Columba Guinea Research Articles

Assembly and annotation of 2 high-quality columbid reference genomes from sequencing of a Columba livia × Columba guinea F1 hybrid.

Pigeons and doves (family Columbidae) are one of the most diverse extant avian lineages, and many species have served as key models for evolutionary genomics, developmental biology, physiology, and behavioral studies. Building genomic resources for columbids is essential to further many of these studies. Here, we present high-quality genome assemblies and annotations for 2 columbid species, Columba livia and Columba guinea. We simultaneously assembled C. livia and C. guinea genomes from long-read sequencing of a single F1 hybrid individual. The new C. livia genome assembly (Cliv_3) shows improved completeness and contiguity relative to Cliv_2.1, with an annotation incorporating long-read IsoSeq data for more accurate gene models. Intensive selective breeding of C. livia has given rise to hundreds of breeds with diverse morphological and behavioral characteristics, and Cliv_3 offers improved tools for mapping the genomic architecture of interesting traits. The C. guinea genome assembly is the first for this species and is a new resource for avian comparative genomics. Together, these assemblies and annotations provide improved resources for functional studies of columbids and avian comparative genomics in general.

Provisional atlas of breeding birds of Walvis Bay in the coastal Namib Desert


 
 
 In austral summer 2016/17, a provisional bird atlas project was conducted in the town of Walvis Bay (~260 ha), Namibia. In total, 18 breeding bird species were recorded. Four eudominant species (Cape Sparrow, Rock Dove, Laughing Dove, and Common Waxbill) comprised together 65.2% of all breeding birds. Three dominant species – House Sparrow, Southern Masked Weaver, and Speckled Pigeon – comprised additional 23.0%. The community dominance index (DI) was = 0.40, Shannon’s Diversity Index H’ = 2.21, Simpson’s Diversity Index D = 0.87, and Pielou’s Evenness Index J’ = 0.76. By far the most numerous feeding guild were granivores (88.0% of all birds recorded) followed by insectivores (6.0%) and frugivores (5.3%). Tree and/or shrub nesting birds comprised 59.5%, while birds nesting in/on buildings the remaining 40.5%. There were neither ground-nesting nor holenesting birds. Structure-wise, the avian community in the town resembles avian communities in other parts of the world (strong dominance of granivores, such as sparrows and doves). In austral summer 2018/19, a total of 25 marine species were recorded in the lagoon, of which nine (36%) were Palearctic migrant and 16 (64%) African residents. In terms of the number of individuals, Palearctic migrants constituted 17% and African residents 83%. More than half of all marine birds were Greater Flamingos, while the most numerous Palearctic species was the Curlew Sandpiper.
 
 

Predictors of West African urban bird species richness and composition

AbstractUrbanisation and its associated habitat loss and fragmentation are considered a major threat to wildlife. In this study, we assessed the predictors of bird species abundance, richness and composition within 70 cells of 500 m by 500 m spread across the five urban areas constituting Ibadan metropolis. A total of 4167 individuals of 55 species belonging to 30 families were recorded. We report that Laughing dove Streptopelia senegalensis, Speckled pigeon Columba guinea and Yellow‐billed kite Milvus aegyptius contributed to a greater proportion of bird abundance across sites and Columbidae was the most abundant bird family. Bird species richness increased significantly with tree abundance but decreased significantly with the number of pedestrians. Similarly, foraging guild richness declined significantly with the number of pedestrians. Granivores and scavengers constituted the most abundant foraging guilds. Areas with high pedestrians' traffic were associated with fewer trees and were dominated by fewer numbers of species belonging to a few foraging guilds. This is likely because such areas offer limited foraging opportunities or cover from potential predators. We conclude that improving urban landscape characteristics through revegetation, establishment of green spaces and buffering from human disturbance will improve the composition and richness of avian species in the Ibadan metropolis.

Serological evidence of Newcastle disease virus antibodies in wild birds in Zaria, Kaduna State, Nigeria.

