scholarly journals Diet composition, guild structure and trophic relationships of wintering birds of prey in an estuarine wetland (The Evros Delta National Park, Greece)

2021 ◽  
Vol 39 ◽  
pp. 15-29
Author(s):  
Haralambos Alivizatos ◽  
Vassilis Goutner
Keyword(s):  
Small Mammals ◽  
National Park ◽  
Habitat Preferences ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Trophic Relationships ◽  
Birds Of Prey ◽  
Tyto Alba ◽  
Milvus Migrans ◽  
Black Kite ◽  
Circus Aeruginosus

Seven species of birds of prey studied in the Evros Delta National Park belong to a common assemblage of a trophic guild. However, their diet study revealed different groups of feeding niches. A cluster analysis provided three groups with very similar diets: The eastern imperial eagle (Aquila heliaca) and greater spotted eagle (Clanga clanga) constituted a group feeding mainly on birds with their diets including 96% (13 bird species) and 98% (16 bird species), by number respectively, most bird prey being water birds. A second group, characterized by a considerable variety of prey types dominated by small mammals and birds, included the western marsh harrier (Circus aeruginosus) (67% mammals, 27% birds -at least 12 species ), black kite (Milvus migrans) (46% mammals, 39% birds -at least 11 species) and common  buzzard (Buteo buteo) (birds 36% -at least 7 species, mammals 22%). In all three species, birds dominated by biomass, whereas other prey such as arthropods (mainly insects), amphibians and reptiles had a low contribution by mass where they occurred. A third group included the common barn owl (Tyto alba), feeding mainly on small mammals (97%, at least 12 species) and little owl (Athene noctua). The little owl’s diet consisted of mammals (29%, -at least 6 species), birds (5% -at least 7 species) and, though insects preponderated by number (64%), mammals were dominant by biomass in both owls. Diversity indices estimated on class level were low, ranked as B. buteo > M. migrans > A. noctua > C. aeruginosus > A. heliaca = T. alba > A. clanga. Dietary similarities may be partly due to common habitat preferences and the role of other potential factors to niche partitioning is discussed.

scholarly journals Polychlorinated biphenyls in raptor and owl eggs in the Czech Republic

2012 ◽  
Vol 48 (No. 12) ◽  
pp. 363-368 ◽  
Author(s):  
I. Kustova ◽  
M. Vavrova ◽  
ILiterak
Keyword(s):  
Czech Republic ◽  
Tyto Alba ◽  
The Czech Republic ◽  
Pcb Congeners ◽  
Milvus Migrans ◽  
Marsh Harrier ◽  
Black Kite ◽  
Circus Aeruginosus ◽  
Lipid Weight ◽  
Aquila Heliaca

In 2001, raptor and owl eggs were collected for the purpose of detection of contamination by poly­chlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) at 15 sites in the southeastern area of the Czech Republic. In total 31 unhatched eggs of 4 raptor species and 3 owl species were examined. PCB determination was carried out by high-resolution gas chromatography. PCB content was expressed in μg per 1 kg of lipid weight for the major PCB congeners 28, 52, 101, 118, 138, 153 and 180, serving as indicators. In all examined eggs the indicator PCB congeners were found. The ranges of total values of indicator PCB congeners found in different raptor and owl species were as follows: kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) 37.0 and 44.3 (n = 2), black kite (Milvus migrans) 28.3–40.5 (n = 3), imperial eagle (Aquila heliaca) 66.4 (n = 1), marsh harrier (Circus aeruginosus) 45.1 (n = 1), barn owl (Tyto alba) 20.6–46.1 (n = 17), long-eared owl (Asio otus) 32.0–41.9 (n = 6) and tawny owl (Strix aluco) 47.5 (n = 1) μg/kg of lipid weight. PCB congener 153 was the one most frequently found.

scholarly journals Molecular identification of Sarcocystis halieti in the muscles of two species of birds of prey from Spain

