Sylvia Atricapilla Research Articles

Bird communities after 37 years in a rural area of NW Spain

In a globalized world, changes in human activities are negatively affecting biodiversity at different scales. Long-term monitoring of bird communities can inform about changes in biodiversity over time. We explored how bird species richness, and abundance changed after a 37-year period at 5 sites in O Courel Mountains, a well conserved region of NW Spain. We also analyzed the abundance changes over time in the 15 most abundant species and whether these changes relate to the phenotypes of these species. Repeated bird surveys were performed in the same locations of five different sites in 1977 and 2014. Our results showed species richness and overall bird abundance did not change after 37 years within the five studied sites. Although, within species analyses showed 8 species changed their abundances. Overall, Cyanistes caeruleus, Garrulus glandarius, Parus major, Prunella modularis and Sylvia atricapilla increased their abundances and Erithacus rubecula, Phylloscopus ibericus, and Troglodytes troglodytes decreased over time. We did not find any relationship between the change in species abundances and bird phenotypes. This study shows that, despite the specific changes in the abundance of eight species over nearly four decades, overall bird species richness and abundance may be maintained in well preserved natural areas.

Diversity and Abundance of Breeding Birds, Habitat, and Nesting Substrate Selection in Urban Areas: A Relevant Case from the Southern Slope of the Mediterranean

Urban areas may affect the richness of avian species. The abundance and diversity of urban landscapes offer breeding habitats and nesting resources for urban-adapted species. In our study, we investigated the breeding birds in urban landscapes of Fez’s historical city (Morocco). We used line-transects to search for nests of breeding species, populations, and habitats counting breeding sites and predicting factors (foraging, nesting resources, and urbanization). Furthermore, four habitats counting green gardens, old city walls, urban farms, and urban forests were prospected to search for nests of breeding birds. Among 13 breeding species including 12 resident-breeders, and one breeding migrant, a total of 109 nests were documented. Five species counting Turdus merula, Sylvia atricapilla, Spilopelia senegalensis, Columba livia, and Coloeus monedula were encountered in green gardens; four species counting Athene noctua, Sturnus unicolor, Passer domesticus, and Tachymarptis melba were observed in old city walls. Falco tinnunculus, Fringilla coelebs, and Accipiter nisus occurred in urban forests; and Streptopelia decaocto in urban farms. The recorded nests were divided between cavities (50 nests) and trees (59 nests). In green spaces, nests were distributed among Olea europaea (17), Citrus aurantium (15), Bambusa vulgaris (11), and Eucalyptus globulus (7). In contrast, Olea oleaster and Cupressus sp. hosted only tree nests each, while Populus sp. and Washingtonia filifera hosted only one nest each. Most nests were recorded in habitats rich in nesting trees and close to water sources. On the contrary, the number of nests decreased as the surface and distance of the habitat to the urban center increased. Our data revealed the diversity, habitat use, and nesting substrates of urban breeding bird communities in Morocco and the Southern slope of the Western Palearctic. Future urban plans must integrate measures to provide suitable breeding resources such as cavities of old walls and a high diversity of urban green spaces for birds to enhance their breeding performances, thus promoting the well-being of the population via increasing biodiversity.

Naive songbirds show seasonally appropriate spring orientation in the laboratory despite having never completed first migration

The role of inherited orientation programmes in determining the outbound migratory routes of birds is increasingly well understood, though less is known about the influence of inherited information on return migration. Previous studies suggest that spatial gradient cues learnt through experience could be of considerable importance when relocating the natal site, though such cues could, in principle, augment rather than replace inherited migratory information. Here, we show that juvenile Eurasian blackcaps ( Sylvia atricapilla ) that have never left northwest Europe (i.e. never had the opportunity to learn navigational information on a continental scale) show significant spring orientation in a direction near-identical to that expected based on ringing recoveries from free-flying individuals. We suggest that this is probably indicative of birds inheriting an orientation programme for spring as well as autumn migration and speculate that, as long as the birds are not displaced far from their normal migration route, the use of inherited spring migratory trajectories might make uni-coordinate ‘stop signs’ sufficiently accurate for the long-distance targeting of their breeding sites.

