Journal Description
Birds
Birds
is an international, peer-reviewed, open access journal on ornithology published quarterly online by MDPI.
- Open Access— free for readers, with article processing charges (APC) paid by authors or their institutions.
- High Visibility: indexed within ESCI (Web of Science), Scopus, AGRIS, and other databases.
- Rapid Publication: manuscripts are peer-reviewed and a first decision is provided to authors approximately 20 days after submission; acceptance to publication is undertaken in 6.3 days (median values for papers published in this journal in the second half of 2023).
- Recognition of Reviewers: Reviewers who provide timely, thorough peer-review reports receive vouchers entitling them to a discount on the APC of their next publication in any MDPI journal. While single-blind peer review is standard, reviewers have the option available for signed peer review, and reviewer names are published annually in the journal.
- Birds is a companion journal of Animals.
Latest Articles
A Bird in the Hand Is Worth Two in the Bush: Bird Visibility as a Predictor of the Perception of Birds by Humans
Birds 2024, 5(1), 24-37; https://doi.org/10.3390/birds5010002 - 28 Dec 2023
Abstract
Human dimensions of birds are becoming increasingly popular. One aspect is charismatic species and their impact on nature conservation, and the other is the positive impact of birds on human well-being. Studies exploring these relationships are mostly based on species richness, but specific
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Human dimensions of birds are becoming increasingly popular. One aspect is charismatic species and their impact on nature conservation, and the other is the positive impact of birds on human well-being. Studies exploring these relationships are mostly based on species richness, but specific species traits are usually not studied. Here, we propose two new variables, visibility duration, and obstruction, being relevant to human–bird encounters. Visibility measures if and for how long a bird is visible. Obstruction measures to what extent the bird is concealed by vegetation. We collected behavioral data using focal animal sampling (3 min with blocks of 15 s, one-zero sampling). Additionally, species identity, sex, flocking (yes/no) and observation distance were collected. This was combined with an assessment where three experts scored the visibility of the different species on a scale from 1 to 5. The most significant predictor of visibility duration was species identity with an explained variance of 44%. Concerning obstruction, 34% of the variance was explained by species identity. Sex and flocking were not significant. A cluster analysis on the species level led to a three-cluster solution. The mean expert assessment correlated positively with visibility duration (r = 0.803) and negatively with obstruction (r = −0.422). The behavioral trait of visibility may be an important aspect in the analysis of human–bird encounters but also ecological bird studies.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Birds and People)
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Predator-Proofing Avian Nestboxes: A Review of Interventions, Opportunities, and Challenges
Birds 2024, 5(1), 1-23; https://doi.org/10.3390/birds5010001 - 25 Dec 2023
Abstract
Nestboxes are commonly used to increase the number and quality of nest sites available to birds that usually use tree cavities and are considered an important conservation intervention. Although usually safer than natural cavities, birds nesting in simple, unmodified wooden nestboxes remain at
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Nestboxes are commonly used to increase the number and quality of nest sites available to birds that usually use tree cavities and are considered an important conservation intervention. Although usually safer than natural cavities, birds nesting in simple, unmodified wooden nestboxes remain at risk of depredation. Accordingly, numerous design and placement modifications have been developed to ‘predator-proof’ nestboxes. These include: (1) adding metal plates around entrance holes to prevent enlargement; (2) affixing wire mesh to side panels; (3) deepening boxes to increase distance to nest cup; (4) creating external