Asio Clamator Research Articles

Analysis of clinical and hematological characteristics and search for hemoparasites in owls (Strigiformes: ‎Strigidae) seized or rescued from the Atlantic Forest biome of the Rio de Janeiro (southeastern Brazil)

Hemoparasitism is known to vary according to the presence of vectors and hosts, and hematological examination can be a useful tool for early diagnosis in avian medicine, contributing to monitoring and conservation of bird populations. In this context, we aimed to analyze the clinical and hematological aspects of free-ranging owls seized or rescued from the Atlantic Forest biome of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. The animals, with or without clinical signs of diseases, were studied regardless of their age, sex, and physical status. Blood samples were collected and complete blood counts were carried out. Five different species were obtained in this study. These species were Megascops choliba (50%), Asio clamator (18.75%), Athene cunicularia (18.75%), Pulsatrix koeniswaldiana (6.25%), and Strix huhula (6.25%). Orphaned birds and traumatic injuries were the causes of admission to the wildlife rehabilitation facility. The search for hemoparasites revealed infection by protozoa of the genera Haemoproteus, Plasmodium, and Trypanosoma. We concluded that hematological findings in seized or rescued owls predominantly suggested the presence of stress or inflammation resulting from post-traumatic situations. The causes of admission were mostly due to human interference, which demonstrates to have a negative impact on the health aspect of owl populations in urban centers, such as Rio de Janeiro. Blood protozoa are circulating among the different populations of owls and although infection by Haemoproteus spp. and Trypanosoma spp. seems to trigger a low pathogenic potential, Plasmodium infection may indicate unfavorable prognosis, endangering wild species.

A 10-year collection of roadkilled avifauna in a stretch of the BR-040 highway in southeastern Brazil

ABSTRACT In Brazil, the number of animals killed by vehicle collision surpasses 475 millions/year, but the actual number may be even higher since roadkill data in the country is scarce and punctual. Using a standard protocol, the project Caminhos da Fauna monitored since 2006 the avifauna roadkill in the BR-040 (RJ/MG) highway, southeastern Brazil. Here, we present a checklist of the avifauna registered during the 10-year monitoring program, including the list of roadkills, indicating threatening status at regional, national, and global levels, and the number of records/species. We registered 1,317 individuals belonging to 180 species, 21 orders, and 48 families. Another 247 individuals could not be identified. For seven families roadkills were higher than 50 individuals: Thraupidae, Cuculidae, Strigidae, Tyrannidae, Psittacidae, Columbidae, and Turdidae. The most collected species were Crotophaga ani (n = 106; Cuculidae), followed by Psittacara leucophthalmus (n = 61; Psittacidae), Piaya cayana (n = 56; Cuculidae), and Asio clamator (n = 44; Strigidae). Five species were under threat: Penelope obscura, Primolius maracana, Pteroglossus bailloni, Ramphastos vitellinus, and Sicalis flaveola. Most species were geographically widespread, while other 13 (7.2%) were endemic. Given the considerable amount of data obtained, further efforts of the same motivation in other Brazilian roads and express transportation systems should be encouraged.

Melanopsin expression in the retinas of owls with different daily activity patterns

Melanopsin is a photopigment found in a subset of retinal ganglion cells that is responsible for generating a series of responses to light in organisms, such as circadian rhythm regulation, pupillary light reflex, and body temperature control. The role of each melanopsin gene in the vertebrate retina is still not fully elucidated and a diversity of expression patterns of this photopigment can be observed in retinas of different vertebrate species. Owls are an excellent model for studying the role of melanopsin due to the diversity of species, which may present diurnal, nocturnal, or cathemeral habits. The purpose of this study was to characterize the expression of melanopsin genes in the retina of four different owl species from the Strigidae family (Athene cunicularia, Asio clamator, Glaucidium brasilianum, and Megascops choliba) through genetic and phylogenetic analysis. The specimens were euthanized, and the retinas were collected for RNA extraction and cDNA transcription. cDNA was used in the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) with subsequent sequencing to identify melanopsin genes expressed in the retina of owls. For the quantitative analysis of gene expression, real-time PCR was performed. The phylogenetic reconstruction was obtained by the maximum likelihood. The results showed that owls express both melanopsin genes, Opn4x and Opn4m, with different patterns of expression among the species. The expression of the Opn4x gene was two times higher in Asio clamator (nocturnal) compared to A. cunicularia (cathemeral), Glaucidium brasilianum (diurnal), and Megascops choliba (nocturnal). On the other hand, the expression of Opn4m was about two times lower in the cathemeral, A. cunicularia compared to the other three species. These results might indicate functional differences of the Opn4x and Opn4m genes among species, related to circadian rhythm regulation. Further investigation in owls at other times of the day will bring light to the circadian pattern of melanopsin expression in these species and its correlation with the different patterns of daily activity.

