Streptopelia Research Articles

A novel sex-specific DNA marker in Columbidae birds

That most Columbidae birds have no conspicuous sexual dimorphism often makes it difficult to identify their sex on the basis of external morphology. In the present study, we report a novel sex-specific DNA marker in Columbidae birds. DNA was extracted from one member of this bird group, Streptopelia orientalis ( S. orientalis, oriental turtle dove), and used to identify a female-specific DNA marker using a random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) fingerprinting. One hundred and sixty random primers were used for the RAPD-PCR reactions. When using the OPAV17 primer, a novel 902 bp sex-specific PCR product was amplified from known female birds. This fragment of DNA was cloned and sequenced. Two primers, TurSexOPAV17-F and TurSexOPAV17-R, were designed from the cloned sex-specific sequence, and were successfully used to amplify a 777 bp female-specific fragment using PCR from S. orientalis DNA. This sex-specific marker was also amplified from genomic DNA samples of two other female Columbidae, S. chinensis and Columba livia. Sequence analysis showed that this novel sex-specific marker was highly conserved amongst these three bird species. In contrast, the PCR product was not amplified from male DNA of these species, nor from either sex of the S. chinensis formosa birds. Therefore, we concluded that our novel marker can be used to rapidly and accurately identify the sex of birds from three species of Columbidae.

First records in Guinea Bissau of Adamawa Turtle Dove Streptopelia hypopyrrha (Columbidae), with data on morphometrics and body condition

There are no confirmed records of the Adamawa Turtle Dove Streptopelia hypopyrrha in north-eastern Guinea Bissau and there is very little information available on the biology of the species. Eight individuals of the Adamawa Turtle Dove were identified from the game bags of sport hunters in north-eastern Guinea Bissau, during the hunting season of 2001 (February–May). The birds were aged and sexed, measured, weighed and examined for moult, fat accumulation and breeding condition. The low numbers of Adamawa Turtle Doves shot suggest a sparse population in the area. The observation of two birds with active crop glands (indicating breeding) and one juvenile suggests that the region is part of the species' breeding range. There was no physical indication of migrating status and the body measurements contribute to knowledge of the species. Further studies on this species in north-eastern Guinea Bissau are needed in order to formulate guidelines for its conservation and management as a game bird.

都市緑地における樹林地の構造と鳥類の利用について

We examined how vegetation structure and human activities influenced avian fauna in wooded open spaces in urban areas. Canonical Corresponding Analysis (CCA) revealed that factors such as coverage of lawn, pressure of human-utilization, and coverage of deciduous trees were important to determine avian fauna. Areas covered with lawn and used by people tended to hold characteristic fauna in which such species as grey starlings, dusky thrushes and white wagtails were dominant. In particular, grey starlings showed the same tendency in both wintering and breeding seasons. Although abundance of these species decreased as lower layers became too dense, it was also confirmed that lower vegetation layers of intermediate coverage contributed to maintain some species such as black-faced bunting, pale thrushes, Japanese bush warblers, and oriental turtle doves, which has already been known in previous studies. In breeding season, spatial variation in avian fauna could not be explained by these factors well, which may be caused by the absence of the species that tend to use specific vegetation structures such as lower vegetation layers. On the other hand, the area of wooded open space and surrounding land uses influenced avian fauna in some extent.

Fugler i Norge 2001 – Rapport fra Norsk faunakomité for fugl (NFKF)