Wild birds have been reported to be reservoirs of viral diseases of poultry, and play an epidemiological role in their maintenance and spread. A serological survey was undertaken to determine the evidence of Newcastle disease virus (NDV) antibodies in wild birds in Zaria Kaduna State, Nigeria. A total of 150 apparently healthy wild birds comprising 30 each laughing dove, speckled pigeons, cattle egrets, village weavers and African silver bills were sampled. Sera collected were analysed for the presence of antibodies against NDV and avian paramyxovirus‑2 (APMV‑2) using the haemagglutination inhibition test. The results showed an overall seroprevalence of 4% (95% CI: 2.05‑10.1) to NDV. African silver bill showed a seroprevalence of 10.0% (95% CI: 2.61‑24.9) NDV antibodies while seroprevalence of 3.3% (95% CI: 0.16‑15.4) was recorded for cattle egrets, village weavers and laughing doves respectively. No statistically significant difference existed for NDV seroprevalence (P>0.05) among the different species of wild birds. All the 150 sera tested negative for APMV‑2 antibodies. The result of this study confirmed the exposure of wild birds to NDV in the study area. Continuous surveillance with isolation and characterization of NDV in the wild birds is therefore recommended for strategic planning for control.

Detection of antibodies to H5 and H9 subtypes of influenza viruses in wild birds in Zaria, Nigeria

Avian influenza has impacted negatively on poultry production in Nigeria. The aim of this study was to determine the status of avian influenza virus (AIV) antibodies in wild birds to provide early warning of an outbreak. One hundred and forty-six sera from five different species of wild birds were tested for antibodies to avian influenza A viruses (H5 and H9) using enzyme linked immunosorbent assay and haemagglutination inhibition (HI) tests. An overall seroprevalence of 3.4% (5/146) was recorded in the study area. Seroprevalence of 6.67% (2/30) was recorded in speckled pigeons (Columba guinea) and Village weavers (Ploceus cucullatus) respectively and 3.33% (1/30) in Cattle egrets (Bubulcus ibis). No antibodies were detected in laughing doves (Spilolepia senegalensis) and African silver bill (Euodice cantans). The serological detection of AIV subtypes H5 and H9 by HI showed the exposure of these birds to the two subtypes. The result from this study indicates evidence of the presence of H5 and H9 AI viruses in wild birds in Zaria, Kaduna State. Therefore, comprehensive surveillance of influenza A involving wild birds’ population and H5 as well as H9 subtype is recommended. This is necessary in order to know the actual status of these strains in the poultry population in Nigeria in view of their zoonotic and economic importance.

Serological and Molecular Detection of Avian Influenza Virus ‎Hemagglutinin (H5) in Wild Birds in and around Zaria, Nigeria

Avian influenza (AI) has a worldwide distribution and affects domestic and wild birds, thus causing great economic losses to the poultry industry. This study was carried out to detect avian influenza virus H5 antibodies and nucleic acidin some wild birds [Laughing doves (Spilolepia senegalensis), Speckled pigeons (Columba guinea), Cattle egrets (Bubulcus ibis), Senegalese parrots (Poicephalussenegalus), Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) and Geese (Anseranserini)] in Zaria and its environs, Kaduna State Nigeria. Sera were tested for avian influenza virus (AIV) H5 antibody using competitive enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (cELISA). Pooled oropharyngeal and cloacal swabs of each bird species (8-10 samples) were tested for AIV nucleic acidusing one-stepreverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). Results revealed overall prevalence of 6.62% and 3.85% for AIV antibody and nucleic acid respectively. Based on species, AIV antibody was detected in laughing dove (10%), speckled pigeon (13.64%) and mallard (19.05%).Also, AIV antigen was detected in Senegalese parrot (20%).In conclusion, AIV antibody and antigen were detected in wild birds in Zaria, Nigeria. Thus, these species of birds could play significant roles in the spread of this virus to chickens. Therefore, measures to limit the interactions of these wild birds with chickens should be implemented to minimize the spread of AI.