Hippoboscid flies (Diptera: Hippoboscidae) on birds of prey in the Atlantic Forest, Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Hippoboscid flies are potential ectoparasites of several avian orders, including birds of prey, a group formed by the orders Falconiformes, Strigiformes, Cathartiformes and Accipitriformes. In this study, we evaluated 155 birds of prey that were brought to the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center of Juiz de Fora, Minas Gerais, Brazil, between the years 2016 and 2019. Two species of hippoboscid flies (Ornithoctona erythrocephala and Icosta americana) were found in five species of birds of prey (Megascops choliba, Asio stygius, Athene cunicularia, Asio clamator and Caracara plancus). The average intensity found was 1.4 hippoboscids/bird and Megascops choliba (tropical screech-owl) was the most parasitized bird. This is the first record of parasitism of Asio stygius (stygian owl) by Ornithoctona erythrocephala in Brazil and of Athene cunicularia (burrowing owl) and Asio clamator (striped owl) by Icosta americana. Ornithoctona erythrocephala is recorded here for the first time infesting birds of prey in the state of Minas Gerais, Brazil.

Hematological parameters and total plasma protein values of captive strigiformes occurring in Brazil

Brazil has the highest number of birds of prey in the world, which are important environmental quality indicators. Nevertheless, few studies of the clinical pathology of raptors have been developed in this country. The objectives of this study were to create a database of owl hematology in Brazil and to compare the values between sex in Asio clamator, Megascops spp. and Tyto furcata. Blood samples were collected from 81 captive owls of 10 species located in Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina, Paraná and São Paulo states, Brazil. Hemogram and Total Plasma Protein (TPP) values were determined. Reference intervals (RIs) and descriptive statistic values were established using an Excel program with Reference Value Advisor. The reference intervals were the following: A. clamator: RBC (×106/?L) 1.0-2.5; PCV (%) 30.2-50.1; Hb (g dL-1) 6.7-15.3; MCV (fL) 123.8-355.2; MCHC (%) 17.1-38.6; WBC (× 103/?L) 1.2-23.6; Heterophils (× 103/?L) 0.6-16.6; Lymphocytes (× 103/?L) 0.6-10.2; Eosinophils (× 103/?L) 0.0-1.9; Basophils (× 103/?L) 0.0-1.0; Thrombocytes (× 103/?L) 10.8-56.6; H/L 0.0-10.8. Megascops spp.: RBC (× 106/?L) 0.8-2.3; PCV (%) 29.7-44.6; Hb (g dL-1) 6.4-12.4; MCV (fL) 131.6-374.4; MCHC (%) 12.1-34; WBC (× 103/?L) 0.7-23.1; Heterophils (× 103/?L) 1.1-10.3; Lymphocytes (× 103/?L) 0.0-11.5; Eosinophils (× 103/?L) 0.0-2.2; Basophils (× 103/?L) 0.0-0.7; Thrombocytes (× 103/?L) 10.3-43.6; H/L 0.5-7.3; TPP (g dL-1) 2.9-5.1. The parameters for Tyto furcata were presented with descriptive statistics values. Individual data were provided for the others Strigiformes species sampled. This study provides a wide database of hematological and TPP references for Megascops spp., A. clamator and T. furcata and hematological values for Athene cunicularia, Bubo virginianus, Pulsatrix perspicillata, Asio stygius, Pulsatrix koeniswaldiana, Strix virgata and Asio flammeus in Brazil.