THE NORWEGIAN BIRD REPORT 2001 - a report on locally uncommon and scarce birds in Norway in 2001, by the Norwegian Birds Records Committee (NFKF) The basis of this report is the annual reports produced by the county rarities committees. For 2001 all the counties contributed to the report, although the Svalbard archipelago and Jan Mayen as well as Finnmark, Troms and Sogn & Fjordane countiesdid not produce own county reports. With the exception of the northernmost counties the report thus reflects fairly well observations from Norway in 2001. Readers should take care to note the geographical or time delimitation of the records stated for the different species, as stated in codes immediately after the scientific name of the species. The Norwegian Birds Records Committee (NFKF) has been publishing annual reports since 1991. Bewick’s Swan Cygnus columbianus numbers were the lowest since 1991, and also the occurrence of Lesser White-fronted Geese Anser erythropus at the traditional feeding and roosting site Valdakmyra, Porsanger (FI) were particularly scarce this spring (lowest since 1993). However, this could partly be explained by early arrival at the breeding sites due to unusually early snow melting. Gadwalls Anas strepera have occurred in steadily increasing numbers in Norway in recent years, and 2001 was the best year to date for this species. The number of White-billed Divers Gavia adamsii was the highest reported since 1991. This species is probably a common winter guest from Nord-Trøndelag county and northwards. Manx Shearwaters Puffinus puffinus were also recorded in good numbers in 2001, the third best year since 1991. There was a further increase in numbers at the recently established colonies of Great Cormorant Phalacrocorax carbo of the subspecies sinensis at Øra (ØF), where the first confirmed breeding was in 1997. White-tailed Eagles Haliaeetus albicilla have steadily increased in numbers and also expanded their breeding distribution southwards. Breeding is now documented in both Rogaland and Vest-Agder counties and a further expansion is expected. The Osprey Pandion haliaetus is another species that is steadily expanding its range in Norway. Avocets Recurvirostra avosetta, however, is now very unusual, with only one individual in 2001, a record low number. Several shorebirds, such as Northern Lapwings Vanellus vanellus, Great Knots Calidris canutus, Sanderlings Calidris alba, Jack Snipes Lymnocryptes minimus, Woodcocks Scolopax rusticola and Bar-tailed Godwits Limosa lapponica wintered in higher numbers than usual in 2001, probably due to winter temperatures above normal. Pomarine Skuas Stercorarius pomarinus occurred in record numbers in 2001, and also Long-tailed Skuas Stercorarius longicaudus were recorded in good numbers on migration. Furthermore, numbers of Iceland Gulls Larus glaucoides recorded were the highest since 1991, while Turtle Doves Streptopelia turtur experienced another poor year. Good numbers of Snowy Owls Bubo scandiaca were still present in 2001 after the record setting year of 2000. Kingfishers Alcedo atthis also had a good year with one breeding attempt recorded. The number of Hoopoes Upupa epops was the second best since 1991. The occurrences of Richard’s Pipits Anthus richardi, Barred Warblers Sylvia nisoria and Marsh Warblers Acrocephalus palustris were the highest ever recorded, and Red-throated Pipits Anthus cervinus showed another good year, equalling the record numbers of 2000. Blackcaps Sylvia atricapilla wintered in record numbers. Stonechats Saxicola torquata, Red-breasted Flycatchers Ficedula parva, Great Grey Shrikes Lanius excubitor and Arctic Redpolls Carduelis hornemanni all experienced second best numbers since 1991. However, traditional winter invasion species such as Pine Grosbeaks Pinicola enucleator and Two-barred Crossbills Loxia leucoptera appeared in low numbers in 2001. The Hawfinch Coccothraustes coccothraustes still shows a marked increase in the north of its distribution, especially in the Trøndelag counties, while the situation is not as bright for Ortolan Buntings Emberiza hortulana, which continues to decline in numbers and now are in danger of becoming lost as a member of the Norwegian avifauna.

Whatever happened to the turtle dove?

December is a time of change. In the days when we still had recognisable seasons, this month, for me, was characterised by two things. The first was the end of the school term and the countdown to Christmas - of course, not every child in your setting will celebrate Christmas. But most children will look forward to the break; I know I always did. The second was the turning of the year towards the warmth of spring. I think this is what makes Britain a great place to live in, because we have the four seasons. It means our children can enjoy and explore such a wide diversity of the wonders of nature. The bleak and stark outlines of winter, the rebirth and reflowering of the springtime, the heat and colour of the summer, and the golden hues and amber tones of the autumn. We have it all.