2021 ◽  
Vol 14 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Petras Prakas ◽  
Antonio Bea ◽  
Evelina Juozaitytė-Ngugu ◽  
Iñaki Olano ◽  
Diego Villanúa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Current Knowledge ◽  
Birds Of Prey ◽  
Great Cormorant ◽  
Phalacrocorax Carbo ◽  
Tissue Samples ◽  
Milvus Migrans ◽  
Marsh Harrier ◽  
Black Kite ◽  
Circus Aeruginosus ◽  
Host Life

Abstract Background Members of the genus Sarcocystis are protozoan parasites characterized by a prey–predator two-host life-cycle. Sarcocysts are formed in the muscles or central nervous system of the intermediate host (IH), while sporocysts develop in the small intestine of the definitive host (DH). Various birds of prey have been confirmed to be DH for Sarcocystis spp. Three Sarcocystis species, S. wobeseri, S. halieti and S. falcatula, have been identified in the muscles of birds of prey, of which the latter are known to be pathogenic and can cause encephalitis in various birds. The aim of this study was to identify Sarcocystis spp. in the muscles of birds of prey from Spain. Methods Between 2019 and 2020, muscle tissue samples taken from 59 birds of prey admitted to the Wildlife Recovery Centre in Ilundain (Navarra, Spain) were examined for the presence of Sarcocystis spp. Sarcocysts in fresh squashed samples were morphologically characterized under the light microscope (LM). Sarcocystis spp. were identified by means of 28S ribosomal RNA and internal transcribed spacer 1 sequence analysis. Results Microscopic examination of squashed tissue samples stained with methylene blue revealed the presence of sarcocysts in three of the 59 (5.1%) birds examined. Only one sarcocyst type was observed under the LM. Sarcocysts were thread-like (1050–2160 × 130–158 μm) and had a thin (0.7–1.4 μm) and smooth cyst wall. Septa divided the cysts into compartments filled with banana-shaped (5.9 × 1.7 μm) bradyzoites. On the basis of DNA sequence results, S. halieti was identified in the western marsh harrier (Circus aeruginosus) and the black kite (Milvus migrans) for the first time. Sarcocysts of S. halieti were shorter and wider compared to those observed in the great cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) and the herring gull (Larus argentatus). According to current knowledge, S. halieti may infect birds belonging to four different orders: Suliformes, Charadriiformes, Strigiformes and Accipitriformes. Conclusions This is the first report of S. halieti in the western marsh harrier and the black kite as IH. So far, little research has been conducted on birds of prey as IH for Sarcocystis spp. These results indicate that further studies combining morphological, histopathological, and molecular methods are required. Graphical abstract

scholarly journals Diurnal birds of prey of national nature park ‘Dvorichanskyi’ and adjacent territories

2019 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Conservation Status ◽  
Breeding Habitat ◽  
Birds Of Prey ◽  
Pedunculate Oak ◽  
Natural Ecosystems ◽  
Common Buzzard ◽  
Milvus Migrans ◽  
Black Kite ◽  
Circus Aeruginosus ◽  
Nature Park

The studies of species composition and abundance of diurnal birds of prey may be quite indicative of the state of natural ecosystems and of the level of impact of human-induced factors on their functions. Such studies are particularly important within the protected areas taking into account unfavourable conservation status of many species of the group. The status, abundance, aspects of habitat distribution and breeding habitat preferences of diurnal birds of prey were studied within national nature park ‘Dvorichanskyi’ and adjacent territories (750 sq. km, Dvorichanskyi district, Kharkiv Region, Ukraine) in 2010–2018. 22 species were registered. The breeding of six species was confirmed e.g. Black Kite (Milvus migrans), Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus), Goshawk (Accipiter gentilis), Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus), Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo), Booted Eagle (Hieraaetus pennatus). The breeding of four more species is considered probable namely Honey Buzzard (Pernis apivorus), Montagu’s Harrier (Circus pygargus), White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) and Hobby (Falco subbuteo). There are indications of possible breeding of Short-toed Eagle (Circaetus gallicus) and Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus). The rest of the species are migrating and/or wintering. The most numerous breeding species is Common Buzzard. The abundance of Booted Eagle is comparatively high that discerns the study area from other parts of Kharkiv Region. 40 nests of birds of prey were carefully inspected. The majority were found in ravine steppe forests (83%). Oak, alder and willow flood-plain forests are very important breeding habitats for Black Kite and Booted Eagle while ravine steppe forests are those for Goshawk, Sparrowhawk, Common Buzzard and Booted Eagle. Pedunculate oak (Quercus robur) is the most favourable tree species for building the nests (47.5% of all inspected nests) followed by European ash (Fraxinus excelsior) (15%) and European pear (Pyrus communis) (10%).

