Zenaida Asiatica Research Articles

Status of the White-Winged Dove in Southern Texas

(Hooper, 1954), and is the first individual of this subspecies reported since 1903 (Merriam, 1903). The trapping locatio in the Sierra Chincua, which was a dry, open woodlot, differed from the et, rocky habitats previously reported for N. neotomodon (Hooper, 1954; Baker and Greer, 1962; Matson and Baker, 1986). The specimen of Nelsonia was identified by M. D. Engstrom. I thank M. D. Engstrom for reviewing this manuscript, H. Flores and J. L. Villasefior for identifying the understory vegetation, and the Direccio General de Conservaci6n Ecol6gia de los Recursos Naturales for a collecting permit in Mexico. Financial support was provided by the Sigma Xi Society and Explorers Club.

Distribution and Relative Abundance Patterns of Columbids in Puerto Rico

From July 1986 to January 1989 standardized call and sight counts were conducted to examine the distribution and relative abundance patterns of Plain Pigeons (Columba inornata), White-crowned Pigeons (C. leucocephala), Scaly-naped Pigeons (C. squamosa), Zenaida Doves (Zenaida aurita), White-winged Doves (Z. asiatica), Mourning Doves (Z. macroura), Common Ground-Doves (Columbina passerina), Ruddy Quail-Doves (Geotrygon montana), Key West Quail-Doves (G. chrysia), and Bridled Quail-Doves (G. mystacea) during the different seasons of the year in the dry, moist and wet zones of Puerto Rico. The relative abundance of all columbids peaked during the spring-summer period (March-August) in the life zones. The relative abundance of Zenaida Doves and Common Ground-Doves peaked during the spring-summer, but a second noticeable peak occurred during the fall (September-November) in the dry zone. The seasonal patterns of relative abundance were detectable at local as well as at regional scales of sampling, regardless of the observer involved and the counting technique applied. The detected patterns are not considered to be either the result of sampling error or of statistical artifacts. The seasonal patterns of relative abundance in the three major life zones probably represent the most general and repeatable aspect of the population dynamics of columbids in the island. Two components of the environment of columbids are considered of principal importance in determining their seasonal relative abundance in the life zones: (1) rainfall in the dry zone, and (2) fruiting phenology of key tree species in the moist and wet zones.

Prey Remains from Bald Eagle Nests in Sonora, Mexico

A small population of bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) nests along the Rio Yaqui and its tributaries in central Sonora, Mexico (Brown et al., 1987; Brown, 1988). This is the southernmost nesting population of bald eagles known in western North America and the only known inland nesting population of bald eagles in Mexico. Prey use by inland nesting bald eagles in the temperate zone is well known (Lincer et al., 1979), but little information exists on prey of eagles in a subtropical environment. We document prey found in nests of subtropical bald eagles and compare this with prey used in other areas, particularly the endangered population nesting in Arizona. The Rio Yaqui is the largest drainage west of the Continental Divide in Mexico. The Rio Aros and Rio Bavispe, with headwaters in the Sierra Madre of Chihuahua, join to form the Rio Yaqui which flows into the Gulf of California. Three large reservoirs have been constructed in the drainage, two on the Rio Yaqui and one on the Rio Bavispe. The nests of all five known pairs of bald eagles in Sonora are located in or immediately adjacent to riparian habitat within approximately 75 km of the largest impoundment on the Rio Yaqui, the El Novillo Reservoir. Two nests are located on 60-m cliffs; one is in a large hecho cactus (Pachycereus pectin-aboriginum), one is in a fig tree (Ficus petiolaris) growing from a 50-m cliff, and one nest is in a large honey mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa). Subtropical Sinaloan thornscrub (Brown et al., 1980) is the upland vegetation association at all five nest sites. Seven samples of prey remains were collected from three of the five known nests of bald eagles in Sonora. Six samples were taken from nest bowls, and one was taken from the ground beneath a nest during or immediately after the nesting seasons of 1987 to 1989. Remains were identified by comparing diagnostic bones, feathers, or hair of prey with museum specimens (Cash et al., 1985; Haywood and Ohmart, 1986). The minimum umber of prey individuals of each taxon present as equal to the largest number of identical bones per taxon (Mollhagen et al., 1972; Dunstan and Harper, 1975; Haywood and Ohmart, 1986), a tech ique that may underestimate the number of individuals of a taxon taken as prey. The biomass represented by each prey taxon was estimated by multiplying the number of individuals of that taxon by its average body weight. Average body weights of birds and mammals were obtained from Burt and Grossenheider (1964), Dunning (1984), and Haywood and Ohmart (1986). If Dunning (1984) gave the average weight for both sexes of a species, we used the average of the two weights. Weight estimates for large doves of unknown species were the average of mean weights of white-winged dove (Zenaida asiatica) and white-tipped dove (Leptotila verreauxi), the two largest doves in the study area. Regression equations for body length and weight of fish prey were obtained by measuring either the opercle, pectoral spine, or skull length of fresh or preserved specimens of known length and weight (Hansel et al., 1988). Using either opercle length, pectoral spine length, or skull length of the prey remains, regression equations were used to calculate standard length and weight of prey. Standard length is the distance from the most anterior part of the fish to the posterior end of the vertebral column. Samples of common carp (Cyprinus carpio, an introduced species), river carpsucker (Carpiodes carpio, an introduced species), and catfish (Ictalurus sp., one introduced and one native species) taken from the Rio Yaqui were measured, preserved, and used in addition to other, preexisting museum specimens for length and weight regressions. Measurements from preserved specimens of Sonora sucker (Catostomus insignis) were substituted in the regression analysis for Yaqui sucker

