Columba Palumbus Research Articles

Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism Authentication of Raw Meats from Game Birds

Polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) analysis has been applied to the identification of meats from quail (Coturnix coturnix), pheasant (Phasianus colchicus), red-legged partridge (Alectoris rufa), guinea fowl (Numida meleagris), capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus), Eurasian woodcock (Scolopax rusticola), woodpigeon (Columba palumbus), and song thrush (Turdus philomelos). PCR amplification was performed using a set of primers flanking a conserved region of approximately 720 base pairs (bp) from the mitochondrial 12S rRNA gene. Restriction site analysis based on sequence data from this DNA fragment permitted the selection of AluI and BfaI endonucleases for species identification. The restriction profiles obtained when amplicons were digested with the chosen enzymes allowed the unequivocal identification of all game bird species analyzed. However, the use of the PCR-RFLP technique described is limited to raw meat authentication. It is not suitable for cooked products because thermal treatment strongly accelerates DNA degradation leading to difficulties in amplifying the 720 bp fragment.

Late breeding of Wood Pigeon Columba palumbus at Linköping, southern Sweden

Late breeding of Wood Pigeon Columba palumbus at Linköping, southern Sweden

Variability of Haplotypes among Different Populations of Woodpigeon (Columba Palumbus) in Southern Europe and in the Eastern Baltic Region

A Columbidae species-specific primer pair PAL-2 was constructed. It was based on the alignment of the available GenBank sequences of homological D-loop fragments of Columbia livia, Columba janthina, Columba junoniae and Columba bollii. Using these newly developed primers, Woodpigeons (Columba palumbus) from wintering and breeding populations of southern Europe and from breeding population of the eastern Baltic region were examined by sequencing 368 bp mtDNA D-loop fragments. In total, 31 different haplotypes were detected among 89 Woodpigeons sampled in southern Europe and 13 haplotypes were found among 33 birds sampled in the eastern Baltic region. The neighbour-joining method revealed phylogenetic relationships between different haplotypes and the possible ancestry of individual birds. The most frequent haplotypes were detected in the majority of Woodpigeons sampled in southern Europe and in the eastern Baltic region. However, seven haplotypes were detected only in breeding birds sampled in the eastern ...

Vigilance in the third dimension: head movement not scan duration varies in response to different predator models

Both theoretical and empirical studies of vigilance assume that the duration of scanning bouts or head-down bouts of searching for food represents adaptations to predation risk. We found no differences in chaffinch, Fringilla coelebs, peck rates or vigilance patterns (number of scans per unit time, duration of head-up scans and duration of head-down periods) before and after exposure to four models: a ground predator (domestic cat), a control ground object (plastic box), an aerial predator (sparrowhawk, Accipiter nisus) and a control aerial model (wood pigeon, Columba palumbus). However, chaffinches increased their rate of head turning after seeing a cat compared to other models. Our results suggest that vigilance is more than simply a pattern of head-up and head-down movements, but that different head movements when vigilant might optimize detection or monitoring of different types of predator and that predation risk can be inferred by vigilance type (e.g. head turning) and not just duration. These results imply that different head movements in birds may be important in predator detection and recognition.

Impact of avian frugivores on dispersal and recruitment of the invasive Prunus serotina in an agricultural landscape

Although seed dispersal is considered to be a key process determining the spatial structure and spread of non-native plant populations, few studies have explicitly addressed the link between dispersal vector behaviour, seed distribution and seedling recruitment to gain insight into the process of exotic species invasion within a fragmented landscape context. The present study analyses the relationship between avian frugivory and spatial patterns of seed deposition and seedling recruitment for an expanding population of the invasive Prunus serotina in a hedgerow network landscape in Flanders, Belgium. We quantified fruit production, observed frugivores, and determined the spatial distribution of bird droppings and P. serotina seedlings. A relatively diverse assemblage of frugivores visited P. serotina seed trees, with Columba palumbus and Turdus merula being by far the most important dispersers. Landscape structure strongly affected dispersal vector behaviour and the spatial distribution of perching birds, droppings and seedlings. Frugivorous birds non-randomly dispersed seeds to perching sites and an association between perching birds, seed deposition and seedling recruitment was found. Results indicate that landscape structure contributes to non-random seed deposition of P. serotina by common local frugivores. Cutting the larger seed trees is proposed as the most feasible measure to slow down the invasion rate.

