Showing papers on "Streptopelia published in 2018"

The decline of the Turtle Dove: Dietary associations with body condition and competition with other columbids analysed using high‐throughput sequencing

Abstract: Dietary changes linked to the availability of anthropogenic food resources can have complex implications for species and ecosystems, especially when species are in decline. Here, we use recently developed primers targeting the ITS2 region of plants to characterize diet from faecal samples of four UK columbids, with particular focus on the European turtle dove (Streptopelia turtur), a rapidly declining obligate granivore. We examine dietary overlap between species (potential competition), associations with body condition in turtle doves and spatiotemporal variation in diet. We identified 143 taxonomic units, of which we classified 55% to species, another 34% to genus and the remaining 11% to family. We found significant dietary overlap between all columbid species, with the highest between turtle doves and stock doves (Columba oenas), then between turtle doves and woodpigeons (Columba palumbus). The lowest overlap was between woodpigeons and collared doves (Streptopelia decaocto). We show considerable change in columbid diets compared to previous studies, probably reflecting opportunistic foraging behaviour by columbids within a highly anthropogenically modified landscape, although our data for nonturtle doves should be considered preliminary. Nestling turtle doves in better condition had a higher dietary proportion of taxonomic units from natural arable plant species and a lower proportion of taxonomic units from anthropogenic food resources such as garden bird seed mixes and brassicas. This suggests that breeding ground conservation strategies for turtle doves should include provision of anthropogenic seeds for adults early in the breeding season, coupled with habitat rich in accessible seeds from arable plants once chicks have hatched.

MtDNA genetic diversity and structure of Eurasian Collared Dove (Streptopelia decaocto).

Abstract: The Eurasian Collared Dove (Streptopelia decaocto) is one of the most successful biological invaders among terrestrial vertebrates. However, little information is available on the genetic diversity of the species. A total of 134 Eurasian Collared Doves from Europe, Asia and the Caribbean (n = 20) were studied by sequencing a 658-bp length of mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) cytochrome oxidase I (COI). Fifty-two different haplotypes and relatively high haplotype and nucleotide diversities (Hd±SD = 0.843±0.037 and π±SD = 0.026±0.013) were detected. Haplotype Ht1 was particularly dominant: it included 44.03% of the studied individuals, and contained sequences from 75% of the studied countries. Various analyses (FST, AMOVA, STRUCTURE) distinguished 2 groups on the genetic level, designated 'A' and 'B'. Two groups were also separated in the median-joining network and the maximum likelihood tree. The results of the neutrality tests were negative (Fu FS = -25.914; Tajima D = -2.606) and significantly different from zero (P≤0.001) for group A, whereas both values for group B were positive (Fu FS = 1.811; Tajima D = 0.674) and not significant (P>0.05). Statistically significant positive autocorrelation was revealed among individuals located up to 2000 km apart (r = 0.124; P = 0.001). The present results provide the first information on the genetic diversity and structure of the Eurasian Collared Dove, and can thereby serve as a factual and comparative basis for similar studies in the future.

Habitat use by the invasive exotic Eurasian Collared-Dove (Streptopelia decaocto) and native dove species in the Chamela-Cuixmala region of West Mexico

Abstract: Invasive species are one of the main threats to biodiversity, and anthropogenic disturbance facilitates their entry and establishment. In this study, we assessed the presence and abundance of the invasive Eurasian Collared-Dove (Streptopelia decaocto) along a habitat gradient where this species interacts with native doves and pigeons. We found Eurasian Collared-Doves only in habitats modified by human activities, occurring more frequently in urban areas than agricultural fields. Sites with Eurasian Collared-Doves were highly dominated by this species, displaying less diverse dove communities, suggesting that the presence of this invasive species could be a factor contributing to a reduction of dove diversity. Effective management actions are essential to preserve biodiversity in human-modified habitats such as urban areas, and even more so if exotic invader species are present. Controlling Eurasian Collared-Doves' further dispersion could be beneficial to native dove communities in a wide range o...

Evidence of cryptic species in the genus Tinaminyssus (Acari: Rhinonyssidae) based on morphometrical and molecular data

Abstract: The study of cryptic species allows to describe and to understand biodiversity, and the evolutionary processes shaping it. Mites of the family Rhinonyssidae are permanent parasites of the nasal cavities of birds, currently including about 500 described species and 12 genera. Here, we tested the hypothesis that mites from five populations of the genus Tinaminyssus-three isolated from European turtle doves (Streptopelia turtur), and two from Eurasian collared doves (Streptopelia decaocto; Aves: Columbiformes)-are, in fact, two cryptic species inhabiting different hosts. First, we performed a morphometrical study on 16 traits. Then, we used the ITS1-5.8S rDNA-ITS2 nuclear region (ITS region), and a fragment of the mitochondrial cytochrome c-oxidase 1 (COI) to carry out phylogenetic and species delimitation analyses on Tinaminyssus species. Morphological analyses revealed a lack of biometric differentiation among Tinaminyssus populations from the two host species. However, molecular analyses indicated a high degree of genetic differentiation between populations of Tinaminyssus sp. from S. turtur and S. decaocto. Overall, results show that they can be considered as different cryptic species, suggesting a case of evolutionary stasis, likely because of the anatomical similarity between closely-related bird host species.

