Xenus Research Articles

Heavy metal concentrations in three shorebird species from Okgu Mudflat, Gunsan, Korea

Iron, zinc, copper, lead, and cadmium were measured in livers of three shorebird species from Okgu Mudflat, Korea in the East Asian-Australian migration flyways. Iron concentrations in red-necked stints (Calidris ruficollis) (geomean = 1,322 microg/g dw) were higher than in terek sandpipers (Xenus cinereus) (467 microg/g dw), and great knots (Calidris tenuirostris) (158 microg/g dw). Copper concentrations in great knots (85.8 microg/g dw) were significantly higher than in red-necked stints (15.9 microg/g dw) and terek sandpipers (10.4 microg/g dw). However, significant differences in zinc concentrations were not found in livers among shorebird species. Iron, zinc, and copper concentrations from this study were within the range of other shorebird studies. We suggest that essential elements such as iron, zinc, and copper are within normal range and are maintained there by normal homeostatic mechanism. Lead and cadmium concentrations differed among shorebird species; red-necked stints (geomeans 27.8 microg/g dw and 4.69 microg/g dw, respectively) were higher than in terek sandpipers (12.9 and 0.44 microg/g dw, respectively), and great knots (5.43 and 0.29 microg/g dw, respectively). Some red-necked stints exceeded toxic levels of lead and cadmium for wild birds. In livers of red-necked stints from Okgu Mudflat, lead and cadmium concentrations were higher than previously reported in other shorebirds.

British Ornithologists’ Union Records Committee: 36th Report (November 2007)

British Ornithologists’ Union Records Committee: 36th Report (November 2007)

Heavy Metal Concentrations in Feathers of Korean Shorebirds

This study presents concentrations of zinc, manganese, copper, lead, and cadmium in the feather of five shorebird species from Yeongjong Island, Korea in the East Asian-Australian migration flyways. The objectives of this study were to determine levels of heavy metal concentrations in the feathers of shorebirds, to evaluate the pattern of heavy metal concentrations in the feather and the liver, and to examine the correlation between heavy metal concentrations in the feathers and livers. We hypothesized that difference of heavy metal concentrations will show by the breeding ground of shorebirds. Lead concentrations in dunlins (geomean = 14.8 microg/g wet weight) and great knots (20.8 microg/g wet weight) feathers were significantly higher than Terek sandpipers (3.32 microg/g wet weight); other metals were not different among shorebirds. Zinc, lead, and cadmium concentrations in the feather were correlated with the liver concentrations, but manganese and copper concentrations were not. Zinc, manganese, copper, lead, and cadmium concentrations in the feather from this study were within the range of earlier studies for wild birds, but cadmium concentrations in dunlins were higher than other studies. Because lead concentrations in livers and feathers of the Terek sandpiper were lower than in other shorebirds, we suggest that Terek sandpipers were exposed to lower lead concentrations than Kentish plovers, dunlins, and great knots on their breeding ground.

Taxonomic recommendations for British birds: Fourth report

Taxonomic recommendations for British birds: Fourth report

Lead and cadmium concentrations in shorebirds from the Yeongjong Island, Korea

This study presents concentration levels of pollutants (lead, and cadmium) in tissues (livers, kidneys, muscles, and bones) of shorebirds (Kentish Plovers (n = 5), Mongolian Plovers (n = 2), Dunlins (n = 6), Great Knots (n = 10), Terek Sandpipers (n = 10)) from Yeongjong Island, Korea in the East Asian-Australian migration flyways during the autumn migration in 1994-1995. Lead concentrations in livers, in kidneys, in muscles, and in bones were significantly different among shorebird species. Lead concentrations in livers of Kentish Plovers (4.76 +/- 2.72 microg/wet g), Mongolian Plovers (2.05 microg/wet g), Dunlins (3.77 +/- 1.07 microg/wet g), and Great Knots (4.27 +/- 3.19 microg/wet g) were less than the toxic level, and lead concentrations in livers of Terek Sandpipers (1.20 +/- 0.94 microg/wet g) were at the background level. Cadmium concentrations in livers, in kidneys, in muscles, and in bones did not vary among shorebirds, and concentrations of cadmium in livers and in kidneys were at background level (respectively, approximate 1 mug/wet g, approximate 2.67 microg/wet g) in all shorebird species. We suggest that interspecific differences of lead and cadmium concentrations were attributed to differences in exposure time and differences of diet, microhabitats in wintering ground. In livers and kidney of shorebirds from Yeongjong Island, lead and cadmium concentrations were higher than other locations previously reported.

