the observed snow cavities as shelters, nor did the structures appear to be related to foraging. Social stimulation and play are likely proximate stimuli for the behavioral release of the Common Redpolls' snow-manipulating behavior.

Carduelini New Sistematics: Crimson-winged Finch (Rhodopechys sanguineus) is Included in “Arid-Zone” Carduelini Finches by Mitochondrial DNA Phylogeny

Rhodopechys sangineus phylogeny together with a group of Carduelini finches has been analyzed. Mitochondrial cyt b molecule has been used for species comparison and maximum likelihood and Bayesian methods have been employed in order to obtain a solid phylogeny. Compared Carduelini finches groups include: Greenfinches, “Arid-Zone” finches and Genera Rhodopechys and Pyrrhula species. Our results lead to conclude: 1) Genus Rhodopechys included species should need a new taxonomic classification; 2) Genus Pyrrhula shares a common ancestor with “Arid-Zone” finches group; the latter is phylogenetically a separate clade, including species from Carpodacus, Rhodopechys and Leucosticte Genera, and 3) Pinicola enucleator belongs to Genus Pyrrhula and seems to be ancestral. Results show that a sistematics revision of Carduelini tribe bird species is required.

Evidence from the Genetics of Landbirds for a Forested Pleistocene Glacial Refugium in the Haida Gwaii Area

Abstract. Pleistocene refugia likely contributed to the modern biodiversity of northern areas. Using the mitochondrial DNA cytochrome-b gene, we compared 11 forest-dwelling bird species from Haida Gwaii (formerly the Queen Charlotte Islands) with populations from Alaska, Washington, and other locations in the United States. If Haida Gwaii was an unglaciated refugium, its modern populations should feature a high number of endemic lineages and divergence times that predate the end of the last glacial maximum, ca. 13,000–19,000 years before present (ybp). Furthermore, the genetic diversity of these populations should be higher than that in areas colonized after the glacial retreat. Four of the species examined from Haida Gwaii showed old divergences and a high percentage of endemic lineages: the Northern Saw-whet Owl (Aegolius acadicus), Hairy Woodpecker (Picoides villosus), Steller's Jay (Cyanocitta stelleri), and Pine Grosbeak (Pinicola enucleator); all four have endemic subspecies on these islands. The Pa...

Continuous 300,000-year fossil record: changes in the ornithofauna of Biśnik Cave, Poland

Biśnik Cave is situated in a limestone rock about 50 km northeast of Krakow, southern Poland. Its importance stems from the fact that it is one of the few sites in Europe, and the only one in Poland, with 300,000-year-long sequence of uninterrupted sediments, that cover the time span from before the Saalian to the Holocene. The excavations yielded about 200,000 animal bones and more than 4,000 stone, bone and antler artifacts. Bird remains from Biśnik Cave consist of nearly 1,600 skeletal fragments of at least 96 taxa that represent a minimum of 285 individuals. The majority of the remains belong to Galliformes; relatively numerous are also Corvidae, Falconiformes, Anseriformes and the genus Turdus. The remains include one extinct taxon (Falco tinnunculus atavus) and four species new for the Polish fossil avifauna (Aquila heliaca, Pinicola enucleator, Loxia pytyopsittacus and Carduelis flammea). Avian remains indicate a mosaic of various habitats in the surroundings of Biśnik Cave. Some kind of mature forest or at least sparsely growing trees, as well as water bodies, marshes, wet meadows, steppe and tundra habitats must have been present during the entire time of sedimentation. It is postulated that the Krakow-Czestochowa Upland was a local refugium for the forest fauna during the Saalian and Vistulian glaciations.

A multilocus study of pine grosbeak phylogeography supports the pattern of greater intercontinental divergence in Holarctic boreal forest birds than in birds inhabiting other high‐latitude habitats