entrance ‘tunnels’ or internal wooden ledges; (5) using more robust construction materials; (6) developing photosensitive shutters to exclude nocturnal predators; (7) using baffles to block climbing mammals; and (8) regular replacement and relocation. However, the benefits and costs of these modifications are not always well understood. In this global review, we collate information on predator-proofing avian nestboxes designed for tree cavity-nesting birds to assess the efficacy of techniques for different predators (mammalian, avian, and reptilian) in different contexts. We critique the potential for modifications to have unintended consequences—including increasing nest building effort, altering microclimate, reducing provisioning rate, and elevating ectoparasite and microbial loads—to identify hidden costs. We conclude by highlighting remaining gaps in knowledge and providing guidance on optimal modifications in different contexts.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Nest Design and Reproductive Success)
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Satellite Telemetry Insights into the Winter Habitat Use and Movement Ecology of Common and Demoiselle Cranes
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Birds 2023, 4(4), 337-358; https://doi.org/10.3390/birds4040029 - 28 Nov 2023
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Using satellite telemetry, it is possible to track long-distance migrant birds with high accuracy and greater spatial coverage. However, prior to 2014, less than 1% of bird species in India had been monitored using this technology. Between January and February 2022, we deployed
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Using satellite telemetry, it is possible to track long-distance migrant birds with high accuracy and greater spatial coverage. However, prior to 2014, less than 1% of bird species in India had been monitored using this technology. Between January and February 2022, we deployed leg-mounted solar GPS/GSM satellite transmitters to Common Cranes and Demoiselle Cranes (two each) to study home ranges, movement, migration patterns, and habitat use. We used 95% kernels to define the total home range size and 50% kernels to delimit the core areas. The winter habitat use was assessed using Generalized Linear Models (GLM). The average home range of Common Cranes and Demoiselle Cranes was estimated as 161.22 ± 172.08 km2 and 971.40 ± 1023.57 km2, respectively. During migration, Common Crane-1 and Common Crane-2 traveled an average of 471.19 ± 442.42 and 176.97 ± 24.82 km per day, and Demoiselle Crane-1 and Demoiselle Crane-2 covered an average daily distance of 168.10 ± 203.77 and 192.97 ± 250.72 km, respectively. Water bodies and croplands were the most important habitat variables influencing crane presence positively. In recent years, the share of food grain crops within the study area has declined from 43% in 1994–1995 to 36% in 2014–2015, while the share of cotton crops has doubled from 11% to 20%, indicating a probable cause of concern in the near future.
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The Granular Size Concept in Avian Ecology: A Critical Analysis of eBird Data Bias Using the Bird Rank Abundance Distribution
Birds 2023, 4(4), 330-336; https://doi.org/10.3390/birds4040028 - 27 Nov 2023
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In previous studies using eBird citizen data, bird abundance rankings followed a power law distribution. Our research delves into the “granular size” concept within these power laws, likening birds to firms. We identified 13 bird species as being the granular size, representing species
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In previous studies using eBird citizen data, bird abundance rankings followed a power law distribution. Our research delves into the “granular size” concept within these power laws, likening birds to firms. We identified 13 bird species as being the granular size, representing species with significant ecosystem impact, akin to major corporations in an economy. In particular, these species are urban, raising concerns about the eBird database’s sampling bias. Using the economic concept of granular size, we argue that the eBird database may be inherently unreliable.
