Streptopelia Senegalensis Research Articles

Rainy season dietary ecology of avian species in semi-refuge habitats in Kano, Nigeria

Birds are important natural field components, and critical to most ecosystems by supporting seeds dispersal, plant pollination and pest control amongst other functions. Data on avian diversity and feeding behavior could be used to enhance habitats and help initiate conservation strategies. Thus, to characterize the diet of local avian fauna, we selected four semi-refuge sites around Kano metropolis, where we established 22 line transects, each 900m long, spaced 150m apart. During May to October, 2017 each site was visited once a month, adding up to 132 transect-visits. Daily surveillance starts between the local hours of 6:30am to 10:30am. We also transect-surveyed tree vegetation for evaluation of the avian habitats. We recorded a total of 22 bird species belonging to 15 families, with ploceidae as the dominant, and the Laughing dove, Streptopelia senegalensis (Family: Columbidae), being the most dominant species. Over 40% of the bird species fed on insects, other arthropods and earthworms; followed in proportion by seed eaters; while only 3.7% were nectar feeders. Goodness of fit test on observed versus expected dietary item frequencies was significant (Chi-Sq=31.49; P=0.000), indicating field cafeteria habits were not random, but selective or, probably even evolutionary. The manner of food search varied amongst the species, with the Yellow-billed oxpecker, Buphagus africanus and Cattle egret, Egretta alba, expending the most continuous foraging time of 30 to 60 minutes. However, some species, e.g., Senegal coucal, Centropus senegalensis, mainly adopted the pick-and-move strategy. The Shanon- Wiener indices of diversity, H, by site, for birds was fair to moderate (1.24 to 2.53) and paralleled those for the trees. In the light of dearth of avian ecological data from the Kano region, we invite motivated ornithologists, bird enthusiasts and public agencies for research into avian movement patterns, and conservation measures that, we believe, must include habitat protection.

Avian assemblages in lowland and foothill agro-ecosystem in Lesotho

During the years 1996-2001, the line transect method has been employed to assess the species composition, dominance structure and relative abundance of birds resident in traditional farmlands, in the lowlands (10 transects with the total length of 43.9 km) and foothills (10 transects with the total length of transects 46.5 km) of Lesotho, southern Africa. This has been done to show the role of this farming in biodiversity conservation. A total of 76 resident species have been recorded in farmlands of Lesotho, 62 species in the lowlands and 53 species in the foothills. In the lowland farmlands the dominant group was composed of 6 species, namely the Prinia, Cape Bunting, Cinnamon-breasted Bunting, Cape Canary, Neddicky and Common Quail (35.8 %); in the foothills the group was composed 5 species: Karoo Prinia, Cape-turtle Dove, Laughing Dove, Cape Bunting and Cape Canary (35.9 %). Eighteen species bred in significantly different densities in lowlands and foothills. While insectivorous birds were more numerous in the lowland than foothill, the reverse was true with granivorous birds. Those two guilds comprised together 78% and 83% in the lowland and foothill respectively. The proportion of species in each guild was similar. In the lowland farmland the following eight species were more common that in the foothill farmlands, while in foothill farmland 10 species were more numerous than in lowland farmland. Species diversity and evenness were strikingly high and similar in lowlands and foothills, although Sorensen Similarity Index between these two areas was low (I = 0.44). Both species diversity and structure of dominance in avian communities in Lesotho farmlands indicate that the traditional farming play a positive role in biodiversity conservation.

New records of chewing lice (Phthiraptera: Amblycera, Ischnocera) from Egyptian pigeons and doves (Columbiformes), with description of one new species

Little information is available about the chewing lice of wild birds of Egypt, including common groups such as pigeons and doves (Columbiformes). Through this work, parasitic chewing lice of common columbiformes of Egypt were revised including new data. Three species of pigeons and doves (Streptopelia decaocto Frivaldszky 1838, Spilopelia senegalensis Linnaeus 1766 and Columba livia Gmelin 1789) were examined for chewing lice at three different localities. A total of 124 specimens of lice were collected. Nine species were identified from these samples; one species (Columbicola joudiae n. sp.) was considered a new species to science, six species were recorded from Egypt for the first time, and two species have been identified in Egypt before. Taxonomic and ecological remarks for all identified chewing lice samples are provided along with known and local hosts, measurements and material examined. Description and images of the new species are also provided.