Cities favour the recent establishment and current spread of the Eurasian collared dove Streptopelia decaocto (Frivaldszky, 1838) in Dominican Republic

Abstract: The Eurasian collared dove Streptopelia decaocto (Frivaldszky, 1838) spread over the world in the last century. Its presence in America started in the Caribbean islands in the 1970s due to an accidental escape, but the establishment of this non-native species in Dominican Republic (La Hispaniola Island) remains unclear despite of the existence of recent records and its presence in nearby countries since decades ago. We combined citizen science data (compiled in eBird) together with a largescale survey conducted in 2017 (travelling approximately 2,150 kilometers across the main habitats of the island) to ascertain the current invasion status of the species in Dominican Republic. Our results indicate that the species probably colonized -or was introduced intothe island in 2002, being now well established in cities distant up to 270 km far from the city where it was firstly recorded. The current spatial distribution and recent exponential increase in the number of individuals recorded suggest that the spread to more cities and even natural habitats is likely to occur in the near future. Further research is needed to assess its possible impacts on native biodiversity.

Streptopelia risoria and how Linnaeus had the last laugh

Abstract: The dove known as Streptopelia risoria (Linnaeus, 1758) has long confused ornithologists. Linnaeus described a domestic variety of a dove whose wild form was then unknown. Its wild counterpart, African Collared Dove, was subsequently named Streptopelia roseogrisea (Sundevall, 1857) but that name's type series was mixed. Despite this, the name roseogrisea became commonly accepted and was used for both African Collared Dove and its domestic form in avian taxonomy, whilst the name risoria was commonly used by bird-keepers for the domestic form. In 2008 the ICZN ruled that the senior name risoria should have priority for both African Collared Dove and its domestic form, Barbary Dove. Although this decision was appropriate, it was based on incomplete information. Here a detailed history of the use of the name risoria in the ornithological literature is presented, followed by designation of a neotype for roseogrisea to resolve taxonomy.‘Among the Turtle-Doves—now Streptopelia, formerly Turtur—there is first of all a difficulty about the name “risoria”' (Hartert 1916).

Serum biochemical values of some species of apparently healthy free-living wild birds in Zaria, Nigeria

Abstract: The research was carried out to establish baseline serum biochemical parameters for some species of apparently healthy free-living wild birds in Zaria, Nigeria. A total of 133 free-living wild birds, belonging to seven species, comprising 20 each of Poicephalus senegalus (Senegal Parrot), Psittacula krameri (Rose-Ringed Parakeet), Streptopelia senegalensis (Laughing Dove), Treron waalia (Bruce’s Green Pigeon), 19 Columba guinea (Speckled Pigeons), 16 Streptopelia decipiens (Mourning Collar-Doves) and 18 Bubulcus ibis (Cattle Egrets) were used. The Audiocomb serum auto-analyser was used for the analyses. The highest mean glucose (154.70 ± 5.72 mg/dl), creatinine (0.49 ± 0.02 mg/dl) and urea (5.53 ± 0.28 mg/dl) concentrations were obtained from the apparently healthy Mourning Collar Dove, Bruce Green Pigeon and Speckled Pigeon, respectively. Except for mean serum calcium concentration of 2.64 ± 0.05 mg/dl which was highest in the apparently healthy Cattle Egret, the glucose (139.20 ± 4.64 mg/dl), urea (4.24 ± 0.15 mg/dl), total protein (6.65 ± 0.10 g/dl) and albumin (3.77 ± 0.10 g/dl) concentrations were lowest in this species of bird. The mean total protein concentration of 6.93 ± 0.10 g/dl and globulin concentration of 2.97 ± 0.04 g/dl were highest in the apparently healthy Laughing Dove. The apparently healthy Rose-Ringed Parakeet had the highest mean phosphorus concentration of 1.05 ± 0.03 mg/dl and lowest mean globulin fraction of 2.89 ± 0.05 g/dl. The range values for urea (4.40–7.20 mg/dl), calcium (2.53–3.01 mg/dl) and phosphorus (0.87–1.96 mg/dl) were obtained from the Speckled Pigeon, while the Mourning Collar-Dove had range value of 139–202 mg/dl for glucose concentration. In conclusion, there were interspecies variations in biochemical parameters of free-living wild birds in Zaria, Nigeria.