Trace elements and pollutants concentrations in shorebirds from Yeongjong Island, Korea in the East Asian–Australian migration flyways

This study presents concentration levels of trace metals and pollutants (zinc, manganese, copper, lead, and cadmium) in tissues (livers, kidneys, muscles, and bones) of shorebirds from Yeongjong Island, Korea, in the East Asian-Australian migration flyways. Essential trace elements, zinc concentrations in kidneys, and copper concentrations in muscles significantly differed among shorebirds, but manganese concentrations did not differ in each tissue. We suggest that essential elements are within normal range and are maintained there by normal homeostatic mechanism. Lead concentrations in livers, kidneys, muscles, and bones were significantly different among shorebird species. Lead concentrations in livers of Kentish Plovers, Mongolian Plovers, Dunlins, and Great Knots were less than the toxic level, and lead concentrations in livers of Terek Sandpipers were at the background level. Cadmium concentrations in livers, kidneys, muscles, and bones did not vary among shorebirds, and concentrations of cadmium in livers and kidneys were at background level in all shorebirds. In livers of Dunlins from Yeongjong Island, lead and cadmium concentrations were higher than other locations previously reported.

Accumulation Features of Polychlorinated Biphenyls and Organochlorine Pesticides in Resident and Migratory Birds from South India

Persistent organochlorines such as DDT and its metabolites (DDTs), hexachlorocyclohexane isomers (HCHs), chlordane compounds (CHLs), hexachlorobenzene (HCB), and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) were determined in whole-body homogenates of resident and migratory birds collected from South India. Organochlorine contamination pattern in birds varied depending on their migratory behaviour. Resident birds contained relatively greater concentrations of HCHs (14-8,800 ng/g wet wt) than DDTs and PCBs concentrations. In contrast, migrants exhibited elevated concentrations of PCBs (20-4,400 ng/g wet wt). The sex differences in concentrations and burdens of organochlorines in birds were pronounced, with females containing lower levels than males. Inland piscivores and scavengers accumulated greater concentrations of HCHs and DDTs while coastal piscivores contained comparable or greater amounts of PCBs. Global comparison of organochlorine concentrations indicated that resident birds in India had the highest residues of HCHs and moderate to high residues of DDTs. It is, therefore, proposed that migratory birds wintering in India acquire considerable amounts of HCHs and DDTs. Estimates of hazards associated with organochlorine levels in resident and migratory birds in India suggested that Pond Heron, Little Ringed Plover, and Terek Sandpiper may be at risk from exposure to DDTs.

SEASONAL USE OF SANDFLATS AND SALTMARSHES BY WADERS AT LOW AND HIGH TIDE AT LANGEBAAN LAGOON, SOUTH AFRICA

Summary Summers, R.W. & Kaletja-Summers, B. 1996. Seasonal use of sandflats and saltmarshes by waders at low and high tide at Langebaan Lagoon, South Africa. Ostrich 67:72-79. Migrant and resident waders were counted on sandflats and saltmarshes at low and high tide during two summers (197576 and 1976–77) and two winters (1975 and 1976) at Langebaan Lagoon. Intertidal sandflats supported higher densities of waders than saltmarshes at low tide in summer (18.7 and 17.2 waders ha' on sandflats compared with 0.4 and 2.9 waders ha' on saltmarshes) and winter (0.9 and 3.1 compared with 0.6 and 1.9 waders ha I for the two years). At high tide, most waders moved onto saltmarshes, attaining densities of 70.4 and 53.6 waders ha' in the two summers, and 5.7 and 15.6 birds ha' in the two winters. Resident waders comprised 0.3 and 0.8% of the wader community in the two summers and 41 and 5% in the two winters. They were also at higher densities in winter than in summer. The composition of wader communities on the different sandflats varied little in summer and Curlew Sandpipers were the most abundant species on all sandflats. Minor variations in species composition included proportionately more Turnstones at the mouth of the lagoon, more Sanderlings and Whimbrels in the mid sections and more Terek Sandpipers, Greenshanks and Curlews in the upper part. Larger percentages of waders were foraging on the sandflats at low tide in both summer (96 and 92% for the two summers) and winter (85 and 94% for the two winters) compared with the saltmarshes (73 and 79% in the two summers and 60 and 81% in the two winters). A larger proportion of small waders were foraging on sandflats at low tide compared with large waders. At high tide on the saltmarshes, the percent of foraging birds was lower in summer (29% for both summers) than in winter (36 and 78% for the two winters), perhaps reflecting seasonal changes in energy requirements.