Comparative anatomical studies on the glandular stomach of the rock pigeon (Columba livia targia) and the Egyptian laughing dove (Streptopelia senegalensis aegyptiaca).

The rock pigeon (RP) and the laughing dove (LD) are common and widely distributed species in African countries, including Egypt. The present work was carried out to characterize the comparative features of the glandular stomach (proventriculus) in these two birds, which share diets and habitats. In both species, the proventriculus is an elongated spindle obliquely situated in the cranial two-thirds of the body cavity. The length and weight of the proventriculus in the RP were about one and half times greater than that of the LD. Histologically, the proventricular wall generally consisted of the mucosa (thickest), submucosa, muscular and serosa layers. The proventricular glands occupied most of the wall of the proventriculus within the lamina propria of the mucosa. The glands are tubuloalveolar in type, consist of variable shaped lobules and are more condensed in LD than in RP. At the proventricular-gizzard junction (PGJ), the proventricular glands were observed external to the tubular glands of the gizzard in the RP, whereas in LD, these glands end abruptly and are separated from the tubular glands of the gizzard by a short distance. A scanning electron microscopy (SEM) of the proventricular lumen in RP revealed that the openings of the proventricular glands have an irregular outline surrounded by concentrically arranged mucosal folds that resemble a rosette shape. In the LD, these openings have a regular outline surrounded by thinner, widely spaced mucosal folds. To our knowledge, these results identified the structure of the proventriculus in RP and LD for the first time.

Morphological Studies of the Oral Roof of the Egyptian Laughing Dove (Streptopelia senegalensis aegyptiaca) and Japanese Quail (Coturnix coturnix japonicum)

This study aimed to determine the morphological characteristics of the palate, choanal slit of two birds of different families; Japanese Quail (JQ) for family Phasianidae and Laughing Dove (LD) for family Columbidae by gross anatomy, scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy. The organs of 16 birds (eight laughing doves and eight Japanese quails) were used. The length of the oropharyngeal roof was nearly equal in both birds; it was divided into oral and pharyngeal roofs. The oral roof (palate) was narrow elongated triangular shaped in LD and wide triangular shaped in JQ, and the oral roof (palate) was longer in LD than that of JQ. The ratio of the oral roof (palate) to the total length of the oro- pharynx was 86.36% in LD and 72.82% in JQ. The choanal slit constituted a nearly same percentage

Morphological Studies of the Oral Roof of the Egyptian Laughing Dove (Streptopelia senegalensis aegyptiaca) and Japanese Quail (Coturnix coturnix japonicum)

This study aimed to determine the morphological characteristics of the palate, choanal slit of two birds of different families; Japanese Quail (JQ) for family Phasianidae and Laughing Dove (LD) for family Columbidae by gross anatomy, scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy. The organs of 16 birds (eight laughing doves and eight Japanese quails) were used. The length of the oropharyngeal roof was nearly equal in both birds; it was divided into oral and pharyngeal roofs. The oral roof (palate) was narrow elongated triangular shaped in LD and wide triangular shaped in JQ, and the oral roof (palate) was longer in LD than that of JQ. The ratio of the oral roof (palate) to the total length of the oro- pharynx was 86.36% in LD and 72.82% in JQ. The choanal slit constituted a nearly same percentage of the length of the palate which was 49-50% while to the total length of the oropharynx was 43.19% in LD and 36.75% in JQ. The line of separation between narrow and wide parts of the choanal slit demarcated by caudolaterally directed papillae and mucosal elevation in LD and by a transverse row of V-shaped papillae in JQ. The edges of the rostral narrow part bear small sized wide-spaced papillae having serrated appearance, while the edges of the wide part were smooth in LD. In JQ 3 transverse rows of papillae and one transverse mucosal fold were presented around the choanal slit. The lamina propria of the palate consisted of dense connective tissue, rich in several types of sensory corpuscles; Merkel's corpuscles were the majority of the sensory corpuscles in LD. Herpst corpuscles with variable sizes and shapes were the majority of sensory corpuscles in JQ. Submucosa of the palate on each side of the choanal slit consisted of 2 groups of palatine salivary glands; medial and lateral groups in JQ and few lobules of the medial salivary glands were observed in LD.