Dispersal of Viable Saguaro Seeds by White-Winged Doves (Zenaida asiatica)

Dispersal of Viable Saguaro Seeds by White-Winged Doves (Zenaida asiatica)

Sleep in the dove Zenaida asiatica

Electrographic and behavioral observations were made in five adult birds of the genus Zenaida asiatica. Five different vigilance states were quantitated: (1) Active waking (Aw) was characterized by constant behavioral activity; the nuchal electromyogram was tonically active with bursts associated to movements. The electroencephalographic pattern was low voltage and high frequency. (2) Quiet waking (Qw) was characterized by diminished behavioral activity and the EEG pattern was similar to that of Aw. (3) Drowsiness (D) was characterized by behavioral calm. Frequency of cerebral activity diminished progressively, but there were short periods of desynchronization corresponding to brief awakenings. (4) Slow wave sleep (SWS); during this period there was behavioral rest and EEG pattern of continuous slow waves and the nuchal EMG was tonically reduced. Spindles of sleep were not observed. (5) Paradoxical sleep (SP), behaviorally characterized by phasic manifestations consisting of noddings originated by rapid falling down of head and bursts of rapid eye movements. EEG activity was like that of waking state. EMG activity was maintained at the same level as during SWS but sometimes it decreased lightly. Total atonie was not observed. Sleep percentages were higher when recordings were done during the nocturnal period.

Exposure to insecticides of Brushland wildlife within the Lower Rio Grande Valley, Texas, USA

Brushland wildlife within the Lower Rio Grande Valley of south Texas were studied following applications of eleven insecticides to nearby sugarcane or cotton fields. During the study no wildlife were found dead. Mean brain acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity of great-tailed grackles ( Quiscalus mexicanus) and mourning doves ( Zenaida macroura) was significantly lower than controls following application of some organophosphorous insecticides. Brain AChE activity varied significantly among chemicals, days after exposure and application rates. Mean brain AChE activity of white-winged doves ( Zenaida asiatica) and three small mammal species was not significantly different than their respective controls following application of insecticides. Mean brain AChE activity of grackles was inhibited significantly more than white-winged doves after application of Bolstar®, EPN-methyl parathion, and Azodrin® and significantly more than that of mourning doves after applications of Bolstar® and EPN-methyl parathion. Our data indicate that there were no adverse effects on most brushland wildlife. Exposure was probably dependent upon use of the agricultural fields as feeding or resting sites and only grackles and mourning doves were regularly present in the fields.