NUTRITIONAL CHARACTERIZATION OF COLUMBA LIVIA DOMESTICA (DOMESTIC PIGEON) AND COLUMBA GUINEA (SPECKLED PIGEON) MUSCLE TISSUE MEAL AS POTENTIAL ANIMAL PROTEIN INGREDIENT IN AQUACULTURE

The study was conducted to examine the Nutritional characterization of columba livia domestica (domestic pigeon) and columba guinea (speckled pigeon) muscle tissue meal as potential animal protein ingredient in aquaculture. The proximate composition, some mineral contents and amino acids profile were determined in Columba liviadomestica (domestic pigeon) and Columba guinea (speckled pigeon) found in Zaria, Kaduna State. The result showed significant difference in the whole weight between speckled pigeon (282.42 ±4.54) and domestic pigeon (272.66 ±8.71), gutted weight two avian species showed no significant difference (P> 0.05), domestic pigeon (201.50±4.10) had a higher gutted weight than speckled pigeon (180.68±6.34). There was significant difference in crude protein (66.70±0.70) content compared to speckled pigeon crude protein (62.18±0.32) contents. The ash content (4.51±0.14), crude fibre (0.82±0.17) and nitrogen free extract (9.82.±0.18) of speckled pigeon was lower than that of domestic pigeon with ash content (4.78±0.22), crude fibre (1.11±0.06) and nitrogen free extract (10.47±0.32). The study further disclosed significant difference in Mg, Na and K composition between the two columbid species; however; amino acid of both species did not differ significantly (P>0.05). In conclusion, speckled and domestic pigeon muscle tissues were rich in crude protein, mineral and amino acids and, therefore, recommended for use as a valuable inclusive component as animal protein sources in aquaculture feed industries.

Research Note: Detection of infectious bursal disease virus antibodies in free-living wild birds in Zaria, Nigeria

Infectious bursal disease virus (IBDV) is an immunosuppressive pathogen of poultry causing great economic losses to the poultry industry. In this study, the IBDV antibodies were detected in captured free-living wild birds in Zaria, Nigeria. One hundred and fifty free-living wild birds, comprising 30 birds each of 5 different species, were sampled over a period of 9 months. Blood samples were collected from each bird, and harvested sera were tested for IBDV antibodies using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results indicated IBDV seroprevalences in speckled pigeon (6.67%) and cattle egret (3.33%). In conclusion, the detection of IBDV antibodies in free-living wild birds in this study is indicative of previous natural exposure of these birds to the virus. These species of wild birds could therefore serve as carriers of these viruses and, consequently, transmit these viruses to chickens.

Introgression of regulatory alleles and a missense coding mutation drive plumage pattern diversity in the rock pigeon.

Birds and other vertebrates display stunning variation in pigmentation patterning, yet the genes controlling this diversity remain largely unknown. Rock pigeons (Columba livia) are fundamentally one of four color pattern phenotypes, in decreasing order of melanism: T-check, checker, bar (ancestral), or barless. Using whole-genome scans, we identified NDP as a candidate gene for this variation. Allele-specific expression differences in NDP indicate cis-regulatory divergence between ancestral and melanistic alleles. Sequence comparisons suggest that derived alleles originated in the speckled pigeon (Columba guinea), providing a striking example of introgression. In contrast, barless rock pigeons have an increased incidence of vision defects and, like human families with hereditary blindness, carry start-codon mutations in NDP. In summary, we find that both coding and regulatory variation in the same gene drives wing pattern diversity, and post-domestication introgression supplied potentially advantageous melanistic alleles to feral populations of this ubiquitous urban bird.