CHARACTERISTIC FEATURES OF THE PHARYNGEAL CAVITY OF THE LAUGHING DOVE (STREPTOPELIA SENEGALENSIS AEGYPTIACA) AND JAPANESE QUAIL (COTURNIX COTURNIX)

The purpose of this study was to investigate comparative morphology and morphometry of the pharyngeal cavity of laughing dove (LD) and Japanese quail (JQ) using seven adults of each bird. The length of the pharyngeal roof in JQ was double that of LD but that of the pharyngeal floor was nearly equal in both birds. The ratio of pharyngeal roof length to the total length of the oropharyngeal roof was 13.64% and 27.18% in LD and JQ respectively while that of the pharyngeal floor length constituted 34% in both birds. The surface of the pharyngeal roof in LD was free from papillae with few openings of the sphenopterygoid salivary glands, however, in JQ numerous openings of these glands were scattered between different sizes conical shaped pharyngeal papillae. The openings of the posterior lingual salivary glands at the root of tongue were numerous in LD but they were few in JQ. The laryngeal mound was triangular shape in LD and like heart on playing card in JQ. Behind to caudal commissure of the glottis, the caudal aspect of the laryngeal mound was characterized by V-shaped row of pyramidal-like papillae in LD. While in JQ these papillae which arranged in 3 transverse rows were conical shaped with pointed apices occupied the area extended from the caudal commissure of glottis to the pharyngoesophageal junction. In LD abundant openings of cricoarytenoid salivary glands were arranged in a longitudinal manner on each side of the caudal third of laryngeal mound but few numbers of them were observed in JQ.

Anatomical investigations of the tongue and laryngeal entrance of the Egyptian laughing dove Spilopelia senegalensis aegyptiaca in Egypt.

In the present work, the first full anatomical description of the tongue and laryngeal entrance of the Egyptian laughing dove Spilopelia senegalensis aegyptiaca, which was obtained with the aid of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and histological techniques, is provided. The lingual apex was rounded and the cranially convex papillary crest exhibited a transverse papillary row, in addition to another row consisting of two giant papillae. Papillae were not observed on the elevated, triangular laryngeal mound except for the glottic opening, which was bounded by two lateral elevated borders that presented a row of small papillae. Two fissures occurred on the laryngeal mound: a rostral fissure at the rostral border of the laryngeal mound, and a caudal fissure that occurred caudally to the glottic opening and continued caudally as the laryngeal fissure. SEM analysis showed filiform papillae on the dorsal surface of the apex and body, and indicated that each giant papilla was long with a pointed apex and exhibited one or two secondary papillae on its surface. The dorsal surface of the lingual root exhibited numerous openings of the lingual salivary glands. The caudal part of the laryngeal mound presented numerous openings of the laryngeal salivary glands. Histologically, the dorsal surface of the anterior and middle lingual part was covered with a thick and stratified squamous epithelium. The anterior and middle lingual part presented entoglossum cartilaginous ossification of the entoglossal bone, which had numerous chondrocytes lodged within the lacunae of the entoglossum. The lingual glands appeared in the middle and caudal lingual part.

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.

Molecular detection of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum in birds from South Africa

There are not any records on the detection of Toxoplasma gondii and Neospora caninum in tissues of wild birds in the African continent. The aim of the study was to investigate the occurrence of DNA from these protozoan parasites in brain tissue samples collected in years 2014–2015 from 110 wild and domestic birds of 15 orders. Birds came mainly from the province of Limpopo (n=103); the other seven birds came from other five provinces of South Africa. Parasite DNAs were detected by PCR in animal brains. While all samples were negative for N. caninum, T. gondii DNA was detected in three (2.7%) birds: a Red-eyed Dove (Streptopelia semitorquata), a Laughing Dove (S. senegalensis) and a Southern-Yellow-billed Hornbill (Tockus leucomelas), all from Limpopo province. Positive samples were selected for genotyping by a 15 microsatellite markers method in a single multiplex PCR assay. Only the sample from the Red-eyed Dove was successfully genotyped and characterized as type II. This is the first detection of T. gondii in tissue of native African wild birds and the first study focusing on N. caninum in birds from South Africa.

