Comparative Studies On the Reproductive Behaviour of Two Closely Related Weaver Bird Species (Ploceus Cucullatus and Ploceus Nigerrimus) and Their Races

Behaviour ◽  
1963 ◽  
Vol 21 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 177-231 ◽  
Author(s):  
John Hurrell Crook
Keyword(s):  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Secondary Growth ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Reproductive Behaviour ◽  
Territorial Behaviour ◽  
Sympatric Distribution ◽  
Group 4 ◽  
Nest Group ◽  
Ploceus Cucullatus ◽  
Forest Lands

AbstractI. This paper provides quantitative data on the precise differences in breeding behaviour between two closely related weaver bird species, some of which function in reproductive isolation. 2. Ploceus cucullatus (7 races) and P. nigerrimus (2 races) have a wide broadly sympatric distribution in West, Central and East Africa south of the Sahara. P. nigerrimus is restricted to forest fringe and secondary growth around cultivation in forest lands while cucullatus, in addition to these, inhabits humid savannah and riverine areas in arid country. In one locality hybridisation has been reported. The races of each species are partially allopatric with interbreeding in zones of overlap. 3. The birds breed in crowded colonies and are polygamous, the males constructing up to five nests successively and acquiring a number of females. Each male defends a territory around his nest group. 4. Territorial behaviour in cucullatus consists of "supplants", "song bows" and "lunging matches" and the posturing is particularly static. In nigerrimus more mobile behaviour

scholarly journals Avifaunal diversity in Assam University Campus, Silchar, India

2016 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 8369 ◽  
Author(s):  
Biswajit Chakdar ◽  
Parthankar Choudhury ◽  
Hilloljyoti Singha
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Secondary Growth ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Forest Area ◽  
University Campus ◽  
Growth Area ◽  
Bird Survey ◽  
Degraded Area ◽  
Bird Habitat ◽  
The University

<p>We conducted a bird survey in the Assam University campus, Silchar from February 2011 to June 2011.  A total of 73 species of birds belonging to 56 genera, 32 families and 13 orders was recorded. Significantly, the highest number of bird species restricted to only one particular habitat (17 species) was recorded in the forest area called ‘eco-forest’ (χ<sup>2</sup>=18, df=3, P&lt;0.01).  The highest similarity of bird species was found between degraded area and secondary growth area, and the lowest was found between eco-forest and degraded area.  Species richness and dominance of species were more in the eco-forest area.  The diversity of species was more in the secondary growth area. Red-vented Bulbul, Spotted Dove and Red-whiskered Bulbul were the most abundant and frequent bird species found in campus.  The avifaunal diversity in the study area shows the importance of the University campus as an ideal bird habitat. </p>

scholarly journals Variation within the Bird Community of a Rehabilitated Urban Environment, Case of the Félix Houphouët-Boigny University Campus (Côte d'Ivoire)

2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Ekoun Michael KONAN ◽  
Valérie Florence GUETONDE ◽  
Coffi Jean Magloire NIAMIEN ◽  
Kouassi Hilaire YAOKOKORE-BEIBRO
Keyword(s):  
Species Richness ◽  
Ecological Impact ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Bird Community ◽  
University Campus ◽  
Significant Drop ◽  
Bubulcus Ibis ◽  
Total Species Richness ◽  
Ploceus Cucullatus ◽  
Total Species

In order to understand the ecological impact of the rehabilitation of the Félix Houphouët-Boigny University Campus on the bird community, a study was carried out over two months (October-November 2016). The ornithological inventory carried out by the IPA method in five different habitats identified on the campus gave a total species richness of 51 bird species of 41 genera, 27 families and 13 orders for 1374 birds, with H' = 2.93 and J = 0.74. Five species dominate the population (819 individuals, Fr = 59, 61%). These are Bubulcus ibis (9.32 %), Apus affinis (8.95 %), Corvus albus (19.94 %), Ploceus cucullatus (10.48 %), Lonchura cucullata (10.92 %). The most diversified habitat is the Habitations (26 bird species), while the most abundant is the Brush (416 individuals). Only seven species are common to all sampled habitats. Thus, 12 species observed on campus formerly could not be observed during the present study. Similarly, 18 species observed in this study were not observed in the previous study. The profound transformation of the environment following the rehabilitation has led to a slight increase in diversity but a significant drop in numbers. It is therefore important to better understand the different interactions between the components of the habitat and the various species involved. Such data would be crucial in urban planning policies.

