Condition Dependence of Structural Plumage Coverage in Indigo Buntings Passerina Cyanea

2018 ◽  
Vol 11 (1) ◽  
pp. 54-61 ◽  
Author(s):  
Spencer B. Hudson ◽  
Travis E. Wilcoxen
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition ◽  
Blood Parasites ◽  
Condition Dependence ◽  
Innate Immune Responses ◽  
Testosterone Levels ◽  
Plumage Colouration ◽  
Passerina Cyanea ◽  
Dependent Signal ◽  
Sexual Characteristic ◽  
Study Species

Nuptial plumage colouration is seemingly favoured by females of avian species with regards to sexual selection. This particular secondary sexual characteristic has been previously shown to be a condition-dependent signal of individual quality among passerines with pigment-based colouration (i.e. yellows and reds). In contrast, relationships between structural plumage colouration (i.e. blues) and aspects of both physical quality and physiological function have been understudied. Using free-living Indigo Buntings (Passerina cyanea) as a study species, we compared the percentage of blue feather coverage to body condition, innate immune responses, antioxidant capacity, stress physiology, reproductive physiology, and parasitism. We found the overall percentage of blue feathers on individual birds to be positively correlated with testosterone levels and body condition, while negatively correlated with heterophil to lymphocyte ratio. Birds with more blue coverage were also less likely to harbour blood parasites. Our results indicate male Indigo Buntings with greater moult investment have better overall body condition, lower stress, increased testosterone levels, and decreased parasitic susceptibility.

scholarly journals Prevalence of avian haematozoa in São Paulo state, Brazil

1989 ◽  
Vol 84 (4) ◽  
pp. 515-526 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. B. Woodworth-Lynas ◽  
J. R. Caines ◽  
G. F. Bennett
Keyword(s):  
Sao Paulo ◽  
Blood Parasites ◽  
São Paulo ◽  
Paulo State ◽  
The World ◽  
Similar Survey ◽  
São Paulo State ◽  
Study Species

The blood parasites of 15,574 birds representing 266 species of 43 families from primarily three areas in São Paulo State, Brazil were examined for haematozoa. Only 1240 (8.0% of 121 species fo 32 families were infected with blood parasites. This prevalence was similar to that reported in a previous study. Species of Haemoproteus were the most commonly encountered haematozoans (38.9%), followed by microfilaria (30.7%), Trypanosoma (13.7%), Plasmodium (7.5%) and Leucocytozoon (0.8%). Prevalence of parasitism was significantly different between the three major areas sampled. It was shown that this was due in part to differences in the avifaunas at both the familial and species levels. Prevalence varied markedly in only one of the 10 years of the study. Monthly fluctuations in prevalence were largely due to changes in relative proportions of highlytion of both. Prevalences of both microfilaria and Trypanosoma were higher than reported for any other similar survey in the world.

scholarly journals Uropygial gland and bib colouration in the house sparrow

2016 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gregorio Moreno-Rueda
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition ◽  
Passer Domesticus ◽  
Uropygial Gland ◽  
Short Term ◽  
House Sparrows ◽  
Gland Size ◽  
Plumage Colouration ◽  
Preen Oil ◽  
Male House

Birds frequently signal different qualities by plumage colouration, mainly during mating. However, plumage colouration is determined during the moult, and therefore it would indicate the quality of individual birds during the moult, not its current quality. Recent studies, however, suggest that birds could modify plumage colouration by using cosmetic preen oil. In this study, I show that bib colouration is related to uropygial gland size and body condition in male house sparrows (Passer domesticus). Moreover, I conducted an experiment in which a group of sparrows were inoculated with an antigen, mimicking an illness. In control birds, short-term changes in bib colouration were related to both body condition and change in uropygial gland size. Therefore, birds that spent more preen oil (thus, reducing uropygial gland size), showed a greater colouration change. However, bib colouration did not change with use of preen oil in experimental birds inoculated with the antigen. That is, the simulated illness cancelled the effect of preen oil on bib colouration. Given that the experiment did not affect preen oil production, this finding suggests that the immune challenge provoked a change in the composition of preen oil, affecting its cosmetic properties. In short, the results of this study suggest that (1) male house sparrows produce cosmetic preen oil that alters the colouration of their bibs; (2) the more effort in preening, the more change in bib colouration; and (3) in this way, bib colouration has the potential to signal current health status, since less healthy birds showed less capacity to change bib colouration.

scholarly journals Using a Commercially Available Enzyme Immunoassay to Quantify Testosterone in Avian Plasma

The Condor ◽  
2007 ◽  
Vol 109 (1) ◽  
pp. 181-186 ◽  
Author(s):  
Brian E. Washburn ◽  
Joshua J. Millspaugh ◽  
Dana L. Morris ◽  
John H. Schulz ◽  
John Faaborg
Keyword(s):  
Enzyme Immunoassay ◽  
Small Volume ◽  
Plasma Testosterone ◽  
Plasma Samples ◽  
Zenaida Macroura ◽  
Vireo Olivaceus ◽  
Testosterone Levels ◽  
Passerina Cyanea ◽  
Assay Procedure ◽  
Mourning Doves