scholarly journals Molecular Identification of Sarcocystis Halieti in Birds of Prey From Spain

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Petras Prakas ◽  
Antonio Bea ◽  
Evelina Juozaiė-Ngugu ◽  
Iñaki Olano ◽  
Diego Villanúa ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Blue Staining ◽  
Birds Of Prey ◽  
Great Cormorant ◽  
28S Rrna ◽  
Phalacrocorax Carbo ◽  
Its1 Sequence ◽  
Milvus Migrans ◽  
Marsh Harrier ◽  
Black Kite ◽  
Circus Aeruginosus

Abstract Background: Members of the genus Sarcocystis are protozoan parasites characterized by a prey-predator two-host life cycle. Sarcocysts are formed in muscles or CNS of the intermediate host (IH), while sporocysts develop in the small intestine of the definitive host (DH). Various birds of prey were confirmed to be DH for Sarcocystis spp. By contrast, only two species, S. wobeseri and S. falcatula were identified in the muscles of birds of prey. The latter species is pathogenic and can cause encephalitis in various birds. The aim of the present study was to identify Sarcocystis species in the muscles of birds of prey from Spain. Methods: In the period between 2019 and 2020, muscle tissues of 59 birds collected from Spain were examined for the presence of Sarcocystis spp. Sarcocysts in fresh squashed samples were morphologically characterised under a light microscope (LM). Sarcocystis species were identified by means of 28S rRNA and ITS1 sequence analysis. Results: With the help of methylene blue-staining microscopic sarcocysts were detected in 3/59 (5.1%) birds of prey from Spain. Under LM, one type of sarcocysts was observed. Sarcocysts were thread-like (1050–2160 × 130–158 μm), had a thin (0.7–1.4 μm) and smooth cyst wall. Septa divided the cysts into compartments filled with banana-shaped (5.9 × 1.7 μm) bradyzoites. On the basis of DNA sequence results, S. halieti was identified in the western marsh harrier (Circus aeruginosus) and the black kite (Milvus migrans) for the first time. Sarcocysts of S. halieti detected in the black kite and the western marsh harrier were shorter and wider as compared to those observed in the great cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo) and the herring gull (Larus argentatus). Hence, S. halieti might infect birds belonging to three different orders, Suliformes, Charadriiformes and Accipitriformes. Conclusions: This is the first report of S. halieti in birds of prey as IH. Due to the inconsistency of research on Sarcocystis spp. from birds of prey, further complex morphological, histopathological, and molecular studies are required.

scholarly journals An annotated check list of the birds of Qwaqwa National Park

Koedoe ◽  
1996 ◽  
Vol 39 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
D.H. De Swardt ◽  
D.J. Van Niekerk
Keyword(s):  
National Park ◽  
Habitat Preferences ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Golden Gate ◽  
Check List

This paper presents a check list of 179 bird species occuring in the Qwaqwa National Park which borders the eastern part of Golden Gate Highlands National Park. Data on the distribution, status, habitat preferences and breeding were obtained during several visits between December 1992 and March 1995. The following habitats were preferred: grassland, montane grassland, woodland, rocky hillsides, mountain slopes and riverine areas with Phragmites reedbeds. The conservation of waterbirds, raptors and other localised species such as Orangebreasted Rockjumper, Palecrowned Cisticola, Mountain Pipit and Gurney's Sugarbird is important as these species occur in specialised habitats.

