Fieldfare Research Articles

Ornithological Fauna of the Waste Water Treatment Plants in the Northern Left Bank Ukraine (Chernihiv and Kyiv Regions): Winter Populations and Ecological Structure

Abstract The article discusses winter bird populations of the waste water treatment plants (WWTP) located in the North of Left -bank Ukraine. The said population comprises 12 orders and 29 families. The most numerous are Passeriformes (37 species), Аnsеriformes (16 species) and Falconiformes (6 species). Parus major was registered at all types of facilities while most of the others house Passer montanus, Carduelis carduelis, Turdus pilaris, and Parus caeruleus. The largest number of wintering birds was registered at Bortnychi aeration station, Chernihiv municipal WWTP and Chernihiv wool processing factory - 79. 51 and 15 species respectively. The nuclear part of the bird numbers are the species residing at the facilities all year around (65.8 %); species occurring there in winter only account for 34.2 %. Dendrophilous (38 species) and hydrophilous (35 species) dominate among them. The primary role in forming the winter fauna of the waste water treatment plants belongs to the zones of water bodies and dams.

Population expansion of some bird species in the city of Wrocław

Abstract During the years 2002-2010, distribution and numbers of eight bird species were studied in the whole city of Wrocław, SW Poland (293 km2). The estimation for these species are as follow: Streptopelia turtur: 3 breeding pairs, Upupa epops: 1, Cuculus canorus: 49, Emberiza hortulana: 7, Luscinia megarhynchos: 214-286, Phoenicurus phoenicurus: 87-118, Turdus pilaris: 105-150, Hippolais icterina: 136-181. In comparison with 1980‘s and 1990’s, a rapid increase in the numbers P. phoenicurus, and T. pilaris, and a slight increase of L. megarhynchos and Cuculus canorus were documented. T. pilaris began to breed in the city in the end of 1990‘s. The increase may indicate that the habitats in Wrocław improved both in regard to food availability, nesting sites and other environmental requisitions. The increase in the numbers recorded for C. canorus, P. phoe-nicurus, and L. megarhynchos may also be a result of good conditions prevailing in their wintering grounds in sub-Saharan Africa.

Habitat type, food resources, noise and light pollution explain the species composition, abundance and stability of a winter bird assemblage in an urban environment

At present, urban areas cover almost 3% of the Earth’s terrestrial area, and this proportion is constantly increasing. Although urbanization leads to a decline in biodiversity, at the same time it creates extensive habitats that are exploited by an assemblage of organisms, including birds. The species composition and density of birds nesting in towns and cities are determined by the types of buildings, the structure and maturity of urban greenery, and habitat diversity. In contrast, the habitat traits shaping the community of birds wintering in urban areas are not known. The aim of this work was to assess the influence of habitat structure, food resources and the urban effects (pollution, noise, artificial light) on an assemblage of birds overwintering in an urban area. It was carried out in 2014 and 2015 in the city of Kraków (southern Poland), on 56 randomly chosen sample plots, in which the composition, density and interseasonal similarity of bird assemblage were assessed with line transect method. A total of 64 bird species (mean = 17.7 ± 4.9 SD species/plot) was recorded. The mean density was 89.6 ind./km ±63.3 SD. The most numerous species were Great Tit Parus major, Magpie Pica pica, Blackbird Turdus merula, Blue Tit Cyanistes caeruleus, Rook Corvus frugilegus, Fieldfare Turdus pilaris and House Sparrow Passer domesticus. Noise adversely affected species numbers and density, but artificial light acted positively on the density of birds and their interseasonal stability. The species richness and density of birds were also determined by the number of food sources available (e.g. bird-feeders). In addition, the greater the proportion of open areas, the fewer species were recorded. In contrast, the more urban greenery there was, the greater the density of the entire bird assemblage. Urban infrastructure (buildings, roads, refuse tips) had a positive effect on the interseasonal stabilization of the species composition of wintering birds. The results of this work indicate that the urban effect, i.e. noise and light pollution, apart from purely habitat factors, provide a good explanation for the species richness, density and stability of bird assemblage wintering in urban areas.

