Columba Palumbus Research Articles

Late Neandertals and the intentional removal of feathers as evidenced from bird bone taphonomy at Fumane Cave 44 ky B.P., Italy

A large and varied avifaunal bone assemblage from the final Mousterian levels of Grotta di Fumane, northern Italy, reveals unusual human modifications on species that are not clearly relatable to feeding or utilitarian uses (i.e., lammergeier, Eurasian black vulture, golden eagle, red-footed falcon, common wood pigeon, and Alpine chough). Cut, peeling, and scrape marks, as well as diagnostic fractures and a breakthrough, are observed exclusively on wings, indicating the intentional removal of large feathers by Neandertals. The species involved, the anatomical elements affected, and the unusual type and location of the human modifications indicate an activity linked to the symbolic sphere and the behavioral modernity of this European autochthonous population.

カラスバト<i>Columba janthina</i> の新潟市への迷行記録

An individual of the Japanese Wood Pigeon Columba janthina, which inhabits islands in the ocean, accidentally visited Niigata, Central Honshu, Japan, and was observed on 13 November, 2010.

Avian pox infection in different wild birds in India

Amplicons of fpv167 and fpv140, of 578 and 1,800 bp, respectively, characteristic of the avipox viral genes, were amplified by PCR using DNA from viruses isolated from eight Indian wild birds. BLAST and phylogenetic analysis of the sequences of the fpv167 and fpv140 amplicons indicated that Fowlpox virus (FWPV) was the nearest phylogenetic neighbour to the viral isolates, from two Indian peacocks (Pavo cristatus), two golden pheasants (Chrysolophus pictus), one silver pheasant (Lopahura nycthemera) and one sparrow (Passer domesticus). However, the two isolates from the Indian little brown dove (Stigmatopelia senegalensis) and the common wood pigeon (Columba palumbus) formed a separate cluster with turkeypox and pigeonpox virus (PGPV) isolates when the phylogenetic tree was constructed using the sequence of fpv167. When the phylogenetic analysis was done using the fpv140 gene sequence both isolates formed a cluster with isolates of PGPV. Thus, the results support that fpv140 gene along with the fpv167 gene should be used for phylogenetic analyses of avipoxviruses for better discrimination of the viruses. Additionally, avian poxvirus isolated from wild birds of India were identical to those reported in Indian domestic birds, and phylogenetically related to avian poxviruses reported from different parts of the world. To our knowledge, this is the first molecular characterization of avian poxviruses infecting different wild birds in India. The study shows that FWPV and PGPV cause infection in wild birds irrespective of the species of birds indicating that these viruses are not species specific. Thus these viruses, which are not host specific have the ability to cause infection in game birds, endangered birds and domestic birds and therefore could spread easily.

Molecular identification of bloodmeals from biting midges (Diptera: Ceratopogonidae: Culicoides Latreille) in Denmark

Culicoides vectors are critical to the survival and transmission of bluetongue virus as infection only occurs in areas or regions where competent vectors are present. The success of Culicoides biting midges as vectors is mainly related to their vast population sizes and to their means of dispersal. Their choice of host for blood feeding is sparsely described. The aim of the present study was to establish methods for the identification of bloodmeal hosts and determine the identity and diversity of bloodmeals of vertebrate hosts from wild-caught biting midges near livestock farms. The study includes some of the most common and abundant species of biting midges in Denmark: Culicoides obsoletus, Culicoides scoticus, Culicoides pulicaris and Culicoides punctatus. We collected 8,378 biting midges including nine species of Culicoides of which blood-fed specimens were found from six species. We identified 251 blood engorged biting midges, and hosts were identified in 115 of 125 analysed specimens (90%). Cow, roe deer, horse, mallard and wood pigeon were identified as hosts. The most abundant host species was cow, which constituted 73.9% of the total identified bloodmeals, but the common wood pigeon was found with a frequency as high as 18.3%. In conclusion, the molecular methods applied were proven useful in identifying bloodmeal hosts from different Culicoides species. The results indicate that Culicoides species are opportunistic in their choice of bloodmeal host with a preference for cattle when present, which is important to have in mind for epidemiologist when making predictive models. Accordingly, the results of this study will add useful parameters for modelling bluetongue virus transmission and in the development of veterinary contingency plans.

