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At least 811 records · Page 45Linked to original sources
USGS2010

Effects of lipid extraction on stable isotope ratios in avian egg yolk: Is arithmetic correction a reliable alternative?

Many studies of nutrient allocation to egg production in birds use stable isotope ratios of egg yolk to identify the origin of nutrients. Dry egg yolk contains >50% lipids, which are known to be depleted in 13 C. Currently, researchers remove lipids from egg yolk using a chemical lipid-extraction procedure before analyzing the isotopic composition of protein in egg yolk. We examined the effects of chemical lipid extraction on ?? 13 C, ?? 15 N, and ?? 34 S of avian egg yolk and explored the utility of an arithmetic lipid correction model to adjust whole yolk ?? 13 C for lipid content. We analyzed the dried yolk of 15 captive Spectacled Eider (Somateriafischeri) and 20 wild King Eider (S. spectabilis) eggs, both as whole yolk and after lipid extraction with a 2:1 chloroform:methanol solution. We found that chemical lipid extraction leads to an increase of (mean ?? SD) 3.3 ?? 1.1% in ?? 13 C, 1.1 ?? 0.5% in ?? 15 N, and 2.3 ?? 1.1% in ?? 34 S. Arithmetic lipid correction provided accurate values for lipid-extracted S13C in captive Spectacled Eiders fed on a homogeneous high-quality diet. However, arithmetic lipid correction was unreliable for wild King Eiders, likely because of their differential incorporation of macronutrients from isotopically distinct environments during migration. For that reason, we caution against applying arithmetic lipid correction to the whole yolk ?? 13 C of migratory birds, because these methods assume that all egg macronutrients are derived from the same dietary sources. ?? 2010 The American Ornithologists' Union.

The Auk↗
USGS1975

Death feigning by ducks in response to predation by red foxes (Vulpes fulva)

Predation by captive red foxes ( Vulpes fulva ) on approximately 50 ducks comprised of five species was observed in tests conducted at the Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, Jamestown, North Dakota. Most ducks were attacked from a rear or lateral position and seized in the cervical or thoracic region. All birds became immobile (death-feigned) immediately when seized and with few exceptions remained motionless during prey-handling and for varying lengths of time thereafter. Initial death feints lasted from 20 sec to 14 min. Recovery was delayed by tactile, visual and, possibly, auditory cues from the foxes. Death-feigning birds appeared alert and often took advantage of escape opportunities. Twenty-nine birds survived initial capture and handling by the foxes. Naive foxes were wary of ducks during initial confrontations, but experienced foxes showed little hesitation in attacking them. After capture, most ducks were taken alive to lay-down sites where they were mouthed and often killed. Then the ducks were usually cached or taken to dens or pups. Several birds were cached alive. Red foxes appear to have adapted to the escape of death-feigning ducks by learning to kill some birds soon after capture and by the evolution of an appendage-severing behavior. Death feigning appears to be a highly developed antipredator behavior of ducks that facilitates the escape of some birds after capture by red foxes.

American Midland Naturalist↗
USGS1984

Avian models for toxicity testing

The use of birds as test models in experimental and environmental toxicology as related to health effects is reviewed, and an overview of descriptive tests routinely used in wildlife toxicology is provided. Toxicologic research on birds may be applicable to human health both directly by their use as models for mechanistic and descriptive studies and indirectly as monitors of environmental quality. Topics include the use of birds as models for study of teratogenesis and embryotoxicity, neurotoxicity, behavior, trends of environmental pollution, and for use in predictive wildlife toxicology. Uses of domestic and wild-captured birds are discussed.