Preliminary investigation of nocturnal habitat use by migratory waders (Order Charadriformes) in northern New South Wales

Nocturnal and diurnal habitat use by migrant waders was studied at three sites in the Richmond estuary, northern New South Wales. Numerous species of migrant wader showed significant differences in habitat use between night and day. Sanderling (Calidris alba), red-necked stint (Calidris ruficollis) and, possibly, double-banded plover (Charadrius bicinctus) foraged on mudflats during the day but moved to ocean beaches to forage during night low tides. Pacific golden plover (Pluvialis fulva), greater sandplover (Charadrius leschenaultii), eastern curlew (Numenius madagascariensis) and bar-tailed godwit (Limosa lapponica) displayed less significant differences in habitat use, although densities increased at night on moist sandy mudflats. The numbers of terek sandpiper (Xenus cinereus) and curlew sandpiper (Calidris ferruginea) decreased on sandy mudflats at night although where these birds went is unknown. Nocturnal foraging by X. cinereus may be restricted to moonlit nights. Greenshank (Tringa nebularia) also displayed differences in habitat use by foraging more on moist sandy mud at night and less in sea grass. No significant differences were found for whimbrel (Numenius phaeopus). Habitat use by both N. madagascariensis and N. phaeopus appears related to lunar phase. Six hypotheses are postulated to explain the observed differences: (1) exploitation of changes in prey behaviour and availability; (2) predator avoidance; (3) human avoidance; (4) increased light on mudflats from urban areas; (5) avoidance of roosting flocks of gulls and terns; and (6) relationship with prevailing environmental conditions. The data presented provide a basis from which further work will be undertaken.

Compte rendu ornithologique camarguais pour les années 1986-1987

This bird report covers the years 1986-1987 and is a sequel to the bi-annual reports begun in the 1930’s of the major ornithological events recorded in the Camargue and neighbouring Crau and Alpilles. Several researchers present the results of long-term monitoring programmes and there are observations of rare species (but only those accepted by the Rareties Committee) or the more regular ones recorded in unusual numbers, or outside the normal dates of presence in the region. There were spells of severely cold weather in February 1986 and again, for the 3rd consecutive winter, in January 1987, this latter being the more severe of the two. Flamingos and egrets suffered less than in January 1985 but passerines were hard hit, particularly Cetti’s and Fan-tailed warblers and Bearded Tits. Rainfall over the two years was quite high and as a result the salinity of the Vaccarès lagoon dropped from 33 g/1 to only 20 g/1 by the end of 1987. All european grebes have been recorded in the delta and their numbers have increased on the Vaccarès where 1 000 or more Great-crested and around 3 000 Black-necked were censused both years. The Grey Heron breeding population continues to increase and there were a record 891 pairs censused in the Camargue area in 1986. In winter the Great White Heron is now a regular visitor with up to 35 individuals. Storks are still regular on migration with 8 Black and 43 White in autumn 1987. Record numbers of flamingos were again breeding in 1986 and 1987 with 20 000 and 17 500 pairs respectively and a record 8 590 chicks raised in 1986. In 1987, only 2 200 chicks were raised because of disturbance caused by a child’s balloon blown onto the breeding island during hatching. The banding programme continues and 600 chicks were marked each year. During the cold spell of January 1987 about 100 flamingos died, one of the victims being marked with an Iranian ring from Lake Rezaiyeh. Waterfowl counts revealed record numbers of Shelducks in February, with 2 745 in 1986 and 3 590 in 1987. The Mute Swan breeding population continues to increase in the area and the Bewick’s peaked at 105 in January 1986. A small flock of Grey-lag Geese now winters in the Camargue and one bird has been seen wearing a Swedish ring. Midwinter counts of ducks and coots have now been made over 24 consecutive seasons. Although Gadwall and Shoveler numbers have increased in recent years the overall numbers of ducks have decreased for the thirteenth consecutive winter. This decline is attributed mainly to excessive hunting and an increase in the salinity of Camargue lagoons. Other notorious winter visitors to the delta have been Sea and Booted Eagles in 1986 and 1987, and 7 cranes in 1986. Amongst the rarer waders is the 4th record of a Pectoral Sandpiper, a spring report of Buff-breasted Sandpiper and several observations of Wilson’s Phalarope, Terek Sandpiper and Black-winged Pratincole. Finally, a record 193 pairs of Slender-billed Gulls bred in 1987 and 35 pairs of Mediterranean gulls in 1986.