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Defining Collision Risk: Lesser Flamingo Phoeniconaias minor Power Line Collision Sensitivity and Exposure for Proactive Mitigation
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Birds 2023, 4(4), 315-329; https://doi.org/10.3390/birds4040027 - 18 Nov 2023
Abstract
Lesser Flamingos Phoeniconaias minor regularly collide with power lines in South Africa. Attaching light-emitting markers to overhead wires seems to be an effective mitigation measure; however, the cost of these devices is prohibitive of large-scale installation. Spatial predictions about flamingo collision risk are
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Lesser Flamingos Phoeniconaias minor regularly collide with power lines in South Africa. Attaching light-emitting markers to overhead wires seems to be an effective mitigation measure; however, the cost of these devices is prohibitive of large-scale installation. Spatial predictions about flamingo collision risk are thus important for achieving efficient and effective proactive mitigation. In this study, collision risk was defined as a combination of factors related to threat exposure. A habitat suitability index was developed according to changes in surface water occurrence and Chlorophyll-a concentrations, which proved accurate in predicting Lesser Flamingo occurrence. Habitat suitability, and three other species and threat exposure variables, were then used in logistic regression models predicting the occurrence of historic collisions. The most parsimonious model included habitat suitability and flight height. Flamingos were only at risk of collision with power lines when flying lower than 50 m and within 3 km from the water’s edge. High-risk power line sections were thus identified from 3 km buffers around waterbodies ranked according to habitat suitability, which significantly reduced the number of power line spans predicted for proactive marking. While our models indicated that aspects related to exposure were important for predicting flamingo power line collisions, aspects related to sensitivity (e.g., nocturnal behavior) must also guide the choice of mitigation.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Bird Mortality Caused by Power Lines)
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200 Years of Caprimulgid Records in Southern Brazil: A Comparison between the Literature and Citizen Science Data
Birds 2023, 4(4), 303-314; https://doi.org/10.3390/birds4040026 - 30 Oct 2023
Abstract
Although the ornithological history of southern Brazil has been amassed over the last 200 years, few attempts have been made to describe how species have accumulated. Furthermore, the collaboration of citizen scientists has considerably changed the way researchers analyze empirical data. Caprimulgidae (Nightjars
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Although the ornithological history of southern Brazil has been amassed over the last 200 years, few attempts have been made to describe how species have accumulated. Furthermore, the collaboration of citizen scientists has considerably changed the way researchers analyze empirical data. Caprimulgidae (Nightjars and Nighthawks) species were used to illustrate how species have been recorded since the 1800s in Paraná State by comparing traditional and citizen science data. In addition, reports from both researchers and citizen scientists on the breeding biology of these caprimulgids have been verified. A literature review was conducted searching for the Caprimulgid species within the territory of Paraná. Regarding citizen science, records were obtained from four ornithological platforms. Overall, 14 species were detected within the state, 13 of which have been described in the literature, including 1 endemic to the Atlantic Forest and 3 threatened species. Citizen scientists detected all 13 taxa, in addition to one undocumented species that has never been recorded by researchers. There were 12 times more records on ornithological platforms in half of the sampling effort accumulated in studies, but most of them date from the last five years. Citizen scientists also visited 4.5 times more locations than researchers. Citizen scientists accumulated more records around September and November, and most (59%) records were from 2020–2022. Researchers mentioned species as early as 1820, while continuous studies only began during the 1980s; they concentrated their fieldwork mostly in September. Only one (2%) study sought to describe the breeding biology of a caprimulgid species, but there were 84 observations on ornithological platforms between 2004–2022 on their reproduction. Because of the evident mismatch between traditional and citizen science data due to a lack of congruence between their actions, it is suggested that ornithology in Paraná, as well as other Brazilian regions, would benefit the most if traditional and citizen scientists improved their networking communication to focus on common purposes instead of acting independently.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Birds and People)
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Sex and Age Bias in Australian Magpies Struck by Aircraft
Birds 2023, 4(4), 295-302; https://doi.org/10.3390/birds4040025 - 27 Oct 2023
Abstract
Wildlife–aircraft collisions represent a safety and financial challenge, necessitating site-specific hazard assessments, which are generally based on species’ attributes and collision frequencies. However, for many bird species, collision probability and risk may not be distributed equally among individuals, with sex and age differences
