Passer Montanus Research Articles

Importance Of Nest Sites Availability For Abundance And Changes In Number Of House- And Tree Sparrow In Warsaw

Abstract House- and Tree Sparrows were censused on 55 plots (684 ha), representing 3 habitats: housing estates, parks and allotment gardens in Warsaw from 2005-2009 and in 2012. Also, the data on nest sites of both species were gathered. Data from 70s/80s of the other authors enabled to determine the changes in number of sparrows. The population of House Sparrow decreased on average by 48% and the sharpest decline was found in allotment gardens. The decline continued in the period of studies, i.e. in 2005-2012. Tree Sparrow showed an increase from 70s/80s by 68% although in 2005-2012 the population was stable or even decreased. House Sparrows nested mainly in crevices in buildings, and suboptimal nest sites – such as nest-boxes and holes in trees – were occupied only in these areas where food condition were particularly good. Resources of optimal nest sites on studied area was almost entirely sufficient for House Sparrows population. Number of House Sparrow was related to area/presence of buildings. Renovations of buildings strongly influenced local number of this species, however they were not the main cause of its decline. Although nest-boxes were occasionally used by H. Sparrow, their presence could not stop the decrease in numbers caused by loss of nest sites. Tree Sparrow showed greater plasticity in their choice of nest sites. In parks their abundance was correlated with the number of nest boxes. It was suggested that in this habitat, the observed decrease of House Sparrow with simultaneous abandonment of nest-boxes (and other nest sites) may have contributed to the increase in Tree Sparrows.

应用稳定同位素研究广西东方洞食物网结构和营养级关系

稳定性同位素技术已经成为研究生态系统食物网结构和营养级关系及其动态变化的重要手段。应用稳定同位素技术(<em>δ</em>¹³C和<em>δ</em>¹⁵N)研究了东风洞的食物网结构和营养级关系。研究结果表明,东风洞主要为腐食食物链,由于在洞穴内黑暗带中无光照也无植物生长,所以碳源主要为东风洞中的土壤有机质,作为第一营养级;主要摄食关系为马陆与土壤有机物质,螺类与土壤有机物质等;在该洞生态系统中,将3种马陆直接作为初级消费者,以隅蛛和其它马陆平均值之间的差值(2.04‰)作为东风洞食物网稳定氮同位素的富集因子。根据营养级模型可知,马陆类群、细长钻螺等土壤动物,裸灶螽和涂闪夜蛾形成第二营养级,即初级消费者;第三营养级包括蜘蛛类、盲蛛、地蜈蚣以及黑眶蟾蜍,为次级消费者。

Changes in the number of Tree Sparrow nestlings in Ueno Zoological Gardens, central Tokyo during 1977-1984 and 1990-1995

Changes in the number of Tree Sparrow nestlings in Ueno Zoological Gardens, central Tokyo during 1977-1984 and 1990-1995

Eurasian Tree Sparrows, Risk for H5N1 Virus Spread and Human Contamination through Buddhist Ritual: An Experimental Approach

BackgroundThe Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza H5N1 virus has dramatically spread throughout Southeast Asia since its first detection in 1997. Merit Release Birds, such as the Eurasian Tree Sparrow, are believed to increase one's positive karma when kissed and released during Buddhist rituals. Since these birds are often in close contact with both poultry and humans, we investigated their potential role in the spread of H5N1 virus.Methodology/Principal FindingsSeven series of experiments were conducted in order to investigate the possible interactions between inoculated and exposed birds, including sparrow/sparrow, sparrow/chicken, duck/sparrow. Daily and post-mortem samples collected were tested for H5N1 virus by real-time RT-PCR and egg inoculation. When directly inoculated, Eurasian Tree Sparrows were highly susceptible to the H5N1 virus, with a fatality rate approaching 100% within 5 days post-inoculation. Although transmission of fatal infection between sparrows did not occur, seroconversion of the exposed birds was observed. Up to 100% chickens exposed to inoculated sparrows died of H5N1 infection, depending on the caging conditions of the birds, while a fatality rate of 50% was observed on sparrows exposed to infected ducks. Large quantities of H5N1 virus were detected in the sparrows, particularly in their feathers, from which infectious particles were recovered.Conclusions/SignificanceOur study indicates that under experimental conditions, Eurasian Tree Sparrows are susceptible to H5N1 infection, either by direct inoculation or by contact with infected poultry. Their ability to transmit H5N1 infection to other birds is also demonstrated, suggesting that the sparrows may play a role in the dissemination of the virus. Finally, the presence of significant quantities of H5N1 virus on sparrows' feathers, including infectious particles, would suggest that Merit Release Birds represent a risk for human contamination in countries where avian influenza virus is circulating and where this religious ritual is practiced.