Journal of the American College of Toxicology↗
USGS2015

Archiving California’s historical duck nesting data

The U.S. Geological Survey (USGS), in partnership with the California Waterfowl Association (CWA) and other organizations, have compiled large datasets on the nesting ecology and management of dabbling ducks and associated upland nesting birds (Northern Harriers [ Circus cyaneus ], Short-eared Owls [ Asio flammeus ], Ring-necked Pheasants [ Phasianus colchicus ], and American Bitterns [ Botaurus lentiginosus ]) throughout California on Federal Refuges, State Wildlife Areas, and private lands, some participating in State and Federal habitat programs. These datasets encompass several long-term monitoring programs at multiple sites throughout California, and include data from more than 26,000 nests and span nearly 30 years. These historical datasets represent some of the longest term datasets on nesting ducks in North America, if not the world. They are extremely valuable for ongoing waterfowl management and habitat conservation efforts in California, as well as throughout the world. However, without organization and electronic access, these data are an untapped resource and are not being used to the full extent possible. Prior to this project, these datasets were scattered among various agencies and organizations, and original paper nest cards were being stored in cardboard boxes in attics and storage containers that were not suitable for long-term archival storage. In addition, most of these data had not been entered into a computerized database and thus were at high risk for permanent data loss. To protect this irreplaceable dataset, we submitted a series of proposals to obtain funds to complete this data archival project over the past 5 years. The Central Valley Joint Venture, USGS Data Rescue Program, and USGS Ecosystems Mission Area funded this data archival project. In addition, we leveraged other USGS projects on nesting shorebirds, songbirds, and seabirds to use further resources to more fully develop the nest database structure for use on nesting waterfowl. Specifically, this large dataset on ducks was archived by USGS, but the dataset is owned and managed by a consortium of organizations. Therefore, any access and use of this data must occur through the principal investigators, who contributed data and resources to this archival project, as detailed in section, “Data Availability.” With the conclusion of this project, most duck nest data have been entered, but all nest-captured hen data and other breeding waterfowl data that were outside the scope of this project have still not been entered and electronically archived. Maintaining an up-to-date archive will require additional resources to archive and enter the new duck nest data each year in an iterative process. Further, data proofing should be conducted whenever possible, and also should be considered an iterative process as there was sometimes missing data that could not be filled in without more direct knowledge of specific projects. Despite these disclaimers, this duck data archive represents a massive and useful dataset to inform future research and management questions.

California↗
USGS2014

The spring migration of adult North American Ospreys

Most North American Ospreys ( Pandion haliaetus ) are migratory, breeding in northern latitudes and migrating long distances to and from their wintering grounds in the tropics. Although fall migration patterns of North American Ospreys have been described and studied, very little has been published about the spring migration of these birds. We used satellite telemetry to: (1) determine the characteristics (timing, duration, migratory routes) of spring migrations of Ospreys; (2) determine if differences in spring migration patterns existed between sexes and among three breeding populations (east coast, midwestern, and western); and (3) compare consecutive fall and spring migrations of individual Ospreys. The median dates for departure from the wintering grounds and arrival on the breeding grounds did not differ significantly between adult male and female Ospreys. Compared to their fall migrations, all male and all east coast Ospreys spent fewer days on migration, fewer days in stopover periods along the migration route, traveled shorter distances overall, and traveled farther (on average) each day during spring. In contrast, fall and spring migration characteristics of all female and western Ospreys were similar. Our findings suggest that, although sex and breeding location might influence the spring migration strategy used by individual Ospreys, both males and females minimize the time spent on migration to ensure a timely arrival on the breeding grounds to establish or defend a nesting territory.