Compte rendu ornithologique camarguais pour les années 1984-1985

This paper continues the series of publications reporting interesting observations and data collected in the Camargue and neighbouring areas (Crau, Alpilles) since 1930. For several species and groups of birds long-term monitoring is carried out and this is done primarily by ornithologists from the Tour du Valat, the C.N.R.S. Ecology Centre and the National Nature Reserve. From the climatological report it can be seen that there was a severe cold spell in January 1985, with freezing conditions lasting two weeks. Flamingos were severely affected as were several species of ducks (Figure 3), herons and waders. Of the two mainly sedentary warblers Fan-tailed seem to have suffered more than Cetti’s. This cold spell caused the sharp decline in the numbers of breeding Little egrets (Table I) and Cattle egrets though this was probably exacerbated for the former species by the drought which persists in the Sahel where some birds winter. In 1985 the numbers of breeding Grey herons (Table II) were the highest yet recorded, as were the numbers of wintering Great white herons. During the cold spell, this former rarity to the delta outnumbered the Little egret, and in December 1985 an outstanding total of 42 individuals was recorded (Figure 2). On the other hand, the breeding population of Purple herons was the lowest recorded (in 1985) for the previous six years. In spite of the cold spell in January 1985 and the fact that the species also bred in Spain, the number of Flamingos which nested at the Etang du Fangassier was the second highest on record, with 13,500 pairs and 7,800 chicks raised in 1985. An intensive research programme continues on this species based largely on the re-sightings of individually marked birds and a further 1,333 chicks were «Darvic»-ringed in these two years. Even prior to the cold spell the numbers of waterfowl wintering in the delta, or passing through, were lower than usual, and coupled with the effects of the cold weather, the 1984-85 season proved to be the worst in the 21 years since records began. The following winter also revealed low numbers of most species ; all except the Gadwall have gradually decreased in numbers since the index years of 1964-65 to 1966-67. The tendency for birds to concentrate in areas free from hunting is greater now than it was at the end of the 70’s. No similar decrease in numbers at the other major wintering areas along the same flyway has been noted and it would therefore appear that it is the Rhone delta which is no longer as attractive to the ducks as it formerly was. This trend could be reversed by an extension of the feeding areas under protection and a lowering of the shooting pressure throughout the region where the annual bag is still around 150,000 ducks. The list of raptors observed in the area is still very impressive, but the populations of two of those which breed give cause for alarm. In spite of conservation actions by several organisations and societies the 15 pairs of Bonelli’s eagles under observation in Provence raised only 0.79 and 0.86 chicks per pair on average in 1984 and 1985 respectively, as opposed to an average of 1.03 per year since 1974. Also now a rarity is the Lesser kestrel ; the only place in France where the species still breeds is the Crau with only 2 and 4 prs. respectively in 1984 and 1985. The tenth complete census since 1956 of the waders, gulls and terns breeding in the brackish and saline lagoons of the greater Camargue area was carried out in 1985. Most species maintained their normal population levels although Avocet numbers were low. Herring gull numbers are kept down by culling whilst the scarcer Slender-billed and Mediterranean gulls both maintained a good foothold in the delta, the latter species showing signs of increasing with a record 23 pairs in 1985. Outside the breeding season, there were three records of Terek sandpiper in 1984 and observations the same year of Audouin’s and Glaucous gulls, all rarities in the delta.

Foraging behaviour of Terek SandpipersXenus cinereus feeding on Sand-Bubbling CrabsScopimera globosa

On the intertidal flats of the Nakdong Estuary in South Korea Terek Sandpipers foraged solitarily, and made 0.5–6 m long ‘runs’ which ended with pecks on or into the sediment to capture Sand-bubbling Crabs. The birds foraged during low tide and spent about 80 % of their time foraging; the rest preening and resting. More than half of the recorded prey and over 80 % of the average energetic intake consisted of Sand-bubbling Crabs. As the size of captured crabs increased, a greater proportion was washed before ingestion. Small crabs were always swallowed, but of the larger crabs an increasing portion was eventually rejected after capture. When deep down in their burrows, only the smallest crabs were within the reach of the sandpipers' bills. Henceforth, the crabs were only available when outside their burrows, on the surface. This happened for only three hrs (or one third) of each diurnal low tide period. Early in the tidal cycle after the crabs came to the surface, Terek Sandpipers made many runs and pecks per unit time to capture them. When crabs were most abundant and easy to catch, the birds were apparently more selective in their prey choice: more captured crabs were washed before being eaten and more were eventually rejected. Suggestions are made to explain the behaviour of both the predator and the prey.