Transcriptomics of sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.) resistance to Beet necrotic yellow vein virus

Recently detected invertebrate population declines are likely to have far-reaching impacts for ecosystem function. However, very little large-scale monitoring of invertebrates, especially soil invertebrates, has taken place. To address this gap, we established a school-based citizen science project to collect data on soil invertebrate abundance and bird counts across the UK. We examined the association between earthworms (which comprised 93% of the total soil invertebrate biomass in the surface soil) and 15 bird species on school playing fields over three years. We also tested whether simple bird counts of species that rely on earthworms could be used to indicate the earthworm abundance in soil.We found a clear link between earthworm abundance and counts of robins (Erithacus rubecula), blackbirds (Turdus merula) and other thrushes (Turdus pilaris, Turdus viscivorus, Turdus philomelos and Turdus iliacus), all of which rely on earthworms as an important component of their diet. None of these relationships varied with season. There were no correlations found between earthworm abundance and bird counts for species that do not rely on earthworms. We found that the total thrush count (including blackbirds) could be used as a simple indicator of earthworm abundance, explaining up to 20% of the variation in earthworm counts.In spite of the uncertainties associated with the data, these results raise the possibility that existing, robust, long-term bird monitoring data could, with further research, be used to infer changes in soil invertebrates, such as earthworms, and therefore aspects of soil health. We conclude by identifying a series of criteria that would need to be fulfilled in order for such inference to be robust.

Breeding Bird Assemblage in a Mosaic of Urbanized Habitats in a Central European City

Abstract There is a lack of data on the population densities of birds breeding in a mosaic of typical urbanized habitats. This study was undertaken to partly fulfil this gap in our knowledge. Counts were conducted in 2008 by means of simplified territory mapping method in a fragment (1197 ha) of a large Central European city (Wrocław, SW Poland). In total, 50 bird species were breeding in the study area in 2008. The House Sparrow Passer domesticus, Common Swift Apus apus and Rock Dove comprised about 3/5 of all breeding pairs. The other group of species, each one with a density between 6 and 13 pairs per 100 ha, included seven species, namely the Starling, Sturnus vulgaris, Greenfinch, Carduelis chloris, House Martin, Delichon urbica, Tree Sparrow, Passer montanus, Great Tit, Parus major, Blue Tit, Parus caeruleus, and Jackdaw, Corvus monedula. They comprised together about 1/5. The remaining 40 species nested in a density between 0.1 and 3.5 pairs per 100 ha. The most numerous feeding guild were granivores (53.8%) and insectivores (37.9 %). Birds nesting on buildings comprised together 74 % of all breeding pairs. For a few species (Luscinia megarhynchos, Saxicola torquata, Corvus cornix and Turdus pilaris) an increase in their numbers in the last three decades has been evidenced.

Bird fauna changes in a small urban park in South Sweden, over a period of 34 years

The density of birds in urban landscapes, including parks, is poorly known. In this study we present surveys of a small city park in south Sweden. The surveys were conducted in April–June 1980 and in May–June 2014. The study plot has an area of 5.1 ha. We found 143 pairs of 22 species in 1980 and 151 pairs of 26 species in 2014 (2,800 and 2,960 pairs/km2). Turdus pilaris was the most common species in 1980 and Columba palumbus in 2014. Three species showed significant decline: T. pilaris 38 to 15 pairs, Fringilla coelebs 12 to 5 pairs and Carduelis chloris 18 to 12 pairs, while Turdus merula increased from 11 to 15 pairs. Two species, T. merula and Sylvia atricapilla, nesting both 1980 and 2014, showed increasing numbers that are consistent with these species’ population increase in Sweden. The bird densities in this study are considerably higher compared to what is generally observed in southern Sweden. Further study is required to establish whether the high densities are due to chance or edge effect.