Effects of undergrowth clearing on the bird communities of the Northwestern Mediterranean Coppice Holm oak forests

Undergrowth clearing is a widespread forest management technique used in many Mediterranean regions to reduce dense vegetation in order to prevent fire or to facilitate other forest exploitation activities. Here, we analyze the effects of undergrowth clearing on biodiversity by focusing on the variations in bird diversity in Holm oak forests in Catalonia (north-east Iberian Peninsula) under different forest management regimes: (1) coppice Holm oak forests where the undergrowth layer has been completely cleared, (2) partially cleared forests and (3) cleared and tree thinned forests and finally, (4) undisturbed forests. The synchronic comparison approach was used in conjunction with a before–after control impact (BACI) experiment in which the effects of undergrowth clearing were explicitly measured. Complete undergrowth clearing resulted in the almost complete disappearance of three Warbler species (Subalpine Warbler, Sardinian Warbler and Garden Warbler). Partial clearing also led to a marked reduction in the numbers of these three species, but the presence of Sardinian and Garden Warblers was maintained in the treated forests. Complete undergrowth clearing accompanied by tree thinning also led to a decrease in amount of undergrowth species and involved additional negative effects for species such as Wren, Robin, Blackbird and Blackcap. Only one species, the Nightjar, appeared to benefit from undergrowth clearing, while many others increased their numbers only when clearing was applied together with tree thinning: Turtle dove, Mistle thrush and Cirl bunting. Undergrowth clearing brought about a significant simplification in the vertical structure of the forest, which probably reduced foraging opportunities and breeding resources for most undergrowth species. These effects became more pronounced when tree thinning was applied together with undergrowth clearing. To reconcile forest management and bird diversity, undergrowth clearing should be applied selectively to ensure that a certain number of undergrowth patches, preferably corresponding to different shrub species, are not affected by management treatments.

Breeding ecology of Turtle Doves Streptopelia turtur in Britain during the period 1941–2000: an analysis of BTO nest record cards

Capsule No trends over time were detected in any aspect of Turtle Dove breeding ecology and only slight regional variation, based on individual nesting attempts recorded. Aim To present information on the breeding ecology of Turtle Doves and identify any temporal or regional trends that may have contributed to the decline of the species. Methods Information on nesting habitat, type of bush used, nest height, clutch size, brood size and nest outcome was extracted from 1925 Turtle Dove nest record cards from 1941 to 2000, and examined for temporal and regional trends. Results The majority of Turtle Doves nest in thorny trees within scrub habitats, where mean nest height was 2.27 ± 0.02 m. Mean first-egg date was 18 May ± 1 day (annual range 28 April to 26 May). Mean clutch size was 1.84 ± 0.01 (annual range 1.65–1.93), producing a mean brood size of 1.82 ± 0.01 (range 1.50–2.00). Based on the recorded fate of individual nests, 41.3 ± 1.4% were successful, 44.9 ± 1.7% were predated and the rest (13.9 ± 1.4%) were lost to other causes. Nest survival rate averaged 0.577 ± 0.019 during the 14-day incubation period and 0.771 ± 0.019 during the 15-day nestling period giving an overall rate during the entire nesting period of 0.445 ± 0.018. Although there was some significant variation in these parameters between time periods and regions, there were no significant linear trends during the period 1941–2000. Conclusion The population decline experienced by Turtle Doves breeding in Britain is not due to lower success of individual nesting attempts. If breeding productivity has played a role in the decline, it must be through a reduction in the average number of nesting attempts per pair.

Losses of mammals (Mammalia) and birds (Aves) on roads in the Slovak part of the Danube Basin