Effects of the winter beechmast crop on bird occurrence in British gardens

Capsule Woodland birds were significantly less likely to occur in gardens in years of high beechmast crop. Aim To test the hypothesis that woodland species that feed on beechmast will have significantly lower occurrence rates at garden feeders in mast years. Methods Weekly winter occurrence rates at garden feeders between 1970/71 and 1999/2000 for 40 species were analysed in relation to annual beechmast abundance, classified into low, medium and high years. A repeated-measures logistic regression model was used to assess whether beechmast abundance explained further significant variation additional to underlying seasonal and annual trends. Results Seven species that commonly feed on beechmast showed significantly lower occurrence in gardens in years of highest beechmast abundance: Great Spotted Woodpecker Dendrocopos major, Woodpigeon Columba palumbus, Great Tit Parus major, Coal Tit Periparus ater, Nuthatch Sitta europaea, Jay Garrulus glandarius and Chaffinch Fringilla coelebs. Blackbird Turdus merula and Siskin Carduelis spinus, which showed similar significant patterns, are likely to take beechmast as elements of their diet. Pied Wagtail Motacilla alba was the only insectivorous species to show significant effects, but occurrence was lowest in years of intermediate beechmast abundance. For the latter species, this may have been due to confounding effects of temperature, but there were no such confounding effects of either temperature, or the number of bird feeders provided in gardens, for the other nine species. Conclusion Use of artificial food sources by birds in gardens is influenced by resources in the surrounding countryside, suggesting that food provided in gardens may play a significant part in the population dynamics of these species, that population monitoring without consideration of the garden habitat may be deficient, and that volunteer-based garden bird recording may provide data that can be used as an indicator of changes in the wider countryside.

The Natural History of Pompeii (review)

Reviewed by: The Natural History of Pompeii Elke Böhr and Hans-Joachim Böhr Wilhemina Feemster Jashemski and Frederick G. Meyer (eds.). The Natural History of Pompeii. Cambridge: Cambridge University Press, 2002. Pp. xxiii, 502. $175.00. ISBN 0-521-80054-4. It is not only archaeologists and naturalists who will enjoy reading this volume and benefit from its contents, whose wide array of studies in the natural sciences increases our current knowledge in a remarkable fashion. Carefully edited and copiously illustrated with excellent photos, drawings, and plans, the book is also an aesthetic delight. Obviously, Jashemski realized at an early stage of excavating ancient gardens and farmland in the Vesuvian area that her research would benefit greatly if contributions from several disciplines of natural science could complete the cultural image formed previously by anthropocentric archaeological studies. Together with her co-editor Meyer she managed to assemble and inspire, over a period of many years, twenty-seven professionals from seven nationalities (list of contributors, xvii–xviii) to collaborate on this common goal. [End Page 307] Approximately one third of the tome is devoted to plants. The species are treated systematically, followed by studies on pollen analysis and dendrochronological issues, as well as identification of the woods used in architecture and furniture. A description of animal life takes up about the same amount of space: fish, marine invertebrates, insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and mammals. Contributions on the "inanimate" world, in particular on geology, vulcanology (of obvious importance, given the role Mt. Vesuvius played in preserving the evidence), and soil science complete the discussions of natural phenomena. Holistic accounts of the roles of ornamental and produce gardens in the cityscape and in the development of the surrounding natural landscape (Lake Avernus) result in a vivid analysis of complex ecological relationships and evolutionary processes. Skeletal remains provide insight into health and dietary customs as well as habits of the inhabitants. A concise introduction into the various specific methods and evaluations is given in order to support the findings in each field of research. The large section dealing with the identification of plants and animals seen in wall-paintings, mosaics, and sculpture is of particular value for botanists and zoologists. Furthermore, carbonized remains, as well as bones and pollen, are incontrovertible evidence for the fauna and flora, offering an idea of the manifold phenomena encountered in antiquity. The vast testimony of ancient authors is evaluated meticulously and used to the full, with special attention given to the Historia Naturalis of Pliny the Elder, who died during the eruption of Mt. Vesuvius. The ancient texts, however, are broad-based in scope and general in character. They are not directed specifically to Pompeii and vicinity or to finds from the area. The identification of names and the biology of plants and animals mentioned in the written sources often lead to considerations without a clear-cut answer. The contributors bring these disputes up to date with remarks based on recent research within their own fields of expertise. In view of the number of species discussed in this volume and the well-known problems experienced by all scientists attempting to identify ancient representations, it is not surprising that the reviewers occasionally have differing suggestions. For example, we would like to propose wood pigeon instead of turtle dove in fig. 118, because it lacks a white-rimmed tail and a brownish ground color. Fig. 294 probably does not depict a falconer, since we have no definite evidence for falconry prior to the sixth century a.d. The man might be a bird catcher carrying a limestick (a long stick smeared with sticky birdlime) and a tethered raptor as "scare-bird." When the prospective prey birds (songbirds) spy the raptor, they do not fly away, but retreat into the bushes where they are easily caught. In our opinion, fig. 303 shows a brambling (wintering in Italy—the colors are those of the male in early spring) instead of a greenfinch. Fig. 344 surely depicts the antlers of a red deer, not of a roe deer. At times, the index is difficult to use because the same plant species might be listed under several entries with different page numbers, e...