AbstractAim Boreal forest bird species appear to be divided into lineages endemic to each northern continent, in contrast to Holarctic species living in open habitats. For example, the three‐toed woodpecker (Picoides tridactylus) and the winter wren (Troglodytes troglodytes) have divergent Nearctic and Palaearctic mitochondrial DNA clades. Furthermore, in these species, the next closest relative of the Nearctic/Palaearctic sister lineages is the Nearctic clade, suggesting that the Palaearctic may have been colonized from the Nearctic. The aim of this study is to test this pattern of intercontinental divergence and colonization in another Holarctic boreal forest resident – the pine grosbeak (Pinicola enucleator).Location The Holarctic.Methods We sequenced the mitochondrial ND2 gene and Z‐specific intron 9 of the ACO1 gene for 74 pine grosbeaks collected across the Holarctic. The sequences were used to reconstruct the phylogeographical history of this species using maximum likelihood analysis.Results We discovered two distinct mitochondrial and Z‐specific lineages in the Nearctic and one in the Palaearctic. The two Nearctic mtDNA lineages, one in the northern boreal forest and one in south‐western mountain forest, were more closely related to each other than either was to the Palaearctic clade. Two Nearctic Z‐chromosome clades were sympatric in the boreal and south‐western mountain forests. Unlike the topology of the mtDNA tree, the relationship among the Z‐chromosome clades was the same as in the three‐toed woodpecker and winter wren [Nearctic (Nearctic, Palaearctic)]. The Palaearctic Z‐chromosome clade had much lower genetic diversity and a single‐peak mismatch distribution with a mean < 25% of that for either Nearctic region, both of which had ragged mismatch distributions.Main conclusions Our data suggest that, similar to the other boreal forest species, the pine grosbeak has divergent lineages in each northern continent and could have colonized the Palaearctic from the Nearctic. Compared with many Holarctic birds inhabiting open habitats, boreal forest species appear to be more differentiated, possibly because the boreal forests of the Nearctic and Palaearctic have been isolated since the Pliocene (3.5 Ma).

Fugler i Norge i 2005 - Rapport fra Norsk faunakomité for fugl (NFKF)

THE NORWEGIAN BIRD REPORT 2005 - a report on locally uncommon and scarce birds in Norway in 2005, by the Norwegian Birds Records Committee (NFKF) The basis of this report is the annual reports produced by the county rarities committees. For 2005 all the counties on the mainland contributed to the report, although Finnmark, Troms, Sogn & Fjordane, Rogaland and Vest-Agder counties did not publish own county reports. Svalbard archipelago and Jan Mayen did not contribute to this report. We believe this report reflects fairly well observations from Norway in 2005. Readers should take care to note the geographical or time delimitation of the records stated for the different species, as stated in codes immediately after the scientific name of the species. The Norwegian Birds Records Committee (NFKF) has been publishing annual reports since 1991. The occurrence of Bewick’s Swan Cygnus columbianus was the poorest in NFKFs history, and the occurence of Lesser White-fronted Geese Anser erythropus at the traditional feeding and roosting site at Valdakmyra, Porsanger (FI) continued to be very low. White-fronted Geese Anser albifrons were seen in poor numbers, while Bar-headed Geese Anser indicus were seen in record high numbers. Mandarin Ducks Aix galericulata occurred in high numbers. Gadwalls Anas strepera have occurred in steadily increasing numbers in Norway in recent years, and 2005 was the best year to date for this species. Garganeys Anas qurquedula had a poor year. Quail Coturnix coturnix occurred in good numbers for the fourth year in succession. Yellow-billed Divers Gavia adamsii experienced the second best year since 1991. Due to favourable weather conditions in late August both Sooty Shearwaters Puffinus griseus and Manx Shearwaters Puffinus puffinus occurred in record high numbers. Many Rough-legged Buzzards Buteo lagopus were seen during the winter months. The Eurasian Hobby Falco subbuteo is a raptor that has occurred in high numbers in recent years, and 2005 was the third best year ever. The occurrence of Avocets Recurvirostra avosetta was very poor. Several shorebirds, such as Ringed Plover Charadrius hiaticula, Northern Lapwings Vanellus vanellus, Sanderlings Calidris alba and Bar-tailed Godwits Limosa lapponica were reported in high numbers from mid-January following the winter storm «Inga». The number of migrating Broad-billed Sandpipers Limicola falcinellus, Black-tailed Godwits Limosa limosa and Red-necked Phalaropes Phalaropus lobatus were the second best in NFKFs history. Migrating Pomarine Skuas Stercorarius pomarinus was seen in good numbers. Iceland Gulls Larus glaucoides occurred in record high numbers while the occurrence of Little Gulls Larus minutus and Glaucous Gulls Larus hyperboreus was the third best in NFKFs history. The occurrence of Black Terns Chlidonias niger was very poor. Wood Larks Lullula arborea occurred in record high numbers. The negative trend related to migrating Horned Larks Eremophila alpestris continued in 2005 and the last six years represent the six poorest years for this species. Red-throated Pipits Anthus cervinus had another poor year, while Richard’s Pipits Anthus richardi occured in record high numbers. The occurrence of Yellow Wagtails Motacilla flava flavissima was the poorest in NFKF’s history. Stonechats Saxicola torquata occurred in record high numbers and seventeen confirmed breeding pairs were recorded from coastal areas. The Mistle Thrush Turdus viscivorus is probably expanding significantly in the north of its distribution range. The number of singing Common Grasshopper Warblers Locustella naevia and the occurrence of Yellow-browed Warblers Phylloscopus inornatus was the best ever recorded. The number of Barred Warblers Sylvia nisoria was the second best in NFKF’s history. The number of Great Grey Shrikes Lanius excubitor was the highest ever recorded. Two-barred Crossbills Loxia leucoptera and Pine Grosbeaks Pinicola enucleator occurred in poor numbers. The Ortolan Bunting Emberiza hortulana still has a negative trend and is disappearing from former breeding areas. The Rustic Bunting Emberiza rustica experienced the poorest year in NFKFs history, while the occurrence of Little Buntings Emberiza pusilla was the best ever recorded.