LWS visual pigment in owls: Spectral tuning inferred by genetics

Owls constitute a diverse group of raptors, active at different times of the day with distinct light conditions that might be associated with multiple visual adaptations. We investigated whether shifts in the spectral sensitivity of the L cone visual pigment, as inferred by analysis of gene structure, could be one such adaptive mechanism. Using Sanger sequencing approach, we characterized the long wavelength-sensitive (LWS) opsin gene expressed in the retina of five owl species, specifically chosen to represent distinct patterns of activity. Nocturnality was epitomized by the American barn owl (Tyto furcata), the striped owl (Asio clamator), and the tropical screech owl (Megascops choliba); diurnality, by the ferruginous pygmy owl (Glaucudium brasilianum); and cathemerality, by the burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia). We also analyzed the presence of the L cone in the retinas of four species of owl (T. furcata, A. cunicularia, G. brasilianum and M. choliba) using immnunohistochemistry. Five critical sites for the spectral tuning of the LWS opsin (164, 181, 261, 269, and 292) were analyzed and compared to the sequence of other birds. The sequence of A. cunicularia showed a substitution on residue 269, with the presence of an alanine instead threonine, which generates an estimated maximum absorption (λmax) around 537 nm. No other variation was found in the spectral tuning sites of the LWS opsin, among the other species, and the λmax was estimated at around 555 nm. The presence of L cones in the retinas of the four species of owls was revealed using immunohistochemistry and we observed a reduced number of L cones in T. furcata compared to A. cunicularia, G. brasilianum and M. choliba.

Brachial Plexus Block with Use of a Neurostimulator in a Striped owl (Asio clamator) Undergoing Wing Amputation

Background: The use of distinct drugs and techniques for establishing balanced anesthesia protocols has shown promising results in birds. The techniques of locoregional block can be incorporated to these protocols, thereby providing intra- and post-operative analgesia and reducing the requirement for general anesthesia. Additionally, the use of neurostimulators increases the chances of success and reduces the risk of toxicity; however, there are limited reports in the literature of its applicability in wild birds. Therefore, the aim of this study was to describe the brachial plexus block technique guided using a neurolocalizer in a striped owl (Asio clamator) submitted for right wing amputation.Case: A striped owl weighing 400 g with a history of exposed fracture of the right wing was supplied by the clinical sector at the Veterinarian Hospital of the Federal University of Bahia. Following hydration and stabilization of vital signs, the animal was referred to the surgical center for amputation of the limb. Dexmedetomidine (10 µg.kg−1 IM) was administered as premedication, and after 20 min, anesthetic induction was performed using sevoflurane (FiO2 = 100%) via a mask followed by maintenance using the same drug. The animal was positioned in a left lateral decubitus position with access to the brachial plexus determined by palpation and identification of the border of the following muscles: pectoral, cranial branch of the brachial biceps, and dorsal branch of the ventral serratus. The brachial plexus nerves are situated in the subcutaneous site craniodorsal to the axillary depression. For the block, a neurolocalizer was used, fixing the positive electrode to approximately 5 cm from the needle insertion site (21G × 2'”) in the axillary depression, which remained connected to the neurostimulator by the second electrode. At first, the needle was attached to the peripheral nerve stimulator using a pulse frequency of 1 Hz with an impulse duration of 0.1 ms and initial current of 1 mA. The needle was advanced in the direction of the nerve plexus until it was observed that muscular contractions and movement in the limb were blocked, gradually decreasing the contractions, which disappeared at a current of 0.3 mA. At this juncture, after verifying the absence of blood on aspiration, ropivacaine was injected (2 mg/kg) with a latency period of 20 min. Data were recorded via monitoring of vital signs (DigicareLifeWindowLW9xVet), recording an average hearth rate of 140 ± 9.84 bpm, respiratory rate of 30 ± 4.18 mpm, oxyhemoglobin saturation of 99%, end-tidal carbon dioxide of 26 ± 1.98 mmHg, and temperature of 37.4°C ± 0.11°C over the course of 20 min of the surgical procedure. No movements were observed in response to pain stimuli, and the animal exhibited normal recovery, free of excitation or signs of pain. Discussion: Considering the imprecise history regarding fracture time as well as the lack of specific tests to clearly elucidate the condition of this animal, selective and safe drugs were selected additionally: dexmedetomidine and sevoflurane, which provided superior quality of sedation during the handling of the animal and rapid and smooth anesthetic induction, respectively. Based on experiences with numerous species, the inclusion of the locoregional block has substantial value for lengthening the analgesic duration and quality in addition to reducing adverse effects inherent in general anesthesia. In the present study, the use of ropivacaine in the brachial plexus block with the use of a neurolocalizer in the striped owl was demonstrated to be easy to perform using the axillary approach, demonstrating efficacy confirmed by the stability of physiological variables and muscle relaxation as well as the absence of adverse events during recovery.