Fruit removal from rowanberry (Sorbus aucuparia) trees at urban and rural areas in Finland: A multi-scale study

Urbanization changes landscape, causes destruction of natural habitats, and reduces species diversity. Urbanization can alter the interaction between fruit-bearing plants and frugivorous birds such as the Fieldfare, Turdus pilaris, and Bohemian waxwing, Bombycilla garrulus, which are the most abundant frugivorous bird species in Finland. Rowanberry, Sorbus aucuparia, is an ornamental tree species used commonly in the urban landscaping. It can promote bird diversity and the pleasantness of the urban environment for humans. The study was conducted on three spatial scales ranging from the macro scale (600km latitudinal gradient) to the regional scale (rural vs. urban habitats), and to the micro scale (different tree parts) in three towns and their nearby rural areas in Finland. About 25 trees were photographed on each site three times during the autumn until the rowanberry fruit-crop had been used up. At the beginning of the research the crop size was larger on the urban trees than that of rural ones. The fruit removal rate was not related to the geographical location. However, in urban habitats the fruits were consumed later than in rural habitats. At the tree-level, the rowanberry fruits were removed earlier at the tops of trees. Our results suggest that earlier use of rowanberry fruits from rural habitats and tree tops may be related on human and predator-related disturbances. Our results indicated that urban rowanberry fruit crop is important food resource for frugivorous bird species in urban areas.

Population Densities of Birds Breeding in Urbanized Habitats in the Grabiszyn District in the City of Wrocław

Abstract Studies were carried out in 2010 by mean of simplified version of the mapping method. The study area (395 ha) was located close to the city centre. It comprised a mosaic of urbanized habitats, with a clear dominance of green areas, such as parks (41.1 ha), gardens, cemeteries and tree clumps. A total of 48 breeding bird species were recorded in the whole study area. The most common (<25 pairs/100 ha) were Passer domesticus, Passer montanus, Sturnus vulgaris, Parus caeruleus, Parus major, Apus apus and Columba livia. Numerous (7-15 pairs/100 ha) were also the following species: Columba palumbus, Turdus pilaris, Sylvia atricapilla, Serinus serinus, Turdus merula and Pica pica. Insectivorous birds were the most common birds constituting 63.3%, and granivorous -32.6% of all pairs recorded. Most birds nested in tree holes (39.3%), in/on buildings (30.2%) and in trees/shrubs (25.6%). Distribution of breeding pairs of 23 bird species was presented on maps. Population trends for 17 species were documented. Rapid increase in numbers of Turdus pilaris, Corvus cornix and Phoenicurus phoenicurus and decrease of Pica pica were recorded.

Deadly outbreak of iron storage disease (ISD) in Italian birds of the family Turdidae.

ABSTRACTA widespread deadly outbreak occurred in captive birds belonging to the family Turdidae in Italy. The present study was performed on 46 dead birds coming from 3 small decoy-bird breeders in central Italy. Only Turdus pilaris, Turdus iliacus, Turdus philomelos and Turdus merula were affected. No other species of bird held by these breeders died. A change of diet before the hunting season was reported from all breeders. Full necropsy of the animals and histological investigations of representative tissue samples were performed. Microscopical examination showed marked iron deposits in liver samples. Bacteriological investigations and molecular analysis to exclude bacterial and viral diseases were carried out. Contamination of food pellet samples by mycotoxins and analysis to detect heavy metal contaminants in food pellet samples were considered. An interesting result was the high iron content found in food pellets. It was higher than that considered suitable for birds, especially for species susceptible to development iron storage disease (ISD). Taken together, the results suggested an outbreak of ISD caused by the high iron content of food given to the birds before the hunting season. The high mortality recorded only in species belonging to the family Turdidae suggests a genetic predisposition in the affected birds.

