scholarly journals Intraclutch eggshell colour variation in birds: are females able to identify their eggs individually?

PeerJ ◽  
2017 ◽  
Vol 5 ◽  
pp. e3707 ◽  
Author(s):  
Miroslav Poláček ◽  
Michaela Bartíková ◽  
Herbert Hoi
Keyword(s):  
Egg Quality ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Mating Strategies ◽  
Egg Recognition ◽  
Tree Sparrow ◽  
Passer Montanus ◽  
Female Response ◽  
Eggshell Colour ◽  
Future Work ◽  
Offspring Investment

Background One possibility suggested regarding female post-mating strategies is differential allocation into offspring investment. Female birds produce not only the largest, but also most colourful eggs of all oviparous taxa. Larger eggs provide space for bigger embryos, or more nutrition for their development, but the question why eggs are more colourful and why there is variation in eggshell colouration remains. In this context, the focus of interest has been to explain inter-clutch variation but in many bird species, eggshell colouration also varies within a clutch. Surprisingly, less attention has been paid to this phenomenon. Therefore, we propose the “female egg recognition” hypothesis, suggesting that mothers use colour characteristics to interpret egg attributes and allocate further investment into each egg accordingly. To evaluate the feasibility of the hypothesis, we tested several underlying predictions and examined their suitability using a dataset from our tree sparrow (Passer montanus) study. We predict (i) substantial within-clutch variation in eggshell colouration which, (ii) should be related to laying sequence, (iii) reflect egg quality and, (iv) should stimulate a female response. Methods Eggshell coloration data were obtained via digital photography under standardized conditions, taken after clutch completion. Lightness (L*), representing the achromatic properties of an egg has been chosen as the most important predictor in dark cavities and was related to egg quality and position in the nest. Results In our tree sparrows, first and mainly last eggs were less pigmented, providing information about laying order. Egg volume, which predicts chick quality, positively correlates with eggshell coloration. Finally, we could show that female tree sparrows placed darker, but not bigger, eggs into more central incubation positions. Discussion All basic prerequisites for the “female egg recognition” hypothesis are fulfilled. In this context practicability and feasibility of the hypothesis and alternative explanations are discussed. However future work is necessary to determine a direct effect on offspring condition.

Changes In Tree Sparrow Passer Montanus Populations From Urban Parks

2012 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 4-17 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ludwik Tomiałojć
Keyword(s):  
Nest Site ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Urban Parks ◽  
Nest Site Selection ◽  
Urban Landscapes ◽  
Population Changes ◽  
Tree Sparrow ◽  
Passer Montanus ◽  
Pine Martens ◽  
Nesting Sites

Abstract Studies of local Tree Sparrow Passer montanus populations from urban parks of Polish cities reveal changes in abundance and in nest site selection which differ from data collected from farmland. These changes are not always synchronous among neighbouring cities and parks. Several urban declines are difficult to explain, chiefly when obscured by the changes in the number of artificial nesting sites. One such case was a recorded decline Tree Sparrow and a switch to nesting in buildings observed in the Szczytnicki Park of Wrocław, after colonization by pine martens Martes martes. Judging from this the absence/presence of important predators or nest predators in other urban parks of Polish cities may be an additional factor promoting Tree Sparrow declines. It is suggested that a lack of precise data on the intensity of (mosaic-like in time and space) predation pressure in agricultural and urban landscapes should be considered when explaining the reasons for population changes in other bird species.

JENIS BURUNG DI KAMPUS UNIVERSITAS TANJUNGPURA

2020 ◽  
Vol 9 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sutarto Kusuma Indra ◽  
Kustiati Kustiati ◽  
Rafdinal Rafdinal
Keyword(s):  
Habitat Loss ◽  
Human Life ◽  
Natural Habitat ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Residential Land ◽  
Encounter Rates ◽  
Passer Montanus ◽  
Quality Degradation

Quality degradation, modification, and habitat loss are significant threats to bird species. The natural habitat of birds has been modified into residential land and facilities to meet the needs of human life as happened at Tanjungpura University. This study aims to determine of birds species at Tanjungpura University. Observations were carried out from January to March 2019. The method used in collecting the data from bird was “Encounter rates” which was conducted in the morning starting at 6 – 9 am and at 3 - 6 pm. The data obtained were analyzed with the formula of simple abundance scale and frequency of attendance. The birds found at Universitas Tanjungpura are 28 species classified into 23 genera, 17 families, and seven orders. Birds found to have an abundance order scale are classified into abundant, general, frequent and, unusual categories. Birds included in the abundant category are Collocalia fuciphaga and Passer montanus. The types of bird foods at Tanjungpura University consist of frugivore, insectivore, granivore, herbivore, carnivore, piscivore, omnivore, molluscivore, and nectarivore. The value of attendance frequency have range between 10-100%. The bird species with highest frequency of attendance’s value is Passer montanus, Pycnonotus aurigaster, Pycnonotus goiavier, Collocalia fuciphaga, and Anthreptes malacensis.