Relationship Between Organ Masses and Basal Metabolic Rate (BMR) in Tree Sparrows (Passer montanus)

BMR (basal metabolic rate), body mass and organ masses of tree sparrows (Passer montanus) were measured to analyze the correlation between organ masses and BMR in tree sparrows, and to evaluate the underlying physiological causes of difference in BMR. Adult tree sparrows were live-trapped by mist net in Qiqihar City, Heilongjiang Province (47°29′N, 124°02′E). The closed circuit respirometer was used to measure the metabolic rate (MR), and controlled the ambient temperature by using a water bath (±0.5°C). Body masses were measured to the nearest 0.01 g before and after BMR measurements with a Sartorius balance (model BT25S). The mean value was recorded as body mass. Wet and dry masses of several organs were measured, too. BMR was (4.276± 0.385) mL O2/(g · h) and mean body mass was (18.522±0.110) g. Since not all the variables were normal distributed, a log10-transformation of those variables was employed to linearize them, prior to analyses. Simple regression analyses indicated that most organ masses showed a significant high correlation with body mass. Both the small intestine and rectum masses were notable exception to that trend. The body-mass-adjusted residual analysis showed that only the kidney wet mass, brain mass, stomach mass, small mass and rectum wet mass correlated with BMR. In addition, correlations between several organ masses and BMR were observed. Because of the inter-correlations of organ masses, a principal component analysis (PCA) was performed to redefine the morphological variability. The first four components whose eigenvalues were greater than 1 could explain 75.2% variance of BMR. The first component, whose proportion reached 30.19%, was affected mainly by stomach mass, small intestine mass and rectum mass. Therefore, the results supported the hypothesis that BMR was controlled by some “expensive metabolic” organs.

How will climate change affect the potential distribution of Eurasian tree sparrows Passer montanus in North America?

Abstract Habitat suitability models have been used to predict the present and future potential distribution of a variety of species. Eurasian tree sparrows Passer montanus, native to Eurasia, have established populations in other parts of the world. In North America, their current distribution is limited to a relatively small region around its original introduction to St. Louis, Missouri. We combined data from the Global Biodiversity Information Facility with current and future climate data to create habitat suitability models using Maxent for this species. Under projected climate change scenarios, our models show that the distribution and range of the Eurasian tree sparrow could increase as far as the Pacific Northwest and Newfoundland. This is potentially important information for prioritizing the management and control of this non-native species.

Intra-seasonal changes in reproductive strategy of a multi-brooded passerine: the tree sparrow Passer montanus

In order to evaluate how a multi-brooded bird species adapts its breeding strategy during the breeding season, we investigated variations in clutch size, egg traits and sex of the final eggs in a population of the tree sparrow Passer montanus in northwestern Croatia. Of the three clutches of the season, the second was the largest and it contained the largest eggs. Furthermore, the females followed the brood survivor strategy for the second clutch, while they chose the brood reduction strategy for the first and the third clutches. These results indicate that female tree sparrows adjusted their reproductive strategy over the course of the breeding season and invested the most resources in the second clutch. We hypothesise that their decisions may serve to maximise the number of offspring that they can successfully rear in a single breeding season.

Dominance Rank and Interference Competition in Foraging among Six Species of Birds in a Park in Kaohsiung City, Taiwan

Through body size, social interaction, and foraging behavior, we investigated the dominance rank and interference competition among 6 bird species foraging at a park feeding site in Kaohsiung City, Taiwan. Social interactions and foraging behaviors of these birds were recorded in June to September 2009. David's scores were calculated from an interspecific interaction matrix, and the score roughly increased with the body size of birds, but some exceptions were noted. Concerning foraging behavior, feral pigeons (Columba livia) and Spotted-necked Doves (Streptopelia chinensis) took over the food area once they appeared even though Tree Sparrows (Passer montanus) usually arrived first. A linear regression model indicated that the number of Tree Sparrows outside the food area was positively correlated with the number of feral pigeons and Spotted-necked Doves inside the food area. Feral pigeons and Spotted-necked Doves moved away as the food was gradually consumed, and smaller species accordingly increased their foraging in the food area. Nevertheless, the Tree Sparrow was also suppressed by other medium-sized birds, like the White-vented Myna (Acridotheres javanicus) and Chinese Bulbul (Pycnonotus sinensis), and they eventually occupied the food area in large numbers at a later stage. This study revealed that body size did matter and the Tree Sparrow was clearly the least dominant species among the 6. However, a discrepancy between the dominance status and interference competition in foraging was apparent. In addition to David's score, we suggest incorporating body size, group size, and interference competition to reach a more-comprehensive dominance hierarchy in bird communities.