Distribution and genetic structure of the Japanese wood pigeon (Columba janthina) endemic to the islands of East Asia

The Japanese wood pigeon (Columba janthina) is endemic to the islands of East Asia and it is included in the Japanese and Asian Red Lists because of its narrow habitat range that is restricted to mature forests on small islands and because of the destruction of these habitats. We examined the genetic structure of Columba janthina by studying 463 base pairs of the mitochondrial control region sequences. We analyzed 154 samples from eight populations and identified 27 haplotypes. Three population groups were identified based on the pairwise ΦST values. A substantial gene flow, as reflected by the low and non-significant ΦST values, is maintained among the northern group that includes six populations found on the Okinawa, Tokara, Goto, Setouchi, Oki, and Izu islands. In contrast, the southeastern group found on the Ogasawara Islands had large ΦST values with every population from other regions (0.910 < ΦST < 0.962). The southwestern group found on the Sakishima Islands also had significant but small ΦST values with every population from the northern group (0.081 < ΦST < 0.205). The Mantel test showed a highly significant correlation between the ΦST values and the route length of the habitat network, as well as the linear distance with correction of the habitat gap effect, indicating the importance of the closely connected structure of the habitats. The three groups mentioned above could be considered as independent management units, and the southeastern group has the highest conservation priority due to its narrow distribution range and small population size.

Relationship Between Game Species and Landscape Structure in the SE of Spain

Hunting is an important traditional and economic activity in the Iberian Peninsula. However, a very small amount of papers focuses on the relation between small-game species and landscape structure. Therefore, the primary aim of this study was to determine the main relationships between landscape structure and game species thus obtaining new management methods to enhance game communities. Hunting bags were used to obtain abundance, diversity and dominance indices of game species in 2000. The abundances of several game species were related with land uses and landscape indices, which were used as independent variables (obtained using Arcview, Fragstats and Idrisi) in regression models. Considering the associations between wildlife species and traditional land usages, the woodcock profits from recent abandonment areas (p = 0.001, r = 0.915) and avoids dense shrublands (p = 0.001, r = 0.967). The red-legged partridge is positively related with old abandonment areas (p = 0.013, r = 0.820) and collared-doves benefit from afforested dense pines (p = 0.001, r = 0.916). The wild rabbit was positively related with fruit groves p < 0.001, r = 0.995), pine forest areas ((p < 0.001, r = 0.989), and old abandonment areas (p < 0.001, r = 1.0) and negatively related with oak wood (p < 0.001, r = 0.953) and urban areas (p < 0.001, r = 0.998). Hares were positively related with old abandonment areas (p = 0.010, r = 0.767) and avoid irrigated crops (p = 0.010, r = 0.919). Wild boars and red foxes presented positive relations with dense shrublands (respectively, p = 0.012, r = 0.821 and p = 0.005, r = 0.789). Considering landscape structure indices, the red-legged partridge is related to fractal dimensions and patch richness density (p = 0.01, r = 0.787 and p = 0.01, r = 0.916, respectively). The wood pigeon and turtle dove are related to the aggregation index and the contagion index (p = 0.016, r = 0.805 and p = 0.018, r = 0.798, respectively). Wild rabbits and hares are related with fractal dimension (respectively, p = 0.009, r = 0.770 and p = 0.001, r = 0.831) and perimeter-area ratio (respectively, p = 0.009, r = 0.920 and p = 0.001, r = 0.974).