Surveillance of tick-borne encephalitis virus in wild birds and ticks in Tomsk city and its suburbs (Western Siberia)

To study the role of wild birds in the transmission of tick borne encephalitis virus (TBEV), we investigated randomly captured wild birds bearing ixodid ticks in a very highly endemic TBE region located in Tomsk city and its suburbs in the south of Western Siberia, Russia. The 779 wild birds representing 60 species were captured carrying a total of 841 ticks, Ixodes pavlovskyi Pom., 1946 (n=531), Ixodes persulcatus P. Sch., 1930 (n=244), and Ixodes plumbeus Leach. 1815 (n=66). The highest average number of ticks per bird in a particular species was found for the fieldfare (Turdus pilaris Linnaeus, 1758) (5.60 ticks/bird) and the tree pipit (Anthus trivialis Linnaeus, 1758) (13.25 ticks/bird). Samples from wild birds and ticks collected in highly endemic periods from 2006 to 2011 were tested for the TBEV markers using monoclonal modified enzyme immunoassay (EIA) and RT-PCR. TBEV RNA and antigen were found in 9.7% and 22.8% samples collected from wild birds, respectively. TBEV markers were also detected in 14.1% I. persulcatus ticks, 5.2% I. pavlovskyi, and 4.2% I. plumbeus ticks collected from wild birds. Two TBEV strains were also isolated on PKE (pig kidney embryo) cells from fieldfare and Blyth's reed warbler (Acrocephalus dumetorum Blyth, 1849). Sequencing of 5′-NCR of TBEV revealed that all TBEV isolates belong to Far Eastern (dominate) and Siberian genotypes. Several phylogenetic subgroups included TBEV sequences novel for the Tomsk region. Our data suggest that wild birds are potential disseminators of TBEV, TBEV-infected ixodid ticks, and possibly other tick-borne infections.

Species abundance and migratory status affects large-scale fruit tracking in thrushes (Turdus spp.)

The mutualistic interactions between fruit-producing plants and seed-dispersing birds may be disrupted by the difficulties involved in tracking fruit resources, which are often patchily distributed in space and time. As a consequence, the strength of this interaction will rely on the ability of birds to distribute numbers according to the spatiotemporal patterning of the resource. This paper tests if wintering thrushes (Turdus) track inter-winter and inter-site changes of cone abundance in an area that encompasses the main range of the Spanish Juniper Juniperus thurifera in the Iberian highlands. We test whether the regional abundance and migratory status of birds affect this fruit-tracking process. Analyses were approached by using the habitat matching rule, a null model applied to explore the effect of spatiotemporal change of resources on bird distribution. All species followed inter-winter food variation over the study area but under-matched the changes. The strength of this bird–plant interaction increased with the regional abundance of individual species. When thrushes were analyzed according to their migratory status, migratory species (Turdus pilaris, T. iliacus, and T. philomelos) tracked the resource better than sedentary ones (T. viscivorus and T. merula). This suggests that in a time of rapid environmental change any reduction of vagrant and abundant migratory thrushes could weaken the strength of this bird–plant interaction.

Molecular characterization and distribution of Haemoproteus minutus (Haemosporida, Haemoproteidae): A pathogenic avian parasite

Recently, the lineage hTURDUS2 of Haemoproteus minutus (Haemosporida, Haemoproteidae) was reported to cause mortality in captive parrots. This parasite lineage is widespread and prevalent in the blackbird Turdus merula throughout its entire distribution range. Species identity of other closely related lineages recently reported in dead parrots remains unclear, but will be important to determine for a better understanding of the epidemiology of haemoproteosis. Using polymerase chain reaction (PCR)-based and microscopic methods, we analyzed 265 blood samples collected from 52 species of wild birds in Eurasia (23 samples from Kamchatka Peninsula, 73 from Sakhalin Island, 150 from Ekaterinburg and 19 from Irkutsk regions of Russia). Single infections of the lineages hTURDUS2 (hosts are redwing Turdus iliacus and fieldfare Turdus pilaris), hTUPHI1 (song thrush Turdus philomelos) and hTUCHR01 (fieldfare, redwing, song thrush and brown-headed thrush Turdus chysolaus) were detected. We identified species of these haemoproteids based on morphology of their blood stages and conclude that these lineages belong to H. minutus, a widespread parasite of different species of thrushes (genus Turdus), which serve as reservoir hosts of this haemoproteid infection. Phylogenetic analysis shows that the lineages hTURDUS2, hTUCHR01 and hTUPHI1 of H. minutus are closely related to Haemoproteus pallidus (lineages hPFC1 and hCOLL2), Haemoproteus pallidulus (hSYAT03), and Haemoproteus sp. (hMEUND3); genetic distance among their mitochondrial cytochrome b (cyt b) lineages is small (<1% or<4 nucleotides). All these blood parasites are different in many morphological characters, but are similar due to one feature, which is the pale staining of their macrogametocytes' cytoplasm with Giemsa. Because of the recent publications about mortality caused by the lineages hTUPHI1 and hTURDUS2 of H. minutus in captive parrots in Europe, H. minutus and the closely related H. pallidus and H. pallidulus are worth more attention as these are possible agents of haemoproteosis in exotic birds. The present study provides barcodes for molecular detection of different lineages of H. minutus, and extends information about the distribution of this blood parasite.