An H5N1 highly pathogenic avian influenza virus isolated from a local tree sparrow in Indonesia

The isolation of an H5N1 influenza A virus from a tree sparrow (Passer montanus) captured in East Java, Indonesia in 2010 is reported here. Its hemagglutinin and neuraminidase were genetically similar to those of human isolates from 2006-2007 in Indonesia. The finding of a tree sparrow H5N1 virus that possesses genetically similar surface molecules to those of human viruses highlights the importance of monitoring resident wild birds, as well as migratory birds, for pandemic preparedness.

The effects of weather conditions on the numbers of wintering birds and the diversity of their assemblages in villages and crop fields in east-central Poland

Winter in northern and central Europe can be a harsh time, especially for farmland birds. When fields are covered by snow, birds must search for food elsewhere, moving away to areas with more favourable weather or to habitats where food is more readily available. This study examines the changes in the numbers of wintering birds and the diversity of their assemblages in the farmlands and rural settlements of eastern Poland as a response to weather conditions. Deeper snow and low ambient temperatures caused the numbers of birds to increase in settlements but decrease in farmland. The numbers of species in both habitats were independent of the weather conditions, however. Among the species more frequently found in both habitats, only yellowhammer and tree sparrow showed a negative correlation between their numbers in settlements and in the surrounding farmland. This strongly suggests that these two species move back and forth between the two habitats, depending on the weather.

Comparison of adrenocortical responses to acute stress in lowland and highland Eurasian tree sparrows (Passer montanus): similar patterns during the breeding, but different during the prebasic molt

Previous studies indicate most free-living avian species in both extreme and temperate environments seasonally modulate the adrenocortical responses to acute stress, and those breeding in harsh environments always express reduced adrenocortical responses, which may allow them to obtain maximal reproductive success. However, recent investigations showing a human commensal species, house sparrows (Passer domesticus), expressed similar corticosterone (CORT) responses in both benign and harsh environments. In this study, focusing on another human commensal species, Eurasian tree sparrows (P. montanus), we examined the adrenocortical response to acute stress in lowland populations, among the early and late breeding, the prebasic molt, and the wintering stages, and compared them with previously published data from populations on the Tibetan Plateau. Our results show: (1) similar to highland Eurasian tree sparrows, lowland populations show no differences in baseline CORT levels among life history stages, and the stress-induced CORT (maximal CORT, total and corrected integrated CORT) levels are lower during the early breeding and the prebasic molt stages than those in the late breeding and the wintering stages; (2) highland Eurasian tree sparrows show stronger adrenocortical responses during the prebasic molt stage than lowland populations, whereas there are no differences between the early and the breeding stages (except for maximal CORT). Our results suggest that Eurasian tree sparrows from both harsh and benign environments have similar patterns of adrenocortical responses in the breeding stage, whereas they are different in the prebasic molt stage. In highland birds, the increased maximal CORT levels during the late breeding and the small increases in adrenocortical responses during the prebasic molt are interesting but remain unexplained.

Physiological trade-offs in self-maintenance: plumage molt and stress physiology in birds

Trade-offs between self-maintenance processes can affect life-history evolution. Integument replacement and the stress response both promote self-maintenance and affect survival in vertebrates. Relationships between the two processes have been studied most extensively in birds, where hormonal stress suppression is down regulated during molt in seasonal species, suggesting a resource-based trade-off between the two processes. The only species found to differ are the rock dove and Eurasian tree sparrow, at least one of which performs a very slow molt that may reduce resource demands during feather growth, permitting investment in the stress response. To test for the presence of a molt-stress response trade-off, we measured hormonal stress responsiveness during and outside molt in two additional species with extended molts, red crossbills (Loxia curvirostra) and zebra finches (Taeniopygia guttata). We found that both species maintain hormonal stress responsiveness during molt. Further, a comparative analysis of all available species revealed a strong relationship between molt duration and degree of hormonal suppression. Though our results support trade-off hypotheses, these data can also be explained by alternative hypotheses that have not been formally addressed in the literature. We found a strong relationship between stress suppression and seasonality of breeding and evidence suggesting that the degree of suppression may be either locally adaptable or plastic and responsive to local environmental conditions. We hypothesize that environmental unpredictability favors extended molt duration, which in turn allows for maintenance of the hormonal stress response, and discuss implications of a possible trade-off for the evolution of molt schedules.