The Rest Is History

The Rest Is History

ФАУНА ГЕЛЬМИНТОВ ПТИЦ НАЦИОНАЛЬНОГО ПАРКА «СМОЛЬНЫЙ» И СОПРЕДЕЛЬНЫХ ТЕРРИТОРИЙ (РЕСПУБЛИКА МОРДОВИЯ)

We studied the helminth fauna in birds 35 species of birds from Passeriformes, Piciformes and Caprimulgiformes in the Smolny National Park and its surroundings in 2018–2022. In total, 23 species of helminths were identifi ed in birds: 8 trematodes, 10 cestodes and 5 nematodes. We presented taxonomic position, host range, rates of infection, and geographical distribution for each helminth species. The most diversity of helminth fauna is in Turdus phylomelos (10 species) and Turdus merula (7). In Parus major and Fringilla coelebs, six and fi ve species were recorded, respectively. The helminth faunas in Anthus trivialis and Ficedula hypoleuca are poor (4 species each). In total, three species of parasites were found in Erithacus rubecula, Poecile montanus, Sylvia atricapilla, Ficedula albicollis and Dendrocopos leucotos. One species, the trematode Morishitium polonicum, was revealed in birds of the Russian fauna for the fi rst time (in Coccothraustes coccothraustes and T. merula). Four cestode species, Capiuterilepis naja, Birovilepis sobolevi, B. spasskayae and Monopylidium passerinum were recorded for the fi rst time in the Middle Volga region. New hosts were identifi ed for nine species of parasitic worms. One species, the nematode Physocephalus sexalatus, found in the birds of the Smolny National Park and its surroundings have veterinary and medical signifi cance as potential pathogen of dangerous helminthiasis.

Synthesis and structural characteristics analysis of melanin pigments induced by blue light in Morchella sextelata.

Morchella sextelata, a highly sought-after edible mushroom worldwide, is evaluated based on its cap color as an essential commercial property indicator. In the present study, the effects of blue light on cap pigmentation in M. sextelata, as well as the synthesis and structural characteristics of melanin pigments within the cap were examined. The results showed that an increase in the proportion of blue light within the lighting environment promoted melanin synthesis and melanization of the cap. Transmission and scanning electron microscopy revealed the localization of melanin within the mycelium and its ultrastructural characteristics. The UV-visible analysis demonstrated that melanin exhibited a maximum absorption peak at 220 nm and possessed high alkaline solubility as well as acid precipitability. The structural characteristics of melanin were analyzed using FTIR, NMR, HPLC, and elemental analysis, which confirmed the presence of eumelanin, pheomelanin, and allomelanin in both brown and black caps. Furthermore, blue light can stimulate the synthesis of both eumelanin and pheomelanin. The obtained results can serve as the foundation for comprehending the mechanism by which light regulates color formation in mushrooms.

Abstract A033: The iCCARE Consortium for Prostate Cancer in Black men: Creating a survivorship care plan for Black prostate cancer survivors