Mortality of mammals and birds due to traffic accidents was monitored in the Slovak part of the Danube Basin from September 2000 to December 2002. Monitored road length was 32 km. The route was inspected by vehicle or on foot 709 times (total of 22,677 km inspected). A total of 3,009 animal carcasses were found. Of these, 45.5% were mammals and 54.5% were birds. Mammals included hamsters (35.7% of killed mammals), mice (14%), brown hares (13.2%), hedgehogs (8.7%), voles (8.5%), Norway rats (6.1%), domestic cats (4.4%) red foxes (3%), polecats (1.9%), weasels (1.2%), and less than 1% other species. Of the bird carcasses, 42.4% were sparrows, 7.6% pheasants, 5.6% swallows, 5.4% long-eared owls, 4.6% martins, 4.4% collared turtle doves, 4.1% domestic pigeons, and 3.2% fieldfares. On average, 3.6 animal carcasses were found per 1 km of monitored route per month. Seasonal mortality differed both in absolute numbers and with respect to the number of species involved. Losses were highest in summer and lowest in winter. Losses in brown hares reached on average 15.5% (maximum 75%), in roe deer 18.8% (maximum 80%) and in pheasants 3.5% (maximum 22%) of the annual bag. Annual financial losses in the study area with regard to game species were 1.9 million Slovakian crowns. In the district of Galanta, to which the study area belongs, on average 21.4 traffic accidents with game occurred annually; most of these were caused by roe deer. Damage to property amounted to 880,000 Slovakian crowns per year.

Reviews of Books:Voices of the Turtledoves: The Sacred World of Ephrata Jeff Bach

Reviews of Books:Voices of the Turtledoves: The Sacred World of Ephrata Jeff Bach

The Moving Statue and the Turtle Dove: Approaches to the History of Irish Religion

The Moving Statue and the Turtle Dove: Approaches to the History of Irish Religion

Habitat availability and use by Turtle Doves Streptopelia turtur between 1965 and 1995: an analysis of Common Birds Census data

Capsule Breeding density on long-term CBC plots fell in proportion to loss of nesting rather than feeding habitat. Aim To investigate the habitat requirements of Turtle Dove and relate changes in breeding density to changes in habitat, at the national scale. Methods Bird and habitat data were extracted from 30 long-term farmland and woodland CBC plots for the period 1965 to 1995. Results Turtle Dove densities declined at an average annual rate of 4.6% on both farmland and woodland plots, equal to a decline of 76% over the period 1965 to 1995. Turtle Dove density on the woodland plots was, on average, 6.5 times greater than on the farmland plots. Overall habitat availability did not change over time, but some finer measures of habitat quality, such as habitat diversity, nesting and feeding habitat availability did change. Changes in Turtle Dove density were positively related to changes in the amount of hedgerow and woodland edge per unit area on the farmland CBC plots, where Turtle Dove territories contained three times more woodland than expected from availability. On the woodland CBC plots, territories were established apparently at random. Conclusion It is likely that the availability of nesting habitat dictates Turtle Dove density, with areas of woodland and scrub supporting on average 6.5-times more breeding Turtle Doves, per unit area, than farmland.

The feeding behaviour of pigeons and doves on sown grain crops on the South African Highveld

Feeding behaviour of pigeons and doves on sown grain crops was studied on the South African Highveld during 1998-2002. Plots of grains (sunflower, sorghum and maize) were planted on the farm Nooitgedacht near Heidelberg (South Africa) to study the feeding and movement of columbids in these fields. More general studies were also conducted across the Highveld region to determine overall crop damage. Results show that Laughing Streptopelia senegalensis and Red-eyed Doves S. semitorquata as well as Rock Pigeons Columba guinea take seed directly from sunflower and sorghum plants. This is a first formal recording of this behaviour for Laughing and Red-eyed Doves in South Africa. Columbid populations have changed their movements and feeding methods in recent times to exploit available grain during the first half of the year. Unlike in Zimbabwe and Kenya, Cape Turtle Doves S. capicola were seldom seen feeding on grain seeds in sown lands on the Highveld. Rock Pigeons and Red-eyed Doves prefer soft sunflower seeds (about 31% moist content) relatively early in the season whereas Laughing Doves also consume very dry seeds (about 7% moist content) later in the season. Columbids are capable of inflicting crop damage on the Highveld; however, to get a more reliable indication of the national crop damage more site-specific surveys will be needed. Rock Pigeons are capable of removing the tubular florets from the sunflower heads in order to get access to the soft seeds. However, since these pigeons only remain for 2-3 weeks, they are probably not responsible for the bulk of the crop damage that sunflower incurs in South Africa. Granivorous paserienes and rodents are co-responsible for crop damage in South Africa.