Association of pseudoscorpions with different types of bird nests

AbstractThe hypothesis of associating pseudoscorpions with bird nest types was tested on the basis of an analysis of 480 specimens. Eleven pseudoscorpion species were found in 171 nests of 28 different bird species collected in Slovakia, Austria and the Czech Republic. The frequent appearance of Cheiridium museorum, Dactylochelifer latreillii, Chernes hahnii, Dendrochernes cyrneus and Allochernes wideri was confirmed. High proportion and association of Pselaphochernes scorpioides in hoopoe hollow nests with decomposed substrate, D. cyrneus in the Eurasian tree sparrow nest boxes and A. wideri in the nests of the tawny owls, the European scops owls and the European roller was proved. In contrast, C. hahnii and D. latreillii were related to the nest fauna of blackbirds and song thrushes, C. museorum to the nests of white wagtails situated on the ground and on buildings and C. cancroides to the nests in synanthropic habitats. Until present, the occurrence of 22 pseudoscorpion species has been confirmed in the bird nests of Central Europe based on the obtained results and published resources. According to the association to bird nests these pseudoscorpions were classified as (1) nidixenous species — Chthonius fuscimanus, C. tetrachelatus, Mundochthonius styriacus, Neobisium carcinoides, N. crassifemoratum, N. inaequale, N. sylvaticum, Chernes cimicoides, C. similis, C. vicinus, Allochernes powelli, Lamprochernes chyzeri, L. nodosus and Larca lata; and (2) nidiphilous species — C. museorum, C. cancroides, A. wideri, D. cyrneus, D. latreillii, C. hahnii, D. panzeri and P. scorpioides.

Characteristics of Bird Community by Types of Habitat in Deogyusan National Park

This study was to analyse on the bird communities of Deogyusan National Park conducted from July 2008 to June 2009, and from April to July, 2010. During the research period, a total of 2,689 individuals were observed, specifically, 12 orders, 34 families and 96 species. The most dominant species was Passer montanus (404 individuals, 15.02%), followed by Paradoxornis webbianus (156 individuals, 5.80%), Emberiza elegans (153 individuals, 5.69%), Corvus frugilegus (145 individuals, 5.39%), Hypsipetes amaurotis (110 individuals, 4.09%), Streptopelia orientalis (106 individuals, 3.94%), Aegithalos caudatus (97 individuals, 3.61%), Cettia diphone (94 individuals, 3.50%), and Turdus pallidus (89 individuals, 3.31%). The largest number of species were observed in May and June, breeding season, and in winter the number was low. The largest number of individuals were also observed in May and June, and the number was also low in fall and early spring. Species diversity was the highest in Baekryunsa area, forest area. Species richness was the highest in Seolcheon area, lowland snow area. Both species diversity and species richness were the lowest in Hyangjeokbong area, mountain ridge. The coefficient of similarity of research areas shows that species composition is dependent on environment. Areas were groups into Hyangjeokbong area (highland ridge), Baekryunsa area and Anseong area (slope and valley), and lowland area and Seolcheon area (farmland and stream).

Characteristics of Bird Community in Yeongsan Lake

A total of 4,045 individuals of 47 species were observed in the Yeongsan Lake region of Yeongsan River between January and December of 2009. Dominant species, in decreasing order, included the Fulica atra (24.72%, 1,000 individuals), followed by the Larus ridibundus (17.31%, 700 individuals), Larus crassirostris (13.84%, 560 individuals), Mergus merganser (7.29%, 295 individuals), Passer montanus (6.18%, 250 individuals) and the Aythya fuligula (5.34%, 216 individuals). In terms of the total number of species observed per month, November showed the highest number at 23 species and September showed the lowest figure at 9 species. Furthermore, February showed the highest number of individuals at 2,382, and May showed the lowest number at 114 individuals. In relation to species diversity, May, despite being the month with the lowest bird count, showed the highest number of species as well as the highest level of species diversity (H') at 2.37 and species abundance at (Da) 4.22. Conversely, September, which recorded the lowest number of species observed, showed lowest levels of species diversity (H') at 0.37 and species abundance at (Da) 1.26. In terms of the seasons, summer (between July and September) showed the lowest species diversity, while spring and fall, which are migratory periods for migratory birds, showed high level of species diversity. This study observed 3 government protected species.