Abstract Background: Globally, Black men suffer the greatest prostate cancer (CaP) burden. Blacks are diagnosed more at advanced stages of CaP, greater morbidity and mortality and poorer survivorship outcomes. Blacks are exposed to adverse, discriminatory societal determinants. How these determinants impact the CaP disparities, in particular survivorship and health related quality of life inequities are understudied. Studies examining patient-reported outcomes of Black CaP survivors reveal heightened negative HRQOL sequelae, and depression, family, work and living situation instability due to cancer treatment and societal determinants of health (SDOH). SDOH is used mostly in Public Health to predict population health risk and outcomes, but rarely integrated into HRQOL research and practice. This project is novel by incorporating SDOH into the assessment and relief of HRQOL threats. Despite the Black CaP disparities in survivorship, there remains unacceptable lack of focus and prioritization to provide comprehensive relief. Methods: In response to this noticeable scientific gap, our requisite multidisciplinary investigatory team including Survivor-Advocate Investigators joins forces to achieve the study goal. We are employing community engaged research practice to create a CaP survivorship care plan (SCP) template targeted to Blacks. Our SCP will provide a comprehensive best-practice roadmap to document medical information with treatment history and status, along with relevant resources and health advisories to provide relief for unfavorable sequalae due to cancer and its treatments as well as improve quality of life for CaP survivors. We are building upon the Science of Survivorship, and Contextual Socioecological and the Behavioral Precision Medicine Models with full survivor-advocate partnership to create the SCP. This project to develop a SCP template employs an informative consensus panel to inform the initial SCP. Results: Based on advocate-survivor input and guidance, the SCP will include resources and tools focused on SDOH, treatment adherence, treatment side effects and symptom relief, co-occurring chronic conditions, cardio-protective strategies, and physical, emotional and social wellbeing towards improving in patient outcomes and HRQOL in Black CaP survivors. Data from the Engagement Core and Survivor-Advocate Community Advisory Board, and the preliminary SCP CaP for Black men will be presented at the meeting. Conclusion: Our Consortium builds upon the work of the multidisciplinary PIs, and provide team science approach with robust scientific methods to better understand and address the HRQOL needs of Black CaP survivors. Importantly, this research will make available a patient-centered SCP for CaP survivors, focused on Black men. The iCCaRE Consortium will use this SCP_CaP to inform the development of Artificial Intelligence interventions addressing medical, follow-up care, surveillance, social and emotional support, SDOH and health advisories that will be deployed on popular mobile platforms for greater reach and on-demand use. Citation Format: Kimlin T. Ashing, Folakemi T. Odedina, Cassandra N. Moore, Che Ngufor, Getachew A. Dagne, Fornati Bedell, Diana Londoño, John McCall, Arnold Merriweather, JoAnne S. Oliver, Rotimi Rotimi Oladapo. The iCCARE Consortium for Prostate Cancer in Black men: Creating a survivorship care plan for Black prostate cancer survivors [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 15th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2022 Sep 16-19; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2022;31(1 Suppl):Abstract nr A033.

Abstract A042: Addressing prostate cancer disparities through the Inclusive Cancer Care Research Equity (iCCaRE) for Black men consortium