The use of sulfur hexafluoride microbubbles for contrast-enhanced ocular ultrasonography of the pecten oculi in birds.

The pecten oculi is a vascular and pigmented structure localized within the posterior segment of all avian eyes. Its primary function is not fully understood yet. As ultrasonography (US) is a useful imaging modality for evaluation of the pecten oculi, the objective of this study was to investigate the utility of an intravenous contrast solution of sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) microbubbles as a means of enhancing visualization of the pecten oculi in normal birds. Ten adult individuals of the following avian species were evaluated: 1 roadside hawk (Rupornis magnirostris), 1 stygian owl (Asio stygius), 2 striped owls (Asio clamator), 2 burrowing owls (Athene cunicularia), 2 ring-necked parakeet (Psittacula krameri), and 2 domestic chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus). After baseline ocular sonograms were obtained in sedated animals, 4.5μg/kg of a contrast solution containing SF6 microbubbles was administered intravenously and US of the right eye was immediately performed. US was continued during injection to provide real-time imaging of the pecten oculi during vascular perfusion of contrast material. Within 2-3seconds following intravenous contrast administration, microbubbles reached the pecten oculi of all birds investigated and provided significant ultrasonographic contrast enhancement. SF6 microbubble contrast ultrasonography in birds is a safe and easy procedure that provides increased contrast and enhanced visualization of the pecten oculi. Future use may enable further discovery of its physiologic functions and aid in the development of therapeutic plans for avian intraocular disease.

Reverse Size Dimorphism Estimated by an Improved Method in Eight Species of Neotropical Owls

ABSTRACT.— Male birds of prey are usually smaller than females, known as “Reverse Size Dimorphism” (RSD). We quantified sexual size dimorphism in species that occur in Brazil, and suggest a bootstrap-based approach that allows an estimate of confidence intervals for dimorphism indices. We used body mass, total length, and wing length, measured from museum specimens and a few live birds, to quantify size. We gathered data from eight owl species, for which sample sizes were considered to be minimally adequate to provide reliable dimorphism estimates. We calculated a dimorphism index (DI) for each measurement and then these indices were reduced to a single latent variable using a principal component analysis. A clear trend toward positive DI values confirms RSD as a general pattern, except for negative values in Asio clamator (Striped Owl) for all measurements, for total length in Athene cunicularia (Burrowing Owl), and Ciccaba virgata (Mottled Owl), and for virtually equal to zero values in Pulsatrix koenis...

Nest and chicks of Pseudoscops clamator (Aves: Strigidae) in the highland plateau of the Sabana de Bogotá, Colombia

The Striped Owl (Pseudoscops clamator) has a wide geographic distribution despite that there is scarce information on its reproductive biology. In this study, we present the first published nesting records of P. clamator for Colombia. We provide data on its nesting habits and reproductive biology from observations between April and May 2013 of a nest found in a plantation of Eucalyptus globulus in Cajica, Cundinamarca, Colombia. The ground nest is similar to those described from Argentina, Brazil, and Suriname; with a clutch of two where only one chick survived and left the nest after 25-30 days. We found in the owl diet, Brazilian guinea pig (Cavia aperea) and Eared Dove (Zenaida auriculata). Little is known about other species predated by the Striped Owl or whether this species has more than one reproductive cycle in the Bogota highland plateau. Future studies should further examine these aspects to assess the possibilities for expansion of P. clamator in the Bogota highland plateau.

Diversity of ticks in the wildlife screening center of São Paulo city, Brazil

ABSTRACT: The Wildlife Screening Center (CETAS) of the Tietê Ecological Park (PET), situated at the municipality of São Paulo, receives, treats and rehabilitates wild animals that have been dislodged from their natural environment due to different reasons. This study analyzed the ixodid fauna, and the rickettsial infection in these ticks, collected on wild animals received at the PET’s CETAS. During the period from March 2003 to November 2016, 936 ticks were collected from 96 wild animals (16 bird and 18 mammal species) that were sent to CETAS. The following 12 ixodid species were identified: Amblyomma aureolatum, Amblyomma brasiliense, Amblyomma calcaratum, Amblyomma dubitatum, Amblyomma longirostre, Amblyomma ovale, Amblyomma parkeri, Amblyomma sculptum, Amblyomma varium, Haemaphysalis juxtakochi, Ixodes loricatus and Rhipicephalus microplus. From 67 tick specimens tested by the Real Time PCR for rickettsiae, none were positive. The present research records for the first time in Brazil the following association between the tick stages and hosts that have never been reported before: Amblyomma sculptum nymphs on Caprimulgus parvulus, Asio clamator, Buteo brachyurus, Coragyps atratus, Amazona aestiva and Aramus guarauna, Amblyomma dubitatum nymphs on Alouatta guariba and Sphiggurus villosus, Amblyomma aureolatum adults on Bradypus variegatus, Amblyomma longirostre larvae and nymphs on A. clamator, and nymphs on Megascops choliba and Pyroderus scutatus, besides Amblyomma parkeri nymphs on Penelope obscura and Callicebus nigrifrons, and adult on Nasua nasua.

