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USGS2021

The spatial-temporal relationship of blue-winged teal to domestic poultry: Movement state modeling of a highly mobile avian influenza host

1. Migratory waterfowl facilitate long distance dispersal of zoonotic pathogens and are increasingly recognized as contributing to the geographic spread of avian influenza viruses (AIV). AIV are globally distributed and have the potential to produce highly contagious poultry disease, economically impact both large-scale and backyard poultry producers, and raise the specter of epidemics and pandemics in human populations. 2. Because migratory waterfowl behavior varies across multiple spatial and temporal scales, the timing and distribution of wild bird AIV introductions to poultry are also heterogeneous in time and space. To help reduce economic impacts to the poultry industry and enable poultry producers to better anticipate when and where poultry outbreaks may occur, it is critically important to consider the movement ecology of the waterfowl species transporting and transmitting AIV. 3. We used telemetry for a geographically widespread and common AIV host, blue-winged teal ( Spatula discors ; BWTE), to model reservoir host movement states with respect to backyard and commercial poultry facilities in the United States. Our modeling framework enabled us to estimate wild bird proximity to poultry facilities while concurrently assessing the influence of poultry facilities on BWTE movement state transition. Our primary objective was to estimate the likelihood of duck and poultry overlap by estimating when and where BWTE were geographically closest to poultry. 4. Synthesis and applications . Migratory waterfowl facilitate dispersal of the avian influenza viruses that cause highly contagious poultry disease. Movement analysis of blue-winged teal indicates that spatio-temporal overlap between wild birds and poultry facilities varies by season, the poultry type produced (e.g., turkey, chicken), and if the facility is a commercial or backyard operation. These findings are broadly applicable to disease ecology research and can be applied by poultry producers to improve bio-security, enhance poultry management, and prioritize disease surveillance efforts.

Journal of Applied Ecology↗

USGS2013

Radio-transmitters do not affect seasonal productivity of female Golden-winged Warblers

Investigating the potential effects of handling and marking techniques on study animals is important for correct interpretation of research results and to effect progress in data-collection methods. Few investigators have compared the reproductive output of radio-tagged and non-radio-tagged songbirds, and no one to date has examined the possible effect of radio-tagging adult songbirds on the survival of their fledglings. In 2011 and 2012, we compared several parameters of reproductive output of two groups of female Golden-winged Warblers ( Vermivora chrysoptera ) breeding in Minnesota, including 45 females with radio-transmitters and 73 females we did not capture, handle, or mark. We found no difference between groups in clutch sizes, hatching success, brood sizes, length of incubation and nestling stages, fledging success, number of fledglings, or survival of fledglings to independence. Thus, radio-tags had no measurable impact on the productivity of female Golden-winged Warblers. Our results build upon previous studies where investigators have reported no effects of radio-tagging on the breeding parameters of songbirds by also demonstrating no effect of radio-tagging through the post-fledging period and, therefore, the entire breeding season.

Journal of Field Ornithology↗

USGS2010

Wing pathology of white-nose syndrome in bats suggests life-threatening disruption of physiology

White-nose syndrome (WNS) is causing unprecedented declines in several species of North American bats. The characteristic lesions of WNS are caused by the fungus Geomyces destructans , which erodes and replaces the living skin of bats while they hibernate. It is unknown how this infection kills the bats. We review here the unique physiological importance of wings to hibernating bats in relation to the damage caused by G. destructans and propose that mortality is caused by catastrophic disruption of wing-dependent physiological functions. Mechanisms of disease associated with G. destructans seem specific to hibernating bats and are most analogous to disease caused by chytrid fungus in amphibians.

BMC Biology↗

USGS2008

Wind, waves, and wing loading: Morphological specialization may limit range expansion of endangered albatrosses

Among the varied adaptations for avian flight, the morphological traits allowing large-bodied albatrosses to capitalize on wind and wave energy for efficient long-distance flight are unparalleled. Consequently, the biogeographic distribution of most albatrosses is limited to the windiest oceanic regions on earth; however, exceptions exist. Species breeding in the North and Central Pacific Ocean (Phoebastria spp.) inhabit regions of lower wind speed and wave height than southern hemisphere genera, and have large intrageneric variation in body size and aerodynamic performance. Here, we test the hypothesis that regional wind and wave regimes explain observed differences in Phoebastria albatross morphology and we compare their aerodynamic performance to representatives from the other three genera of this globally distributed avian family. In the North and Central Pacific, two species (short-tailed P. albatrus and waved P. irrorata) are markedly larger, yet have the smallest breeding ranges near highly productive coastal upwelling systems. Short-tailed albatrosses, however, have 60% higher wing loading (weight per area of lift) compared to waved albatrosses. Indeed, calculated aerodynamic performance of waved albatrosses, the only tropical albatross species, is more similar to those of their smaller congeners (black-footed P. nigripes and Laysan P. immutabilis), which have relatively low wing loading and much larger foraging ranges that include central oceanic gyres of relatively low productivity. Globally, the aerodynamic performance of short-tailed and waved albatrosses are most anomalous for their body sizes, yet consistent with wind regimes within their breeding season foraging ranges. Our results are the first to integrate global wind and wave patterns with albatross aerodynamics, thereby identifying morphological specialization that may explain limited breeding ranges of two endangered albatross species. These results are further relevant to understanding past and potentially predicting future distributional limits of albatrosses globally, particularly with respect to climate change effects on basin-scale and regional wind fields.