High prevalence of Sarcocystis calchasi sporocysts in European Accipiter hawks

The emerging Sarcocystis calchasi induces a severe and lethal central nervous disease in its intermediate host, the domestic pigeon (Columba livia f. domestica). Experimental studies have identified the Northern goshawk (Accipiter g. gentilis) as final host. Phylogenetically closely related European sparrowhawks (Accipiter n. nisus) and wood pigeons (Columba palumbus) have been found to harbor genetically closely related Sarcocystis spp. However, data on the prevalence and potential interspecies occurrence of these parasites are lacking. Here, we report that European Accipiter hawks (Accipitrinae) are highly infected with S. calchasi, S. columbae and Sarcocystis sp. ex A. nisus in their small intestine. Thirty-one of 50 (62%) Northern goshawks necropsied during 1997–2008 were positive for S. calchasi in a newly established species-specific semi-nested PCR assay based on the first internal transcribed spacer region. Unexpectedly, 14 of 20 (71.4%) European sparrowhawks tested also positive. In addition, birds of both species were found to be infested with S. columbae and an, as yet, unnamed Sarcocystis sp. recently isolated from European sparrowhawks. These findings raise new questions about the host specificity of S. calchasi and its high virulence in domestic pigeons, since sparrowhawks only rarely prey on pigeons. Notably, isolated sporocysts from both infected Accipiter spp. measured 8μm×11.9μm, precluding a preliminary identification of S. calchasi in feces of Accipiter hawks based on morphology alone. Importantly, three of four Northern goshawks used in falconry tested positive for S. calchasi. In conclusion, the results indicate that both European Accipter spp. in Germany serve as natural final hosts of S. calchasi and suggest that falconry and pigeon sport may serve as risk factors for the spread of this pathogen in domestic pigeons.

The Avifauna in Ulleungdo

The avian fauna of Ulleungdo (Is.) was studied between June of 2006 and July of 2010, and the results gathered over 10 study session included a total of 18,046 individuals of 92 species. Dominant species included, in decreasing order, black-tailed gull (Larus crassirostris) at 13,188 individuals (73.1%), russet sparrow (Passer rutilans) at 1,278 individuals (7.08%), and white-rumped swift (Apus pacificus) at 900 individuals (4.99%). In terms of the time of the year, the highest numbers of species were detected in May of 2007 at 50 species and the highest numbers of birds were detected in February of 2009 at 4,137 individuals. In relation to endangered species designated by the Ministry of Environment, the peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) and Eurasian buzzard (Buteo buteo) were detected, and natural monument species designated by the Cultural Heritage Administration including the Japanese wood pigeon (Columba janthina), grey frog hawk (Accipiter soloensis), common kestrel (Falco tinnunculus), peregrine falcon, oriental scops owl (Otus scops), mandarin duck (Aix galericulata) and the little cuckoo(Cuculus poliocephalus) were detected. Compared to previous studies, a total of 33 new species, including the red-throated diver (Gavia stellata) and the Swinhoe's fork-tailed petrel (Oceanodroma monorhis), were observed.

A conceptual framework for the colonisation of urban areas: the blackbirdTurdus merulaas a case study