Temporal changes in the breeding ecology of European Turtle Doves Streptopelia turtur in Britain, and implications for conservation

The migratory European Turtle Dove Streptopelia turtur has undergone a 69% decline in population size and a 25% contraction in breeding range in Britain over the last 30 years. An investigation of the breeding ecology of this summer visitor was undertaken in 1998–2000 at two study sites in East Anglia, England. The only previous study of Turtle Dove reproduction in Britain provided pre‐decline data for comparison with the current situation in a modern agricultural environment. Territory sizes ranged from 1.91 to 3.08 ha, were established in areas with scrub, hedges and woodland and contained less cropped land than expected from its availability. The majority of nests were sited 1–3 m above ground level within thorny bushes, particularly Hawthorn Crataegus monogyna. Nests found by radiotelemetry were significantly higher above ground level and were found in greater numbers than expected in woodland and coniferous trees than those found by cold searching, which were lower and found predominantly in hedges and thorny bushes. Turtle Dove nest success rate averaged 53% during incubation and 65% during the nestling stage, so that only 35% of nests successfully produced young. A comparison with data collected during the 1960s showed that Turtle Doves today have a shorter breeding season and consequently produce about half the number of clutches and young per pair than formerly. A simple simulation model suggested that the reduction in productivity alone would lead to a population decline of 17% per annum. This study suggests that the recovery of Turtle Doves in Britain is dependent upon the provision and sympathetic management of nesting and foraging habitats. The current arrangements for set‐aside and agri‐environmental schemes provide the framework for delivering these requirements.

Habitat use, foraging ecology and diet of Turtle Doves Streptopelia turtur in Britain

Since 1968, Turtle Doves Streptopelia turtur in Britain have declined in number by 70% and in breeding range by at least 25%. This study was undertaken during the 1998–2000 breeding seasons at two sites in East Anglia to examine habitat use and foraging ecology. Home ranges of radiotagged Turtle Doves were 0.3–1130 ha in size and contained more woodland than expected from availability. Radiotagged birds undertook foraging trips of up to 10 km. Turtle Doves were recorded feeding primarily at ‘man‐made’ sites (i.e. spilt grain, animal feed and grain stores) and were only infrequently recorded feeding at ‘natural’ sites. Diet analysis showed that wheat and rape seed averaged 61% of the seeds eaten by Turtle Doves. This contrasts with a study undertaken in Britain in the 1960s, when the seeds of wild plants (weeds) constituted over 90% of those eaten, with wheat and rape seeds making up only 5%. The current arrangements for set‐aside and agri‐environmental schemes provide a framework for the establishment and maintenance of weed‐rich areas on farmland as a source of wild food.

Temporal variation in the biometrics of Turtle Doves Streptopelia turtur caught in Britain between 1956 and 2000

We analysed biometric data collected from 589 Turtle Doves Streptopelia turtur measured between 1956 and 2000 in Britain. Male wing length was on average 4 mm longer than females, which were on average 8 mm longer than juveniles. Wing length increased by approximately 5 mm over the period 1956 to 2000, probably owing to differences in measuring techniques over the years. Males were heavier than females by about 5 g, and females were in turn 10 g heavier than juveniles. Turtle Dove body weight varied with season, with birds being heavier by about 10 g in autumn. Using the ratio of wing length to body weight to represent body condition, we found no annual variation in body condition, but body condition was lowest in spring and highest in autumn. Because we were unable to detect a change in average body condition over time, the hypothesis that lowered body condition caused reduced breeding productivity in the 1990s is unsubstantiated.