PLoS ONE↗

USGS2003

Observations of a live Glaucous-winged Gull chick in an active Bald Eagle nest

We report an apparent nonlethal predation attempt on and subsequent adoption of a Glaucous-winged Gull ( Larus glaucescens ) chick by a pair of Bald Eagles ( Haliaeetus leucocephalus ) in the Aleutian Archipelago, Alaska. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of a live Glaucous-winged Gull chick in a Bald Eagle nest. We describe our observations of this occurrence and offer explanations on how it may have occurred.

The Wilson Bulletin↗

USGS1965

Results of woodcock wing collections, 1959 to 1962

During hunting seasons from 1959 to 1962, age and sex determined from 45,444 wings were used to measure annual productivity of woodcocks ( Philohela minor ). Age of birds was determined by pattern and color of secondaries and by wear on primaries. Sex was determined by width and length of primaries. Overall age ratios, weighted by kill estimates, were the same each year and indicated no change in annual productivity. Immature sex ratios in the combined kill were nearly even each year, but kill of adult females was much larger than kill of adult males. The difference in sex ratios between immatures and adults thus suggests higher mortality of males than females after the first hunting season. Since woodcocks are promiscuous, an unbalanced adult sex ratio in favor of females probably does not reduce productivity. There are, however, factors affecting reliability of information deduced from wing collections, and further research is necessary to answer questions on differential vulnerability and mortality rates.

Connecticut, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Mich↗

USGS1972

Eastward migration of blue-winged teal

Of 3,789 recoveries of blue-winged teal ( Anas discors ) banded prior to the hunting season in the prairie pothole region, 183 (4.8 percent) were recovered, due east in New England, Ontario, Quebec, and the Maritime Provinces during the subsequent hunting season. Of 19 recoveries looked at in detail, all were banded as either hatching-year (flying young) or local (flightless young) birds. A blue-winged teal banded in Minnesota in September was retrapped in October in South Carolina, before being shot later that month in Colombia, South America.

North Dakota, Minnesota↗

USGS1973

Influence of radio packs on captive mallards and blue-winged teal

Back-mounted radio packs of three weights were attached to 30 captive mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) and 30 blue-winged teal (A. discors), and physical condition of the birds was evaluated for 12 weeks. All groups with radio packs lost more weight than did control groups. Feather wear often followed by skin irritation occurred in the axillary region of the wings on 90 percent of the treated birds within 1 week, and on the backs of 55 percent of the treated birds within 4 weeks after the radio packs were attached. The treated birds appeared preoccupied with the radio packs and exhibited a partial aversion to swimming.

Journal of Wildlife Management↗

USGS1974

Feeding Ecology of Breeding Blue-Winged Teals

A 5-year investigation of factors influencing the selection of foods consumed by blue-winged teals ( Anas discors ) during the breeding season in the glaciated prairie region of south-central North Dakota showed that birds first arriving on the breeding grounds consumed a diet consisting of 45 percent invertebrates. The proportion of animal foods in the diet increased to 95 percent at the onset of the nesting season. The quality and quantity of foods selected at any given time were influenced by the biological demands and morphological adaptations of the bird, the behavior and ecology of the invertebrates selected as foods, and the general nature of the aquatic ecosystems as determined by the hydrology and geology of the area and modified by land use and weather. Feeding activities changed significantly when food availability within the aquatic ecosystem changed. During the spring and early summer, temporary and seasonal wetlands, if not severely disturbed, were of paramount importance to breeding blue-winged teals since they provided abundant and readily available, high protein, animal foods. Later in the summer when seasonal wetlands began to dry up, insects began to emerge in the semipermanent ponds and lakes, and feeding intensity shifted to these more permanent waters. This trend, however, was often reversed temporarily during the early summer following heavy precipitation that refilled shallow water areas and again stimulated invertebrate development.