Abstract Background: The prostate cancer (CaP) disparities experienced by Black men (BM) in the US is a microcosm of the burden of CaP seen in BM globally. The complexity of CaP disparities and the need for a unique approach to better understand and address a complex chronic disease, such as CaP, underscores the need for consortium research that is multilevel, collaborative, translational, and global. In response to this need, we brought together CaP survivors, advocates, scientists and clinicians to form the inclusive Cancer Care Research Equity (iCCaRE) for Black Men Consortium. Aim: Our overall goal is to optimize CaP diagnosis experiences, treatment and survivorship based on the Science of Survivorship (S.O.S). Our primary aim was to develop a consortium co-led by CaP scientists and survivors with multiple S.O.S research projects supported by research cores/services across multiple institutions. Methodology: The consortium was developed to comprise multiple individuals with complementary expertise and resources working collaboratively to achieve the common purpose of eliminating CaP disparities globally. Building on the expertise, resources, and relationships of collaborating CaP investigators, survivors and advocates, the iCCaRE Consortium was proposed to “advance health equity and reduce disparities in CaP” by studying the within-group differences among ethnically diverse BM and comparing US-born BM to their ancestral populations, including West African immigrant men in the US and indigenous West African men. Results: Through the Department of Defense Health Equity Research and Outcomes Improvement Consortium (HEROIC) Award, the iCCaRE Consortium was launched in 2022. There are five pilot projects (PPs), each co-led by a scientist PI and community PI: PP1 will plan and develop a Virtual Robot Assistant (ViRA) that will provide SDOH navigation services, psycho-oncology support and emotional support for BM newly diagnosed with CaP. PP2 will develop and analyze the impact of a patient-centered home cancer care system on health-related Quality of Life (HRQOL), access to healthcare, and PROs. PP3 will plan and develop a ViRA to improve HRQOL in Black CaP survivors. PP4 will employ the social determinants of migrant health framework to understand and address the needs of sub-Saharan African immigrant CaP survivors. PP5 will explore how biological factors induced by cancer cells contribute to poor mental health of CaP survivors. The PPs are supported by an Administrative Core, Translational Research & Clinical Intervention Service, Data Management and Analytics Services, Partnership Engagement Services, Pathology Resource & Biospecimen Core, Methodology and Measures Services and Digital Health & Human Services. Conclusion: The iCCaRE Consortium will “improve HRQOL to enhance outcomes and overall health and wellness for those impacted by CaP” by developing and implementing Artificial Intelligence interventions that address social determinants of health, psycho-oncology support and emotional support for newly diagnosed CaP patients. Citation Format: Folakemi Odedina, Roxana Dronca, Kimlin Ashing, Ernest Kaninjing, Solomon Rotimi, Che Ngufor, Arnold Merriweather, Jennifer Crook, Manisha Salinas, Fathi Parisa, Sha’Reff Rashad, John McCall, Ebenezer Erefah, Ayinde Yahaya. Addressing prostate cancer disparities through the Inclusive Cancer Care Research Equity (iCCaRE) for Black men consortium [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 15th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2022 Sep 16-19; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2022;31(1 Suppl):Abstract nr A042.

Abstract A041: Prostate cancer survivorship and advocacy in ethnically diverse Black men: Findings from a town hall event

Abstract Introduction: Although prostate cancer (CaP) mortality rates are low, higher morbidity rates have been reported in Black men. In addition, the transition from treatment to survivorship can be burdensome and negatively impact quality of life (QoL). However, informal and formal support networks and resources, particularly spousal support, help enhance the sense of self and patient’s activities of daily living. Community, family involvement, and interaction with other survivors have also been found to be beneficial to survivors during diagnosis and treatment. Thus, we convened a town hall event for CaP survivors and those who care for and love them to explore the multidimensional impact of CaP and better understand the clinical and psychosocial needs of ethnically diverse Black CaP survivors. Methods: The virtual inaugural town hall meeting, organized by the University of Oklahoma (OU) Health and Stephenson Cancer Center, was held on April 28, 2022. The panelists included ethnically diverse CaP survivors, a radiation oncologist and urologist, and the spouse of a survivor. The town hall also served as a means to provide informational resources to attendees. A post-town hall survey was made available to all attendees to evaluate the town hall session and collect clinical and sociodemographic variables. Quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS v27. The event was audio recorded, and the transcript was content-analyzed to identify emergent themes. Results: Twenty-one out of the 43 attendees completed the survey (response rate of 49%). The respondents were aged 31-74 years old (mean±SD, 58±13), mostly males (67%), married (68%), CaP survivors (52%), and college graduates (43%). More than 80% rated the town hall to be very good/excellent and educational in light of varied approaches, perspectives, stories, and experiences shared by all the panelists. Participants appreciated updated information conveyed on anatomy, screening, signs and symptoms, diagnosis, stages of CaP, treatment, and short-term and long-term side effects shared by the oncologist. Results highlighted the physical and psychosocial impacts and stresses of CaP diagnosis on a family as a unit, especially intergenerational communication of perceived susceptibility and risk. Panelists also highlighted the burden of CaP survivorship on relationships, especially with their partners/spouses with impending functional distress. Results also underscored the positive influence CaP survivors can have on other survivors via peer advocacy and support. Finally, giving more time to panelists, extending the Q&A session, including other caregivers as panelists, and having more town hall events were top recommendations offered by participants. Conclusion: The town hall format allowed panelists, especially CaP survivors, to freely express their experiences with CaP. Overall, more awareness was raised about the importance of CaP prevention, treatment decision-making, survivorship, and advocacy: invaluable discussions needed to engage this hard-to-reach population regarding CaP prevention and care. Citation Format: Motolani E. Ogunsanya, Ernie Kaninjing, Maleeha Shahid, Darla Kendzor, Kathleen Dwyer, Mary Ellen Young, Folakemi T. Odedina. Prostate cancer survivorship and advocacy in ethnically diverse Black men: Findings from a town hall event [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the 15th AACR Conference on the Science of Cancer Health Disparities in Racial/Ethnic Minorities and the Medically Underserved; 2022 Sep 16-19; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2022;31(1 Suppl):Abstract nr A041.