Despite increasing interest in urban ecology the factors limiting the colonisation of towns and cities by species from rural areas are poorly understood. This is largely due to the lack of a detailed conceptual framework for this urbanisation process, and of sufficient case studies. Here, we develop such a framework. This draws upon a wide range of ecological and evolutionary theory and the increasing number of studies of how the markedly divergent conditions in urban and rural areas influence the traits of urban populations and the structure of urban assemblages. We illustrate the importance of this framework by compiling a detailed case study of spatial and temporal variation in the urbanisation of the blackbird Turdus merula. Our framework identifies three separate stages in the urbanisation process: (i) arrival, (ii) adjustment, and (iii) spread. The rate of progress through each stage is influenced by environmental factors, especially human attitudes and socio-economic factors that determine the history of urban development and the quality of urban habitats, and by species' ecological and life-history traits. Some traits can positively influence progression through one stage, but delay progression through another. Rigorous assessment of the factors influencing urbanisation should thus ideally pay attention to the different stages. Urbanisation has some similarities to invasion of exotic species, but the two clearly differ. Invasion concerns geographic range expansion that is external to the species' original geographic range, whilst urbanisation typically relates to filling gaps within a species' original range. This process is exemplified by the blackbird which is now one of the commonest urban bird species throughout its Western Palearctic range. This is in stark contrast to the situation 150 years ago when the species was principally confined to forest. Blackbird urbanisation was first recorded in Germany in 1820, yet some European cities still lack urban blackbirds. This is especially so in the east, where urbanisation has spread more slowly than in the west. The timing of blackbird urbanisation exhibits a marked spatial pattern, with latitude and longitude explaining 76% of the variation. This strong spatial pattern contrasts with the weaker spatial pattern in timing of urbanisation exhibited by the woodpigeon Columba palumbus (with location explaining 39% of the variation), and with the very weak spatial pattern in timing of black-billed magpie Pica pica urbanisation (in which location explains 12% of the variation). Strong spatial patterns in timing of urbanisation are more compatible with the leap-frog urbanisation model, in which urban adapted or imprinted birds colonise other towns and cities, than with the independent urbanisation model, in which urban colonisation events occur independently of each other. Spatial patterns in isolation do not, however, confirm one particular model. Factors relating to the arrival and adjustment stages appear particularly likely to have influenced the timing of blackbird urbanisation. Spatial variation in the occurrence of urban populations and the timing of their establishment creates opportunities to assess the factors regulating urbanisation rates, and how the composition of urban assemblages develops as a result. These are major issues for urban ecology.

An adaptive annual rhythm in the sex of first pigeon eggs.

When the reproductive value of male and female offspring varies differentially, parents are predicted to adjust the sex ratio of their offspring to maximize their fitness (Trivers and Willard, Science 179:90–92, 1973). Two factors have been repeatedly linked to skews in avian offspring sex ratio. First, laying date can affect offspring sex ratio when the sexes differ in age of first reproduction, such that the more slowly maturing sex is overproduced early in the season. Second, position of the egg in the laying sequence of a clutch may affect sex ratio bias since manipulating the sex of the first eggs may be least costly to the mother. We studied both factors in two non-domesticated pigeon species. Both the Wood pigeon (Columba palumbus) and the Rock pigeon (Columba livia) have long breeding seasons and lay two-egg clutches. In the field, we determined the sex of Wood pigeon nestlings. In Rock pigeons, housed in captivity outdoors, we determined embryo sex after 3 days of incubation. On the basis of their sex-specific age of first reproduction, we predicted that males, maturing at older age than females, should be produced in majority early and females later in the year. This was confirmed for both species. The bias was restricted to first eggs. Rock pigeons produced clutches throughout the year and show that the sex of the first egg followed an annual cycle. To our knowledge, this study presents the first evidence of a full annual rhythm in adaptive sex allocation in birds. We suggest that this reflects an endogenous seasonal program in primary sex ratio controlled by a preovulatory mechanism.