North Dakota↗

USGS1994

Anticholinesterase exposure of white-winged doves breeding in lower Rio Grande valley, Texas

We studied exposure of breeding white-winged doves (Zenaida asiatica) to anticholinesterase compounds (organophosphorus and carbamate pesticides) in the Lower Rio Grande Valley (LRGV), Texas. Widespread use of organophosphorus pesticides and dove population declines prompted the study. We collected breeding adult doves in May and July 1991 (n = 28) and July 1992 (n = 33) at 6 locations. We used depression of whole-brain cholinesterase (ChE) activity (2 SD below control mean) to detect exposure; values from 4 hand-reared doves fed commercial pigeon chow served as the control. Mean brain ChE activity was lower (P lt 0.027) than the control sample at all 6 locations in 1991; 79% of the birds were diagnostic of exposure ( gt 16.1% ChE depression). Pooled 1992 field samples also were lower (P lt 0.036) than were control samples; doves from 4 of the 6 locations had brain ChE activity below (P lt 0.088) controls. Overall, 39% of 1992 doves were diagnostic of exposure to anticholinesterase compounds. Higher exposure rates in 1991 were probably due to increased use of organophosphorus pesticides. Research is needed documenting effects of sublethal exposure on white-winged dove productivity.

Texas↗

USGS2008

Use of body mass, footpad length, and wing chord to determine sex in Swainson's Hawks

Many studies of avian ecology require an expedient means to determine sex, and the use of molecular techniques has provided an effective and accurate means to determine sex of raptors in the field ( Sarasola and Negro 2004 , Donohue and Dufty 2006 ). Sometimes investigators need to rely on morphometric measurements to determine sex of monochromatic species such as Swainson's Hawks ( Buteo swainsoni ) because they lack funds or facilities to use molecular techniques or they are analyzing extant data. Discriminant analyses conducted on morphometric measurements have been effective for sexing many raptor species (e.g., Edwards and Kochert 1986 , Bavoux et al. 2006 , Donohue and Dufty 2006 ). Sarasola and Negro (2004) recently reported on the effectiveness of seven morphometric measurements as means to identify sex of Swainson's Hawks on the hawk's austral summer areas in Argentina. They proposed a combination of the length of forearm, wing chord, and tail as an effective means to determine sex, with an overall accuracy of 93%. However, Sarasola and Negro (2004) did not assess the effectiveness of using footpad length (sometimes called toe-pad) to classify sex of these hawks. Footpad length and mass were quite effective in sexing Golden Eagles ( Aquila chrysaetos ), a species with a degree of dimorphism similar to that of Swainson's Hawks ( Snyder and Wiley 1976 ), with an overall accuracy of 98% ( Edwards and Kochert 1986 ). We here report the utility of using footpad length and mass, as well as wing chord length, as a means of sexing Swainson's Hawks on the nesting grounds.

Idaho↗

USGS2000

Efficacy of a type C botulism vaccine in green-winged teal

We tested the efficacy of a single dose of Botumink toxoid for protecting wild green-winged teal (Anas crecca) during botulism epizootics caused by Clostridium botulinum type C. We challenged control and immunized ducks with four different doses of type C botulinum toxin to determine the LD50 for this species and to evaluate vaccine protection. Fewer immunized ducks were affected with botulism than control ducks, indicating that a single dose of Botumink toxoid could increase the survival of ducks during epizootics. However, the frequency of immunized ducks with signs of botulism increased with the challenge dose of botulinum toxin. Even at doses of botulinum toxin approximately 2 to 4 green-winged teal LD50, about 50% of the immunized ducks were affected. We believe an improved vaccine or a better delivery system is required to justify immunization of wild birds for experimental survival studies.

California, Utah↗

USGS1968

Vegetation used for nesting by the red-winged blackbird in Florida

During the breeding season of 1966, as an adjunct to a taxonomic study of Red-winged Blackbirds in Florida, 177 Redwin g nests were found. The general habitat types were noted, and the plant species harboring nests were listed.....Redwing nests were found in 30 genera of plants. Buttonbush was the primary choice; it was used to support 50 of the 177 nests. Silverling and willow were the next most often used plants. Nests also were found in other shrubs and trees, in assorted herbs and grasses, and in fields of sweet corn and sugarcane. The great degree of nesting adaptability of the Red-winged Blackbird is attested by the diversity of nesting site selections in several habitats.