New records of three hippoboscid species on newly captured birds from nature in Paraná, Brazil.

The aims of this study was to provide new records of hippoboscid flies collected over an one-year period on newly captured birds from nature in the state of Paraná, Brazil. The birds were received by a wildlife center in Tijucas do Sul and the hippoboscid flies were collect by hand or by tweezers, generating a prevalence of 0.7% (16/2232) of parasitized birds. New information about distribution of hippoboscid flies on Asio clamator, Rupornis magnirostris and Athene cunicularia was reported in the state of Paraná. The Caracara plancus, Falco peregrinus and Penelope obscura are new host species for Ornithoctona erythrocephala in the state of Paraná, and the Asio stygius for Icosta rufiventris and Ornithoica vicina in Brazil. This study provided new information about hosts and distribution of hippoboscid flies in Brazilian birds.

O olho da coruja-orelhuda: observações morfológicas, biométricas e valores de referência para testes de diagnóstico oftálmico

Objetivou-se relatar características morfológicas do bulbo ocular e determinar valores de referência para testes oftálmicos selecionados em corujas-orelhudas (Asio clamator). Foram estudados 32 olhos de 16 corujas (Asio clamator), adultas e jovens, machos e fêmeas, de vida livre. Sendo compilados dados referentes a observações morfológicas do crânio, bulbo ocular e anexos, além de mensuração de testes oftálmicos, incluindo, Teste Lacrimal de Schirmer (TLS), cultura da microbiota normal da conjuntiva, estesiometria, pressão intraocular (PIO), espessura de córnea central (ECC), diâmetro horizontal da rima palpebral, diâmetro horizontal da córnea e oftalmoscopia indireta. Vinte e dois tipos de bactérias foram identificados em 12 corujas havendo predominância de microrganismos Gram-positivos. A média encontrada para o TLS foi de 5,03±3,28mm/min, para o diâmetro horizontal da rima palpebral em 16 corujas foi 21,24±1,17mm, e 15,7±2,74mm para o diâmetro horizontal da córnea. O valor médio para o teste de estesiometria foi de 0,80±0,59cm, a PIO média de 13,81±5,62mmHg e ECC média de 0,28±0,03cm. O estudo contribuiu para a caracterização da morfologia ocular e para o estabelecimento de valores de referências de testes diagnósticos oftálmicos em corujas-orelhudas, sendo necessário ainda o desenvolvimento de estudos complementares sobre histologia ocular desta espécie.

Health assessment of raptors in triage in Belo Horizonte, MG, Brazil

Falconiformes (n=82), Strigiformes (n=84) and Cathartiformes (n=14) at a triage center (CETAS-Belo Horizonte, IBAMA, Brazil) were examined between 2008 and 2010 . No bird was reactive at hemagglutination-inhibition (HI) for antibodies against Mycoplasma gallisepticum (Mg). Two Caracara plancus (2/68) had HI titers (16-32) against Newcastle disease virus. No Chlamydophila psittaci DNA was detected in the liver (PCR; n=95). Blood smears (Giemsa; n=89) and spleen fragments (PCR; n=82) were 13.5% and 8.5% positive, respectively, for Haemoproteus only. Necropsy of Cathartiformes (n=10), Falconiformes (n=42) and Strigiformes (n=57) showed that trauma injuries were the main cause (63.3%) of admission and death, being fractures (38.5%) of the thoracic limbs (57.1%) the most frequent. Nematode (12.8%), cestode (1.8%), trematode (0.9%), and acanthocephalan (2.7%) parasite infections were relevant. Mites (Acari) were the most frequent (17.4%) external parasites, particularly Ornithonyssus sylviarum in Asio clamator and Amblyomma cajennense in Tyto alba. Chewing lice (10.1%) and Pseudolynchia spp. (9.2%) were also found. Histomonas spp. (6.4%) was found in the ceca of Bubo virginianus, Athene cunicularia, Tyto alba, and Asio clamator, but not in Falconiformes or Cathartiformes. Trichomonas spp. (oral cavity, pharynx and upper esophagus; 9.1%) was detected in Falconiformes and Strigiformes, but not in Cathartiformes. Trichomonas spp. were found in A. cunicularia, Asio clamator, Glaucidium brasilianum and Tyto alba (Strigiformes), and in Rupornis magnirostris, Milvago chimachima, Falco femoralis, Falco sparverius and Caracara plancus (Falconiformes). Coccidia (9.1%) (Sarcocystis spp., 6.4%) and mycosis were observed in most Tyto alba (70%). The evaluated Orders may not pose risks for commercial poultry production. Habitat loss and urban adaptation may be increasingly affecting raptors.