HIV self-testing enabled access to testing for Black persons: The GetaKit study.

In Ontario, new HIV diagnoses continue to affect gay, bisexual, and other men who have sex with men (gbMSM) and persons of African, Caribbean, or Black (ACB) ethnicities. Because treatment and suppressed viral loads flow from diagnosis, testing is key. We sought to determine the outcomes of online ordering and mail-out of free at-home HIV self-testing in Ontario, Canada. We implemented the GetaKit study to offer such free HIV self-testing using the INSTI® test and offered it via a website (GetaKit.ca) to eligible persons in Ontario. From April 1, 2021 to January 31, 2022, we distributed kits to 1551 persons; 40% were white and 26% were ACB. We found that ACB participants were less likely to fulfill established criteria for HIV PrEP, such as previous sexually transmitted infectionsdiagnoses and drug use, despite having a similar test positivity rate. We also found that ACB women, who may represent a larger number of new infections than previously thought, did not have a higher rate of first-time testing. Our results suggest that HIV self-testing can enable testing, but that work is required to increase uptake among ACB persons and women.Overall, HIV self-testing thus corresponded with increased testing among persons who were Black, yet lower rates of results reporting. Patient or Public Contributions: Community members from the AIDS Committee of Ottawa, Max Ottawa, and Black Cap, and nurses from Ottawa Public Health were involved in the design, promotion, and implementation of this study.

Long-Term Changes in Breeding Bird Community of a Primeval Temperate Forest: 45 years of Censuses in the Białowieża National Park (Poland)

This paper reports the long-term numerical trends of the thirty common forest bird species and explores changes in the community composition in the three main types of old-growth stands in the Białowieża National Park (E Poland, hereafter BNP) over 45 years (1975–2019). We present recent (2015–2019) data on abundance of birds for the seven study plots and pool them with the time series collected since 1975. The numbers of individual bird species strongly fluctuated, with most of the species showing alternating phases (the initial periods of population growth followed by the periods of population decline or stability). The numbers of 19 species increased; maximum growths by c. 3–5% per year included Columba palumbus, Dendrocopos major, Sylvia atricapilla and Regulus ignicapilla. Among a few declining species, Ficedula hypoleuca, Phylloscopus sibilatrix and F. parva experienced the strongest declines, respectively by 4.0%, 2.7% and 2.2% per year. Mostly the same species bred in the plots in the 1970s and in recent years, indicating a stable species pool. The total abundance peaked around 2005, declining thereafter in deciduous stands, but increasing further (along with the species richness) in the coniferous stands. The similarity index between the study plots (beta-diversity) changed little over 45 years; ash-alder and lime-hornbeam stands remained most similar, while coniferous forests stood more apart. The changes found in the old-growth stands of BNP (mostly coniferous fragments) could be partly explained by natural modification of the habitat structure and the processes acting in the large geographical scales, within or outside of the breeding grounds. The long-term studies such as the one in the BNP reported here, provide a basis for the rates of natural turnover in the bird communities in pristine habitats, directly unaffected by human impact.