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Wildlife–aircraft collisions represent a safety and financial challenge, necessitating site-specific hazard assessments, which are generally based on species’ attributes and collision frequencies. However, for many bird species, collision probability and risk may not be distributed equally among individuals, with sex and age differences possible but rarely examined. We examine Australian Magpies, a resident, grassland species of bird in southeastern Australia frequently involved in collisions with aircraft at airports, and which can be sexed (adults) and aged. We compared collision rates recorded at Melbourne Airport, Victoria, Australia, with airside counts of magpies, recording, when observable, the sex and age of the birds. Adult females and males were similarly abundant at the airport (46.6% female), but females were struck relatively more frequently than males (78.1% female). Juvenile (first-year) magpies were struck more frequently than expected based on their representation in bird counts. We show an example of where some demographic groups within species represent higher hazard potential to aircraft than others, and management which manipulates demography of magpies at and near the airport (such as discouraging local breeding and targeted harassment/dispersal) may be fruitful.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers of Birds 2022–2023)
Open AccessArticle
Life History and Sociality Predict Variation in Eye Size across Birds
Birds 2023, 4(3), 284-294; https://doi.org/10.3390/birds4030024 - 23 Aug 2023
Cited by 1
Abstract
Over evolutionary times, the eye has acquired several adaptations to improve feeding efficiency and reduce predation pressure. Eye size, in particular, represents a target for selection, as it affects light capture and image resolution. Previous research on variation in eye size across species
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Over evolutionary times, the eye has acquired several adaptations to improve feeding efficiency and reduce predation pressure. Eye size, in particular, represents a target for selection, as it affects light capture and image resolution. Previous research on variation in eye size across species has focused on ecological factors related to light availability and foraging needs. Larger eyes are also thought to allow species to detect distant predators more easily, but this conjecture has not been examined across species. I predicted that risk-averse species or those exposed to high predation risk benefit from relatively larger eyes to enhance predator detection. To test the prediction, I performed a comparative analysis involving 660 species of birds while controlling for phylogeny, body size and other known ecological correlates of eye size. The results show that species at the slow end of the life history continuum, which emphasize survival over reproduction and are expected to be risk-averse, have evolved relatively larger eyes. In addition, solitary species, which cannot rely on others in their groups to decrease predation risk, are also characterized by relatively larger eyes. The results indicate that predation risk, through its association with life history and sociality, is an important ecological factor in the evolution of eye size across species.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers of Birds 2022–2023)
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Leash Status of Approaching Dogs Mediates Escape Modality but Not Flight-Initiation Distance in a Common Urban Bird
Birds 2023, 4(3), 277-283; https://doi.org/10.3390/birds4030023 - 25 Jul 2023
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Controversy exists around owned dogs’ impacts in public open spaces, with concerns about dogs’ impact on wildlife, including birds. Leashing dogs in public open spaces offers a tractable way of reducing dogs’ deleterious impacts on birds. Although dogs in public spaces are often
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Controversy exists around owned dogs’ impacts in public open spaces, with concerns about dogs’ impact on wildlife, including birds. Leashing dogs in public open spaces offers a tractable way of reducing dogs’ deleterious impacts on birds. Although dogs in public spaces are often unleashed, some dogs roam freely, whilst other unleashed dogs remain close to their owners. It is currently unknown whether birds can perceive and incorporate subtle differences in the leash status of approaching, but non-roaming, dogs into their escape decisions. We compare escape responses of a common urban bird, the magpie-lark Grallina cyanoleuca, in parks in Melbourne, Australia, to standardized approaches by a walker and a dog, which was either leashed or not leashed (but with the dog at the same distance from the walker). Flight-initiation distances, the distance between the lark and dog when escape commenced, did not vary between treatments. However, the unleashed dog evoked more intense responses (mostly flying away) than the leashed dog (mostly walking away). Thus, this species appears to perceive unleashed dogs as especially threatening, independent of their roaming behavior. Our findings suggest that leashing may be an effective way to reduce dog disturbance to wildlife, even for non-roaming dogs.