Taphonomic Analysis of Micromammal Remains from Striped Owl (Pseudoscops clamator) Pellets in Northeastern Buenos Aires Province, Argentina: Implications for Archaeological Sites Formation

AbstractThe main objective of this study was to determine the taxonomic and taphonomic characteristics of the micromammal remains recovered from pellets of Pseudoscops clamator (striped owl), collected at three localities in northeastern Buenos Aires Province, Argentina (Punta Lara Natural Reserve, 34°49'02,6''S, 58°03'03,9''W; Costanera Sur Ecological Reserve, 34°36'6,44" S, 58°21'33,22" W; Los Robles Park, 34°40'22,03''S, 58°52'18,88''W). The main taphonomic variables (e.g. evidence of digestive action, breakage patterns and relative abundance of skeletal elements) suggest that this owl mainly produces intermediate to moderate modification. On the other hand, P. clamator preyed mainly upon large‐sized (>150 g) micromammals (e.g. Lutreolina crassicaudata, Cavia aperea, Holochilus brasiliensis and Rattus sp.), and to a lesser degree on medium‐ (50–150 g) and small‐sized species (<50 g) (e.g. Scapteromys aquaticus, Calomys sp., Oligoryzomys flavescens, Akodon azarae and Mus musculus). Fossil assemblages with a dominance of large‐sized micromammals are commonly associated with humans as agents of accumulation. However, this study demonstrates that this owl produces assemblages with abundant large‐sized micromammals, which introduces an equifinality problem. In that sense, digestive corrosion marks, breakage patterns and the relative abundance of skeletal remains are the main attributes to differentiate P. clamator from humans, as agents of accumulation. Finally, our results might serve as an analytical model for the taphonomic interpretation of the fossil record of micromammals from paleontological and archaeological sites, which fall within the distributional range and habitat of P. clamator. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Ultrasonographic aspects and biometry of Striped owl’s eyes (Rhinoptynx clamator)

To report the biometric values and ultrasonographic aspects of the normal eye of the Striped owl (Rhinoptynx clamator). Sample population Twenty-seven healthy, free-living, adult Striped owls from the Ecological Park of Tiete Veterinary Ambulatory (Sao Paulo, Brazil). Both eyes of all owls underwent B-mode ultrasonographic examination and biometry was performed for lens axial length (WL), depth of the anterior (AC) and vitreous (VC) chambers, axial length of the globe (LB) and the pecten oculi (LP) of both eyes, using a 12 MHz probe. The owls were manually restrained without sedation and the eyes were topically anesthetized. Biometric and statistical findings were as follows: in the left eye, the means and standard deviations were: LB = 23.76 ± 0.92 mm, WL = 7.79 ± 0.27 mm, AC = 4.27 ± 0.47 mm, VC = 11.36 ± 0.29 mm and LP = 5.69 ± 0.50 mm; in the right eye, the values were: LB = 24.25 ± 0.79 mm, WL = 8.03 ± 0.40 mm, AC = 4.56 ± 0.52 mm, VC = 11.40 ± 0.25 mm, and LP = 5.68 ± 0.41 mm. No significant differences were found between left and right eyes measurements of LB, WL, AC, VC, and LP dimensions. Ocular ultrasound aspects and biometric values of the Striped owl are reported. The study's results provide means for various ocular measurements. The ultrasound is an easy and safe exam to be performed in the Striped owl's eyes.