Population densities of birds breeding in an urban environment dominated by allotment gardens and other ‘green’ areas in a Central European city

Abstract A total of 50 breeding bird species were recorded in 2017 in an urban environment (589 ha) in the city of Wrocław, SW Poland. This environment was dominated by green habitats, such as allotment gardens (41.2%), parklnds (13.4%) and forests (2.7%). For 41 species, population densities were estimated. A high population densities were recorded for Phoenicurus phoenicurus (9.2 pairs / 100 ha), Sylvia atricapilla (7.3), Turdus merula (6.6), Phoenicurus ochruros (6.3), Luscinia megarhynchis (5.3.), Sylvia curruca (4.1) and Serinus serinus (3.7). In the alltment gardens, much higher population density of Pica pica (14.5) than Corvus cornix (6.5); and higher population density of Columba palumbus (2.8) than Streptopelia decaocto (1.2) were recorded.

On the energetic differences of avian cryptochromes 4 from selected species

Cryptochromes are a class of light-absorbing proteins that have been shown to be a part of the circadian rhythm of many animals but seem to play a central role for the magnetosensing of migratory birds. Following a documented difference in the sensitivity to an external magnetic field of cryptochrome 4a proteins from migratory and non-migratory birds, a detailed analysis of inter- and intra-protein energetics is called for. The present study relies on classical molecular dynamics simulations of cryptochrome 4a from five avian species to reveal if any of the cryptochromes feature peculiarities in their internal energetics. The five avian cryptochrome 4a proteins from pigeon, European robin, zebra finch, chicken, and Eurasian blackcap are found to be highly similar in respect of their intra-energetic behaviors, while some minor differences between the cryptochromes can be ascribed to the site of specific structural differences. Particular attention has been paid to account for the interaction of the protein with the solvent, and it has been revealed that the solvent could lead to significant stabilization of the chromophore flavin adenine dinucleotide inside of the cryptochrome 4a scaffold.

Effects of habitat disturbance on the reproductive ecology of Arum pictum ssp. sagittifolium: from pollination to seedling recruitment.

The loss of natural habitats may strongly affect the fitness of plants that depend on animals for reproduction. However, very little is known regarding the differential effects of habitat disturbance on the distinct phases of the reproductive cycle of plants, especially in non-rewarding species. We assessed the effects of habitat disturbance on the entire reproductive cycle of Arum pictum ssp. sagittifolium, a species with deceptive pollination that is endemic to the western Mediterranean Basin. For this, we performed hand-pollination and bagging experiments, evaluated the role of pollinators and dispersers on reproduction, and estimated seedling recruitment in three natural and three disturbed populations (according to their surrounding natural habitat) in Mallorca Island. Pollinators were sphaerocerid flies (mainly Coproica, with ~50 % of visits) and staphylinid beetles, and were required for sexual reproduction. Habitat disturbance differently affected the reproductive phases of A. pictum ssp. sagittifolium. Habitat disturbance had a positive effect on Shannon pollinator diversity (but not on pollinator richness), and total pollinator and Coproica abundance were three times higher in disturbed habitats, where overall seed production was also ~30 % higher in natural habitats. Seed production increased with Coproica abundance, but only in natural habitats. Seed dispersers of A. pictum ssp. sagittifolium were birds, mainly Sylvia atricapilla. Although habitat disturbance did not influence disperser diversity or abundance, the majority of seedlings appeared under adult plants and in natural habitats. Overall recruitment was higher in natural habitats, but this effect could have been masked by only assessing pollinator and disperser numbers, as processes related to the quality of these interactions might be influencing fitness. Our study highlights the need to study different reproductive phases and their multiple components and processes to properly understand the effects of habitat disturbance on the regeneration of plant populations.