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Perceptions of Birds by Urban Residents in an Australian Regional City and Implications for Conservation
Birds 2023, 4(3), 262-276; https://doi.org/10.3390/birds4030022 - 13 Jul 2023
Cited by 1
Abstract
Given the prevalence of common and threatened bird species within cities, more research is necessary to determine human attitudes to urban birds and how this may affect conservation in urban areas In Australia, few studies have considered the impact of human attitudes on
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Given the prevalence of common and threatened bird species within cities, more research is necessary to determine human attitudes to urban birds and how this may affect conservation in urban areas In Australia, few studies have considered the impact of human attitudes on birds; those that have focused primarily on particular species. In this study, we aim to understand the perceptions of urban residents of an Australian city (Ballarat) by examining the ways they categorise birds (using the multiple sorting technique). We found that people were particularly enamored by large, exotic species, but if familiar to them, native species were positively perceived by people. People tended to view aggressive species negatively, but only where this aggression was directed at humans. This approach gained important insight into the attitudes of these urban residents to local birds and their conservation. We used this insight to suggest how attitudes to avian species conservation may inform conservation initiatives and methods for maintaining biological diversity in urban areas.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Birds and People)
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Ten Principles for Bird-Friendly Forestry: Conservation Approaches in Natural Forests Used for Timber Production
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Birds 2023, 4(2), 245-261; https://doi.org/10.3390/birds4020021 - 16 Jun 2023
Cited by 1
Abstract
Bird–forestry relationships have been the subject of research and conservation initiatives for decades, but there are few reviews of resulting recommendations for use by forest managers. We define “bird-friendly forestry” as forest management that applies recommendations from research seeking to reconcile logging with
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Bird–forestry relationships have been the subject of research and conservation initiatives for decades, but there are few reviews of resulting recommendations for use by forest managers. We define “bird-friendly forestry” as forest management that applies recommendations from research seeking to reconcile logging with bird conservation in natural forests used for timber production. We reviewed relevant studies to synthesize 10 principles of bird-friendly forestry: (1) protect and enhance vertical structure through uneven-aged silviculture; (2) leave abundant dead wood in different decay stages; (3) maintain residual large green trees; (4) create and maintain sufficient amounts of uncut reserves and corridors; (5) maximize forest interior by retaining large contiguous forest tracts in landscapes with sufficient functional connectivity; (6) maintain buffers along streams, rivers, and wetlands cultural and urban landscapes; (7) maintain horizontal stand structure and enhance vegetation diversity by creating canopy gaps; (8) extend the temporal scale of logging cycles; (9) minimize post-logging disturbance to forests, particularly during the bird breeding season; and (10) manage for focal species and guilds. These principles may serve as guidelines in developing bird-friendly management plans customized for regional priority species, with a clearly articulated vision and quantitative objectives through which success can be measured.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers of Birds 2022–2023)
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Highly Conserved Microchromosomal Organization in Passeriformes Birds Revealed via BAC-FISH Analysis
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Birds 2023, 4(2), 236-244; https://doi.org/10.3390/birds4020020 - 16 Jun 2023
Abstract
Passeriformes birds are widely recognized for their remarkable diversity, with over 5700 species described so far. Like most bird species, they possess a karyotype characteristic of modern birds, which includes a bimodal karyotype consisting of a few pairs of macrochromosomes and many pairs