Estimating the rate of poisoning by insecticide-treated seeds in a bird population

Poisonings of granivorous birds by cereal seed treatments have been reported in the UK, but the true frequency of poisonings is unknown. We aimed to measure the rate of mortality due to poisoning by seed treatments in woodpigeons (Columba palumbus) in an area of East Anglian farmland where the risk from these compounds appeared high. Woodpigeons were fitted with temperature-sensing radio-tags and monitored daily during the winters of 1994/95 and 1995/96. Birds' deaths were detected and attempts made to retrieve carcasses for post-mortem examination including, where possible, analysis for pesticide residues. Ninety-one woodpigeons were monitored. Eleven birds died, but the causes of their deaths were uncertain: one contained a low residue of insecticide and in the other ten cases, no carcass was recovered, so no analysis was possible. Therefore, the number poisoned by pesticides could lie anywhere between zero and eleven. During 1994/95, estimated mortality ranged from 0% to 52%, depending on how many (if any) of the 11 casualties were poisoned. During 1995/96 there were no casualties. Using conservative diagnostic rules for classifying birds as poisoned by OP seed treatments, no link was found between the availability of treated fields in the study area and the rate of poisonings, and there were no significant differences between the two study years. For reasons discussed in the paper, true mortality resulting from exposure to insecticide seed treatments was considered likely to lie in the range 0-5%.

Trichomonas gallinae in wintering Common Wood Pigeons Columba palumbus in Spain

We studied the prevalence and potential subclinical effects of infestation by Trichomonas gallinae in 91 hunter‐harvested Common Wood Pigeons Columba palumbus from northern (n = 30) and southern (n = 61) Spain during the winter period. All animals were measured, sexed, aged, necropsied and their organs were weighed. Infestation with T. gallinae was diagnosed using three different methods: direct inspection for the presence of lesions, direct microscopic observation and culture. Of the sampled birds, 34.2% were positive for the presence of T. gallinae. Prevalence was significantly higher in adult Wood Pigeons than in the juvenile group, and prevalence was significantly lower in birds sampled from the north. No significant differences in prevalence were found between males and females. Culture was significantly more sensitive than the other methods of diagnosis. Parasitized birds were in poorer body condition, as revealed by their lower body mass and fat reserves. No significant variation could be detected in heart or spleen weight between parasitized and healthy birds. However, juvenile Wood Pigeons in which T. gallinae was detected had a significantly larger bursa of Fabricius. Variations in the prevalence of T. gallinae in Wood Pigeons could be related to migration as well as increased exposure through shared feed and water where these are artificially provided. We also discuss the potential effect of T. gallinae on body condition and the eventual risk for endangered predators through increased exposure to infected prey.

The effects of GMHT crops on bird abundance in arable fields in the UK

Abstract Bird surveys were carried out in summer 2000 and winter 2000/2001 on 24 sugar beet fields, 11 maize fields, 10 spring rape fields and (for winter-only) 23 winter rape fields divided into conventional and genetically modified herbicide tolerant (GMHT) treatments. These fields were a sub-sample of those used in the farm scale evaluation (FSE [Firbank, L.G, Heard, M.S., Woiwod, I.P., Hawes, C., Haughton, A.J., Champion, G.T., Scott, R.J., Hill, M.O., Dewar, A.M., Squire, G.R., May, M.J., Brooks, D.R., Bohan, D.A., Daniels, R.E., Osborne, J.L., Roy, D.B., Black, H.I.J., Rothery, P., Perry, J.N., 2003. An introduction to the farm-scale evaluations of genetically modified herbicide tolerant crops. J. Appl. Ecol. 40, 2–16.]). The study aimed to compare bird abundance between GMHT and conventional crop treatments. In the summer, the abundance of yellowhammers Emberiza citrinella and of granivores collectively was significantly greater on conventional than GMHT sugar beet. Abundance of granivores and species richness was significantly greater on conventional than GMHT maize, but only after the application of herbicides to the GMHT treatment. No significant differences were detected in spring oilseed rape. No significant differences were detected prior to herbicide application in any crop. In winter, granivores were more abundant on bare plough following conventional sugar beet treatment than following GMHT treatment. Woodpigeon Columba palumbus , blackbird Turdus merula and corvids were more abundant on maize stubbles following GMHT treatment. These differences were in accord with likely differences in food availability ascertained from previous research carried out under the FSE.