Methods of Enhancing Germination of Anacua Seeds

Seed dormancy hampers establishment of anacua [Ehretia anacua (Teran & Berl.) I.M. Johnst.] in plantings for wildlife. We evaluated methods of enhancing anacua germination and causes of dormancy. Seeds were (1) scarified with 2.9 mol liter -' H202 or 0.71 mol liter' NaOCl for 10, 20, or 30 minutes, or concentrated (18.0 mol liter-) H2SO4 for 15, 30, 60, or 120 minutes; (2) rinsed with water for 12, 241 36, and 48 hours; (3) treated with 0.1, 1.4, 2.9, and 4.3 mmol liter' gibberellic acid (GA); (4) treated with 0.02 mol liter-' KNO3; (5) treated with dry heat (1300 C) for 3, 6,9, 12, and 15 minutes, (6) mechanically scarified; and (7) moist prechilled at 3 and 70 C for 2 or 4 weeks. Seeds were germinated in controlled environment chambers at 300 C. Germination was not enhanced by chemical scarification or rinsing. GA (1.4 mmol liter-) increased germination from 35% for controls to 61%. Mechanical scarification and dry heat enhanced germination of highly dormant seeds only. A 2-week moist prechill at 30 C increased germination of intact seeds from 6% for controls to 36%. Percent and rate of germination were similar among seed sources. Apparent afterripening requirements limited germination at 2 months after harvest to 3%. This requirement gradually broke down until at 8 months after harvest, germination had increased to 40%o. Our results indicated that treatment with 1.4 mmol liter-' GA or higher concentrations, moist prechilling for 2 weeks at 30 C, and storage for 8 months will increase germination of dormant anacua seeds. Authors are faculty researcher and research fellow, Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Research Institute, Campus Box 218, Texas AI and area manager, Las Palomas Wildlife Management Area, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, Texas 78744. Research was funded by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and The Caesar Kleberg Foundation for Wildlife Conservation. Authors wish to thank Dr. R. Bingham for his assistance in statistical analyses. Manuscript accepted 16 December 1985. Anacua [Ehretia anacua (Teran & Berl.) I.M. Johnst.] is a native, semievergreen shrub or small tree of the Boraginaceae that occurs in river valleys and bottomlands in central and south Texas southward into Mexico (Vines 1960, Correll and Johnston 1970). Anacua fruits are eaten by many birds and mammals (Vines 1960), and it is highly favored as a nest site by white-winged doves (Zenaida asiatica L.) (Brown et al. 1977). About 95% of the original brushland of the Lower Rio Grande Valley has been lost to cultivation and other land use practices. State and federal wildlife agencies are attempting to restore habitat for white-winged doves and other wildlife on former cropland in this region. Anacua is one of five woody plants considered to be of primary importance in habitat restoration. Other important species include spiny hackberry (Celtis pallida Torr.), bluewood (Condalia obovata Hook.), huisache [Acacia farnesiana (L.) Willd.], and Texas ebony [Pithecellobium flexicaule (Benth.) Coult.]. Low germination resulting from seed dormancy has hampered efforts to establish anacua. Alaniz and Everitt (1980) reported that the optimum temperature for anacua germination is 300 C. Seeds had to be soaked for 2 hours in concentrated sulfuric acid for appreciable germination to occur. Objectives of this study were to determine (1) additional methods of enhancing germination of anacua seeds and (2) possible causes of seed dormancy.

EXPERIMENTAL TRANSFER OF TRICHOMONAS GALLINAE (RIVOLTA, 1878) FROM WHITE-WINGED DOVES TO MOURNING DOVES

Isolates of Trichomonas gallinae (Rivolta, 1878) from white-winged doves, Zenaida asiatica (L.), were transferred experimentally to young mourning doves, Zenaida macroura (L.). Twenty-three of 25 mourning doves developed infections with isolates of T. gallinae from 25 white-winged doves. In addition, eight of eight rock doves (Columba livia Gmelin) were infected with duplicate isolates. All infected recipient birds harbored avirulent isolates except for one mourning dove which died from extensive oral lesions. However, repeated attempts using this isolate of T. gallinae to produce lesions in additional recipients were unsuccessful. Despite the findings of this study, it was suggested that future dove management strategies consider the possibility of disease outbreaks involving white-winged doves and susceptible populations of mourning doves.