Sarcocystis calchasi is distinct to Sarcocystis columbae sp. nov. from the wood pigeon ( Columba palumbus) and Sarcocystis sp. from the sparrowhawk ( Accipiter nisus)

Sarcocystis calchasi has been identified as causative agent of a newly discovered central nervous disease in domestic pigeons ( Columba livia f. domestica) observed for the first time in Germany in 2006. Initial studies have indicated that this parasite is highly pathogenic for domestic pigeons after ingestion of low doses of sporocysts shed by the Northern goshawk ( Accipiter gentilis). Here we tested whether phylogenetically related birds might regularly harbor Sarcocystis species. Five wood pigeons ( Columba palumbus) and five sparrowhawks ( Accipiter nisus) from Northern Germany were examined. All birds were PCR negative for S. calchasi by universal primers. Instead, both avian species harbored two as yet undescribed Sarcocystis species. Light and transmission electron microscopy identified cysts in the skeletal muscle of wood pigeons of 56–156 μm in width. The cysts had a smooth surface without protrusions. Sporocysts derived from the small intestine of the sparrowhawks measured 11.88 μm × 8.34 μm. Polymerase chain reaction amplification and sequencing of the first internal transcribed spacer region (ITS-1), the 18S rRNA and the 28S rRNA gene comprising the variabel D2 and D3 domains further characterized them as two novel Sarcocystis species. S. calchasi displays a pairwise distance value of the ITS-1 region ranging between 0.165 and 0.195 with the Sarcocystis spp. from the wood pigeon and the sparrowhawk, respectively. A phylogenetic analysis further supported the existence of two new species.

Foraging ecology of the globally threatened Nilgiri Wood Pigeon (Columba elphinstonii) in the Western Ghats, India

Foraging ecology of the globally endangered Nilgiri Wood Pigeon (<i>Columba elphinstonii</i>) was investigated in the Western Ghats, India, using faecal sampling and direct observations. The birds fed on fruits of 39 plant species, on seeds of 11 species, flowers and leaf buds of four species and a few ground invertebrates. Direct observations across seasons showed nine plant species were selected more often (47% of observations), with fruits of the members of the family Lauraceae the most preferred. Gleaning accounted for 76% of feeding methods throughout the year. Feeding was mainly from twigs at the edges on the upper and middle canopy (> 6 m). Frequency of feeding on fruits correlated significantly with fruit abundance, which depended on rainfall. The present study indicates that the pigeon requires a wide variety of diets from different forest environments. Conservation of this species depends on preserving all habitat types required to meet their resource needs throughout the year.

Changes in spring migration of the wood pigeon (Columba palumbus) in northwestern Croatia

Several papers have shown the sensitivity of birds as monitors of climatic trends. We examined how a short-distance migrant bird, the wood pigeon, has responded to the recent climate change using data from a long-term study (1983-2007) in northwestern Croatia. The wood pigeon arrival dates have become 11.5 days earlier during the study period. This result suggests that the first arrival date of the wood pigeon is influenced by warm springs.

Wildlife casualties — to treat or not to treat?

When working in veterinary practice, staff are often presented with a variety of ill or injured animals, by concerned members of the public. A 2007 RSPCA survey report found that over a two-month period, hedgehogs and birds, such as wood pigeons and doves, were amongst the most frequently treated species at their West Hatch Wildlife Centre1. The report highlighted the discrepancy that although 41 per cent of hedgehogs treated at West Hatch were subsequently released, only 15 per cent of carrion crows were eventually returned to the wild.

Analysis of biometric data to determine the sex of Woodpigeons Columba palumbus

Sexual dimorphism is slight in Woodpigeons Columba palumbus. Although it is generally believed that males are somewhat larger than females, there is considerable overlap between the sexes. Recent studies have highlighted the use of discriminant function analysis in determining the sex of sexually monomorphic birds such as seabirds. This study examines whether discriminant analyses can be used to determine the sex of Woodpigeons. Analysis of 298 adult Woodpigeons showed significant differences in some morphological features of male and female birds. The measurement of the variables tail and tibio‐tarsus demonstrated that 66% of the entire data set could be accurately sexed. When results were examined on a seasonal basis, spring results (using wing and tibio‐tarsus) were most accurate, correctly sexing 90% of females and 86% of males. Winter samples, using weight and tail measurements, were the least accurate, correctly identifying 57% of females and 65% of males.