Genes Encoding Bacteriocins and Their Expression and Potential Virulence Factors of Enterococci Isolated from Wood Pigeons (Columba palumbus)

Samples of the intestinal content and carcasses of wood pigeons (Columba palumbus) were evaluated for enterococci with antimicrobial activity. Enterococcus faecium comprised the largest enterococcal species with antagonistic activity, followed by Enterococcus faecalis and Enterococcus columbae. PCR amplification of genes coding bacteriocins and determination of their nucleotide sequence, and the use of specific antipeptide bacteriocin antibodies and a noncompetitive indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, permitted characterization of enterococci coding that described bacteriocins and their expression. The efaAfm determinant was the only virulence gene detected in E. faecium, whereas E. faecalis showed a larger number of virulence determinants, and E. columbae did not carry any of the virulence genes examined. Although all E. faecalis isolates manifested a potent direct antimicrobial activity, no activity was detected in supernatants of producer cells. Purification of the antagonistic activity of E. columbae PLCH2 showed multiple chromatographic fragments after matrix-assisted laser desorption–ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry analysis, suggesting the active peptide(s) had not yet purified to homogeneity. Bacteriocinogenic E. faecium and E. columbae isolates may be considered hygienic for production of enterocins and potentially safe due to their low incidence of potential virulence genes and susceptibility of most relevant clinical antibiotics. However, the presence among the enterococci of E. faecalis strains with a potent antagonistic activity and multiple virulence factors is an issue that must be considered further.

A Comparison of Common Breeding Bird Populations in Hamburg, Berlin and Warsaw

Avifaunas of three large cities (Hamburg, Berlin and Warsaw) situated in the northern lowlands of Central Europe along an 850-km-long west-east line were compared. Estimates of several species' breeding populations in these cities were used to calculate their densities in the total area of breeding habitat in each city used by the species in question. The relationship of the densities of several common species was compared. Of 39 species analysed, 18 showed higher densities in Hamburg, 4 in Warsaw and 2 in Berlin. A gradient of increasing density from Warsaw to Berlin and Hamburg (Western gradient) was found for 16 species: Columba palumbus, Troglodytes troglodytes, Prunella modularis, Turdus merula, T. philomelos, T. viscivorus, Sylvia atricapilla, Phylloscopus collybita, Ph. trochilus, Regulus regulus, R. ignicapillus, Garrulus glandarius, Parus cristatus, Certhia brachydactyla, Fringilla coelebs, Pyrrhula pyrrhula. An opposite (Eastern) gradient was found for only 3 species: Columba livia f. domestica, Oriolus oriolus and Passer domesticus. Suggested causes for most of the larger differences among the three cities in the densities of particular species are the variation in the richness of vegetation (higher in both German cities) and differences in the stage of synurbization (i.e. adaptation to the urban environment) of specific avian species. In a few cases, factors such as the geographic range of a species, the attitude of humans (in the case of the Feral Pigeon), and specific, slight variations in habitat are put forward to explain the differences found.

Unusual pox lesions found in Chinese jungle mynahs (Acridotheres cristatellus)