Surrogate Feeding and Adoptive Behavior in Mourning Doves

Both mourning dove (Zenaida macroura) parents incubate the eggs and feed and brood the young until fledged (Taylor 1941, Harris et al. 1963). Fledglings are fed consistently by at least one parent through 27 days posthatching (PH) but also begin feeding themselves at 17 days PH. After 16 days PH, feeding of fledglings is primarily the responsibility of the male parent (Hitchcock and Mirarchi 1984). Numerous reports of surrogate feeding (adults performing intraor interspecific feeding of juveniles other than, or in addition to, their own), helpers at the nest, and intraand interspecific adoption in avian species have been summarized by Skutch (1976). Among columbids, wood pigeons (Columba palumbus) (Murton and Isaacson 1962), white-winged doves (Z. asiatica) (Saunders 1944), rock doves (C. livia) (Levi 1957), and ringed turtle-doves (Streptopelia risoria) (Hansen 1971) have exhibited intraspecific feeding of unrelated juveniles. Additionally, surrogate feedings have occurred between mourning doves and other species of doves in both wild and captive situations (Neff 1945). To our knowledge, however, no reports of surrogate feedings or adoptive behavior among wild mourning doves have been published. Such information is necessary to answer questions about parent-fledgling interactions that are asked during the continuing controversy over hunting mourning doves in September.

Additional Records of White-Winged Doves in Colorado

Additional Records of White-Winged Doves in Colorado

Predicting Hunting Success from Call Counts of Mourning and White-Winged Doves

Predicting Hunting Success from Call Counts of Mourning and White-Winged Doves

Let's Make Bird Names Helpful

some changes a few years ago, they changed the name of the blue-headed vireo to the solitary vireo and, the American egret to the common egret. This kind of change is not inspired. All changes should be useful and significant. A clear goal is needed. Some names of bird species help in identification the chestnut-sided warbler; other names do not the Bewick's wren. I suggest this goal: change the unhelpful to helpful names. Many people have become birdwatchers only because someone encouraged them at the start to connect a name like Bell's vireo with a tiny, dull bird which doesn't look or act like a Bell or bell. A veritable thorn-hedge of such names creates a barrier which soon discourages many who might otherwise take an interest in bird-watching. We should do all we can to assist beginners. Breaking the name barrier would be a significant step. How many school children would learn the difference between a whitetailed deer and mule deer if these species were named Leconte's deer and Lichtenstein's deer? Since we use descriptive names for most mammals, why should we perpetuate nondescriptive names for so many birds? Beginners are not the only ones who could benefit by an improvement in the names of birds. In these days of increased travel, bird-watching can become an international sport if we give each species a name which will help to identify it on an international level. The white-winged dove is a perfect example, lending its name readily to Fig. 1. Black-crowned oriole. The old name, Bullock's oriole, does not help an inexperienced bird-watcher.

Water Economy and Salt Balance in White-Winged and Inca Doves

Two of the most conspicuously abundant birds during the summer in the Sonoran desert regions of southern Arizona and northern Mexico are White-winged Doves (Zenaida asiatica) and Inca Doves (Scardafella inca). These doves have nearly identical general distributions extending over arid parts of the southwestern United States and south through Mexico into Central America. However, within this range Inca Doves are confined to desert towns and villages while White-winged Doves occur throughout the deserts (Ridgway, 1916; Bent, 1932). In addition there are seasonal differences in distribution at least within the United States, with the strong-flying White-winged Doves represented only as spring and summer residents while the relatively sedentary Inca Doves are continuously resident (Bent, 1932). In their enlightening review article on the water economy of land birds, Bartholomew and Cade (1963) indicate an apparent direct relationship between body weight and efficiency of osmotic homeostasis. The differences in body weight between White-winged Doves (ca. 140 g) and Inca Doves (ca. 40 g), together with differences in habitat preference and mobility in the same desert macroenvironment, afforded an excellent opportunity to test the proposed relationship between body weight and water economy in two closely related land birds. Therefore, this study undertakes to examine the water relations of White-winged and Inca doves in light of taxonomic affinity, similarity of macroenvironment, and differences in body size, mobility, and microenvironmental preferences.