scholarly journals Quantitative and Qualitative Composition of Diet of the Ural Owl, Strix Uralensi (Strigidae, Strigiformes), in the Central Part of European Russia (The Example of the Republic of Mordovia)

2017 ◽  
Vol 51 (5) ◽  
pp. 421-428
Author(s):  
A. Andreychev ◽  
A. Lapshin
Keyword(s):  
Quantitative Data ◽  
Mass Fraction ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Qualitative Composition ◽  
Small Rodents ◽  
Average Proportion ◽  
Feeding Spectrum ◽  
The Republic ◽  
Bone Remains ◽  
Ural Owl

Abstract The results of the study of the Ural Owl feeding spectrum are presented. In Russia the Ural owl eats over twenty species of mammals, thirty bird species and a number of animals of other classes. The research tasks included the identification of the species of the victims of a large owl in Mordovia, their quantitative data and the characteristics of osteological material from pellets. It was found out that mammals, in particular rodents, are the basis for the Ural owl food. The Ural Owl’s diet consists mainly of gray voles (47.7 %). On the second place there is a red vole (31.4 %). The share of mice is only 7.3 %. Th e predator hunts for the forest mouse most oft en. In pellets the mass fraction of bone remains varies in the range from 3.4 to 44.8 %. Th e average proportion of bone remains is, as a rule, up to 25 %, with the content of only one or two small rodents in pellets; the remains of three to six individuals - up to 45 % of the weight of dry pellet. Among all the bones of mammals, the lower jaws, femoral and tibia bones give the greatest information about the number and composition of victims of the Ural owl. In pellets the brachial and nameless bones of the victims are presented in smaller numbers.

scholarly journals Survey of External Parasites of Wild Birds in Kaduna State, Nigeria

2021 ◽  
pp. 37-44
Author(s):  
Assam Assam
Keyword(s):  
Wild Bird ◽  
Tick Infestation ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Cross Infection ◽  
Amblyomma Variegatum ◽  
Wild Birds ◽  
Hard Tick ◽  
Numida Meleagris ◽  
Ploceus Cucullatus ◽  
Host Parasite

Aims: As wild birds interact with poultry the likelihood of exchange of external parasites between wild birds and poultry highlights the need to understand wild bird parasites so as to reduce cross infection at the wild bird-poultry interface. There is paucity of data on external parasites of wild birds in Kaduna State, Nigeria. This study investigated the prevalence and diversity of external parasites among wild birds in Kaduna State. Place and Duration of Study: The study was carried out in Kaduna State, Nigeria between March, and June 2012. Methodology: Wild birds were captured and examined for external parasites by visual and microscopic examination. The data were analyzed using Quantitative Parasitology software. Results: Of the 233 wild birds representing 56 species and 25 families examined, the ectoparasite prevalence was 10.7% (25/233). The ectoparasites identified were Menacanthus spp (0.9%), Amblyomma variegatum (0.9%), Argas persicus (3.4%), Gonides gigas (2.1%) and Rhipicephalus spp (2.6%). Streptopelia senegalensis and Chalcomitra senegalensis were infested with Amblyomma varigatum while Numida meleagris and Ploceus cucullatus had Rhipicephalus spp. Conclusion: This is the first report to the best of our knowledge of hard tick infestation of free flying birds in Kaduna State. This study establishes baseline data for future study of wild bird host-parasite interaction in Nigeria. There is need for more studies on external parasites of wild birds to understand their impact on the survival of wild bird species in Nigeria.