Morpho-Functional Adaptations of the Lingual Epithelium of Two Bird Species Which Have Different Feeding Habits

The dorsal epithelium of the free portion of tongue of laughing dove, Streptopelia senegalensis (granivorous) is characterized by presence of well-developed keratinized epithelium with desquamate parakeratinized one which is covering the anterior part of the free portion. Highly keratinized and stratified epithelium is covering the ventral surface of the anterior third of the free portion of the tongue and forming the lingual nail. Laryngeal area is covered dorsally by non-keratinized squamous epithelium. Frenulum is covered by a transitional-like epithelium. Both the dorsal and ventral surfaces of the free portion of the tongue of the common hoopoe, Upupa epops (insectivorous) are covered by thin non-keratinized squamous epithelium except that covered the areas of lingual tubercles, lingual wings and lingual papillae, which are covered by epithelium furnished dorsally by detached keratin. The laryngeal area is covered by non-keratinized squamous epithelium. The frenulum is covered by non-keratinized stratified squamous epithelium. It has been summarized that the differences in the structures of the avian tongue reflecting the differences in the feeding habits. The epithelium covering the tongue of the laughing dove is constructed for high mobility (up-down movement) in comparison with the epithelium of the common hoopoe that depends on its first action of feeding on the movement of the jaws and beak.

Evidence of exposure of laughing doves (Spilopelia senegalensis) to West Nile and Usutu viruses in southern Tunisian oases.

It has previously been suggested that southern Tunisian oases may be suitable areas for the circulation of flaviviruses. In order to anticipate and prevent possible epidemiological spread of flaviviruses in humans and domestic animals, the ecology of their transmission in the oasis system needs to be better understood. Thus, the aim of this study was to assess the seroprevalence of anti-flavivirus antibodies in the laughing dove (Spilopelia senegalensis), an abundant resident bird in Tunisian oases. Anti-flavivirus antibodies were detected in 17% of sampled doves. Ten per cent of the total tested doves were West Nile virus (WNV) seropositive and 4% were Usutu virus (USUV) seropositive, which provides the first evidence of USUV circulation in Tunisian birds. We also found that the occurrence probability of anti-flavivirus antibodies in dove plasma increased with decreasing distance to coast, suggesting that doves inhabiting coastal oases were more exposed to flaviviruses compared with those inhabiting inland oases. We also found significantly higher antibody occurrence probability in adult doves compared with young doves, which underlines the effect of exposure time. Overall, our results suggest that the laughing dove may be used for WNV and USUV surveillance in southern Tunisia. They also stress the need for investigations combining data on birds and mosquitoes to better understand the ecological factors governing the circulation of flaviviruses in this area.

Behavioural and morphological characteristics of white doves in Osmaniye, Turkey identify the population as Laughing Doves (Streptopelia senegalensis)

Observation of an unusual population of white-plumaged doves in Osmaniye suggests that these birds are conspecific with the Laughing Dove (Streptopelia senegalensis, Linnaeus, 1766) population in the town. The white-morph is not found outside the urban area. Aside from colouration, the white doves shared identical morphological characteristics with wild-type brown Laughing Doves. Additionally, the white doves and wild-type Laughing Doves formed mixed flocks and readily paired. Based on the observations of four inter-morph pairings, the white morph appears to be a recessive, single autosomal locus mutation. It appears that the white colouration may have originated from one or more hybridization events between Laughing Doves and feral white Barbary Doves (Streptopelia risoria). This study not only identifies an anomalous population of birds in an urban setting, but highlights the importance of traditional knowledge in understanding biodiversity.

Survey for Newcastle disease viruses in poultry and wild birds in Kogi state, Nigeria

Newcastle disease (ND) outbreak even in the face of vaccination is a common problem in Nigeria. A survey was carried out between June, 2012 to February, 2013 to detect ND viruses in poultry and wild birds in 12 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Kogi state, Nigeria. Oropharyngeal swabs from 710 poultry and cloacal swabs from 100 species in eight families of wild birds were tested using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction with set of primers targeting the ND virus matrix protein with 60.5% swabs being positive. The prevalence of ND viruses was highest in live bird market with 62.5% and lowest in backyard farm with 57.7%, while based on species of birds, Swallow (Hirundo spp.) had the highest prevalence with 83.3% and zero in Laughing dove (Streptopelia senegalensis). The χ2 value of the prevalence of ND viruses in contiguous areas A against contiguous areas B was significant (χ2 =6.59, p≤ 0.01, OR = 4.10 at 95% CI = 1.34 – 12.28). The study revealed the circulation of ND viruses in poultry and wild birds in Kogi state. This is the first report of ND viruses in Hirundo spp and Swift (Apus spp) in Kogi state, Nigeria. There is need for sequencing of the F-protein of the ND viruses circulating in Kogi state to compare with already known strains in Nigeria. Vaccination against ND should be stepped up in backyard poultry and instituted in rural poultry for effective control. Keywords : Backyard poultry, Newcastle disease viruses, RT-PCR, Swallow and Swift, Wild birds

Anatomical And Morphometric Study Of The Trachea, Primary Bronchi And Lung In Laughing Dove ( Streptopelia Senegalensis).