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Passeriformes birds are widely recognized for their remarkable diversity, with over 5700 species described so far. Like most bird species, they possess a karyotype characteristic of modern birds, which includes a bimodal karyotype consisting of a few pairs of macrochromosomes and many pairs of microchromosomes. Although the karyotype is typically 2n = 80, the diploid number can atypically vary greatly, ranging from 56 to approximately 100 chromosomes. In this study, we aimed to understand the extent of conservation of the karyotype’s organizational structure within four species of this group using Bacterial Artificial Chromosomes via Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (BAC-FISH) with microchromosome probes from Chicken (Gallus gallus) or Zebra Finch (Taeniopygia guttata) per microchromosomes (GGA10-28, except GGA16). By examining the chromosome complement of four passerine species—the Streaked Flycatcher (Myiodynastes maculatus), Shiny Cowbird (Molothrus bonariensis), Southern House Wren (Troglodytes aedon), and Double-collared Seedeater (Sporophila caerulescens)—we discovered a new chromosome number for Southern House Wren. Through FISH experiments, we were able to observe the same pattern of microchromosome organization as in the common ancestor of birds. As a result, we propose a new diploid number for Southern House Wren and confirm the conservation status of microchromosome organization, which may confer evolutionary advantages to this group.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers of Birds 2022–2023)
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Permanent Ad-lib Feeders Decrease the Survival of Wintering Great Tits (Parus major)
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Birds 2023, 4(2), 225-235; https://doi.org/10.3390/birds4020019 - 15 May 2023
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The optimal body mass hypothesis posits that the body reserves of wintering birds are balanced between the risk of starvation and predation. In this study, we tested whether the body mass of wintering Great Tits (Parus major) was higher under conditions
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The optimal body mass hypothesis posits that the body reserves of wintering birds are balanced between the risk of starvation and predation. In this study, we tested whether the body mass of wintering Great Tits (Parus major) was higher under conditions of less predictable food resources. We compared body mass, body mass index, the speed at take-off, and apparent survival of Great Tit adult males wintering in small urban areas either near feeders providing permanent access to food for months or near feeders providing irregular access to food. Body mass and body mass index were greater, while take-off speed and apparent survival were lower, in birds wintering near permanent feeders than birds wintering near irregular feeders. Thus, urban birds, with their predictable access to high energy food, did not follow the fattening strategy predicted by the optimal body mass hypothesis. This study shows that regular excess amounts of high-energy food may affect urban birds’ physiological and behavioral strategies in a non-adaptive way. We recommend irregular feeding of wintering birds and the placing of feeders in places that are safe against attacking predators.
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Seasonal Use of Dairies as Overnight Roosts by Common Starlings (Sturnus vulgaris)
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Birds 2023, 4(2), 213-224; https://doi.org/10.3390/birds4020018 - 02 May 2023
Abstract
The Common Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) is an invasive bird species in North America that can cause damage to dairies. Starlings roost in structures on dairies overnight, defecating on cows, feed, and supplies. To target roosts for effective deterrence, farmers must know
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The Common Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) is an invasive bird species in North America that can cause damage to dairies. Starlings roost in structures on dairies overnight, defecating on cows, feed, and supplies. To target roosts for effective deterrence, farmers must know what times of the year starling populations are greatest. To test seasonality, two data sets were analyzed. First, birds were counted for 20–30 min at sunrise and sunset on 10 Whatcom County, Washington dairies over four weeks in September and October of 2016. Starling counts were greater in the last week of observations than in weeks one, two, and three. Second, birds were counted at sunset for four weeks during winter 2021 and spring and summer 2022 at two dairies in the Palouse region of Washington State and Idaho. As temperature and minutes of daylight decreased, bird abundance increased. There was also an effect of season, with more birds counted in winter and spring than in summer. These data sets combined suggest a seasonal use of dairies as night roosts by starlings. With this information, farmers in the United States will know to contact wildlife managers in the summer, so a starling deterrence strategy can be developed before roosts are established in the fall.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers of Birds 2022–2023)
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Stopover Ecology of the European Turtle Dove (Streptopelia turtur), a Threatened Migratory Bird Species, after the Crossing of an Extended Ecological Barrier
Birds 2023, 4(2), 202-212; https://doi.org/10.3390/birds4020017 - 26 Apr 2023
Abstract
Migratory routes, important stopover sites and wintering grounds for the Turtle Dove, a declining trans-Saharan migratory bird, are known mainly for populations in western and central Europe, but very little is known about birds using the eastern migration flyway. By combining long-term ringing