Fugler i Norge i 2006 - Rapport fra Norsk faunakomité for fugl (NFKF)

THE NORWEGIAN BIRD REPORT 2006 -  a report on locally uncommon and scarce birds in Norway in 2006, by the Norwegian Birds Records Committee (NFKF) The basis of this report is the annual reports produced by the county rarities committees. For 2006 all the counties on the mainland are represented in the report, although Finnmark, Troms, Sogn & Fjordane, Rogaland, Vest-Agder and Oppland counties did not publish own county reports. Svalbard archipelago and Jan Mayen did not contribute to this report. We believe this report reflects fairly well observations from Norway in 2006. Readers should take care to note the geographical or time delimitation of the records stated for the different species, as stated in codes immediately after the scientific name of the species. Letters in the tables stated in the beginning of the review of the different species should not be cited as real occurrences. The Norwegian Birds Records Committee (NFKF) has been publishing annual reports since 1991. The occurrence of Bewick’s Swan Cygnus columbianus was the poorest in NFKFs history, and the occurence of Lesser White-fronted Geese Anser erythropus at the traditional feeding and roosting site Valdakmyra, Porsanger (FI) continued to be very low. Bean Geese Anser fabalis had a record high occurrence while Bar-headed Geese Anser indicus had the third best occurrence since 1991. Record high numbers of Dark-bellied Brent Geese Branta bernicla bernicla were observed in southern parts of the Norway during the autumn. Gadwall Anas strepera have occurred in steadily increasing numbers in Norway in recent years, and 2006 was the third best year to date for this species. Garganey Anas quequedula occurred in record high number, while the occurrence of Smew Mergellus albellus was the second best since 1991. Quail Coturnix coturnix occurred in good numbers for the fifth year in succession. Yellow-billed Diver Gavia adamsii experienced the third best year since 1991. Many Rough-legged Buzzards Buteo lagopus were seen during the winter months. The Eurasian Hobby Falco subbuteo is a raptor that has occurred in high numbers in recent years, and 2006 was the best year ever. The occurrence of Corncrakes Crex crex wasthe poorest since 1998 and the occurrence of Avocets Recurvirostra avosetta was the second poorest since 1991. Jack Snipes Lymnocryptes minima were recorded in record high numbers during January to March and the number of spring migrating Great Snipes Gallinago media were record high. The occurrence of Little Gulls Larus minutus reached record high numbers while the occurrence of Sandwich Terns Sterna sandvicensis was very poor. In northern parts of its distribution range many Stock Doves Columba oenas were observed in 2006. Wood Larks Lullula arborea occurred in second best numbers since 1991. The negative trend relatedto migrating Horned Larks Eremophila alpestris was broken in 2006 and this year was the third best since 1991. Stonechats Saxicola torquata occurred in good numbers and eleven confirmed breeding pairs were recorded from the coastal areas of Sogn og Fjordane county. The number of singing Common Grasshopper Warblers Locustella naevia and Marsh Warblers Acrocephalus palustris was the third best since 1991. The occurrence of Yellow-browed Warblers Phylloscopus inornatus was the best ever recorded. The number of Golden Orioles Oriolus oriolus was very poor. The occurrence of Arctic Redpolls Carduelis hornemanni was the third best since 1991, and in late autumn a major influx of Pine Grosbeaks Pinicola enucleator took place in many parts of southern Norway. Many Lapland Buntings Calcarius lapponicus were observed during the winter months. The number of Ortolan Bunting Emberiza hortulana continued to drop and Rustic Bunting Emberiza rustica was observed in record low numbers.