Journal of Raptor Research↗
USGS1981

Pharmocokinetics of cephalothin and cephalexin in selected avian species

Plasma concentrations and the biological half-lives of cephalothin and cephalexin in avian species of a variety of body sizes and metabolic rates were studied. The species chosen were eastern bobwhite quail (Colinus v virginianus), pigeons (Columba livia), hybrid rosybill ducks (Netta sp), greater sandhill cranes (Grus canadensis tabida), and emus (Dromiceius novaehollandiae). In the 1st phase of the study, cephalothin sodium was given IM in a dose of 100 mg/kg of body weight. Plasma concentrations reached peak (av 18 micrograms/ml) at 0.5 hour and were measurable 2.5 to 5.5 hours after drug administration. The biological half-life of cephalothin was 16 to 54 minutes; the half-life varied directly with increased species body weight, with the exception of the ducks studied. In the 2nd phase, cephalexin monohydrate was given orally in doses of 25, 35, and 50 mg/kg of body weight. Plasma concentrations reached peak (av 20 micrograms/ml) at 0.5 to 1 hour and were measurable 2.5 to 5.5 hours after drug administration. The biological half-life of cephalexin was 36 to 126 minutes. In the 3rd phase, differences in plasma concentrations and the half-lives of cephalexin between fed quail and fasted quail were insignificant. Dosage regimens for cephalothin of 100 mg/kg 4 times a day and for cephalexin of 35 to 50 mg/kg 4 times a day would be expected to establish and maintain therapeutic plasma concentrations in large birds (pigeons, cranes, and emus). These same doses, administered every 2 to 3 hours, would be expected to establish and maintain therapeutic plasma concentrations in smaller birds (quail, ducks).

American Journal of Veterinary Research↗
USGS2002

Role of selenium toxicity and oxidative stress in aquatic birds

Adverse effects of selenium (Se) in wild aquatic birds have been documented as a consequence of pollution of the aquatic environment by subsurface agricultural drainwater and other sources. These effects include mortality, impaired reproduction with teratogenesis, reduced growth, histopathological lesions and alterations in hepatic glutathione metabolism. A review is provided, relating adverse biological effects of Se in aquatic birds to altered glutathione metabolism and oxidative stress. Laboratory studies, mainly with an organic form of Se, selenomethionine, have revealed oxidative stress in different stages of the mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) life cycle. As dietary and tissue concentrations of Se increase, increases in plasma and hepatic GSH peroxidase activities occur, followed by dose-dependent increases in the ratio of hepatic oxidized to reduced glutathione (GSSG:GSH) and ultimately hepatic lipid peroxidation measured as an increase in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). One or more of these oxidative effects were associated with teratogenesis (4.6 ppm wet weight Se in eggs), reduced growth in ducklings (15 ppm Se in liver), diminished immune function (5 ppm Se in liver) and histopathological lesions (29 ppm Se in liver) in adults. Manifestations of Serelated effects on glutathione metabolism were also apparent in field studies in seven species of aquatic birds. Reduced growth and possibly immune function but increased liver:body weight and hepatic GSSG:GSH ratios were apparent in American avocet (Recurvirostra americana) hatchlings from eggs containing 9 ppm Se. In blacknecked stilts (Himantopus mexicanus), which contained somewhat lower Se concentrations, a decrease in hepatic GSH was apparent with few other effects. In adult American coots (Fulica americana), signs of Se toxicosis included emaciation, abnormal feather loss and histopathological lesions. Mean liver concentrations of 28 ppm Se (ww) in the coots were associated with elevated hepatic GSH peroxidase, depletion of hepatic protein bound thiols and total thiols, but a small increase in GSH. Diving ducks in the San Francisco Bay area exhibited a positive correlation between hepatic Se concentration and GSH peroxidase activity (r=0.63, P<0.05), but a negative correlation between hepatic Se and GSH concentration (r=0.740, P<0.05). In willets (Catoptrophorus semipalmatus) from the San Diego area, positive correlations occurred between hepatic Se concentration and GSSG (r=0.70, P<0.001), GSSG:GSH ratio, and TBARS. In emperor geese (Chen canagica) from western Alaska, blood levels of up to 9.4 ppm occurred and were associated with increased plasma GSH peroxidase activity (r=0.62, P<0.001), but with decreased plasma GSSG reductase activity. When evaluating Se toxicity, interactive nutritional factors, including other elements and dietary protein, should also be taken into consideration. Further studies are needed to examine the relationship between different forms of environmentally occurring selenium, arsenic and mercury on reproduction, hepatotoxicity and immune function of aquatic birds. Further selenium nutritional interaction studies may also help to illucidate the mechanism of selenium induced teratogenesis, by optimizing GSH and other antioxidant defense mechanisms in a manner that would stabilize or raise the cell's threshold for susceptibility to toxic attack from excess selenium. It is concluded that Se-related manifestations of oxidative stress may serve as useful bioindicators of Se exposure and toxicity in wild aquatic birds.