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Migratory routes, important stopover sites and wintering grounds for the Turtle Dove, a declining trans-Saharan migratory bird, are known mainly for populations in western and central Europe, but very little is known about birds using the eastern migration flyway. By combining long-term ringing data, tracking data and citizen science data, a comprehensive picture of the stopover ecology of the Turtle Dove’s spring migration in the eastern Mediterranean is presented. Furthermore, a quantitative estimate of the number of birds that migrate over Greece during the spring migration is given. Approximately 16% of the European population migrates through Greece, passing through as early as the end of March, with the passage lasting up to the end of May. On average, the species arrives depleted after the crossing of the Sahara Desert and the Mediterranean Sea, with no systematic refuelling event taking place in North Africa. Both tracking and ringing data indicate that the birds undergo an extensive stopover after the barrier crossing (as much as close to three weeks). Turtle Doves additionally show significant body mass gain during their stay, indicating the potential importance of stopover sites after the Mediterranean Sea for the conservation of the species.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers of Birds 2022–2023)
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Fruit Color Preference of Frugivorous Birds in an Agroecosystem in Southcentral Mindanao, Philippines
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Birds 2023, 4(2), 190-201; https://doi.org/10.3390/birds4020016 - 24 Apr 2023
Abstract
The removal of fruit is a consequence of plant–animal interactions, and is a vital step in the natural regeneration cycle of plant populations. This research aimed to determine the effect of fruit color and local landscape on plant–bird interactions in an agroecosystem in
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The removal of fruit is a consequence of plant–animal interactions, and is a vital step in the natural regeneration cycle of plant populations. This research aimed to determine the effect of fruit color and local landscape on plant–bird interactions in an agroecosystem in Southcentral Mindanao, Philippines. We set out 1500 artificial fruit models in ten sampling locations within an agroecosystem. We measured the difference in the proportion of predated/removed (%) fruit models and the risk between sites, fruit color, and predators. Approximately a quarter (24.53%) of the artificial fruit models deployed were predated, and the proportion of predation was significantly higher in the red fruit models (mean = 18.74 ± 9.84) compared to the green fruit models (mean = 11.67 ± 6.17). Birds were the most dominant predators compared to mammals and arthropods, and contributed to at least 60% of the predation of red fruits. Our findings are consistent with previous evidence showing birds’ preferences for darker fruit colors. Although landscape variables did not significantly affect fruit predation, tree cover may help increase these interactions. Overall, our study showed that agroecosystems can still support species of frugivorous birds, as indicated by high fruit predation rates, particularly by birds that can permeate different layers of the agroecosystem. Our findings demonstrate an important implication for habitat quality management within agroecosystems. Enriching agroecosystems with pioneer trees with dark-colored fleshy fruits is a sustainable greening strategy that would benefit frugivores and producers in this system.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers of Birds 2022–2023)
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Arabian Partridge Abundance and Limiting Factors at the Northern Boundary of Its Range
Birds 2023, 4(2), 179-189; https://doi.org/10.3390/birds4020015 - 20 Apr 2023
Cited by 1
Abstract
The Arabian Partridge (Alectoris melanocephala), is an endemic bird species of the Arabian Desert that lives in groups and inhabits rocky hillsides with patchy vegetation. Throughout their range, Arabian Partridges contend with hunting and habitat destruction, factors that may limit their
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The Arabian Partridge (Alectoris melanocephala), is an endemic bird species of the Arabian Desert that lives in groups and inhabits rocky hillsides with patchy vegetation. Throughout their range, Arabian Partridges contend with hunting and habitat destruction, factors that may limit their distribution and abundance. Although the abundance of this species has been assumed to be stable, no actual estimate of its population size has been undertaken. We assessed the distribution and estimated the abundance of the Arabian Partridge at the northern boundary of its range in Saudi Arabia. The estimated density and abundance of the Arabian Partridge in Harrat Uwayrid Biosphere Reserve was 25.6 (6.16 SE) birds/km2 and ~118 individuals, respectively, with higher numbers of individuals in less disturbed sites and near rocky outcrops and hillsides. In sites where hunting occurred, as indicated by the presence of hunting shelters, partridge numbers were extremely low or absent. Our study provides the first quantitative assessment of the Arabian Partridge at the northern limit of its range and highlights the need to reduce threats from hunting, livestock grazing, and feral donkeys and to undertake conservation measures to mitigate factors associated with partridge decline.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers of Birds 2022–2023)