Viral Research in Brazilian Owls (Tyto alba and Rhinoptynx clamator) by Transmission Electron Microscopy

La lechuza (Tyto Alba) y el buho de orejas (Rhinoptynx clamator) pertenecen respectivamente a las familias Strigidae y Tytonidae. El paramixovirus aviario se ha aislado de especies de vida silveste como las aves domesticas por todo el mundo, causando diversos sintomas clinicos. El paramixovirus pertenece a la familia Paramyxoviridae y al Avulovirus genus que incluye nueve serotipos (APMV 1 a 9). La leucosis linfoide es una neoplasia inducida por retrovirus. Los retrovirus aviarios pertenecen a la familia Retroviridae y el genero Alpharetrovirus. Los coronavirus pueden causar enfermedades respiratorias y entericas en varias especies de aves. Ellos pertenecen a la familia Coronaviridae y a los grupos 3a y 3c. En este estudio, se describe la presencia del virus en cuatro buhos, dos lechuzas (Tyto alba) y dos buhos de orejas (Rhinoptynx clamator), rescatados de las calles arboladas de Sao Paulo, Brasil y enviados al Centro de Recuperacion de Animales Silvestres del Parque Ecologico de Tiete, donde hubo murieron los animales. Fragmentos de pulmon, delhigado y del intestino delgado de estas aves fueron procesados para microscopia electronica de transmision utilizando tincion negativa (preparacion rapida), inmunomicroscopia y tecnicas de inmunocitoquimica. Bajo microscopia electronica de transmision, particulas de paramixovirus, pleomorficas, aproximadamente esfericas o filamentosas, de 100 a 500 nm de diametro con un sobre cubierto por espigas, y nucleocapside helicoidal con caracteristicas de espiga, midiendo 15 a 20 nm de diametro, fueron visualizadas en las muestras de pulmon, higado e intestino delgado de todos los buhos. En muestras de intestino delgado de dos buho de orejas (buhos 3 y 4) se detectaron particulas pleomorficas con coronavirus de un diametro de 75-160 nm con un sobre con forma de corona solar, con proyecciones de aproximadamente 20 nm de diametro. En el higado de un buho de orejas (buho 4) se observaron particulas pleomorficas de retrovirus con un diametro de 80-145 nm contiene pequenas proyecciones, con un diametro de 9 nm. La presencia de agregados formados por la interaccion antigeno-anticuerpo, caracterizo el resultado positivo que obtuvimos en la tecnica de microscopia immunoelectronica para paramixovirus, retrovirus y coronavirus. En la tecnica de inmunocitoquimica, la interaccion antigeno-anticuerpo fue fuertemente reforzada por las particulas de oro coloidal denso en los virus.

Striped Owl (Asio clamator)

Striped Owl (Asio clamator)

Aspectos reprodutivos e dieta alimentar dos ninhegos de Rhinoptynx clamator (Aves: Strigidae) no campus Marco Zero da Universidade Federal do Amapá, Macapá-AP

Este trabalho tem como objetivo relatar os aspectos comportamentais de nidificação, alimentação e desenvolvimento dos ninhegos de Rhinoptynx clamator (Strigidae) em um fragmento florestal no Campus Marco Zero da Universidade Federal do Amapá. Apenas um ninho foi encontrado, no solo e na base de um tucumã Astrocaryum oleatum. Três ovos brancos com manchas marrons foram observados, cuja medida foi de 41 x 35 mm em média. A incubação durou 28 dias e foi efetuada pela fêmea, e o último filhote a nascer viveu apenas dois dias. Os filhotes sobreviventes foram medidos durante o seu desenvolvimento. Durante a estação reprodutiva foram coletadas algumas pelotas de regurgitação, sendo encontrados três tipos de vertebrados: Rattus sp., Micoureus cf. regina e Columbina talpacoti.

Gastrointestinal parasites of owls (Strigiformes) kept in captivity in the Southern region of Brazil

The aim of this research was to study the gastrointestinal parasitism in 12 adult owls kept in captivity in the Southern region of Brazil. Cloacal contents of the species Rhinoptynx clamator, Tyto alba, Athene cunicularia, Megascops spp., and Bubo virginianus were evaluated. Feces and urine were collected and analyzed by the zinc sulfate centrifugal-flotation method and stained by the modified Ziehl-Neelsen technique. Eggs of Capillaria spp. and Strongylida, oocysts of Cryptosporidium spp., Eimeria spp., and Isospora spp. were observed. The birds showed no clinical signs, probably due to the mild nature of the infection.