Aquatic Toxicology↗
USGS1995

Dicofol and DDT residues in lizard carcasses and bird eggs from Texas, Florida, and California

Dicofol is an organochlorine agricultural pesticide used to control mites. The principal commercial dicofol product is known as Kelthane TM. More than 70% of dicofol product (about 3 million Ib or 1.4 million kg) sold annually in the U.S. is applied in California, Arizona, Texas, and Florida. Florida citrus and California cotton receive more than half the total (Clark 1990). In laboratory studies, dicofol, which is structurally similar to DDT, had adverse impacts on reproduction in fish (deformed larvae, delayed hatching), birds (reduced eggshell thickness, reduced hatchability), and mammals (reduced insemination rate, reduced pregnancy rate, failure to produce young) (see Clark 1990 for review). Overall, the reproduction of birds seems less sensitive to dicofol than to DDE. However, in birds, dietary concentrations of dicofol between 1 and 10 µg/g (wet weight) fed to captive adult females caused such problems as eggshell thinning, reduced hatching success, or reduced fertility in American kestrels ( Falco sparverius ) (Fry et al. 1988, Clark et al. 1990) and eastern screech-owls ( Otus asio ) (Wiemeyer et al. 1989). In spite of these laboratory findings, there have been no intensive field investigations of possible reproductive effects of dicofol on wild birds. Such studies must wait until field residue data are sufficient to identify populations with high exposure. If dicofol accumulates in birds in the field and heavily exposed populations can be identified, then their reproduction can be studied. Residues have not been reported from reptiles. Analytical screening of wildlife tissue samples for organochlorine chemicals only rarely includes dicofol, and this may explain why the relative hazard of dicofol to wildlife populations is poorly known.

California, Florida, Texas↗
USGS1998

The seventy-fourth Christmas bird count. 315. Southern Dorchester County, Md

Because limited information is available regarding preferences for nocturnal habitat during winter, we studied use of nocturnal habitats by American woodcock (Scolopax minor) wintering in the Georgia Piedmont (1994-95). During the evening crepuscular period, woodcock on the wintering grounds move from forested to field habitats, presumably to feed, conduct courtship displays, roost, and avoid predators. We conducted crepuscular flight surveys and tracked radio-marked woodcock to compare the use of fields of different sizes (<5.5 ha, 5.540.0 ha, >40.0 ha) and types (seed tree-clearcuts, fallow-old fields, hayfields, pastures). Fields > 5.5 ha were used more frequently than fields <5.5 ha (P < 0.001). Seed tree-clearcuts and fallow-old fields were more frequently used than pastures (P = 0.003). Woodcock also most frequently used fields with greater foliage volume at 0.82.0 m in height and a high percentage of bare soil (P < 0.001). Nocturnal use of fields or forests by radio-marked woodcock did not differ among age or sex classes. However, females moved an average of 230 + 32.1 m between diurnal and nocturnal locations while males moved 525 + 53.1 m ( P = 0.085). Movements differed among moon phases (P < 0.003), ranging from 579 + 79.6 m during the new moon to 213 + 50.5 m during the full moon. To manage habitat on the wintering grounds, seed tree-clearcuts and fallow-old fields should be created or maintained near preferred diurnal habitats.