Bird use of cultivated fallow ‘Lapwing plots’ within English agri‐environment schemes

Capsule Northern Lapwings Vanellus vanellus occurred on about 40% of fallow plot options within agri‐environment schemes; this could be increased by improved management and better placement of plots in the landscape. Aims To determine the use by Lapwings (and other species) of fallow plot options from the UK Countryside Stewardship and Higher Level Stewardship (HLS) agri‐environment options. Methods The number of Lapwings and other bird species using a plot and any evidence of breeding by Lapwings was recorded. Adjacent crop and boundary features, and vegetation height and bare ground within the plot, were recorded. Results Approximately 40% of the 212 plots surveyed were used by Lapwings. Breeding was suspected on 25% of plots and was proven on 11%. Lapwing presence was lower where woodland was close to the plot and breeding evidence was more likely on plots with more bare ground. Sky Larks Alauda arvensis, Woodpigeons Columba palumbus and Yellowhammers Emberiza citrinella were also frequently recorded. Conclusions Fallow plot options are one of the most expensive per‐hectare agri‐environment options under HLS. Better ‘value for money’ could be achieved by ensuring that a greater proportion of plots are (1) managed to promote a short broken sward, with plenty of bare ground; and (2) placed in open landscapes away from woods and vertical features.

Potential impacts of wind farms on migratory birds crossing Spain

SummaryOver recent years, Spain has undergone a huge expansion in the number of wind farms, many of which extend across regions crossed by migratory birds that winter in the Iberian Peninsula and Africa. This paper explores the potential impact these structures have on the massive flow of birds along the western Pyrenean flyway. Ringing recoveries of migratory Wood Pigeons Columba palumbus were used in the study to depict the movements of migratory birds and these were then compared to the distribution of wind farms. The main flow of pigeons (50% of ringing recoveries) was concentrated in a belt 50 km wide. Although the wind farms were mainly distributed outside this central belt, they intercepted an adjacent sector where a considerable number of ringed pigeons (30%) were recorded. This means that the two central bands (100 km wide) accounted for around 80% of the total number of Wood Pigeons crossing the region. These results suggest the need for a scrupulous evaluation of the potential impact of wind farms on migratory birds along this flyway, particularly the cumulative effect on populations crossing the region regularly. In view of the rapid expansion of wind farms in northern Spain, enforcement of the application of EU regulations on preventive measures to protect migratory species is urgently needed.

Viability selection on prey morphology by a generalist predator

Prey use their locomotory capacity to escape predators, and there should thus be strong viability selection on locomotory morphology of prey. We compared feather morphology of wood pigeons Columba palumbus killed by goshawks Accipiter gentilis with that of survivors to quantify directional and quadratic selection on primary and rectrix feathers. The goshawk is mainly a predator attacking by surprise, leaving wood pigeons with an ability to accelerate fast at a selective advantage. There was directional selection for light primary feathers with a narrow calamus. In addition, there was directional selection for increased area of rectrices. These patterns of natural selection were confirmed in multivariate analyses of selection that showed selection for light primary feathers with a large area and narrow calamus and for a large area of rectrix feathers. These results provide evidence of selection on different aspects of feather morphology directly related to flight performance and thus escape ability from predators.

Identification of raw and heat-processed meats from game bird species by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism of the mitochondrial D-loop region

Polymerase chain reaction-RFLP analysis has been applied to the identification of meats from quail (Coturnix coturnix), pheasant (Phasianus colchicus), red-legged partridge (Alectoris rufa), chukar partridge (Alectoris chukar), guinea fowl (Numida meleagris), capercaillie (Tetrao urogallus), Eurasian woodcock (Scolopax rusticola), and woodpigeon (Columba palumbus). Polymerase chain reaction amplification was carried out using a set of primers flanking a conserved region of approximately 310 bp from the mitochondrial D-loop region. Restriction site analysis based on sequence data from this DNA fragment permitted the selection of Hinf I, Mbo II, and Hpy188 III 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. Consistent results were obtained with both raw and heat-processed meats.