Wing kinematics of avian flight across speeds

To test whether wing shape affects the kinematics of wing motion during bird flight, we recorded high‐speed video (250 Hz) of four species flying in a variable‐speed wind tunnel. The birds flew at intervals of 2 m s−1, ranging from 1 m s−1 up to their respective maximum flight speed, which varied from 14 to 17 m s−1 depending on the species. Kinematic data obtained from two synchronized, high‐speed video cameras were analyzed using 3D reconstruction. Three species with relatively pointed, high‐aspect ratio wings changed wingbeat styles according to flight speed (budgerigar, Melopsittacus undulatus; cockatiel, Nymphicus hollandicus; ringed turtle dove, Streptopelia risoria). These species used a wing‐tip reversal upstroke, characterized by supination of the distal wing at mid‐upstroke, at equivalent airspeeds ≤7 to 9 m s−1. In faster flight, they used a swept‐wing upstroke, without distal wing supination. At mid‐upstroke at any speed, wingspan in these species was greater than wrist span. In contrast, at all steady flight speeds, the black‐billed magpie Pica hudsonia with relatively broad, low‐aspect ratio wings, used a flexed‐wing, feathered upstroke in which wrist spans were equal to or greater than wingspans. Our results demonstrate that wing kinematics vary gradually as a function of flight speed, and that the patterns of variation are strongly influenced by external wing shape.

Temporal changes in the migration phenology of turtle doves Streptopelia turtur in Britain, based on sightings from coastal bird observatories

Using daily counts of birds seen at six coastal bird observatories in southern and eastern England, we explored the migration phenology of turtle doves during the period 1963 to 2000. Annual totals increased threefold up to the late 1970s then decreased again, in accordance with the BTO Common Birds Census (CBC) index of abundance. Median annual spring arrival and autumn departure dates of turtle doves were not related to abundance (CBC index) or mean temperature in spring or summer respectively. Although median annual spring arrival date has not altered over the 38‐year period, median annual autumn departure date has become earlier by 8 days. This has resulted in a shortening of the breeding season by 12 days, which ties in with a reduction in average number of nesting attempts per pair observed by a recent autecological study. It is possible that breeding turtle doves are now out of phase with peaks in food availability. This may have resulted in reduced breeding performance and earlier termination of the breeding season, and may have partly contributed to the decline of the species.

Temporal changes in the breeding and feeding ecology of Turtle Doves (Streptopelia turtur) in the UK: An overview

The UK breeding population of turtle dovesStreptopelia turtur has experienced a 70% decrease in abundance during the period 1970–98 and a 25% range contraction between the periods 1968–72 and 1988–91.

British Ornithologists’ Union Records Committee: 28th Report (October 2001)

British Ornithologists’ Union Records Committee: 28th Report (October 2001)

Contrasting patterns of change in the distribution and abundance of farmland birds in relation to farming system in lowland Britain

AbstractPatterns of change in distribution (presence/absence) and abundance since the late 1960s were examined in 20 species of farmland bird in southern Britain in predominantly arable (eastern), predominantly mixed (central) and predominantly grassland (western) regions. Comparisons were made between changes in distribution and in abundance to determine whether these measures show similar relationships to environmental change. Local extinctions of selected species and reductions in species richness were significantly greater in the predominantly grassland region. Decreases in abundance were greatest in seven species in the predominantly arable region, two in the mixed region and nine in the grassland region. Changes in distribution and abundance showed consistent patterns in three species, turtle dove Streptopelia turtur L., yellow wagtail Motacilla flava L. and reed bunting Emberiza schoeniclus L. In another four species, grey partridge Perdix perdix L., lapwing Vanellus vanellus L., tree sparrow Passer montanus L. and corn bunting Miliaria calandra L., decreases in abundance were greatest in the arable region, yet declines in distribution were lowest. For other individual species, changes in distribution were too small to draw any conclusions in relation to farm type. We suggest that modern grassland systems are suboptimal habitats compared to arable or mixed agricultural land for many farmland species that occur at relatively low density in the more western, grass‐dominated region. Declines in abundance are therefore more likely to lead to local extinction in these areas than in eastern areas where abundance is higher. However, the role of changes in grassland management on bird populations requires further research. It is suggested that conclusions drawn from changes in distribution alone, in the absence of supporting data on changes in abundance, may be misleading where the aim is to assess how large‐scale spatial dynamics of populations relate to environmental change.