Bird assemblages in secondary forests developing after slash-and-burn agriculture in the Brazilian Amazon

2007 ◽  
Vol 23 (4) ◽  
pp. 469-477 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sérgio Henrique Borges
Keyword(s):  
Species Composition ◽  
Secondary Forest ◽  
Secondary Growth ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Brazilian Amazon ◽  
Primary Forest ◽  
Secondary Forests ◽  
Middle Aged ◽  
Bird Assemblages ◽  
Primary Forests

Although indigenous farmers and other traditional peoples have disturbed Amazonian forests for centuries, few studies investigate the effects of these disturbances on biodiversity. This short-term study investigates how bird assemblages are affected by agricultural practices adopted by the residents of a national park in the Brazilian Amazon. Twelve sites in secondary forest (four sites in three age categories) and 12 sites in primary forest were selected for bird sampling. Audio-visual censuses of birds were conducted in small plots (1 ha) of young secondary growth (4–5 y), middle-aged (7–15 y), and old (20–35 y) secondary forests. Each site in secondary forest had a corresponding control site in adjacent primary forest. Young secondary growth had fewer species than old secondary and primary forests. Bird species richness was similar in middle-aged, old secondary and primary forests. Bird communities of young secondary habitat were dominated by species normally found in open habitats, such as agricultural fields and igapó flooded forests. The bird species composition of young secondary growth was more similar to that of middle-aged forest, which in turn was more similar to that of old secondary forests. Bird species composition differed between young secondary growth and old secondary forests and primary forests and between middle-aged secondary and primary forests. Nectarivore/insectivores and frugivore/insectivores of monospecific flocks are significantly associated with secondary forests, especially in initial stages of forest regeneration. In contrast, specialized insectivorous birds that join mixed-flocks show a significant association with primary forest.

scholarly journals A study of composition and diversity variation of avifauna along with different types of agroforestry system in Kibet town, Southern Ethiopia

2022 ◽  
Vol 95 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Hussen Yasin ◽  
Wondimagegnehu Tekalign
Keyword(s):  
Diversity Index ◽  
Habitat Type ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Bird Community ◽  
Agroforestry System ◽  
Southern Ethiopia ◽  
Habitat Types ◽  
Feeding Guild ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Ploceus Cucullatus

Abstract Background Agroforestry is an integrated land-use system that plays a great role in the conservation of landscape biodiversity. The study aimed to assess the composition and diversity of avian species along with different habitat types of agroforestry in Kibet Town, Southern Ethiopia. Methods Four habitat types of agroforestry system which are home gardens, live fences, parkland, and eucalyptus woodlot were identified. Line transects were used for bird surveys. The Shannon diversity index (H′) and species evenness index (E) were used to compare diversity among habitat types. A similarity percentages (SIMPER) test was carried out to identify the main species and feeding guild that typified each habitat type. The overall significance was assessed with the ANOSIM test using PAST (version 4.03). Results A total of 50 bird species belonging to 28 families and 10 orders were recorded. Order Passeriformes (67.3%) had the highest number of species. Bird community composition differed among habitat types. The dissimilarity was mainly due to White-browed robin-chat (Cossypha heuglini), Streaky seed-eater (Serinus striolatus), Village Weaver (Ploceus cucullatus), African Paradise-Flycatcher (Terpsiphone viridis), and Black-Headed Paradise Flycatcher (T. rufiventer). The finding also revealed that insectivore was the dominant feeding guild. Conclusions The present study shows evidence that more insectivore bird species use different types of agroforestry as habitat and foraging sites. So, any concerned bodies who have engaged in avian conservation should give special consideration to this modified landscape.

scholarly journals Reciprocal relationships between behaviour and parasites suggest that negative feedback may drive flexibility in male reproductive behaviour