Warmer springs, laying date and clutch size of tree sparrows Passer montanus in Croatia

Abstract Global surface air temperatures increased during the past 100 years. Many long-term studies of birds have reported a climatic influence on breeding performance. We analysed long-term changes in first laying date and clutch size for first clutches of sedentary, hole-nesting and socially monogamous tree sparrows Passer montanus during 1980–2009 in northwestern Croatia. Laying date advanced and spring temperature increased significantly during the study. Date of laying was significantly correlated with mean air spring temperature and advanced by 8.6 days during the 30 years period. Laying date was delayed in extremely cold, but not in extremely warm springs compared to years with normal temperatures. These results suggest that current climate change including extreme change does not have negative effects on timing of laying or clutch size. In contrast to laying date, clutch size did not vary systematically during the study period or with mean spring air temperature changes.

The conservation value of restored landfill sites in the East Midlands, UK for supporting bird communities

There has been a rapid decline of grassland bird species in the UK over the last four decades. In order to stem declines in biodiversity such as this, mitigation in the form of newly created habitat and restoration of degraded habitats is advocated in the UK biodiversity action plan. One potential restored habitat that could support a number of bird species is re-created grassland on restored landfill sites. However, this potential largely remains unexplored. In this study, birds were counted using point sampling on nine restored landfill sites in the East Midlands region of the UK during 2007 and 2008. The effects of restoration were investigated by examining bird species composition, richness, and abundance in relation to habitat and landscape structure on the landfill sites in comparison to paired reference sites of existing wildlife value. Twelve bird species were found in total and species richness and abundance on restored landfill sites was found to be higher than that of reference sites. Restored landfill sites support both common grassland bird species and also UK Red List bird species such as skylark Alauda arvensis, grey partridge Perdix perdix, lapwing Vanellus vanellus, tree sparrow, Passer montanus, and starling Sturnus vulgaris. Size of the site, percentage of bare soil and amount of adjacent hedgerow were found to be the most influential habitat quality factors for the distribution of most bird species. Presence of open habitat and crop land in the surrounding landscape were also found to have an effect on bird species composition. Management of restored landfill sites should be targeted towards UK Red List bird species since such sites could potentially play a significant role in biodiversity action planning.

Field observation of predation on adult lepidopterans by the tree sparrow Passer montanus saturatus

AbstractMany studies have examined defensive strategies of adult lepidopterans against bird predation. However, detailed field observations that describe how lepidopterans are hunted by wild birds are quite limited. I observed foraging behavior of wild tree sparrows on adult lepidopterans from May to June 2006 at Mt Yoshida, Kyoto, Japan. A total of 253 foraging attempts on at least 14 species of lepidopterans were observed. The tree sparrows attacked both resting and flying lepidopterans. When a tree sparrow approached a resting lepidopteran, the lepidopteran frequently flew to escape predation. The number of feeding attempts for resting and flying lepidopterans was 215 and 38, respectively. This result indicates that resting lepidopterans are the main target of predation by the tree sparrow. It is therefore considered that reducing the risk of detection is important for lepidopterans to avoid predation by the tree sparrow. Coloration as crypsis is probably effective in this respect.

Report on the Observation of a Dark morph Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus) in Daejeon Metropolitan City

On March 16th, 2010, at 13:35, a single count of dark morph tree sparrow (Passer montanus) was observed for approximately 15 minutes while it was resting with approximately 30 ordinary tree sparrows at a terrace land on water (east longitude 127°21′31.4”, north latitude 36°18′20.2”) under Gasuwon Bridge (Gasuwongyo) of Gasuwon-dong, Seo-gu in Daejeon Metropolitan City. Dark morph tree sparrow has not been observed in nature for 16 years since its observation in Pyeongtaek-gun of Gyeonggi-do by the Korean Avian Association in 1994.

Variation in baseline corticosterone levels of Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus) populations along an urban gradient in Beijing, China

Rapid urbanization is a major anthropogenic pressure on bird species that rely on vegetation for food and shelter. Since the baseline corticosterone concentration (BCC) in some bird species has been found to increase slightly in response to environmental challenges, we hypothesized that urbanization could also induce an increase in BCC. To test this hypothesis, we compared the BCC of Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus) populations in five urban and two rural habitats and analyzed the relationship between BCC and the degree of urbanization. Here, we show that the BCCs of Tree Sparrow populations were strongly and positively correlated with the degree of urbanization of the habitat. Average BCC of Tree Sparrows from high-rise residential areas and a university campus were significantly higher than those from rural areas, suggesting that Tree Sparrows living in highly urbanized areas have greater environmental challenges than those in rural areas. However, the average BCC of birds from an urban park was not significantly different to that of birds at rural sites and also differed significantly from that of birds at two of the other urban sites. These results suggest that urbanization could pose environmental challenges for Tree Sparrows, a species that appears relatively well-adapted to human-modified environments. The marked variation in BCC between different urban sites indicates that conclusions drawn from data collected at single sites must be interpreted with caution.