Serum biochemical values of some species of apparently healthy free-living wild birds in Zaria, Nigeria

The research was carried out to establish baseline serum biochemical parameters for some species of apparently healthy free-living wild birds in Zaria, Nigeria. A total of 133 free-living wild birds, belonging to seven species, comprising 20 each of Poicephalus senegalus (Senegal Parrot), Psittacula krameri (Rose-Ringed Parakeet), Streptopelia senegalensis (Laughing Dove), Treron waalia (Bruce’s Green Pigeon), 19 Columba guinea (Speckled Pigeons), 16 Streptopelia decipiens (Mourning Collar-Doves) and 18 Bubulcus ibis (Cattle Egrets) were used. The Audiocomb serum auto-analyser was used for the analyses. The highest mean glucose (154.70 ± 5.72 mg/dl), creatinine (0.49 ± 0.02 mg/dl) and urea (5.53 ± 0.28 mg/dl) concentrations were obtained from the apparently healthy Mourning Collar Dove, Bruce Green Pigeon and Speckled Pigeon, respectively. Except for mean serum calcium concentration of 2.64 ± 0.05 mg/dl which was highest in the apparently healthy Cattle Egret, the glucose (139.20 ± 4.64 mg/dl), urea (4.24 ± 0.15 mg/dl), total protein (6.65 ± 0.10 g/dl) and albumin (3.77 ± 0.10 g/dl) concentrations were lowest in this species of bird. The mean total protein concentration of 6.93 ± 0.10 g/dl and globulin concentration of 2.97 ± 0.04 g/dl were highest in the apparently healthy Laughing Dove. The apparently healthy Rose-Ringed Parakeet had the highest mean phosphorus concentration of 1.05 ± 0.03 mg/dl and lowest mean globulin fraction of 2.89 ± 0.05 g/dl. The range values for urea (4.40–7.20 mg/dl), calcium (2.53–3.01 mg/dl) and phosphorus (0.87–1.96 mg/dl) were obtained from the Speckled Pigeon, while the Mourning Collar-Dove had range value of 139–202 mg/dl for glucose concentration. In conclusion, there were interspecies variations in biochemical parameters of free-living wild birds in Zaria, Nigeria.

English

Aim: To determine seroprevalence and haematological parameters of some wild and semidomesticated birds naturally infected with avian pox virus (APV). Methods: A total of 160 birds belonging to 12 species were used for the study. Serum samples obtained from these birds were analyzed for antibodies to Avian Pox Virus (APV) using agar gel precipitation test. Natt-Herricks methods and thin blood smear technique were used for the haematological analysis. Results: APV serum antibody positivity was 90%, 100%, 80%, 100%, 70%, 80%, 90%, 70%, 100%, 90%, 80% and 80% for Speckled pigeons, domestic pigeons and Mourning collar dove, Laughing dove, Village weaver, Cut throat fire finch, Cattle egret, Helmeted guinea fowl, Rose-ringed parakeets, African silver billed, Senegal parrots and Red-billed quelea, respectively. The highest PCV of 51.0±4.0%, Hb concentration of 16.7 ± 0.8 g/dl and T.P (5.3 ± 0.2 g/dl) were obtained from Rose-ringed parakeet, African silver billed and Laughing dove respectively. The mean range values for PCV, Hb, MCV, MCH, MCHC and TP of all the birds in this study were between 28.0 ± 2.3 to 51.0 ± 4.0 %, 3.8 ± 0.4 to 16.4 ± 0.8 g/dl and 2.07 ± 2.02 to 5.3 ± 0.2 g/dl respectively. Also, the mean range values for mean corpuscular volume (MCV),mean corpuscular haemoglobin (MCH) and mean corpuscular haemoglobin concentration (MCHC) of all the birds were between 78.9 ± 4.2 to 138.0 ± 22.3 fl, 28.2 ± 2.5 to 49.1 ± 7.9 pg, 78.9 ± 4.2 to 138.0 ± 22.3 fl, 28.2 ± 2.5 to 49.1 ± 7.9 pg and 31. 6 ± 1.19 to 37.7 ± 1.7 g/dl and 31. 6 ± 1.19 to 37.7 ± 1.7 g/dl, respectively. Conclusion: Avian pox virus is present in some wild and semi-domesticated birds in Zaria and could spread to commercial poultry. Key words: Seroprevalence, Haematology, Wild birds.

