Nesting ecology and reuse of nest burrows by Bank Swallow (Riparia riparia) in southern Yukon

Bank Swallow (<i>Riparia riparia</i>) is a declining insectivorous bird that nests colonially in near-vertical surfaces, including natural banks along waterways as well as those created by industrial excavation. Several threats are likely contributing to the population decline, conservation measures have been recommended, and monitoring methods have been developed. However, little is known of this species in the extensive boreal portion of its breeding range. To assess whether recommendations developed in southern areas are likely to be effective in a more northerly region, we investigated aspects of the nesting ecology of Bank Swallow in southern Yukon during 2013–2017. Nesting activity occurred between 20 May and 21 August. We found an exceptional abundance of nest burrows in natural riverbanks along 46 km of the Yukon River near Whitehorse (326 burrows/km), but relatively low percent burrow occupancy in both natural and artificial habitats compared to studies from other regions. Year-to-year persistence of nest burrows and rates of reuse of burrows were high compared to other studies. We highlight the potential importance of the boreal region for recovery of Bank Swallow in Canada, and the importance of using region-specific estimates of percent occupancy when monitoring Bank Swallow using burrow counts. Further study is needed to determine whether unoccupied burrows contribute to nesting success, and whether there are situations in which Bank Swallow burrows should be protected year-round instead of only during nesting.

Жесткокрылые (Insecta: Coleoptera) из нор ласточек-береговушек Riparia riparia (Linnaeus, 1758) (Aves: Hirundinidae) Саратовской области

В статье приведены материалы (Саратовская область, 2020) по фауне нидикольных жесткокрылых из нор-гнезд береговой ласточки Riparia riparia (Linnaeus, 1758); отмечено 11 видов жуков. Впервые указываются для фауны Саратовской области 4 вида из семейства Staphylinidae: Haploglossa picipennis (Gyllenhal, 1827), Falagrioma thoracica (Stephens, 1832), Leptacinus sulcifrons (Stephens, 1833) и Sepedophilus obtusus (Luze, 1902). БлагодарностиЧасть работы А.С. Сажнева проведена в рамках выполнения государственного задания Министерства науки и высшего образования РФ (АААА-А18-118012690105-0). Авторы выражают признательность за помощь в проведении экспедиционных работ В.В. Аникину (СГУ, Саратов).

First report of Ixodes lividus (Koch,1844) in sand martins Riparia riparia in Portugal

Ixodes lividus Koch, 1844 (Ixodida: Ixodidae) is a specialised endophilic tick of the sand martin Riparia riparia whose distributional range matches that of its host in the Paleartic region. However, the presence of this tick species has not been described in Mediterranean countries where the sand martin also breeds. In this study, we investigated I. lividus infestation in 1,081 Riparia riparia individuals from two breeding colonies in central Portugal. In total, three I. lividus were collected from three sand martins (infestation rate of 0.28%). A molecular survey on these ticks did not detect the presence of any Borrelia burgdorferi s.l., Rickttesia spp. nor Babesia spp. This report expands to the south and west the known distributional range of I. lividus in Europe.

TAXONOMIC STRUCTURE OF NIDICOLE FAUNA IN THE NESTS OF THE SAND MARTIN (RIPARIA RIPARIA LINNAEUS, 1758) IN THE TERRITORY OF THE SARATOV REGION

Today, global climate changes are taking place, leading to changes in the habitats of many species, including organisms of epidemiological importance. The transfer of such organisms will primarily involve the blood-sucking parasites of migratory birds. The sand martin (Riparia riparia Linnaeus, 1758) is one of many migratory birds nesting in the Saratov region. In order to understand how much the species is involved in the transmission of infection and the creation of a new focal point of infection, it is necessary to establish the taxonomic structure of the nidicol fauna.