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Power Laws Govern the Abundance Distribution of Birds by Rank
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Birds 2023, 4(2), 171-178; https://doi.org/10.3390/birds4020014 - 07 Apr 2023
Cited by 1
Abstract
Only a few bird species are abundant. Understanding the abundance distribution of bird species is critical for conservation efforts because rare species may be more vulnerable to habitat loss, climate change, and other threats. According to new data, a log left-skewed distribution, rather
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Only a few bird species are abundant. Understanding the abundance distribution of bird species is critical for conservation efforts because rare species may be more vulnerable to habitat loss, climate change, and other threats. According to new data, a log left-skewed distribution, rather than a lognormal distribution, better adjusts to the abundance distribution of bird species. We look at the rank abundance distribution rather than the species abundance distribution that use the same data and find three power laws: for the top four species; for the abundant species minus the top four; and for the rare species.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers of Birds 2022–2023)
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Long-Term Population Trends of House Sparrow and Eurasian Tree Sparrow in Spain
Birds 2023, 4(2), 159-170; https://doi.org/10.3390/birds4020013 - 25 Mar 2023
Abstract
Urban areas are constantly increasing, which can cause an effect in bird populations since human activities lead to nature alterations. Populations of House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) and Eurasian Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus) have been decreasing in Spain according to
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Urban areas are constantly increasing, which can cause an effect in bird populations since human activities lead to nature alterations. Populations of House Sparrow (Passer domesticus) and Eurasian Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus) have been decreasing in Spain according to the latest national censuses in Spain. In this study, we tried to assess the population trend over more than two decades using ringing data from Spanish constant effort sites, as well as to determine the population and breeding success proxy in relation to habitat composition at landscape level. We analysed the data and confirmed the decreasing trend in the two species. However, Eurasian Tree Sparrow showed signs of increasing presence in urban areas. Furthermore, the productivity remained stable over sampling sites and years, meaning that the causes of the decreasing populations are affecting both adult and juvenile individuals.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers of Birds 2022–2023)
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Open AccessBrief Report
Concentrations of Manganese in Tufted Titmouse Feathers near Metal Processing Plants
by
and
Birds 2023, 4(1), 148-158; https://doi.org/10.3390/birds4010012 - 22 Mar 2023
Abstract
Human industry and land use has led to the anthropogenic release of manganese (Mn) into the air and soil near manufacturing centers. Overexposure to Mn can cause considerable health problems in birds. We studied whether the concentration of Mn in bird feathers correlates
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Human industry and land use has led to the anthropogenic release of manganese (Mn) into the air and soil near manufacturing centers. Overexposure to Mn can cause considerable health problems in birds. We studied whether the concentration of Mn in bird feathers correlates with the distance to point sources of Mn air emissions. Feathers were collected from Tufted Titmice (Baeolophus bicolor) at two sites in western Pennsylvania, USA. One site was in proximity (0.3 km) to a steel plant with documented Mn releases, and the other site was in a different town about 4.0 km away from other steel plants with documented Mn releases. Using the microwave plasma–atomic emission spectrometer (MP–AES), we found that tail feathers collected from nearest to a steel plant had a significantly higher concentration of Mn compared to the samples from the site further from the emission source. A body mass index was calculated for each set of birds; however, the indices did not vary significantly. This is the first published study of Mn sequestration in Tufted Titmouse feathers. This study develops our general understanding of the potential use of bird feathers as non-invasive bioindicators of environmental metal exposure.
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(This article belongs to the Special Issue Feature Papers of Birds 2022–2023)
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