Journal of Wildlife Management↗
USGS1998

The seventy-fourth Christmas bird count. 315. Southern Dorchester County, Md

Because limited information is available regarding preferences for nocturnal habitat during winter, we studied use of nocturnal habitats by American woodcock (Scolopax minor) wintering in the Georgia Piedmont (1994-95). During the evening crepuscular period, woodcock on the wintering grounds move from forested to field habitats, presumably to feed, conduct courtship displays, roost, and avoid predators. We conducted crepuscular flight surveys and tracked radio-marked woodcock to compare the use of fields of different sizes (<5.5 ha, 5.540.0 ha, >40.0 ha) and types (seed tree-clearcuts, fallow-old fields, hayfields, pastures). Fields > 5.5 ha were used more frequently than fields <5.5 ha (P < 0.001). Seed tree-clearcuts and fallow-old fields were more frequently used than pastures (P = 0.003). Woodcock also most frequently used fields with greater foliage volume at 0.82.0 m in height and a high percentage of bare soil (P < 0.001). Nocturnal use of fields or forests by radio-marked woodcock did not differ among age or sex classes. However, females moved an average of 230 + 32.1 m between diurnal and nocturnal locations while males moved 525 + 53.1 m ( P = 0.085). Movements differed among moon phases (P < 0.003), ranging from 579 + 79.6 m during the new moon to 213 + 50.5 m during the full moon. To manage habitat on the wintering grounds, seed tree-clearcuts and fallow-old fields should be created or maintained near preferred diurnal habitats.

Journal of Wildlife Management↗
USGS2018

Spatial, road geometric, and biotic factors associated with Barn Owl mortality along an interstate highway

Highway programs typically focus on reducing vehicle collisions with large mammals because of economic or safety reasons while overlooking the millions of birds that die annually from traffic. We studied wildlife‐vehicle collisions along an interstate highway in southern Idaho, USA, with among the highest reported rates of American Barn Owl Tyto furcata road mortality. Carcass data from systematic and ad hoc surveys conducted in 2004–2006 and 2013–2015 were used to explore the extent to which spatial, road geometric, and biotic factors explained Barn Owl‐vehicle collisions. Barn Owls outnumbered all other identified vertebrate species of roadkill and represented > 25% of individuals and 73.6% of road‐killed birds. At a 1‐km highway segment scale, the number of dead Barn Owls decreased with increasing numbers of human structures, cumulative length of secondary roads near the highway, and width of the highway median. Number of dead Barn Owls increased with higher commercial average annual daily traffic (CAADT), small mammal abundance index, and with grass rather than shrubs in the roadside verge. The small mammal abundance index was also greater in roadsides with grass versus mixed shrubs, suggesting that Barn Owls may be attracted to grassy portions of the highway with more abundant small mammals for hunting prey. When assessed at a 3‐km highway segment scale, the number of dead Barn Owls again increased with higher CAADT as well as with greater numbers of dairy farms. At a 5‐km scale, number of dead Barn Owls increased with greater percentage of cropland near the highway. While human conversion of the environment from natural shrub‐steppe to irrigated agriculture in this region of Idaho has likely enhanced habitat for Barns Owls, it simultaneously has increased risk for owl‐vehicle collisions where an interstate highway traverses the altered landscape. We review some approaches for highway mitigation and suggest that reducing wildlife‐vehicle collisions involving Barn Owls may contribute to the persistence of this species.

Idaho↗
USGS2017

The American Oystercatcher ( Haematopus palliatus ) Working Group: 15 years of collaborative focal species research and management

The American Oystercatcher ( Haematopus palliatus ) Working Group formed spontaneously in 2001 as coastal waterbird biologists recognized the potential for American Oystercatchers to serve as focal species for collaborative research and management. Accomplishments over the past 15 years include the establishment of rangewide surveys, color-banding protocols, mark-resight studies, a revision of the Birds of North America species account, and new mechanisms for sharing ideas and data. Collaborations among State, Federal, and private sector scientists, natural resource managers, and dedicated volunteers have provided insights into the biology and conservation of American Oystercatchers in the United States and abroad that would not have been possible without the relationships formed through the Working Group. These accomplishments illustrate how broad collaborative approaches and the engagement of the public are key elements of effective shorebird conservation programs.