In the current study use ten of the laughing dove (Streptopelia senegalensis) birds from both sexes, the body weight was (102.811±3.599gm). The present study include the morphometric features of the trachea, primary bronchi and lungs. The trachea was appear long flexible tube consist from several number of the cartilage rings closed like (O) shape which refer to the basic unit structure of the trachea. The mean length of the trachea was (6.166±0.176 cm) and this form (66.544 %) from the total length of the respiratory system.The primary bronchi appear as short tubes consist from several number of cartilage rings has (C) shape open from the medial side, connected together by transparent membrane. The length of right and left primary bronchi was ( 5.6 ± 0.4 mm ) ( 6.6 ± 0.2 mm ) and this form (6.043 %) (7.122%) respectively from the total length of the respiratory system. The lungs was pink into light red color, triangular or pyramidal-shaped. Each lung consist from two surfaces costal and visceral surfaces and three borders were lateral, medial and posterior borders. In the costal surface can be seen the lung contain five impressions. The length of the right and left lungs were ( 1.633 ± 0.02 cm ) ( 1.533 ± 0.03 cm ) and this form low percentage from the length of the respiratory system reaches into (17.623 %) and (16.544 %) and the thickness of right and left lungs were (4 ± 0.44 mm) (4.6 ± 0.49 mm), while the weight of the right and left lungs was (0.325 ± 0.032 gm) (0.308 ± 0.018 gm) respectively.

COMPLETE GENOMIC SEQUENCE OF VIRULENT PIGEON PARAMYXOVIRUS IN LAUGHING DOVES (STREPTOPELIA SENEGALENSIS) IN KENYA

Following mass deaths of Laughing Doves (Streptopelia senegalensis) in different localities throughout Kenya, internal organs obtained during necropsy of two moribund birds were sampled and analyzed by next generation sequencing. We isolated the virulent strain of pigeon paramyxovirus type-1 (PPMV-1), PPMV1/Laughing Dove/Kenya/Isiolo/B2/2012, which had a characteristic fusion gene motif (110)GGRRQKRF(117). We obtained a partial full genome of 15,114 nucleotides. The phylogenetic relationship based on the fusion gene and genomic sequence grouped our isolate as class II genotype VI, a group of viruses commonly isolated from wild birds but potentially lethal to Chickens ( Gallus gallus domesticus ). The fusion gene isolate clustered with PPMV-I strains from pigeons (Columbidae) in Nigeria. The complete genome showed a basal and highly divergent lineage to American, European, and Asian strains, indicating a divergent evolutionary pathway. The isolated strain is highly virulent and apparently species-specific to Laughing Doves in Kenya. Risk of transmission of such a strain to poultry is potentially high whereas the cyclic epizootic in doves is a threat to conservation of wild Columbidae in Kenya.

Sexual size dimorphism and morphometric sexing in a North African population of Laughing Doves Spilopelia senegalensis

Like the majority of Columbiformes, the Laughing Dove Spilopelia senegalensis is sexually monomorphic in plumage, but seems to be slightly dimorphic in size. However, due to the lack of studies little is known about the sexual size dimorphism in this species. In this work, we used morphometric data on a sample of 61 Laughing Doves from southern Tunisia, and sexed using a DNA-based method, to assess size differences between males and females and to determine a discriminant function useful for sex identification. The results showed that wing length was the most dimorphic trait, which could be due to the effects of sexual selection. The best function for the discrimination between sexes included wing length and head length, which is comparable with findings on other dove species. This discriminant function accurately classified 89% of birds, providing a rapid and accurate tool for sex identification in the studied population. Further data from different populations are needed for firmer conclusions about the extent of sexual size dimorphism and the reliability of the morphometric sexing approach in this dove species.