Breeding behaviour and breeding success of feral pigeons in the Bloemfontein urban area

Breeding activities of feral pigeons (Columba livia) in the Bloemfontein urban area occur throughout the year with a decrease during the late summer months when seasonal rainfall in the region reaches a peak. Nest construction is relatively primitive and is characterised by a loose composition of nesting material on accumulated dry bird droppings. Two eggs represent the most common clutch size and eggs are usually laid within two days of each other. Both parents are involved in the incubation process lasting more than two weeks, during which the eggs undergo a progressive decrease in mass. Recently hatched nestlings are covered in yellow down and are largely helpless. True feathers only start to emerge after the first week, and from the third week individuals can move about unsteadily. Apart from the first number of days after hatching, nestlings of rare single egg clutches constantly maintain a body mass lower than those from an average clutch. The overall success of 247 breeding pairs for this study was 34%. Egg loss is higher than the mortality rate of nestlings, and is mainly affected by climatic factors such as rainfall. Predation appears to be the most important factor influencing nestling mortality. Aggressive interactions between speckled pigeons and rock doves, however, as well as possible intraspecific aggression also play a significant role.

Frugivorous birds visit fruits of emerging alien shrub species more frequently than those of native shrub species in the South African Mediterranean climate region

We compared daily visitation frequency indices by 4 large (>150g), 7 medium-size (50–150g), 5 small (30–50g) and 8 and tiny (<30g) frugivorous bird species on fleshy fruits of two native shrubs (Olea europaea subsp. africana and Chrysanthemoides monilifera subsp. monilifera), two established alien shrubs (Solanum mauritianum and Lantana camara) and two emerging alien shrubs (Myoporum tenuifolium and Pittosporum undulatum) at nine different sites in the Cape Floristic Region. Large, medium-size and tiny birds as groups displayed significantly higher visitation frequency indices on fruits of both emerging alien shrub species than the other shrub species. Small birds as a group displayed insignificantly different visitation frequency indices on fruits of both emerging and established alien shrub species but significantly higher visitation frequency indices on fruits of both emerging and established alien shrub species than on fruits of the native shrub species. However, there were significant differences in foraging frequency indices of the bird species included within each of these body size groups on fruits of the different shrub species. Among the large birds, Columba guinea and among the medium size birds Sturnus vulgaris, Streptopelia senegalensis, Turdus olivaceus and Onychognathus morio all exhibited significantly higher visitation frequency indices on fruits of both emerging alien shrub species than on fruits of the other shrub species. These findings indicate that alien plant control measures should be focused on eradicating localised populations of emerging aliens to limit preferential consumption of their fruits by birds and consequent dispersal of their seeds that germinate readily into natural areas.

Ectoparasites and intestinal helminths of speckled pigeon (&lt;i&gt;Columba guinea&lt;/i&gt; Hartlaub and Finsch 1870) in Zaria, Nigeria.

A total of 30 (20 males and 10 females) Speckled Pigeons trapped from the wild in Zaria and its environs, Nigeria, were examined for ectoparasites and intestinal helminths, to determine the prevalence, intensity and mean intensity of infestation and infection. The plumages of the birds were brushed onto a white sheet of paper placed in a tray for the collection of ectoparasites, while the gastrointestinal tracts of the birds were examined for helminths. Eighteen (60.0%) of the birds were infested by three species of ectoparasites. The ectoparasites comprised of lice: 17 (56.7%) Menopon gallinae Linnaeus 1758, 18 (60.0%) Columbicola columbae Linnaeus 1758 and flies: 9 (30.0%) Pseudolynchia canariensis Macquart 1840. Single, double and triple infestations were found in 1(3.3%), 8(26.7%) and 9(30.0%) respectively, though the difference was not significant (P>0.05). The sex-specific infestation rate was 12(60.0%) in males and 6(60.0%) in females. Seventeen (56.7%) birds were infected by helminths represented by four species of cestodes recovered from the gastrointestinal tract. The cestodes were represented by Raillietina tetragona Molin, 1858 1(3.3%), Raillietina cesticillus Molin, 1858 8(26.7%), Amoebotaenia cuneata Linstow, 1872 4(13.3%) and Hymenolepis carioca Magalhaes, 1898 4(13.3%). Single infection was the only infection type observed. The sex-specific rate of infection was 11(55.0%) in males and 6(60.0%) in females. This study portrays the Speckled Pigeons as a probable definitive host of some ectoparasites and helminths.