Microbiological condition and shelf life of meat from hunted game birds

Hunted game birds (eight partridges, nine wood pigeons, 25 quails, 16 chilled and 16 frozen–thawed pheasants) were processed according to “Good Manufacturing Practice” rules. Microflora of skin, intestinal content and meat cuts (breast and thigh, both fresh and stored in vacuum package) was analysed. Listeria monocytogenes, Salmonella sp. and Campylobacter sp. were not recovered from any sample. Log microbial numbers on skin or in intestines were not significantly related to those on meat cuts. With the exception of pigeons, microbial numbers of the two meat cuts did not differ significantly (p > 0.05), and no significant increase in microbial numbers in vacuum-stored meat was found; the same applied to frozen–thawed compared to chilled pheasants. On meat, average total viable counts were <4.00 log cfu/cm2 with a maximum of 6.48 log cfu/cm2. Median Escherichia coli numbers were <2.00 log cfu/cm2, maximum was 4.48 log cfu/cm2. Meat cuts obtained from partridges, quails and pheasants demonstrated a shelf life of 1 week, provided they were kept vacuum-packaged at 0°C to 1°C.

Phénologie des oiseaux et des baies dans un petit bois isolé en zone de grande culture dans le Gâtinais (France)

Summary.— Phenology of birds and berries of an isolated small forest remnant in an agricultural landscape in the Gâtinais (France).— The importance of berries and other small fruits as food for birds was investigated from 1993 to 1997 in the Bois Boucherot, a 46-ha forest remnant north of Orléans (France). With 62 species, 35 of which certain or probable breeders, the avifauna of the Bois Boucherot can be considered as rich. During the course of one year, the number of bird contacts on our 5-km sampling itinerary reaches a maximum in May and June and decreases strongly in July. It reaches a minimum in January and February, when the main berry-eating species (Blackbird, thrushes, Robin, Wood Pigeon) leave more or less the wood. Both number of species and number of individuals contacted per fortnight were constantly higher in 1995-96, characterized by a very abundant berry yield, than during the other seasons. Seed dispersers dominate the berry-eating bird guild, with about two-thirds of the species. In spring and summer, small species (Sylviids, Robin and Nightingale) represent 41 % of the dispersers, but only 8 % in winter, Bergman’s Rule being probably one explanation for this fact. Spring and summer berry species ripen one after the other from early May to the end of August. Spring and summer berries with a soft pulp are easily eaten by small species, and their high water contents make them attractive at a place where watering points are scarce and suitable for predators to hunt. These berries are eaten by the birds in succession as they ripe. Conversely, autumn berries are all ripe in late August and early September, and almost disappear in January. They are nutritionally rich and hold firmly on twigs, but most of them are no longer attractive for birds after having been frozen. They are consumed in whatever order, not taking into account their energetic value. Winter berries, represented only by ivy, disappear in January and February. Birds only use them for want of other food sources. There are no berries from late March to the first third of May. We have here a keen bottleneck, outside of which birds have a good supply of berries during most of the year, and specially so during the time they reproduce and prepare to migration. The conservation of bird diversity in the Bois Boucherot is thus conditioned by conservation of the diversity of berry-producing plants.

Use of mitochondrial and nuclear genes to infer the origin of two endemic pigeons from the Canary Islands

DNA nucleotide sequences from two mitochondrial genes (cytochrome b and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2) and the nuclear intron 7 of β-fibrinogen were obtained to infer the phylogenetic origin of the two endemic Canarian pigeons: Bolle’s Pigeon (Columba bollii) and Laurel Pigeon (C. junoniae). Phylogenetic analyses of mitochondrial and nuclear genes based on maximum parsimony, maximum likelihood and Bayesian inference all converged into a congruent topology: C. bollii clusters together with the Wood Pigeon (C. palumbus) which is common in Europe and Asia, while C. junoniae was found near the base of the clade that includes other species of the genus Columba from the Old World. Laurel Pigeon probably represents an old lineage that might have colonized the Canary Islands a long time ago (20 My) while Bolle’s Pigeon might have arrived on the archipelago much later during the Upper Miocene (5 My).