Nesting dispersion of a Black Kite population in relation to location of rabbit warrens

1994 ◽  
Vol 72 (9) ◽  
pp. 1680-1683 ◽  
Author(s):  
Javier Viñuela ◽  
Rafael Villafuerte ◽  
Claudine De Le Court
Keyword(s):  
Population Density ◽  
National Park ◽  
Oryctolagus Cuniculus ◽  
Considerable Increase ◽  
Breeding Area ◽  
Doñana National Park ◽  
Main Prey ◽  
Milvus Migrans ◽  
Black Kite ◽  
Feeding Resources

Previous studies have shown that the rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus) is the main prey of the Black Kite (Milvus migrans) in Matasgordas (Doñana National Park, southwestern Spain), and that the reproductive success of pairs is enhanced with increasing rabbit consumption. In our study area, rabbits live mainly in large warrens patchily distributed across the breeding area of Black Kites. Rabbit consumption was higher for Black Kite pairs having warren entrances close to their nests. During the 3 years of the study, this population of Black Kites suffered a considerable increase. New pairs in the area selected nesting trees inside areas with a high density of rabbits. The pattern of Black Kite aggregation in our study area, where they breed in a "colony" with a population density among the highest recorded, can be explained, at least partially, by rabbit aggregation. Defense of feeding resources could help to explain the territorial behavior of Black Kites. Coloniality and feeding territoriality are not mutually exclusive.

scholarly journals Current condition of the ornithofauna of the Alexandria Dendrological Park

2019 ◽  
Keyword(s):  
Species Composition ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Quantitative Composition ◽  
Ecological Groups ◽  
Bird Population ◽  
Milvus Migrans ◽  
Black Kite ◽  
Night Heron ◽  
Ciconia Nigra ◽  
Data Book

The species composition of birds of the Alexandria Dendrological Park has been analyzed. The studies were conducted in 2008–2018. In total 148 bird species were registered (35% of the ornithofauna of Ukraine). Birds were analyzed by biotopic groups, nature of stay and type of nesting. It was found that in the conditions of the Alexandria Dendrological Park, the dominant ecological groups were dendrophiles (80 species). According to the nature of their stay, nesting birds accounted for 90 species, migratory – 48 species, wintering – 31 species. Depending on the type of nesting, canopy-nesting and hole-nesting birds prevailed – 27.8 and 24.4% respectively. Representatives of Piciformes and Passeriformes make up a significant part of the nesting species, which is 10 and 57.8% respectively. Falconiformes are represented by 4 species, which is 4.4% of the total number of nesting species. The value of the park also consists in the presence of favorable wetlands for wintering and forage migration of a number of taxon birds in its territory. As a result, the bird population is growing. The emergence of new bird species in recent years can provide a unique indication of the importance of ornithocenosis in these areas. This concerns in particular Green Woodpecker, Black kite, Honey Buzzard, Night Heron, Stock Dove, Spotted Crake. It has been established that new species appear in the park, settling from nearby or remote areas. During the years of observation, 9 species from the Red Data Book of Ukraine (Ciconia nigra, Netta rufina, Haliaeetus albicilla, Milvus migrans, Buteo rufinus, Pandion haliaetus, Bucephala clangula, Picus viridis, Columba oenas) have been recorded. The factors influencing the species composition of birds have been analyzed. They include felling of trees, thinning of shrubs, uncontrolled recreation and direct predation from dogs. One of the main problems limiting the number of birds in the park is trespassing of logging processes, in particular during the nesting period. In the future, more comprehensive studies are planned on the quantitative composition of birds, as well as features of the topical distribution according to the biocenosis.

scholarly journals Breeding avifauna of the Special Protection Area Natura 2000 ‘Grądy Odrzańskie’ in Czernica and Siechnice counties, Wrocław district (Poland)

2015 ◽  
Vol 64 (1) ◽  
pp. 51-67
Author(s):  
Grzegorz Kopij
Keyword(s):  
Bird Species ◽  
Natura 2000 ◽  
Line Transect ◽  
Ficedula Albicollis ◽  
Breeding Bird ◽  
Lanius Collurio ◽  
Milvus Migrans ◽  
Circus Aeruginosus ◽  
Protection Area ◽  
Special Protection