Recovery of Ornithosis Agent from Naturally Infected White-Winged Doves

Recovery of Ornithosis Agent from Naturally Infected White-Winged Doves

The Occurrence of Trichomonas gallinae in White-winged Doves in Arizona

The Occurrence of Trichomonas gallinae in White-winged Doves in Arizona

Pollination of Saguaro Cactus by Doves, Nectar-Feeding Bats, and Honey Bees

In a large cage, free-flying western white-winged doves, nectar-feeding Leptonycteris bats, and honey bees were each effective as cross-pollinators of self-sterile saguaro flowers. Seed production and seed viability were not significantly different in fruit from flowers pollinated by these agents. Pollination is not a limiting factor in saguaro repopulation.

A Parasitological Survey of Fifty-One Eastern White-Winged Doves

In a very useful check-list of the parasites of pigeons and doves, Levine and Kantor (1959) cited four sets of authors who have listed parasites of the white-winged dove (Zenaida asiatica) : Laveran and Petit (1909), and Beltran (1942), who reported Haemoproteus only; Wood and Herman (1943), who found Haemoproteius (two species), Trypanosoma, and Plasmodium; and Saunders (1955), who noted the presence of microfilariae. The only other reference to the parasites of these doves is that of Saunders (1959), who reported on 72 of them in a survey of blood films from wild Mexican columbids. (See Addendum) Because of the additional data secured by the author in a parasitological study of 51 individuals of this dove, the present observations seem worth recording.

Watering Patterns of Some Desert Game Animals

In recent years wildlife administrators in the arid southwest have expended much time and money in developing watering places on desert ranges that contain all of the essential habitat requirements for the production of game except for permanent and available water. Some developments are designed primarily for use by quail and other game birds (Glading, 1947). Access to water is restricted to small game by covered ramps and stockproof fences. Other developments are designed for multiple use by game mammals as well as birds (Halloran, 1949). From June 1951 to January 1953, I carried on a field study of several man-made, multiple-purpose, game-watering places with the following objectives: (1) to determine the species of desert wildlife utilizing man-made tanks, and to determine where possible which of those species are dependent on them to satisfy their water requirements; (2) to determine daily and seasonal utilization patterns by the different species; (3) to study behavior of different species at water; and (4) to evaluate waterhole counts as a census technique. I obtained utilization data on ten species of mammals and 25 species of birds. Because of space limitations, the present report will consider only the following important game species: mule deer (Odocoileus hemionus), javelina (Pecari angulatus), white-winged dove (Zenaida asiatica),

White-Winged Dove in Ontario

White-Winged Dove in Ontario

Notes on Nesting and Other Habits of the Western White-Winged Dove in Arizona

The western white-winged dove (Melopelia asiatica mearnsi), interesting bird of the southwestern deserts, holds an important place among the game species of Arizona. Ranging throughout southern Arizona, northward to an irregular line from the New Mexican border near Safford westward through the southern part of the mountains to the vicinity of Stoneman Lake, Payson, Prescott, and Needles, the white-wing is found most abundantly in the valleys of the Colorado and Gila rivers, and of the tributaries of the latter, the Salt, Verde, Hassayampa, Santz Cruz, and San Pedro. The great mesquite thickets of the river bottom-lands were, and still are, the centers of summer population though the acreage of these growths is annually reduced through reclamation for agricultural use. However, whitewings may be seen almost anywhere: in the desert on ironwood or giant cactus, or flying overhead; in the valleys of the desert mountains; even in the shade and fruit trees of the more highly developed agricultural areas; along country roadsides; and in suburban residential sections.