Abstract Abstract Using a commercially available testosterone enzyme immunoassay (EIA), we developed and validated an assay procedure for determining testosterone levels in small-volume (20 µL) avian plasma samples. We evaluated this EIA's utility by measuring plasma testosterone levels in Mourning Doves (Zenaida macroura), White-eyed Vireos (Vireo griseus), Red-eyed Vireos (Vireo olivaceus), and Indigo Buntings (Passerina cyanea). Standard biochemical validations (e.g., parallelism, recovery of exogenous testosterone) demonstrated that the assay accurately and precisely measured testosterone in avian plasma. We compared plasma testosterone levels in males and females of all four species and Indigo Buntings in various reproductive stages to physiologically validate the assay's ability to determine biologically important changes in testosterone levels. Plasma testosterone levels were higher in males compared to females in three of four species. Prebreeding and breeding male Indigo Buntings had higher circulating testosterone levels than postbreeding males. Testosterone levels in our study were similar to reported values for other passerine species using radioimmunoassay procedures. Our results suggest that this EIA procedure is very effective for determining testosterone levels in small-volume avian plasma samples and is sensitive enough to detect biologically important changes in the gonadal activity of birds. Thus, this assay has considerable utility for measuring testosterone in small birds (<15 g), from which only small volumes of plasma (20 µL) can be collected.

scholarly journals Fractal geometry of a complex plumage trait reveals bird's quality

2013 ◽  
Vol 280 (1755) ◽  
pp. 20122783 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lorenzo Pérez-Rodríguez ◽  
Roger Jovani ◽  
François Mougeot
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition ◽  
Fractal Geometry ◽  
Animal Communication ◽  
Alectoris Rufa ◽  
Colour Intensity ◽  
Colour Patterns ◽  
Behaviour Genetics ◽  
Natural And Sexual Selection ◽  
Individual Body ◽  
Study Species

Animal coloration is key in natural and sexual selection, playing significant roles in intra- and interspecific communication because of its linkage to individual behaviour, genetics and physiology. Simple animal traits such as the area or the colour intensity of homogeneous patches have been profusely studied. More complex patterns are widespread in nature, but they escape our understanding because their variation is difficult to capture effectively by standard, simple measures. Here, we used fractal geometry to quantify inter-individual variation in the expression of a complex plumage trait, the heterogeneous black bib of the red-legged partridge ( Alectoris rufa ). We show that a higher bib fractal dimension (FD) predicted better individual body condition, as well as immune responsiveness, which is condition-dependent in our study species. Moreover, when food intake was experimentally reduced during moult as a means to reduce body condition, the bib's FD significantly decreased. Fractal geometry therefore provides new opportunities for the study of complex animal colour patterns and their roles in animal communication.

scholarly journals cGAS/STING/TBK1/IRF3 Signaling Pathway Activates BMDCs Maturation Following Mycobacterium bovis Infection

2019 ◽  
Vol 20 (4) ◽  
pp. 895 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qiang Li ◽  
Chunfa Liu ◽  
Ruichao Yue ◽  
Saeed El-Ashram ◽  
Jie Wang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Dendritic Cells ◽  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Mycobacterium Bovis ◽  
New Drugs ◽  
Type I Interferons ◽  
Type I ◽  
Type I Ifn ◽  
Innate Immune Responses ◽  
Dependent Signal

Cyclic GMP-AMP synthase (cGAS) is an important cytosolic DNA sensor that plays a crucial role in triggering STING-dependent signal and inducing type I interferons (IFNs). cGAS is important for intracellular bacterial recognition and innate immune responses. However, the regulating effect of the cGAS pathway for bone marrow-derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) during Mycobacterium bovis (M. bovis) infection is still unknown. We hypothesized that the maturation and activation of BMDCs were modulated by the cGAS/STING/TBK1/IRF3 signaling pathway. In this study, we found that M. bovis promoted phenotypic maturation and functional activation of BMDCs via the cGAS signaling pathway, with the type I IFN and its receptor (IFNAR) contributing. Additionally, we showed that the type I IFN pathway promoted CD4+ T cells’ proliferation with BMDC during M. bovis infection. Meanwhile, the related cytokines increased the expression involved in this signaling pathway. These data highlight the mechanism of the cGAS and type I IFN pathway in regulating the maturation and activation of BMDCs, emphasizing the important role of this signaling pathway and BMDCs against M. bovis. This study provides new insight into the interaction between cGAS and dendritic cells (DCs), which could be considered in the development of new drugs and vaccines against tuberculosis.

scholarly journals Hens (Gallus gallus domesticus) with larger spurs have higher faecal testosterone levels; evidence of female to male - like phenotype