Efficacy of Apron Star in the Control of Pests of Maize in the Northern Guinea Savanna of Nigeria

Apron Star (trimethioxam 20% metalaxyl 34%, difenonazole 2%) (AS) at various rates was evaluated along with Apron Plus (metalaxyl 10%, carboxin 6.0%, furathiocarb 34%), a conventional seed dressing chemical. Major seedling pests observed were the bird species: Columba guinea, Streptopelia decipiens and S. senegalensis and a millipede, Peridontopyge spinosissima. The two chemicals were lethal to millipedes and were antifeedant to birds. Treated seeds had significantly (P &lt; 0.05) greater seedling emergence, more vigorous plant growth, higher numbers of harvestable maize cobs and higher grain yields than the untreated control. Apron Star at 3.5g a.i/kg maize seed was found to be as effective as Apron Plus (AP) at 109 a.i/kg maize seed with respect to pest control level and other parameters.

Refractoriness to &lt;i&gt;Leishmania donovani&lt;/i&gt; and &lt;i&gt;L. major&lt;/i&gt; in experimentally infected domestic and wild birds

In the first of a series of experiments, a wild rock pigeon (Columba guinea), a wild guinea fowl (Numidia meleagris), a domestic chicken (Gallus gallus) and a domestic feral pigeon (Columbia livia) were subcutaneously challenged each with 1´107 culture-derived stationary phase Leishmania major (NLB-144) promastigotes. No parasites were recovered from any of the birds during a weekly sampling over a period of eleven weeks from both smears and cultures and neither was a lesion or nodule suggestive of a cutaneous infection observed. All the birds except the guinea fowl were sacrificed at twelve weeks post L. major-infection and cultures and smears prepared from the liver, heart, bone marrow and blood were negative for parasites. In a second series of experiments, uninfected birds that included a rock pigeon, a chicken, and a feral pigeon together with the guinea fowl previously infected with L. major were challenged subcutaneously with an inoculum dose of 1´108 culture derived L. donovani promastigotes. At fours weeks post challenge, the animals were sacrificed and touch smears and cultures prepared from the liver, heart, bone marrow and blood were negative for parasites. Serum from all the experimental groups when assayed for Leishmania specific antibodies using the Direct Agglutation Assay showed evidence of humoral response to infection. However, as it is not possible to experimentally infect these birds with even high doses of either L. major or L. donovani parasites, it is logical to conclude that domestic and wild birds may not be reservoirs of Leishmania infection. Zimbabwe Vet. J. Vol.33(2) 2002: 73-78

The feeding behaviour of pigeons and doves on sown grain crops on the South African Highveld

Feeding behaviour of pigeons and doves on sown grain crops was studied on the South African Highveld during 1998-2002. Plots of grains (sunflower, sorghum and maize) were planted on the farm Nooitgedacht near Heidelberg (South Africa) to study the feeding and movement of columbids in these fields. More general studies were also conducted across the Highveld region to determine overall crop damage. Results show that Laughing Streptopelia senegalensis and Red-eyed Doves S. semitorquata as well as Rock Pigeons Columba guinea take seed directly from sunflower and sorghum plants. This is a first formal recording of this behaviour for Laughing and Red-eyed Doves in South Africa. Columbid populations have changed their movements and feeding methods in recent times to exploit available grain during the first half of the year. Unlike in Zimbabwe and Kenya, Cape Turtle Doves S. capicola were seldom seen feeding on grain seeds in sown lands on the Highveld. Rock Pigeons and Red-eyed Doves prefer soft sunflower seeds (about 31% moist content) relatively early in the season whereas Laughing Doves also consume very dry seeds (about 7% moist content) later in the season. Columbids are capable of inflicting crop damage on the Highveld; however, to get a more reliable indication of the national crop damage more site-specific surveys will be needed. Rock Pigeons are capable of removing the tubular florets from the sunflower heads in order to get access to the soft seeds. However, since these pigeons only remain for 2-3 weeks, they are probably not responsible for the bulk of the crop damage that sunflower incurs in South Africa. Granivorous paserienes and rodents are co-responsible for crop damage in South Africa.