Eurasian Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus)

2017 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jon C. Barlow ◽  
Sheridan N. Leckie ◽  
Peter Pyle ◽  
Michael A. Patten
Keyword(s):  
Tree Sparrow ◽  
Passer Montanus ◽  
Eurasian Tree Sparrow

scholarly journals Influence of growing up in the city or near an airport on the physiological stress of tree sparrow nestlings (Passer montanus)

2021 ◽  
Vol 67 (4) ◽  
Author(s):  
Iraida Redondo ◽  
Jaime Muriel ◽  
Cristina de Castro Díaz ◽  
José I. Aguirre ◽  
Diego Gil ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Antioxidant Capacity ◽  
Rural Area ◽  
Body Condition ◽  
Physiological Stress ◽  
Noise Pollution ◽  
Anthropogenic Pollution ◽  
Aircraft Noise ◽  
Natural Habitats ◽  
Tree Sparrow ◽  
Passer Montanus

AbstractUrbanization constitutes one of the major transformations of natural habitats, creating new areas characterized by multiple potential wildlife stressors. Birds that live in highly anthropized zones are confronted with physiological and behavioural challenges caused by these stressors. Here, we investigated if several health parameters differed between three subpopulations of tree sparrow nestlings subjected to different levels of anthropogenic pollution, and particularly noise pollution: a quiet rural area, a noisy rural area adjacent to an airport and a heavily urbanized area. We compared body condition, oxidative stress markers and baseline corticosterone levels, expecting urban nestlings to be in overall worse condition as compared to rural (rural and rural airport) birds. In addition, we expected nestlings exposed to aircraft noise to show intermediate stress levels. We found that rural-airport nestlings had the highest levels of antioxidant capacity of plasma and did not differ from rural counterparts in the rest of the parameters. By contrast, urban nestlings were in slightly worse body condition and had lower antioxidant capacity than rural and rural-airport individuals. Our results suggest that aircraft noise does not constitute a significant stressor for nestlings. In contrast, urban conditions constitute a more challenging situation, negatively impacting different physiological systems. Although nestlings seem able to buffer these challenges in the short-term, further research should explore the long-term potential consequences of early exposure to these conditions.

Daily expression of clock genes in central and peripheral tissues of tree sparrow (Passer montanus)

2018 ◽  
Vol 36 (1) ◽  
pp. 110-121 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zothanmawii Renthlei ◽  
Tennison Gurumayum ◽  
Bijoy Krishna Borah ◽  
Amit Kumar Trivedi
Keyword(s):  
Clock Genes ◽  
Tree Sparrow ◽  
Peripheral Tissues ◽  
Passer Montanus

scholarly journals Report on the Observation of a Dark morph Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus) in Daejeon Metropolitan City

2011 ◽  
Vol 4 (1) ◽  
pp. 45-46
Author(s):  
Seon Deok Jin ◽  
In Hwan Paik ◽  
Jae Pyoung Yu ◽  
Chi Young Park ◽  
Woon Kee Paek
Keyword(s):  
Tree Sparrow ◽  
Passer Montanus ◽  
Metropolitan City

scholarly journals Current Land Bird Distribution and Trends in Population Abundance Between 1982 and 2012 on Rota, Mariana Islands

2015 ◽  
Vol 6 (2) ◽  
pp. 511-540 ◽  
Author(s):  
Richard J. Camp ◽  
Kevin W. Brinck ◽  
P. Marcos Gorresen ◽  
Fred A. Amidon ◽  
Paul M. Radley ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Land Cover ◽  
Bird Species ◽  
Ratio Estimator ◽  
Occupancy Models ◽  
Tree Sparrow ◽  
Range Restriction ◽  
Widespread Distribution ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Eurasian Tree Sparrow ◽  
Bird Distribution

Abstract The western Pacific island of Rota is the fourth largest human-inhabited island in the Mariana archipelago and designated an Endemic Bird Area. Between 1982 and 2012, 12 point-transect distance-sampling surveys were conducted to assess bird population status. Surveys did not consistently sample the entire island; thus, we used a ratio estimator to estimate bird abundances in strata not sampled during every survey. Trends in population size were reliably estimated for 11 of 13 bird species, and 7 species declined over the 30-y time series, including the island collared-dove Streptopelia bitorquata, white-throated ground-dove Gallicolumba xanthonura, Mariana fruit-dove Ptilinopus roseicapilla, collared kingfisher Todiramphus chloris orii, Micronesian myzomela Myzomela rubratra, black drongo Dicrurus macrocercus, and Mariana crow Corvus kubaryi. The endangered Mariana crow (x̄  =  81 birds, 95% CI 30–202) declined sharply to fewer than 200 individuals in 2012, down from 1,491 birds in 1982 (95% CI  =  815–3,115). Trends increased for white tern Gygis alba, rufous fantail Rhipidura rufifrons mariae, and Micronesian starling Aplonis opaca. Numbers of the endangered Rota white-eye Zosterops rotensis declined from 1982 to the late 1990s but returned to 1980s levels by 2012, resulting in an overall stable trend. Trends for the yellow bittern Ixobrychus sinensis were inconclusive. Eurasian tree sparrow Passer montanus trends were not assessed; however, their numbers in 1982 and 2012 were similar. Occupancy models of the 2012 survey data revealed general patterns of land cover use and detectability among 12 species that could be reliably modeled. Occupancy was not assessed for the Eurasian tree sparrow because of insufficient detections. Based on the 2012 survey, bird distribution and abundance across Rota revealed three general patterns: 1) range restriction, including Mariana crow, Rota white-eye, and Eurasian tree sparrow; 2) widespread distribution, low abundance, including collared kingfisher, island collared-dove, white-throated ground-dove, Mariana fruit-dove, white tern, yellow bittern, black drongo, and Micronesian myzomela; and 3) widespread distribution, high abundance, including rufous fantail and Micronesian starling. The Mariana crow was dispersed around the periphery of the island in steep forested land-cover types. In contrast, the Rota white-eye was restricted to the high-elevation mesa. Only for the white-throated ground-dove was there a significant difference among cover types, with lower occupancy in open field than in forested areas. Vegetation was included in the best-fit occupancy models for yellow bittern, black drongo, Micronesian myzomela, and Micronesian starling, but vegetation type was not a significant variable nor included in the top models for the remaining five species: white tern, island collared-dove, Mariana fruit-dove, collared kingfisher, and rufous fantail. Given declining population trends, the Rota bird-monitoring program could benefit from establishing threshold and alert limits and identifying alternative research and management actions. Continued monitoring and demographic sampling, in conjunction with ecological studies, are needed to understand why most bird species on Rota are declining, identify the causative agents, and assess effectiveness of conservation actions, especially for the Mariana crow.