Vocal mimicry in the song of the icterine warbler,Hippolais icterina(Sylviidae, Passeriformes)

We recorded and analysed the songs of ten male icterine warblers (Hippolais icterina) in Ceske Budějovice (Czech Republic) to identify mimicry. Imitations represented 76.2 % of the total time of all songs and we detected 42 mimicked species. Barn swallow (Hirundo rustica), blackbird (Turdus merula), common kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) and fieldfare (Turdus pilaris) were the most common species imitated. Principal components analysis (PCA) detected individual variability in the species mimicked. The length of recording needed to detect 95 % of species mimicked was assessed to be 8.2 minutes.

Unexplained recurrent features of the plumage of birds

Unexplained recurrent features of the plumage of birds

Effect of climatic change on the duration of the breeding season in three European thrushes

Capsule Evidence for extension of breeding seasons in Song Thrushes and Blackbirds (multiple‐brooded species) and shortening in Fieldfares (a single‐brooded species). Aims To analyse breeding data from central Europe during 1964–2006 in relation to climatic conditions operating at breeding and wintering grounds, and to compare breeding phenology in urban and rural habitats. Methods Using chick ringing data we evaluated long‐term changes in breeding phenology of Fieldfares Turdus pilaris, Song Thrushes T. philomelos and Common Blackbirds T. merula. Changes in phenology were analysed for the 5th percentile, median, 95th percentile, inter‐quantile range (IQR) and brood size. Results All thrushes showed consistent trends towards earlier onset of breeding. However, there was a contrasting pattern in the later phenological characteristics (median, 95th percentile and IQR) that were associated with single‐ versus multiple‐brooded species. The single‐brooded Fieldfares revealed an advancing trend in all phenological phases, which caused shortening of its breeding period. In contrast, the multiple‐brooded Song Thrushes and Blackbirds delayed both medians and the 95th percentiles of breeding dates leading to extension of their breeding seasons. Temperatures at both wintering and breeding grounds were generally negatively associated with the onset of breeding. Urban birds bred significantly earlier than their rural conspecifics, but brood sizes did not differ. Conclusion Multiple‐brooded species may respond differently to increasing spring temperatures than single‐brooded species.

On a Hybrid Thrush found in Norway (Turdus iliacus × Turdus pilaris).

IbisVolume 40, Issue 3 p. 317-319 On a Hybrid Thrush found in Norway (Turdus iliacus × Turdus pilaris). R. Collett, R. CollettSearch for more papers by this author R. Collett, R. CollettSearch for more papers by this author First published: July 1898 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1474-919X.1898.tb01457.xAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat Volume40, Issue3July 1898Pages 317-319 RelatedInformation

Breeding performance of the Fieldfare Turdus pilaris in the subalpine birch zone in southern Lapland: a 20 year study

A Fieldfare population, on average c. 160 pairs, was studied in subalpine birch forest in southern Lapland (c. 66°N; 500–600 m.a.s.l.) in 1983–2002. Onset of egg-laying showed no temporal trend, consistent with absence of spring temperature trend. Eggs were laid with an interval of c. 21 hours and 45 minutes, not 24 hours as normal in passerines. This reduces the exposure time to depredation during egg-laying with 9%. Egg hatchability was 96%. Egg parasitism never occurred. Depredation of nests was 46%, but very variable. Replacement and second clutches did not occur. Although an average of 4.45 young fledged from successful nests (≥1 fledgling), only 2.11 fledglings were produced per pair and year. The population varied without trend over the study period. Adult survival, estimated by the proportion of adults at the start of breeding, was 58%. This infers that first year survival must be at least c. 40%. Since this is a likely value, it seems that the Fieldfare population of the subalpine birch forest is selfsustained and not dependent upon immigration.