The immature stages of Katacamilla cavernicola Papp, the first described for the Camillidae (Diptera: Schizophora), with comparison to other known Ephydroidea larvae, and notes on biology

Katacamilla cavernicola Papp, collected from caves at four localities in northern and central Namibia, is here shown to exhibit both parietal and troglophilic habitat preferences, and the larval stage is trophically guanobious. Katacamilla cavernicola was reared in the laboratory from the guano of the rock pigeon Columba guinea L. (parietal), and of the common slit-faced bat Nycteris thebaica Geoffrey (troglophilic) and larvae and puparia were obtained. The duration of the larval stage of K. cavernicola was found to be 7 days and the pupal stage 6-7 days, eggs remaining dormant within guano, and larval development being apparently triggered by periodic moistening, either by urine, or other liquids. Descriptions of the third instar larva and puparium are presented and are illustrated with line drawings and stereoscan micrographs. These descriptions of the immature stages are the first known for the Camillidae. Larval features are compared to the three closely related families in the Ephydroidea, for which the immature stages are known: Drosophilidae, Curtonotidae and Ephydridae. The larval morphology of Katacamilla is found to be generally close to the putative groundplan for the Ephydroidea. However, the basal sclerite has very large open windows with the ventral arm of the dorsal cornu being very long and needle-like. The thoracic segments are very long and slender and unusually well-separated from one another, and the abdominal segments and the prothoracic Keilin organs are very close together, a trait that is within the Ephydroidea currently only known in the Ephydridae.

Bird strike incidence at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport

The time and rate of bird strike incidences, species composition and number of birds involved in strikes, and the behaviour of birds were recorded at Bole International Airport from December 1994 to December 1995. The gut contents of the birds struck by aircraft were analyzed. A total of 33 bird strikes were recorded during the study period. Fifteen species of birds were involved in the strikes. Pigeons (Speckled pigeons, White-collard pigeons and Red eyed doves together), Black kites and Eurasian bee-eaters were responsible for 33, 24 and 18% of all the strikes recorded, respectively. Most bird strikes took place between September and October while the number of bird strikes between May and June were the least. Most of the bird strikes occurred in the early mornings when most flights leave or arrive. In 69% of the gut analysis carried out, the stomachs or crops were found empty mainly because strikes occurred in early mornings before the birds had fed. The bird strike prevention measures suggested include biological and physical methods. SINET: Ethiopian Journal of Science Vol. 23, No. 2 (December 2000), pp. 215-229 Key words/phrases: Airport, behaviour, bird strike, Bole

Primary moult, mass and movements of the Rock Pigeon Columba guinea in the Western Cape, South Africa

Underhill, L.G. & Underhill, G.D. 1997. Primary moult, mass and movements of the Rock Pigeon Columba guinea in the Western Cape, South Africa. Ostrich 68 (24): 86–89. Rock Pigeons Columba guinea in the Western Cape, South Africa, take an estimated 7.2 months to complete primary moult. The mean starting and completion dates are 26 December and 2 August, with 95% of birds starting and completing within two months of these dates. The overall mean mass was 344 g, but birds were heaviest in winter (356 g) and lightest in spring and summer (334 g). Twenty-four of 48 recoveries of Rock Pigeons ringed in the Western Cape were more than 2 km from the ringing site. These recoveries demonstrate movements of Rock Pigeons between the mountains of the Cape Peninsula and the wheat-growing areas to the northeast.