GENETIC PATTERNS OF DIFFERENTIATION AMONG FIVE LANDBIRD SPECIES FROM THE QUEEN CHARLOTTE ISLANDS, BRITISH COLUMBIA

Abstract The Queen Charlotte Islands (QCI), British Columbia, have many putative endemic avian subspecies. We evaluated four species—Northern Saw-whet Owl (Aegolius acadicus), Hairy Woodpecker (Picoides villosus), Steller's Jay (Cyanocitta stelleri), and Pine Grosbeak (Pinicola enucleator), each with a phenotypically described endemic subspecies from QCI—for uniqueness, conservation concern, and management. The Chestnut-backed Chickadee (Poecile rufescens), with no endemic subspecies from QCI, was included for comparison. We hypothesized that the four endemics would have similar phylogeographic patterns of genetic divergence and coalescence between QCI and possible source populations, because they may share a glacial-refugium history. Cytochrome b was sequenced for all species from Alaska, Washington, and QCI. The four species with endemic phenotypes from QCI had significant genetic divergence from nearby conspecific populations, though variation in divergence times indicated varying colonization historie...

Fugler i Norge 2004 – Rapport fra Norsk faunakomite for fugl (NFKF)

THE NORWEGIAN BIRD REPORT 2004 - a report on locally uncommon and scarce birds in Norway in 2004, by the Norwegian Birds Records Committee (NFKF)The basis of this report is the annual reports produced by the county rarities committees. For 2004 all the counties contributed to the report, although Finnmark, Troms, Sogn & Fjordane, Rogaland and Vest-Agder counties did not publish own county reports. We believe this report reflects fairly well observations from Norway in 2004. Readers should take care to note the geographical or time delimitation of the records stated for the different species, as stated in codes immediately after the scientific name of the species. The Norwegian Birds Records Committee (NFKF) has been publishing annual reports since 1991. The occurrence of Bewick’s Swan Cygnus columbianus was one of the poorest in NFKFs history, and the occurence of Lesser White-fronted Geese Anser erythropus at the traditional feeding and roosting site Valdakmyra, Porsanger (FI) continued to be very low. White-fronted Geese Anser albifrons was seen in good numbers. Mandarin Ducks Aix galericulata occurredin record high numbers. Gadwalls Anas strepera have occurred in steadily increasing numbers in Norway in recent years, and 2004 was the second best year to date for this species. Quails Coturnix coturnix occurred in good numbers for the third year in succession. Yellowbilled Divers Gavia adamsii experienced the second best year since 1991. Leach’s Storm Petrel Oceanodroma leucorhoa was seen in record high numbers in Rogaland in September. Many Common Kestrels Falco tinnunculus were seen during the winter months. The Eurasian Hobby Falco subbuteo is a raptor that has occurred in high numbers in recent years, and 2004 was the second best year ever. The occurrence of Avocets Recurvirostra avosetta was the best ever in NFKFs history. Several shorebirds, such as European Golden Plovers Pluvialis apricaria, Northern Lapwings Vanellus vanellus, Great Knots Calidris canutus, SanderlingsCalidris alba and Woodcocks Scolopax rusticola wintered in low numbers. The number of migrating Broad-billed Sandpipers Limicola falcinellus was the second best in NFKFs history. Migrating Pomarine Skuas Stercorarius pomarinus and Long-tailed Skuas Stercorarius longicaudus were seen in good numbers, and the occurrence of Little Gulls Larus minutus was the second best in NFKFs history. Compared to the last three years, Glaucous Gulls Larus hyperboreus occurred in considerable lower numbers in 2004. Also the occurrence of Snowy Owls Bubo scandiaca and Great Grey Owls Strix nebulosa were very poor. The negative trend related to migrating Horned Larks Eremophila alpestris continued in 2004, and the last five years represent the five poorest years for this species. The occurrence of Red-throated Pipits Anthus cervinus was one of the poorest in NFKFs history, while Yellow Wagtails Motacilla flava flavissima and Pied Wagtails Motacilla alba yarrellii occurredin near record numbers. Many breeding attempts of Waxwings Bombycilla garrulus were recorded, especially in Nordland county. Stonechats Saxicola torquata occurred in record high numbers, and nine confirmed breeding pairs were recorded. The number of singing Common Grasshopper Warblers Locustella naevia was the highest ever recorded, and the number of Marsh Warblers Acrocephalus palustris and Redbreasted Flycatchers Ficedula parva continued to be high. Many breeding attempts of Red-backed Shrikes Lanius collurio were recorded in Rogaland county, and Great Grey Shrikes Lanius excubitor had another good year throughout the country. The Eurasian Tree Sparrow Passer montanus still show a marked increase in the north of its distribution range, especially in Nord- Trøndelag county. In November, the southernmost parts of Norway experienced a major influx of Pine Grosbeaks Pinicola enucleator producing record numbers in the history of NFKF. In October, Norway also had a major influx of Bullfinches Pyrrhula pyrrhula. These Bullfinches probably came from other parts of Europe than Fennoscandia. The Ortolan Bunting Emberiza hortulana continued to occur in low numbers and the Rustic Bunting Emberiza rustica experienced the poorest year in NFKFs history. The occurrence of Little Buntings Emberiza pusilla was very good.