Morphology of the “prefrontal” nidopallium caudolaterale in the long-distance night-migratory Eurasian blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla)

Migrating birds have developed remarkable navigational capabilities to successfully master biannual journeys between their breeding and wintering grounds. To reach their intended destination, they need to calculate navigational goals from a large variety of natural directional and positional cues to set a meaningful motor output command. One brain area, which has been associated with such executive functions, is the nidopallium caudolaterale (NCL), which, due to its striking similarities in terms of neurochemistry, connectivity and function, is considered analogous to the mammalian prefrontal cortex. To establish a baseline for further analyses elucidating the neuronal correlates underlying avian navigation, we performed quantitative and qualitative analyses of dopaminergic fibres in the brains of long-distance night-migratory Eurasian blackcaps (Sylvia atricapilla). We identified four regions in the caudal telencephalon, each of which was characterized by its specific dopaminergic innervation pattern. At least three of them presumably constitute subareas of the NCL in Eurasian blackcaps and could thus be involved in integrating navigational input from different sensory systems. The observed heterogeneity and parcellation of the NCL subcompartments in this migratory species could be a consequence of the special demands related to navigation.

Parasite island syndromes in the context of nidicolous ectoparasites: Fleas (Insecta: Siphonaptera) in wild passerine birds from Azores Archipelago.

Island syndrome, previously established for isolation process of insular vertebrates' populations, have been adapted to insular parasites communities, termed parasite island syndromes. In this work, were studied for the first time the insular syndromes for nidicolous ectoparasites of the bird species, Turdus merula, Sylvia atricapilla, Fringilla coelebs and Erithacus rubecula from Azores and the mainland Portugal. Flea species were only recorded on Azorean birds, namely Dasypsyllus gallinulae and Ctenocephalides felis felis, known as not host-specific parasites. In the absence of shared flea species between mainland and islands birds, a comparison among our fleas prevalence to Azores Islands and mainland fleas prevalence, recorded to others European studies, showed that Azorean host populations undergo higher prevalence than the mainland one. This result was consistent with parasite island syndromes predictions recorded to ectoparasites, hippoboscid flies and chewing lice, that fleas have higher prevalence on the Azores Islands compared to mainland Portugal. However, our results provide a new perspective to parasite island syndromes assumptions, namely in the context of nidicolous ectoparasites that spend only brief periods on the hosts' body.

Diet of breeding Eleonora's falcon Falco eleonorae in Algeria: Insights for the autumn trans-Mediterranean avian migration.

How environmental changes are affecting bird population dynamics is one of the most challenging conservation issues. Dietary studies of top avian predators could offer scope to monitor anthropogenic drivers of ecosystem changes. We investigated the diet of breeding Eleonora's falcon in an area of Northeastern Algeria in the years 2010–2012. Feathers and insect remains originating from prey plucking behavior were analyzed, providing insights into the seasonally changing diet of this raptor, as well as the trans‐Mediterranean avian migration. A total of 77 species of birds (16 Sylviidae, 11 Turdidae, and 4 Emberizidae), 3 species of insects, and 1 lizard were identified among prey remains, reflecting a diverse diet. Diet composition and prey abundance varied seasonally, faithfully correlating with the passage of migrant birds as recorded from bird ring recoveries. Our findings suggest that dietary studies of predators might be deployed to investigate changes in bird migration. We discuss our results in the context of trans‐Mediterranean migration, with early‐season prey mainly comprising trans‐Saharan migrants (Apus apus and Merops apiaster) and late‐season prey being dominated by Mediterranean winter migrants (Erithacus rubecula, Turdus philomelos, Sylvia atricapilla, and Sturnus vulgaris). Notably, we observed a significant reduction in species richness of passerine remains in 2012, potentially highlighting a decline in the diversity of avian migrants.

Computational Reconstruction and Analysis of Structural Models of Avian Cryptochrome 4.