Winter territoriality and fruit defence by the fieldfare (Turdus pilaris)

During the winter seasons of 2000/2001 and 2003/2004, 27 territorial fieldfares Turdus pilaris were observed in two study areas in southern Poland. Of these, 22 were in gardens or orchards with apple trees. Only 0.5% of all fieldfares noted during field surveys were territorial, and only 1.7% of the checked gardens and orchards were inhabited by that species. Fieldfares defended fruit against several species, including conspecifics. The probability of the presence of territorial fieldfares within a habitat patch was higher in patches with a higher density of apples, but was not related to the size or degree of isolation of the patch. The duration of holding territory was positively correlated with apple density and negatively correlated with the presence of intruders (mainly flocks of non-territorial fieldfares). The results suggest that food density and the presence of intruders are key factors affecting the presence of territorial thrushes during winter.

Birds in willow short‐rotation coppice compared to other arable crops in central England and a review of bird census data from energy crops in the UK

We present the results of spring and winter surveys of birds using 22 willow short‐rotation coppice (SRC) fields and 22 paired arable or grassland controls over a 5 year period in central and northern England. The study sites were linked to the first commercial wood‐fuelled electricity plant in Yorkshire and were managed commercially. We use the findings of this study, in the context of other work on birds in energy crops, to suggest how birds may be affected by commercial cropping of SRC or energy grasses on UK farmland. For willow SRC, most existing farmland species were not completely displaced by SRC cropping. Even farmland specialists such as Skylark Alauda arvensis used cut SRC fields. Some species characteristic of scrub and wood‐type habitats were attracted onto farmland by SRC. Birds were more abundant in hedgerows next to SRC than in those adjoining arable or grass. The interior of large SRC plots contained fewer birds than the edge‐zone (&lt; 50 m). In winter, the same resident species occured in SRC as the summer, plus winter migrants such as Snipe Gallinago gallinago and Fieldfare Turdus pilaris. Overall, more individuals and species were recorded in and around SRC than equivalent arable or grassland throughout the year. Yellow Wagtail Motacilla flava and certain locally occurring farmland specialists may be displaced by SRC plantations. Equivalent census data for energy grasses in the UK are not available. The impact of large regional energy crop developments on birds is not known. We do not know if species commonly recorded in these crops survive and breed well so population effects are unknown. However SRC crops are often weedy and insect rich and hence have potential as foraging habitats in summer and winter. The scope for agri‐environment schemes to include energy crops is discussed.

Sex‐differences in nest defence in Fieldfares Turdus pilaris in relation to their size and physical condition

The nest defence of solitary‐breeding Fieldfares Turdus pilaris against a human intruder, a corvid and a hawk was studied in a mountain birch forest in central Norway in 1990–2002. Females defended their nests against a human intruder more vigorously than did males before hatching, and vice versa after hatching. Although both sexes increased their nest defence, only males showed a significant increase and showed a greater defence than females at the chick stage. Females with 1‐week‐old nestlings had longer wings, were heavier and in a better physical condition than those that failed to get nestlings to that stage. Females, but not males, lost condition during nesting. Birds in better condition were more aggressive. The pattern of nest defence by males and females against the corvid was similar to that shown against human intruders, whereas males took greater risks than females towards the raptor. There was weak evidence that birds that were more successful showed greater levels of nest defence. The sex‐role reversal in nest defence may be connected to differences in costs in relation to the renesting potential and to the physical condition of the sexes.