Fugler i Norge 2001 – Rapport fra Norsk faunakomité for fugl (NFKF)

THE NORWEGIAN BIRD REPORT 2001 - a report on locally uncommon and scarce birds in Norway in 2001, by the Norwegian Birds Records Committee (NFKF) The basis of this report is the annual reports produced by the county rarities committees. For 2001 all the counties contributed to the report, although the Svalbard archipelago and Jan Mayen as well as Finnmark, Troms and Sogn & Fjordane countiesdid not produce own county reports. With the exception of the northernmost counties the report thus reflects fairly well observations from Norway in 2001. Readers should take care to note the geographical or time delimitation of the records stated for the different species, as stated in codes immediately after the scientific name of the species. The Norwegian Birds Records Committee (NFKF) has been publishing annual reports since 1991. Bewick’s Swan Cygnus columbianus numbers were the lowest since 1991, and also the occurrence of Lesser White-fronted Geese Anser erythropus at the traditional feeding and roosting site Valdakmyra, Porsanger (FI) were particularly scarce this spring (lowest since 1993). However, this could partly be explained by early arrival at the breeding sites due to unusually early snow melting. Gadwalls Anas strepera have occurred in steadily increasing numbers in Norway in recent years, and 2001 was the best year to date for this species. The number of White-billed Divers Gavia adamsii was the highest reported since 1991. This species is probably a common winter guest from Nord-Trøndelag county and northwards. Manx Shearwaters Puffinus puffinus were also recorded in good numbers in 2001, the third best year since 1991. There was a further increase in numbers at the recently established colonies of Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo of the subspecies sinensis at Øra (ØF), where the first confirmed breeding was in 1997. White-tailed Eagles Haliaeetus albicilla have steadily increased in numbers and also expanded their breeding distribution southwards. Breeding is now documented in both Rogaland and Vest-Agder counties and a further expansion is expected. The Osprey Pandion haliaetus is another species that is steadily expanding its range in Norway. Avocets Recurvirostra avosetta, however, is now very unusual, with only one individual in 2001, a record low number. Several shorebirds, such as Northern Lapwings Vanellus vanellus, Great Knots Calidris canutus, Sanderlings Calidris alba, Jack Snipes Lymnocryptes minimus, Woodcocks Scolopax rusticola and Bar-tailed Godwits Limosa lapponica wintered in higher numbers than usual in 2001, probably due to winter temperatures above normal. Pomarine Skuas Stercorarius pomarinus occurred in record numbers in 2001, and also Long-tailed Skuas Stercorarius longicaudus were recorded in good numbers on migration. Furthermore, numbers of Iceland Gulls Larus glaucoides recorded were the highest since 1991, while Turtle Doves Streptopelia turtur experienced another poor year. Good numbers of Snowy Owls Bubo scandiaca were still present in 2001 after the record setting year of 2000. Kingfishers Alcedo atthis also had a good year with one breeding attempt recorded. The number of Hoopoes Upupa epops was the second best since 1991. The occurrences of Richard’s Pipits Anthus richardi, Barred Warblers Sylvia nisoria and Marsh Warblers Acrocephalus palustris were the highest ever recorded, and Red-throated Pipits Anthus cervinus showed another good year, equalling the record numbers of 2000. Blackcaps Sylvia atricapilla wintered in record numbers. Stonechats Saxicola torquata, Red-breasted Flycatchers Ficedula parva, Great Grey Shrikes Lanius excubitor and Arctic Redpolls Carduelis hornemanni all experienced second best numbers since 1991. However, traditional winter invasion species such as Pine Grosbeaks Pinicola enucleator and Two-barred Crossbills Loxia leucoptera appeared in low numbers in 2001. The Hawfinch Coccothraustes coccothraustes still shows a marked increase in the north of its distribution, especially in the Trøndelag counties, while the situation is not as bright for Ortolan Buntings Emberiza hortulana, which continues to decline in numbers and now are in danger of becoming lost as a member of the Norwegian avifauna.