Seed dispersal effectiveness: A comparison of four bird species feeding on seeds of invasive Acacia cyclops in South Africa

Seed dispersal effectiveness (SDE) for vertebrates is determined as a product of quantity (numbers of seeds dispersed) and quality (probability that a dispersed seed becomes a new adult plant) components. There is a limited understanding of seed dispersal effectiveness for different avian vectors in South Africa, yet birds are important for long-distance dispersal for native species, and are implicated in the dispersal of many invasive plant species such as Acacia cyclops. Consequently, SDE was investigated in four bird species that are common seed dispersers in South Africa, of which two are frugivorous species (the Knysna turaco Tauraco corythaix and the red-winged starling Onychognathus morio), and two are granivorous species (the red-eyed dove Streptopelia semitorquata and the laughing dove Streptopelia senegalensis). Individuals of these species were caged and fed mature seeds of A. cyclops to determine quality of seed treatment in the gut. SDE was computed as a product of germination rates of gut-passed seeds of A. cyclops (i.e. quality) and the average bird body mass (i.e. proxy for seed load as quantity component) for the four bird species. Results show that frugivorous birds had significantly greater SDE than the granivorous bird species. SDEs for respective bird species also showed notable differences: the Knysna turaco had highest SDE followed by the non-significantly different red-eyed dove and red-winged starling, while the laughing dove had the lowest SDE of all bird species. However, it is likely that the two ubiquitous dove species, and both the colonial and nomadic red-winged starling, might have higher SDEs associated with large home ranges than the Knysna turaco with its more restricted geographic range. The results highlight the previously overlooked importance of doves and the other birds in mediating the invasion of A. cyclops, and the dispersal processes for the seeds of other plants included in their diet.

Analysis of the complete mitogenome of Oriental turtle dove (Streptopelia orientalis) and implications for species divergence

The Oriental turtle dove, Streptopelia orientalis (Columbiformes: Columbidae) is an extremely widespread species. We investigate and analyze its complete mitochondrial genome. The complete mtDNA genome, a circular DNA molecule of 17,130bp, contains of 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA genes, two rRNA genes, and a control region. Its base composition is A 29.7%, T 23.9%, G 14.1%, C 32.3%. Similar to other birds and turtles, the Oriental turtle dove has an extra base “C” at position 174 of gene Nd3. The most frequently codon usage is CUA (7.11%), followed by AUC (5.52%), CUC (4.97%) and UUC (4.36%). Genetic distance analyses indicate that the difference between Macropygia phasianella vs Spilopelia senegalensis is lower than that Spilopelia chinensis vs S. orientalis based on both the standard barcoding gene Cox1 and Cytb. Genetic distances coincide with morphological, behavioral and phylogenetic analyses that suggest the assignment of chinensis and senegalensis to the genus Spilopelia, following the latest taxonomic system of the IUCN.

Avian thermoregulation in the heat: efficient evaporative cooling allows for extreme heat tolerance in four southern hemisphere columbids.

Birds show phylogenetic variation in the relative importance of respiratory versus cutaneous evaporation, but the consequences for heat tolerance and evaporative cooling capacity remain unclear. We measured evaporative water loss (EWL), resting metabolic rate (RMR) and body temperature (Tb) in four arid-zone columbids from southern Africa [Namaqua dove (Oena capensis, ∼37 g), laughing dove (Spilopelia senegalensis, ∼89 g) and Cape turtle dove (Streptopelia capicola, ∼148 g)] and Australia [crested pigeon (Ocyphaps lophotes), ∼186 g] at air temperatures (Ta) of up to 62°C. There was no clear relationship between body mass and maximum Ta tolerated during acute heat exposure. Maximum Tb at very high Ta was 43.1±1.0, 43.7±0.8, 44.7±0.3 and 44.3±0.8°C in Namaqua doves, laughing doves, Cape turtle doves and crested pigeons, respectively. In all four species, RMR increased significantly at Ta above thermoneutrality, but the increases were relatively modest with RMR at Ta=56°C being 32, 60, 99 and 11% higher, respectively, than at Ta=35°C. At the highest Ta values reached, evaporative heat loss was equivalent to 466, 227, 230 and 275% of metabolic heat production. The maximum ratio of evaporative heat loss to metabolic production observed in Namaqua doves, 4.66, exceeds by a substantial margin previous values reported for birds. Our results support the notion that cutaneous evaporation provides a highly efficient mechanism of heat dissipation and an enhanced ability to tolerate extremely high Ta.