Pox lesions involving feathered and unfeathered skin, the oral cavity and the uropygial gland were found in Chinese jungle mynahs. Characteristic intracytoplasmic inclusions were detected in the proliferative cells of all lesions. Ultrastructurally, the virus particles consisted of a convoluted outer membrane enclosing lateral bodies and a biconcave central core, typical for poxvirus. The nucleotide sequences of the amplicon obtained with a set of primers for the 4b core protein of fowl poxvirus revealed that the mynah poxvirus was phylogenetically related to wood pigeon poxvirus. This is the first report of poxvirus infection affecting the uropygial gland. Lésions varioliques inhabituelles, observées chez un martin huppé chinois (Acridotheres cristatellus) Les lésions varioliques, comprenant la peau couverte ou non de plumes, la cavité orale et la glande uropygienne, ont été observées chez des martins huppés chinois. Des inclusions intra cytoplasmiques caractéristiques ont été notées dans les cellules prolifératives de toutes les lésions. Sur le plan ultra structural, les particules virales se présentaient sous forme de membrane externe enfermant les corps latéraux et d'un noyau central biconcave, typiques des poxvirus. En se basant sur les séquences nucléotidiques de l'amplicon obtenu avec un set d'amorces pour la protéine 4b de noyau de la variole aviaire, il est apparu que le virus de la variole du martin était proche phylogénétiquement de celui du pigeon ramier. C'est le premier rapport d'une infection affectant la glande uropygienne. Ungewöhnliche Pockenläsionen in chinesischen Dschungelmainas (Acridotheres cristatellus) In chinesischen Dschungelmainas wurden Pockenläsionen in der befiederten und unbefiederten Haut, der Schnabelhöhle und der Bürzeldrüse gefunden. In allen Läsionen wurden in den proliferativen Zellen charakteristische intrazytoplasmatische Einschlusskörperchen nachgewiesen. Elektronenmikroskopisch konnten für Pockenviren typische Viruspartikel mit gewundener Außenhülle, die die Lateralkörper und den bikonkaven zentralen Kern umschließt, festgestellt werden. Basierend auf der Nukleotidsequenz des Amplikons, das mittels des Primersets für das 4b-Coreprotein des Geflügelpockenvirus gewonnen wurde, erwies sich das Maina-Pockenvirus als phylogenetisch verwandt mit den Ringeltaubenpockenvirus. Dies ist die Erstbeschreibung einer Pockenvirusinfektion, die die Bürzeldrüse befällt. Lesiones inusuales de viruela aviar en pájaros minah (Acridotheres cristatellus) Se describen lesiones de viruela aviar en piel con y sin plumas, en cavidad oral y en la glándula uropígea de pájaros minah. Se observaron los cuerpos de inclusión intracitoplasmáticos en las células que proliferaban en todas las lesiones. Ultrastructuralmente, las partículas víricas consistieron en una membrana externa replegada que contenía los cuerpos laterales y un núcleo central bicóncavo, típico de poxvirus. En base a la secuencia nucleotídica del amplicón obtenido con un par de cebadores que amplificaban la proteína 4b del núcleo del poxvirus aviar se observó que el poxvirus del minah se encontraba filogenéticamente relacionado con el poxvirus de la paloma torcaz. Esta es la primera descripción de una infección por poxvirus que afecta la glándula uropígea.

Feathers at nests are potential female signals in the spotless starling

Although the presence of feathers in the nest is widespread among birds, it has not been previously suggested that feathers can be used as sexual signals. Females of the spotless starling (Sturnus unicolor) regularly carry feathers to their nest, mostly during laying and incubation. We show that the arrangement of these feathers was non-random with respect to the side (obverse or reverse) placed upwards (which can be viewed from the nest entrance). Feathers of the wood pigeon (Columba palumbus) and the spotless starling, which exhibit higher ultraviolet and visible reflectance on their reverse side, were predominantly placed with this side upwards. On the contrary, feathers of the jay (Garrulus glandarius) were predominantly found exhibiting the obverse side, which possesses higher reflectance in this species. Feathers of the azure-winged magpie (Cyanopica cyana), with similar reflectance values on either side, were placed indiscriminately in obverse and reverse positions. The results suggest that feathers are arranged to maximize their conspicuousness within the nest and hence that they might be potentially used as intraspecific signals.

Evaluating the Breeding Bird Survey for producing national population size and density estimates