scholarly journals Effects on egg production and quality of supplementing drinking water with calcium and magnesium

2021 ◽  
Vol 51 (4) ◽  
pp. 469-476
Author(s):  
X.J. Yi ◽  
A. Rehman ◽  
R.W. Akhtar ◽  
A. Abbas ◽  
K. Hussain ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Drinking Water ◽  
Egg Production ◽  
Laying Hens ◽  
Egg Quality ◽  
Production Performance ◽  
Egg Weight ◽  
Calcium And Magnesium ◽  
Eggshell Colour ◽  
Haugh Unit

This study was conducted to appraise the effects on egg quality and production performance of laying hens when drinking water was supplemented with calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg). A total of 384 (64-week-old) Hy-line Brown laying hens were assigned at random to four treatments, which consisted of CON: unsupplemented drinking water; T1: drinking water + 2 mg/L Ca + 250 mg/L Mg; T2: drinking water + 4 mg/L Ca + 510 mg/L Mg /10 L; and T3: drinking water + 5 mg/L Ca and 760 mg/L Mg. The experiment lasted six weeks. Water intake increased linearly in week 1 with the rising levels of Ca and Mg in the drinking water. Increasing the Ca and Mg levels improved eggshell strength (week 2 (P =0.01), week 5 (P =0.01), and week 6 (P = 0.03), and eggshell thickness (week 6) (P =0.02) and reduced the rate at which eggs were broken (week 4) (P =0.01). The supplemental Ca and Mg did not affect egg production, egg weight, Haugh unit, albumen height, eggshell colour, and yolk colour compared with CON. Nor did they influence the Haugh unit and albumen height after storing for 1, 5, 10 and 15 days. In conclusion, adding Ca and Mg to the drinking water increased the thickness and strength of the eggshells.

scholarly journals Pre-imaginal stages of the blowfly Protocalliphora falcozi in nests of the tree sparrow (Passer montanus)

2019 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 107-116 ◽  
Author(s):  
Viera Jánošková ◽  
Ivan Országh ◽  
Ján Jamriška ◽  
Martin Kopáni
Keyword(s):  
Nature Reserve ◽  
Instar Larva ◽  
Tree Sparrow ◽  
Passer Montanus ◽  
National Nature Reserve ◽  
First Instar ◽  
Initial Description ◽  
Third Instar Larvae

This paper offers the initial description ofthe first instar larva of Protocalliphora falcozi Séguy, 1928 (Diptera: Calliphoridae) and redescription of the second and third instar larvae and puparium, as well as distinction between P. falcozi and its relative P. azurea Fallén (Diptera: Calliphoridae). The material was sampled in the National Nature Reserve Šúr (SW Slovakia) from nests of the tree sparrow (Passer montanus), which has not previously been classified as a host of P. falcozi. Knowledge of diagnostically relevant characterics to determine bird blowfly larvae and puparia will undoubtedly contribute to the current accepted phylogeny and classification of the genus Protocalliphora.

scholarly journals Season dependent effects of urban environment on circadian clock of tree sparrow (Passer montanus)

2020 ◽  
Vol 19 (12) ◽  
pp. 1741-1749 ◽  
Author(s):  
Zothanmawii Renthlei ◽  
Bijoy Krishna Borah ◽  
Tennison Gurumayum ◽  
Amit Kumar Trivedi
Keyword(s):  
Circadian Clock ◽  
Urban Environment ◽  
Urban Environments ◽  
Wild Animals ◽  
Tree Sparrow ◽  
Passer Montanus

Great efforts have been made recently to understand the effect(s) of urban environments on the circadian and seasonal physiology of wild animals, but the mechanisms involved remain largely unknown.

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