Seed‐crop size and eruptions of North American boreal seed‐eating birds

Summary Eruptions occur when a species appears in unusually high densities within and often outside of its normal range. We used 30 years of Christmas Bird Counts combined with cone/seed‐crop data on boreal coniferous trees, breeding bird surveys, and weather records to test correlates of winter eruptions by 11 species of primarily boreal North American seed‐eating birds. Eruptions of six species in eastern (red‐breasted nuthatch Sitta canadensis L., black‐capped chickadee Parus atricapillus L., evening grosbeak Hesperiphona vespertina Cooper, pine grosbeak Pinicola enucleator L., red crossbill Loxia curvirostra L. and bohemian waxwing Bombycilla garrulus L.) and five species in western North America (pine grosbeak, pine siskin Carduelis pinus Wilson, evening grosbeak, bohemian waxwing and red‐breasted nuthatch) correlated with a combination of large coniferous seed crops in the previous year followed by a poor crop. Breeding population size in the year of the eruption was also correlated positively with the event in two of the species. Eruptions in these species apparently occur when large boreal seed crops resulting in high population densities (via high overwinter survivorship and/or high reproductive success) are confronted with a relatively poor seed crop the next autumn. Eruptions of common redpolls Carduelis flammea L. and black‐capped chickadees in the west followed only large seed crops the previous year, suggesting that high density is a more important factor leading to eruptions than seed crop failure. The opposite was true for white‐winged crossbills (Loxia leucoptera Gmelin) in the east, where eruptions correlated only with poor current year seed crops. This was the only species supporting the ‘seed‐crop failure’ hypothesis as the sole cause of eruptions. Purple finches Carpodacus purpureus Gmelin erupted following years when breeding population densities were high for reasons apparently unrelated to the seed crop. Eruptions of three species in both regions were uncorrelated with any of the variables tested. We conclude that seed crops of boreal trees play a pivotal role in causing eruptions for a majority of boreal species, usually through a combination of a large seed crop resulting in high population densities followed by a poor seed crop rather than seed‐crop failure alone. Weather conditions were not a significant factor correlating with eruptions in any of the species.

Phylogeography of crossbills, bullfinches, grosbeaks, and rosefinches.

Mitochondrial cytochrome b (cyt b) from 24 Carduelini species including crossbills, bullfinches, grosbeaks, rosefinches, and other related, but not conclusively classified species, was sequenced. These sequences were also compared with all the available sequences from the genera Carduelis, Serinus, and Passer. Phylogenetic analyses consistently gave the same groups of finches and the calculated divergence times suggest that speciation of the studied species occurred between 14 and 3 million years ago (Miocene-Pliocene), appearing before the Passer, Carduelis, and Serinus genera. Pleistocene glaciations may have been important in sub-speciation. Crossbills are integrated within the genus Carduelis, and within redpolls; the common crossbill shows subspeciation with Loxia japonica in the Pleistocene epoch. Pinicola enucleator groups together with bullfinches and is probably the ancestor of the group. Hawfinch is only distantly related to the studied groups, and might either represent an isolated genus or be related to the New World genus Hesperiphona. The grosbeak genera Eophona and Mycerobas are clearly sister groups, and species belonging to the former might have given rise to Mycerobas species. The isolated (in classification) Uragus sibiricus and Haematospiza sipahi are included within the genus Carpodacus (rosefinches); Carpodacus nipalensis is outside the genus Carpodacus in the molecular analyses and might be an isolated species or related to the genus Montifringilla.