The Wilson Bulletin↗

USGS1976

Nationwide residues of organochlorines in wings of adult mallards and black ducks, 1972-73

Organochlorine residues in wings of adult mallards and black ducks were monitored during the 1972-73 hunting season. DDE, DDT, DDD, dieldrin, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB's) were present in all samples. Mallard wings from Alabama contained the highest mean levels of DDE, DDT, DDD, dieldrin, and PCB's. Mallards and black ducks from the Atlantic Flyway and mallards from the Pacific Flyway contained significantly lower DDE residues than in 1969-70. Black ducks from the Atlantic Flyway contained significantly less dieldrin than in 1969-70, and mallards in the Central and Pacific Flyways contained significantly lower levels of PCB's. As in 1969-70, DDE residues were lowest in the Central Flyway and highest in the Atlantic Flyway. The average PCB level remained unchanged in the Atlantic Flyway but was higher in the Mississippi Flyway than in 1969-70, probably because of the unusually high levels in Alabama samples. All organochlorine residues in black ducks from the Atlantic Flyway significantly correlated. DDE concentrations in mallards from the Atlantic Flyway significantly correlated with those of DDT, DDD, and PCB's.

Pesticides Monitoring Journal↗

USGS1981

Nationwide residues of organochlorine compounds in wings of adult mallards and black ducks, 1979-80

Organochlorine residues in wings of adult mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) and black ducks (Anas rubripes) were monitored nationwide from birds harvested during the 1979-80 hunting season. DDE residues were found in all samples. DDT residues had declined from levels reported in 1976 on a flyway basis but the decline was significant (P less than 0.05) only in the Pacific Flyway. Levels of DDT, DDE, TDE, and dieldrin were low on a flyway basis, and all but DDE declined significantly (P less than 0.05) in the percent occurrence. Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB) levels were lower in mallard wings from all flyways compared with 1976 data, but percent occurrence had significantly (P less than 0.05) increased. Pools from Alabama and New Mexico continued to show higher DDE residues than pools from other areas.

Pesticides Monitoring Journal↗

USGS2016

Survival and habitat use of fledgling Golden-winged Warblers in the western Great Lakes region

Postfledging habitat use and fledgling survival remain unstudied for most songbirds, but this period is critical for understanding breeding habitat associations and full-season productivity. We used radiotelemetry to study movements, cover-type selection, and survival of fledgling Golden-winged Warblers ( Vermivora chrysoptera ) during the dependent postfledging period in managed forest landscapes of the western Great Lakes region. We used logistic exposure models to determine the relative importance of various habitat characteristics for explaining fledgling survival. In addition, we used compositional analysis, corrected for age-specific fledgling movement capabilities, to test for resource selection, as use versus availability, among cover types. We estimated that 48% of fledglings were depredated before independence from adult care at 25 days after fledging. Fledgling survival was lowest immediately after fledging, and 86% of predation occurred in the first 8 days following fledging. Distance from the nest to forest-shrubland edge was the strongest predictor of young fledgling survival, as survival decreased with nest distance into shrubland cover types and increased with nest distance into forest cover types. Fledglings from nests in shrubland cover types moved toward the nearest forest-shrubland edge, whereas fledglings from nests in forest cover types did not move toward edge. Fledglings selected mature forest and sapling-dominated clear-cuts over all other cover types during the early postfledging period, and fledgling survival in mature forest and sapling-dominated clearcuts was greater than in shrub-dominated clearcuts or wetland shrublands. Fledglings that were 9–25 days postfledging experienced high survival (daily survival >0.99) that was independent of any habitat variables we measured, and birds selected mature forest and shrub-dominated clear-cuts over all other cover types during that period. We conclude that sapling-dominated clear-cuts or mature forest with dense understory and shrub layers, cover types traditionally not associated with breeding, are important for fledgling survival, and therefore full-seasonal productivity in Golden-winged Warblers

Studies in Avian Biology↗

USGS2017

Allowable take of a population of red-winged blackbirds in the northern Great Plains

Red-winged blackbirds ( Agelaius phoeniceus ) are protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA), which has provisions against take. Blackbirds may be taken legally without a Federal permit, however, under an existing Depredation Order (50 CFR 21.43), which allows for take of blackbirds that are in the process of doing, or about to do, agricultural damage. Modeling the effect of take on blackbird population allows us to balance the conservation protections of the MBTA with the protection of agricultural interests. A quantitative framework based on harvest theory, demography, and population status has been used to assess the allowable take of a number of species of birds under the MBTA. In this chapter, we calculate allowable levels of take for two populations of red-winged blackbirds in the northern Great Plains from estimates of intrinsic growth rate and population size.

Book chapter↗

USGS1993

Observations on sexing and aging ducks using wings

This report presents information on the development, testing, and limitations of procedures described in the report titled: "Species, age and sex identification of ducks using wing plumage" (Carney 1992). Studies of duck wings begin in 1958 led to the development of most of these procedures (Carney and Geis 1960, Carney 1964) and the details of the development and functioning of the annual Waterfowl Parts Collection Survey have been presented elsewhere (Martin and Carney 1977, Carney 1984, Crissey 1984) and are not included here.

Report↗