A recent study by Xu et al. (Nature, 2021, 594, 535-540) provided strong evidence that cryptochrome 4 (Cry4) is a key protein to endow migratory birds with the magnetic compass sense. The investigation compared the magnetic field response of Cry4 from migratory and nonmigratory bird species and suggested that a difference in magnetic sensitivity could exist. This finding prompted an in-depth investigation into Cry4 protein differences on the structural and dynamic levels. In the present study, the pigeon Cry4 (ClCry4) crystal structure was used to reconstruct the missing avian Cry4 protein structures via homology modeling for carefully selected bird species. The reconstructed Cry4 structure from European robin, Eurasian blackcap, zebra finch, chicken, and pigeon were subsequently simulated dynamically and analyzed. The studied avian Cry4 structures show flexibility in analogous regions pointing to similar activation mechanisms and/or signaling interaction partners. It can be concluded that the experimentally recorded difference in the magnetic field sensitivity of Cry4 from different birds is unlikely to be due to solely intrinsic dynamics of the proteins but requires additional factors that have not yet been identified.

Seed Dispersal by an Invasive Exotic Bird in Europe

Native birds play a critical role in seed dispersal. The introduction of a new species may result in unpredictable effects on an ecosystem, namely in terms of seed dispersal. The Red-billed Leiothrix Leiothrix lutea is a frugivorous species native to Asia, whose potential role as seed disperser has not yet been analysed in its introduced range in Europe. We compared the role of Leiothrix with that of Eurasian Blackcap Sylvia atricapilla and European Robin Erithacus rubecula, which are among the native species with seed dispersal roles in Europe. We compared seed expelling behaviour among species (defecation or regurgitation of seeds), which can potentially shape seed dispersal, depending on whether the seeds germinate following expulsion. Field work was conducted in Central Portugal between November 2014 and January 2015 and included bird captures to collect faecal samples, followed by faecal analysis to check for the presence of seeds. We also surveyed plant species abundance and fruit availability in the study site. The feeding and seed defecation behaviour of Leiothrix closely matched that of Robins, as most individuals of both species consumed fruits without ingesting seeds and their faeces mainly contained plant material and few seeds. On the contrary, more than half of Blackcap faeces contained seeds. All three species ate similar plant species. Although Leiothrix faeces indicate that this species primarily eats fruits without ingesting seeds; a small fraction of faeces samples (c. 13%) contained seeds. Our results suggest that Leiothrix has low potential to be a seed disperser in Central Portugal and probably elsewhere.

In Search for the Avian Trigeminal Magnetic Sensor: Distribution of Peripheral and Central Terminals of Ophthalmic Sensory Neurons in the Night-Migratory Eurasian Blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla).

In night-migratory songbirds, neurobiological and behavioral evidence suggest the existence of a magnetic sense associated with the ophthalmic branch of the trigeminal nerve (V1), possibly providing magnetic positional information. Curiously, neither the unequivocal existence, structural nature, nor the exact location of any sensory structure has been revealed to date. Here, we used neuronal tract tracing to map both the innervation fields in the upper beak and the detailed trigeminal brainstem terminations of the medial and lateral V1 subbranches in the night-migratory Eurasian Blackcap (Sylvia atricapilla). The medial V1 subbranch takes its course along the ventral part of the upper beak to innervate subepidermal layers and the mucosa of the nasal cavity, whereas the lateral V1 subbranch runs along dorsolateral levels until the nostrils to innervate mainly the skin of the upper beak. In the trigeminal brainstem, medial V1 terminals innervate both the dorsal part and the ventral, magnetically activated part of the principal sensory trigeminal brainstem nuclei (PrV). In contrast, the lateral V1 subbranch innervates only a small part of the ventral PrV. The spinal sensory trigeminal brainstem nuclei (SpV) receive topographically ordered projections. The medial V1 subbranch mainly innervates rostral and medial parts of SpV, whereas the lateral V1 subbranch mainly innervates the lateral and caudal parts of SpV. The present findings could provide valuable information for further analysis of the trigeminal magnetic sense of birds.