Nest and nest –building behaviour of Laughing dove Streptopelia senegalensis, at Khartoum, Sudan in (2013-2014)

Abstract: Received: 01/7/2018 Accepted:4 /6/2018 Available online: June 2018 Field observations were made of the breeding habits of the Laughing dove Streptopelia senegalensis at six sites in Khartoum State, Sudan. Descriptions are given of the nest sites, nest building, nesting materials, nest measurements, and nest height was determined. In general the maximum number of nests was found in winter in January and February months and in wet season in August and September months, which indicate that there would be abundant food in these months when young were in the nest. The nest distribution of the Laughing dove (Streptopelia Senegalensis) was found to be moderate. With only 36 nests in the first breeding season (2013). In the second breeding season (2014), the nest distribution was also moderate with only 45 nests. One-way ANOVA was used to analyse variations in the number of nests in seasons and in the study area. The ANOVA revealed there was significant variation in numbers of nests in different seasons (P=0.011) and in study area (P=0.001) in 2013. In 2014 There was significant difference in numbers of nests in season (P=0.05),and in study area(P=0.005).

First data on parasite in two species of Columbidae, Eurasian collared dove Streptopelia decaocto and feral pigeon Columba livia.

Abstract: Description of the subject: The work presented here focuses on the parasite directly infested with Columbidae, namely Rock pigeon Columba livia, and Turtledove Streptopelia decaocto caught in an urban area in the Blida region and Oued Smar. Objectives: To evaluate the parasitic fauna of these two species of Columbidae, particularly in the Turkish dove Streptopelia decaocto exotic species in Algeria. Methods: The search for hemiparasites is performed by the colored blood smear method. Concerning endoparasites in the intestines of birds we used the technique of intestinal scraping and flotation technique for the study of coprology. Results: The systematic inventory of ectoparasites, revealed the presence of 7 species of which Columbicola columbae of the order Phthiraptera (lice) dominates with 64.04%. On endoparasites, we noted the presence of Coccidia (Eimeria sp.) and Cestode (Taenia sp.). Finally, the study of hemiparasites raises the existence of protozoa of the genus Haemoproteus sp. with a rate of 47%. We also recorded the presence of Pseudolynchia canariensis (Diptera) on two pigeons. Conclusion: Our results showed that columbidae living near homes may harbor some pathogens far from being negligible for human health.

Confirmación de presencia, registro de anidación, variación estacional de la densidad y uso de recursos para percha de la paloma turca (Streptopelia decaocto; Frivaldszky, 1838) en Morelia, Michoacán, México

Abstract: The Eurasian-collared Dove (Streptopelia decaocto) is an invasive species in North America in the country process of active expansion. Their impact on native biodiversity and public health highlight the importance of knowing patterns of establishment (timing of establishment, population size and dispersion patterns), and potential biotic interactions with other species. We recorded use of perching substrates of the Eurasian-collared Dove density at the beginning and end of one reproductive season in Morelia, Mexico. We used variable-long transects to calculate Eurasian-collared Dove density, and recorded substrate used for each individual observed. Density did increase between survey seasons significantly, however, S. decaocto distribution inside the city was not homogeneous: 82% of records (56 individuals) were concentrated in only two transects. Furthermore, we documented significative change in Casuarina equisetifolia use as perching substrate between the beginning and the end of the reproductive season. Our observations also confirm that the Eurasian-collared Dove is stablished in Morelia city. It is crucial to enhance our knowledge of this exotic and invasive bird species at local scales in order to develop better control and/or eradication management practices.

Morphological features of adults and nymphal instars of Coloceros species (Phthiraptera: Insecta) recovered from Collared-dove Streptopelia decaocto

Abstract: The present report furnishes information on the morphological features of specimens of Coloceros species collected from Collared-dove Streptopelia decaocto in district Rampur. Three nymphal instars of Coloceros sp. can be differentiated by the number of setae present on the postero-lateral angles of pterothorax and abdominal segment six to ninth in addition to nature of sclerotization and abdominal segmentation.

Evaluation of population parameters and biometric data of an Eurasian Collared Dove (Streptopelia decaocto Friv.) population in the Great Plain of Hungary

Abstract: The Eurasian Collared Dove shows different patterns in density all over Hungary. In some cases, the population has decreased to a lower level, but there are habitats where the population remained stable. Several factors were taken into consideration during the evaluation of this phenomenon. These publications state that the increased urbanization of corvids, the lack of food sources, and the changes in nesting sites caused the decrease in numbers. During our research, we intend to contrast the differences in population structure of Collared Doves that differ from each other in the density of predators presented at nesting sites. As a first step, in this paper, numerous samples (n=118) were taken from a population that is less influenced by corvid species’ nest predation. Our prediction was that the population parameters remained at the level of 1980’s, in which the population of Eurasian Collared Dove has reached its maximum, according to further publications. During the evaluation process, our data were collected from hunting bags near Nyiregyhaza. Results were compared with former publications. We stated that the population structure, such as age and gender distribution remained stable in the evaluated population. In addition, morphometric factors of the collected individuals were also measured, such as weight, wing length, 3rd primary feather, and tail length, which were compared with former surveys. During statistical tests no significant difference was revealed among population parameters, but there were significant differences between most of the morphometric data, (p>0.05).