Capsule The BBS has potential for producing better estimates of habitat-specific densities and population sizes for many UK bird populations than those available previously. Aims To examine the use of the Breeding Bird Survey (BBS) in providing unbiased national population and habitat-specific density estimates of British birds. Methods Line transect data collected by volunteers in 1998 from 2287 1-km squares across the UK were analysed using distance sampling methods to calculate habitat-specific density and abundance estimates. For each species, the habitat-specific decline in detectability with distance from a transect line was modelled and applied at a regional level to incorporate variation in sampling intensity in different areas of the country. Results National population and density estimates calculated here were at a magnitude expected for at least seven species in this study. However, national population size estimates were higher than expected for Starling Sturnus vulgaris, House Sparrow Passer domesticus, Blackbird Turdus merula, Greenfinch Carduelis chloris, Jackdaw Corvus monedula, Whitethroat Sylvia communis, Woodpigeon Columba palumbus and Linnet Carduelis cannabina and lower than expected for Skylark Alauda arvensis, Dunnock Prunella modularis, Song Thrush Turdus philomelos and Corn Bunting Miliaria calandra. These differences are likely to be related to differences in sampling design and survey methods. For example, Starling, House Sparrow, Blackbird, Jackdaw, Greenfinch and Wood Pigeon, which have considerable populations in urban areas, were undoubtedly underestimated by the Common Birds Census (CBC). The counts of species that flock during the breeding season, or are not strongly territorial (e.g. Linnet, Jackdaw and Wood Pigeon) could be biased if detectability is strongly related to flock size. National population estimates of Skylark and Corn Bunting are lower than those based on CBC, but higher, or similar, to targeted national surveys of these species. Possible reasons for the differences between these estimates are considered. Conclusions This study highlights the strength of the BBS over previous data sources in producing national estimates of density and abundance at the habitat and national level. More research on the sex ratio and status of birds counted during surveys, and on the reliability of the detectability functions derived from distance sampling is needed to improve the interpretation of population estimates derived from BBS data.

Identification of Flyways of Woodpigeon (Columba Palumbus) in Europe by using Genetic Methods

The attempt to identify the flyways of Woodpigeon (Columba palumbus) was made by means of genetic analysis. Samples for genetic study were collected in different breeding and wintering habitats (in Portugal, France, Spain, Germany, Sweden, Poland, Hungary, Latvia and Lithuania) of Woodpigeons. Five polymorphic loci controlling synthesis of five different liver proteins (Mc, Tf, PreTf, PostAl, PreAl) and fragments of randomly amplified polymorphic DNA obtained using ten random primers were explored during the study. Significant differences based on frequency of alleles of proteins between populations of Woodpigeons breeding in Portugal and the rest European migratory populations of Woodpigeons were detected. Woodpigeon populations breeding in the region of the Baltic Sea were represented by close clusters in a dendrogram on the contrary to absence of the close clustering among populations of Woodpigeons wintering in Spain and France. It is supposed that genetic variability of Woodpigeon populations is base...

沖縄産カラスバト&lt;I&gt;Columba janthina&lt;/I&gt;に認められた&lt;I&gt;Haemoproteus&lt;/I&gt;sp. およびミクロフィラリア寄生

Mixed infection of Haemoproteus sp. and microfilaria was observed in wild Japanese black wood pigeons (Columba janthina), which inhabit the Okinawa Islands and are a natural monument. The hematozoa was thought to beH. columbae, which is one of the seven species detected from the family Columbae based on their morphological features of mature gametocytes and on the number of rod shaped malaria granules. The microfilaria possessed the sheath and the body measurements were 391.9±19.08μm in length and 3.8±0.53μm in width. The species could not be determined because no adult worm was detected from the birds. The infected pigeons seemed healthy and no aberration was found in the values from the hematological and biochemistry analysis. However, as there is a possibility that the hematozoa and/or microfilaria could be pathogenic in pigeons, continuous monitoring will be required as conservation medicine. This is the first report onHaemoproteussp. and microfilaria infection in Japanese black wood pigeons.

Factors Affecting Temporal Dynamics of Avian Assemblages in a Heterogeneous Landscape

The influence of the characteristics of habitat fragments on the dynamics of avian communities and the effect that fragments of different sizes have on the stability of the breeding species composition, and also on local extinction, colonisation and turnover rates were studied in an agricultural landscape in southern Poland. The fragments included various habitat types that differed from the matrix. Breeding birds were surveyed using the territory mapping method to assess turnover. Species composition depended on both the spatial structure of a fragment and the features of its surroundings. Local declines and appearances of species had a similar influence on the turnover in all size classes of the fragments. Species that contributed most to the total turnover were: Lanius collurio, Phasianus colchicus, Anas platyrhynchos, Emberiza schoeniclus, Columba palumbus and Sylvia communis. However, there were differences among species contributing most to the turnover according to area size classes. Heterogeneous habitats in a mosaic-like, agricultural landscape do not function as islands. The existence of species in an area with such a level of habitat patchiness can be related primarily to habitat quality, mainly because of poor isolation and the high permeability of isolating habitats.