2016 ◽  
Vol 283 (1831) ◽  
pp. 20160423 ◽  
Author(s):  
Vanessa O. Ezenwa ◽  
Matthew H. Snider
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Studies ◽  
Reproductive Behaviour ◽  
Infection Risk ◽  
Parasite Infection ◽  
Reciprocal Effects ◽  
Territorial Behaviour ◽  
Dynamic Feedback ◽  
Life History Variation ◽  
Reciprocal Relationships ◽  
Host Behaviour

Parasites are ubiquitous components of the environment that contribute to behavioural and life-history variation among hosts. Although it is well known that host behaviour can affect parasite infection risk and that parasites can alter host behaviour, the potential for dynamic feedback between these processes is poorly characterized. Using Grant's gazelle ( Nanger granti ) as a model, we tested for reciprocal effects of behaviour on parasites and parasites on behaviour to understand whether behaviour–parasite feedback could play a role in maintaining variation in male reproductive behaviour. Adult male gazelles either defend territories to attract mates or reside in bachelor groups. Territoriality is highly variable both within- and between-individuals, suggesting that territory maintenance is costly. Using a combination of longitudinal and experimental studies, we found that individual males transition frequently between territorial and bachelor reproductive status, and that elevated parasite burdens are a cost of territoriality. Moreover, among territorial males, parasites suppress aspects of behaviour related to territory maintenance and defence. These results suggest that territorial behaviour promotes the accumulation of parasites in males, and these parasites dampen the very behaviours required for territory maintenance. Our findings suggest that reciprocal feedback between host behaviour and parasitism could be a mechanism maintaining variation in male reproductive behaviour in the system.

scholarly journals Threatened birds of the Angolan Central Escarpment: distribution and response to habitat change at Kumbira Forest

Oryx ◽  
2014 ◽  
Vol 49 (4) ◽  
pp. 727-734 ◽  
Author(s):  
Aimy Cáceres ◽  
Martim Melo ◽  
Jos Barlow ◽  
Paulo Cardoso ◽  
Francisco Maiato ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Forest Cover ◽  
Land Use Changes ◽  
Secondary Growth ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Bird Community ◽  
Old Growth ◽  
Forest Patches ◽  
Old Growth Forest ◽  
Remote Sensing Techniques ◽  
Representative Area

AbstractKumbira Forest is the best representative area of Angola's Central Escarpment and the only site known to hold significant populations of four of the five threatened endemic bird species of this habitat. However, the forest is disappearing as a result of human activities. Remote-sensing techniques were used to assess changes in forest cover, and bird and habitat surveys were performed to assess the effect of land-use changes on endemic species and the bird community. No relationships could be established between the presence of endemics and habitat and landscape variables. This lack of effect may be attributable to the low number of records and compounded by the mosaic structure of the landscape. Although forest cover has been maintained in Kumbira, old-growth forest has been replaced by secondary growth in many areas. Nevertheless these secondary-growth forest patches can maintain a bird community similar to that found in old-growth forest.

scholarly journals Using light-level geolocations to monitor incubation behaviour of a cavity-nesting bird Apus apus pekinensis

2021 ◽  
Vol 12 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiao Huang ◽  
Yanyan Zhao ◽  
Yang Liu
Keyword(s):  
Bird Species ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Reproductive Behaviour ◽  
Light Level ◽  
Breeding Ecology ◽  
Monitoring Methods ◽  
Migration Routes ◽  
Non Invasive ◽  
Cavity Nesting ◽  
Invasive Method

AbstractThe Beijing Swift (Apus apus pekinensis) is a typical cavity-nesting bird that often nests inside holes and crevices in old architectures. Direct observation of their breeding behaviour is challenging and their breeding ecology is thus poorly studied. In this study, we analysed light-level geolocation data collected from six Beijing Swifts for the first time. Our results showed that geolocators can make comprehensive inference of their incubation period and behaviour. As a cost-effective and non-invasive method, geolocators can not only facilitate discovering migration routes, but also can be widely applied in the study of avian reproductive behaviour, especially in cavity-nesting bird species. We further discussed the characteristics and merits of this method and compared with other conventional nest-monitoring methods in recording birds.

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