Compte rendu ornithologique camarguais pour les années 1982 et 1983

Compte rendu ornithologique camarguais pour les années 1982 et 1983

SEASONAL VARIATIONS IN THE MASS OF WADERS IN SOUTHERN AFRICA, WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO MIGRATION

Summary Summers, R. W. & Waltner, M. 1978. Seasonal variations in the mass of waders in southern Africa, with special reference to migration. Ostrich 50:21-37. Seasonal variations in the mass of various wader species are described from data collected mainly in the southwestern Cape from 1970 to 1977. 1Y+ (older than one year) Turnstones Arenaria interpres, Ringed Plovers Charadrius hialicula, Great Sandplovers C. leschenaultii, Grey Plovers Pluvialis squatarola, Knots Calidris canutus Sanderlings C. alba, Terek Sandpipers Xenus cinereus. Common Sandpipers Tringa hypoleucos, March Sandpipers T. stagnatilis, Greenshanks T. nebularia, Bartailed Godwits Limosa lapponica and Whimbrels Numenius phaeopus showed an increase in mass between late March and early May. This was associated with the accumulation of fat deposits as measured in Turnstones and Sanderlings. 1Y-t-Turnstones, Knots and Sanderlings had their smallest mass in mid summer (December and January). Ruffs Philomachus pugnax had a slight rise in mass...

A Survey of Birds in Westernport Bay, Victoria, 1973–74

SUMMARYLoyn, R. H. 1978. A survey of birds in Westernport Bay, Victoria, 1973–74. Emu 78: 11–19.A survey of birds in intertidal areas of Westernport Bay was begun in October 1973 and is continuing. This paper describes results of the first year's fieldwork. A monthly census at high-tide roosts was carried out with the help of the Bird Observers' Club and other voluntary observers. In this year the Bay supported a population of about 17,000 waders and 18,400 other shore birds. Some species were commoner in Westernport Bay than in other parts of Victoria: Eastern Curlew, Whimbrel, Bar-tailed Godwit, Greenshank, Grey-tailed Tattler and Terek Sandpiper. The distribution of mangroves and time of exposure of mudflats appear to be important factors involved in determining distribution and abundance of birds.

Birds on the north coast of the Sea of Ariake

Bird censuses were conducted approximately once a month in and around Yamato reclaimed land, Yamato Machi, Yamato Gun, Fukuoka Prefecture, i. e. on the north coast of the Sea of Ariake, from July 1974 to December 1976. Birds observed were 25 families including 99 species. The three of these families, Anatidae, Charadriidae and Scolopacidae included 47 species (47. 5% of all). The authors, therefore, decided to study seasonal changes in number of species and individuals of these three representative families.1. The number of individual ducks (Anatidae) was greatest in winter, the number of species was greatest either in spring or autumn.2. The highest number of individual plovers (Charadriidae) occurred in the autumn migratory season. The number of species was almost equal in spring and autumn (4 species in spring, while 5 species in autumn).3. On the other hand, the number of individuals of sandpipers (Scolopacidae) was greater in the spring migratory season than in the autumn. The number of species was almost equal in spring and autumn (16 species vs. 18 species).4. The record of bird observations on the north coast of the Sea of Ariake was compared with those in Osaka Bay, Tokyo Bay and the Gamou coast, Miyagi Prefecture. Among 35 species of shore birds observed on the north coast of the Sea of Ariake, 17 species were chosen (18 species were eliminated because of the rarity of observed individual), to compare the migratory types with those of the shore birds observed in the three districts above mentioned.5. Six species (Charadrius mongolus, Pluvialis squatarola, Tringa erythropus, T. nebularia, T. brevipes, Xenus cinereus) on the Ariake Sea cost showed the same migration types as the in other three districts, and the other 11 species (Charadrius alexandrinus, Pluvialis dominica, Arenaria interpres, Calidris ruficollis, C. alpina, C. tenuirostris, Tringa glareola, Limosa limosa, L. lapponica, Numenius madagascariensis, N. phaeopus) on the Ariake Sea cost showed a difierent nigration type from these in the other three districts. As a result of taking the migration types into consideration, we might propose a fourth migratory course to the north, in addition to the three courses described by Kobayashi (1959). That is a route along the south coasts of the Japanese Islands. Two courses are described as the southward migratory route of the shore birds.6. Whether migrating north or south, several opecies of shore birds seems pass the north coast of the Sea of Ariake migrate via Korean Peninsula, instead of passing through Honshu Island of Japan.

Terek Sandpipers at Botany. N.S.W

Terek Sandpipers at Botany. N.S.W

Terek Sandpiper at Barwon Heads, South Victoria

Terek Sandpiper at Barwon Heads, South Victoria