Abstract In 2009, in the Special Protection Area Natura 2000 ‘Grądy Odrzańskie’ in Czernica and Siechnice counties, Wrocław district, 95 breeding bird species were recorded. For 33 of them, maps of distribution of their breeding pairs are presented and for the remaining a relative abundance was estimated based on line transect method. In 2009, the following species were recorded in the study area for the first time: Cygnus olor, Crex crex, Upupa epops, and Picus canus. On the other hand, 11 species recorded in 1978-87 as breeding in the study area (Ciconia nigra, Pernis apivorus, Milvus migrans, Milvus milvus, Falco tinnunculus, Gallinago gallinago, Limosa limosa, Tringa totanus, Riparia riparia, Anthus campestris, Phoenicurus phoenicurus) were not recorded again in 2009. It has been shown that Saxicola torquata, Ficedula albicollis, Corvus corax and Remiz pendulinus have increased in numbers. The following species recorded in 2009 as breeding in the the study area: Cygnus olr, Ciconia ciconia, Circus aeruginosus, Crex crex, Alcedo atthis, Dryocopus martius, Picus canus, Dendrocopos medius, Lulula arborea, Sylvia nisoria, Ficedula albicollis, Lanius collurio and Emberiza hortulana are included in Annex 1 of the Bird Directive.

scholarly journals Small mammals in diet of the barn owl (Tyto alba) in the Black Sea Biosphere Reserve

2020 ◽  
pp. 72-76
Author(s):  
Zoya Selyunina ◽  
Yuriy Moskalenko
Keyword(s):  
Black Sea ◽  
Small Mammals ◽  
Small Mammal ◽  
Dominant Species ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Biosphere Reserve ◽  
Barn Owl ◽  
The Black Sea ◽  
Tyto Alba ◽  
Mammal Species

The barn owl (Tyto alba) formerly was one of the rarest vagrant bird species in the Black Sea Biosphere Reserve. Since 2018, this species has been wintering regularly in the Yahorlytskyi Kut division of the Black Sea Biosphere Reserve. We studied the barn owl’s diet in the reserve by analysing 20 pellets collected in the winter of 2018. A total of 69 specimens of 5 mammal species were identified from the pellets. Species of small mammals that dominate in open habitats prevail in the barn owl’s diet such as the social vole (Microtus socialis) (dominant species of steppe habitats; 43 % of identifiable small-mammal specimens) and the lesser white-toothed shrew (Crocidura suaveolens) (dominant species of salt marsh habitats; 42 % of identifiable small-mammal specimens). Remains of the southern vole (Microtus levis), the Ural field mouse (Sylvaemus cf. uralensis), and the Eurasian pygmy shrew (Sorex minutus) were non-abundant in the barn owl’s diet.

scholarly journals Environmental factors affecting the wintering raptor community in Armenia, Southern Caucasus

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Gianpasquale Chiatante ◽  
Michele Panuccio
Keyword(s):  
General Pattern ◽  
Abundant Species ◽  
Theoretic Approach ◽  
Factors Affecting ◽  
Milvus Migrans ◽  
Gyps Fulvus ◽  
Black Kite ◽  
Southern Caucasus ◽  
And Migration ◽  
Information Theoretic Approach

AbstractThe species–habitat relationships can change during the year because of the seasonality of resources. Therefore, the investigation of habitat use by animals in each season plays a fundamental role in their conservation. The main aim of this research was to investigate the raptor community that spends the winter in Armenia, southern Caucasus, and to explore its relationship with environmental features, such as land use and topography. During January 2012, we collected data by carrying out 15 roadside counts along which we calculated three community parameters: the relative abundance, the species richness, and the species diversity. Then, we carried out a multiple linear regression with the Information-Theoretic Approach, to explain the relationship between the parameters and environmental variables. Besides, we computed a Canonical Correspondence Analysis (CCA) between the species and the environment around their observations. As a general pattern, the community was associated with permanent crops, maybe because of their heterogeneity, which in turn allows them to support higher densities of prey during the winter. The most abundant species was the Black Kite (Milvus migrans), followed by the Common Kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) and the Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus). To our knowledge, this is one of the first studies investigating the wintering raptor community in the Caucasus, with raptors generally studied in this area during the breeding season and migration.

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