2018 ◽  
Author(s):  
John P Kent ◽  
Niamh M Hynes ◽  
Thomas J Hayden ◽  
Kenneth J Murphy ◽  
Laurence O'Dywer
Keyword(s):  
Gallus Gallus ◽  
Sex Reversal ◽  
Gallus Domesticus ◽  
Gallus Gallus Domesticus ◽  
Testosterone Levels ◽  
Secondary Sexual Characteristic ◽  
Male Sex ◽  
Testosterone Metabolites ◽  
Sexual Characteristic ◽  
Secondary Sexual

Spurs are a testosterone-dependent secondary sexual characteristic of male chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus) and are used as ‘weapons’ in intra-sexual fighting. While predominantly a male feature, they are also found in a small number of females. Here we show that faecal testosterone metabolites of adult hens (i.e. females) with large spurs are significantly greater than those of females with smaller spurs. The presence of spurs in hens together with elevated testosterone levels are indicative of a masculinisation process that may increase with age. This is of particular interest in the study of female to male sex-reversal in fowl.

Recovery of southern bent-winged bats (Miniopterus orianae bassanii) after PIT-tagging and the use of surgical adhesive

2020 ◽  
Vol 42 (2) ◽  
pp. 216
Author(s):  
Emmi van Harten ◽  
Terry Reardon ◽  
Peter H. Holz ◽  
Ruth Lawrence ◽  
Thomas A. A. Prowse ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Injection Site ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Small Mammals ◽  
Skin Irritation ◽  
Pit Tags ◽  
Surgical Adhesive ◽  
Good Body Condition ◽  
Pit Tagging ◽  
The Impact ◽  
Study Species

Surgical adhesive is widely used to prevent shedding of injected PIT-tags, but the effect of this adhesive on individuals has not been documented. We recaptured 52 southern bent-winged bats up to 741 days after PIT-tagging. All recaptured individuals were in good body condition, with no signs of infection or skin irritation; however, temporary fur loss occurred at the injection site. We advocate that researchers consider the impact this may have on study species, particularly when PIT-tagging small mammals during cooler months.

Body Mass, Wing Length, and Condition of Wintering Ducks Relative to Hematozoa Infection

2017 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 89-100 ◽  
Author(s):  
Joseph P. Fleskes ◽  
Andrew M. Ramey ◽  
Andrew B. Reeves ◽  
Julie L. Yee
Keyword(s):  
Body Mass ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Wing Length ◽  
Negative Relationship ◽  
Central Valley ◽  
Condition Index ◽  
Blood Parasites ◽  
Infection Prevalence ◽  
Body Condition Index ◽  
Northern Pintail

Abstract Waterfowl managers lack information regarding factors that may be reducing the positive response of waterfowl body condition to habitat improvements. Protozoan blood parasites (i.e., hematozoa) are commonly found in birds and have been related to reduced body mass, wing length, and body condition. We studied relationships between 12 measures of hematozoa infection and body mass, wing length, and body mass divided by wing length (i.e., body condition index) of the five most common duck species (northern pintail [Anas acuta], mallard [A. platyrhynchos], green-winged teal [A. crecca], American wigeon [A. americana], northern shoveler [A. clypeata]) wintering in the Central Valley of California during October 2006–January 2007. After accounting for variation due to species, age–sex cohort, Central Valley region, and month, wing length, body mass, and body condition index were found to be negatively related to infection by Leucocytozoon and by “any hematozoa” but not related to infection by only Plasmodium or Haemoproteus, or coinfections of greater than one genus or parasite haplotype (albeit few ducks had Plasmodium or Haemoproteus infection or coinfections). Evidence of a negative relationship with infection was stronger for body mass and body condition index than for wing length and indicated that the relationships varied among species, age–sex cohorts, regions, and months. Compared with uninfected ducks, hematozoa-infected duck body mass, wing length, and body condition index was −1.63% (85% CI = −2.79% to −0.47%), −0.12% (−0.41% to 0.17%), and −1.38% (−2.49% to −0.26%), respectively. Although seemingly small, the −1.63% difference in body mass represents a large percentage (e.g., 38% for northern pintail) of the observed increase in wintering duck body mass associated with Central Valley habitat improvements. Because infection prevalence and relationship to body condition might change over time because of climate or other factors, tracking hematozoa infection prevalence might be important to inform and accurately assess the effect of conservation programs designed to improve waterfowl body condition.

Blood parasites, body condition, and wing length in two subspecies of yellow wagtail (Motacilla flava) during migration

2012 ◽  
Vol 110 (5) ◽  
pp. 2043-2051 ◽  
Author(s):  
Peter Shurulinkov ◽  
Nayden Chakarov ◽  
Girgina Daskalova
Keyword(s):  
Body Condition ◽  
Wing Length ◽  
Blood Parasites ◽  
Yellow Wagtail
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