Waterbirds↗
USGS2008

Wildlife values of North American ricelands

Ricelands have become an indispensable component of waterbird habitat and a leading example of integrating agricultural and natural resource management in the Mississippi Alluvial Valley, Gulf Coast, and Central California. Residual rice, weed seeds, and invertebrates provide food for many avian species during fall and winter. In North America, considerable information exists on the use of ricefields by wintering waterbirds, the value of ricelands as breeding habitat for birds, and the effects of organic chemicals on birds that- feed in ricefields. Recent research has also examined the influence of field management practices, such as winter flooding and post-harvest straw manipulation, on the suitability of ricefields for wildlife. Whereas early studies focused on detrimental effects of wildlife on rice production (e.g., crop depredation), it has become apparent that waterbirds may benefit producers by enhancing straw decomposition, reducing weed and pest pressure, and providing additional income through hunting and wildlife viewing opportunities. A comprehensive evaluation of agronomic and environmental issues is needed to meet the challenges of producing food and sustaining wildlife in twenty-first-century rice lands. Changes in agricultural markets, pressures of increased urban development, conflicting needs for limited resources such as water, endangered species constraints, and concerns over water quality must be addressed in developing a sustainable, mutually beneficial partnership among the rice industry, wildlife, and environmental interests. Research is also needed to evaluate potential reductions in the wildlife carrying capacity of ricelands resulting from new harvest and field management techniques, crop conversion, or loss of rice acreage. Key uncertainties include: (1) changes in waste grain abundance and availability due to various harvest and post-harvest management practices; (2) evaluating food depletion by birds feeding in rice6elds and derermining threshold food levels required to maintain bird use; (3) quantifying use of ricefields by nonwaterfowl species throughout the year; and (4) determining the amount and distribution of rice habitat needed to meet objectives of the North American Waterfowl Management Plan and the United States Shorebird Conservation Plan.

Book chapter↗
USGS2016

Weak support for disappearance and restricted emergence/persistence of highly pathogenic influenza A in North American waterfowl

Krauss et al. (1) use lack of detection of highly pathogenic (HP) H5 clade 2.3.4.4 (henceforth "H5") influenza A viruses (IAVs) from >22,000 wild bird samples collected in North America in 2014–2015 to argue that HP H5 IAVs disappeared from waterfowl and that unresolved mechanisms restrict emergence and perpetuation of HP IAVs in natural reservoir species. Here we offer an alternative interpretation.

Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences↗
USGS2005

Formation and regression of the corpus luteum of the American alligator

Luteal morphology of the American alligator is unique when compared to other reptiles but is similar to that of its phylogenetic relatives, the birds. The theca is extensively hypertrophied, but the granulosa never fills the cavity formed following the ovulation of the ovum. The formation of the corpus luteum (CL) is correlated with elevated plasma progesterone concentrations, which decline dramatically after oviposition with the onset of luteolysis. Unlike those of most other reptiles, the central luteal cell mass is composed of two cell types; one presumably is derived from the granulosa, whereas the other is from the theca interna. Both cell types are present throughout gravidity but only one cell type is seen during mid to late luteolysis. A significant decline in luteal volume occurs following oviposition and continues throughout the post-oviposition period. The fastest decline in luteal volume occurs in the month immediately after oviposition; this rate then slows. Luteolysis appears to continue for a year or more following oviposition, as distinct structures of luteal origin can still be identified in animals 9 months after oviposition. The size of persistent CL can be used to determine whether a given female oviposited during the previous nesting season. Females with CL having volumes greater than 0.2 cm 2 or CL diameters greater than 0.4 cm were active the previous season.

Journal of Morphology↗