Ornitología Neotropical (E-Journal)
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RAPID COLONIZATION OF ECUADOR BY THE TROPICAL MOCKINGBIRD (MIMUS GILVUS)
Get PDFABSTRACT Some species benefit from anthropogenic ecosystem disturbance expanding their distribution ranges rapidly into altered areas. Given the current availability of anthropogenic landscapes in the Neotropic, it is important to document cases of species’ range extensions to better understand the factors that influence their distribution. In this manuscript, we document the colonization process of the Tropical Mockingbird (Mimus gilvus) in Ecuador since its arrival from Colombia in 1996, and analyze its range expansion to predict its future distribution based on a potential distribution climate model. Data collected indicate that the species has expanded 300 km southwards since first recorded in Ecuador. Given the availability of suitable climate conditions and the availability of disturbed land, it is expected that M. gilvus will continue its current range expansion southwards, occupying most Ecuador, mainly along inter‐Andean valleys.RESUMEN ∙ La rápida colonización del Sinsonte Tropical (Mimus gilvus) en Ecuador Algunas especies se benefician del disturbio antropogénico sobre los ecosistemas, expandiendo rápidamente sus rangos de distribución hacia áreas alteradas. Dada la disponibilidad actual de paisajes antropogénicos en el Neotrópico, es importante documentar los casos de expansión de rango de las especies para comprender mejor los factores que influyen en la distribución de estas. Aquí documentamos el proceso de colonización del Sinsonte Tropical (Mimus gilvus) en Ecuador, desde su arribo de Colombia en 1996, y analizamos su expansión de rango para predecir su futura distribución en base a un modelo climático de su rango potencial. Los datos obtenidos indicaron que la especie se ha expandido 300 km hacia el sur desde su primer reporte en Ecuador. Dada la disponibilidad de condiciones climáticas favorables y de áreas disturbadas, se espera que M. gilvus continúe su actual expansión hacia el sur, ocupando la mayor parte del Ecuador, principalmente los valles interandinos
DIETA Y COMPORTAMIENTO DE ALIMENTACIÓN DEL OSTRERO AUSTRAL (HAEMATOPUS LEUCOPODUS) DURANTE EL PERÍODO POS-REPRODUCTIVO EN EL ESTUARIO DEL RÍO GALLEGOS, PATAGONIA, ARGENTINA
Get PDFDiet and feeding behaviour of the Magellanic Oystercatcher (Haematopus leucopodus) during the post-reproductive period at Río Gallegos Estuary, Patagonia, Argentina. – Although the diet of several species of oystercatchers has been studied in detail, there is little information about the Magellanic Oystercatcher (Haematopus leucopodus), an endemic species from Patagonia. We studied the diet and feeding behaviour during the post-reproductive period at Río Gallegos Estuary, Argentina, one of their main wintering grounds. We observed the feeding behaviour of oystercatchers and measured prey remains to assess bivalves size distribution. We also quantified the availability and size distribution of available bivalves. The clam Darina solenoides was the most consumed prey (77%), followed by mussels Mytilus edulis platensis (16%) and polychaetes (less than 6%). Both bivalves were available in high quantities in the intertidal zone, but the oystercatchers ate more clams, probably because mussels require longer handling time. The feeding technique used to eat mussels was “ventral hammering,” while clams or polychaetes were consumed using the “probing” technique. The Magellanic Oystercatcher showed a high selectivity for prey-size feeding on medium-sized bivalves, a tendency also recorded for other oystercatcher species
BIOLOGÍA REPRODUCTIVA DEL PICAPALO COLORADO (CAMPYLORHAMPHUS TROCHILIROSTRIS) Y EL PICAPALO OSCURO (C. FALCULARIUS) EN ARGENTINA
Get PDFReproductive biology of the Red-billed Scythebill (Campylorhamphus trochilirostris) and Black-billed Scythebill (C. falcularius) in Argentina. – The genus Campylorhamphus (Furnariidae: Dendrocolaptinae) is poorly known in terms of natural history and reproduction. Here we describe aspects of reproduction from three nests of the Red-billed Scythebill (Campylorhamphus trochilirostris) in the Chaco of Argentina, and from one nest of the Black-billed Scythebill (C. falcularius) in the Atlantic Forest of Argentina. One of the nests of C. trochilirostris was in a cavity excavated by a woodpecker. The remaining nests were in cavities formed by natural decay. Both species had a clutch size of two. Two adults participated in incubation at each nest, bringing pieces of bark when they entered the cavity. Incubation bouts were 50 ± 3 min (mean ± SE) for C. trochilirostris (n = 3) and 57 ± 13 min for C. falcularius (n = 8). The nest of C. falcularius was depredated during the incubation period. In C. trochilirostris both adults delivered arthropods to nestlings and removed fecal sacs. They brought food on average 5.8 times/h and removed fecal sacs 2.5 times/h when the nestlings were feathered. Campylorhamphus should be included among the genera of Dendrocolaptinae with biparental care, along with Dendrocolaptes, Xiphocolaptes, Dendroplex, and Lepidocolaptes, but in contrast to Dendrocincla, Xiphorhynchus, and Sittasomus
VEGETATION, URBANIZATION, AND BIRD RICHNESS IN A BRAZILIAN PERIURBAN AREA
Get PDFABSTRACT ∙ Birds have received special attention in urban areas. Due to their conspicuousness and quick response to habitat changes, they perfectly fit the requirements as a bioindicator group. In this study, we assessed the relationships between urbanization intensity and vegetation characteristics and bird richness in greenspaces of the Federal University of São Carlos, São Paulo, Brazil. We found a significant positive relationship between exotic tree abundance and maximum tree height, and bird species richness; but no interaction effect between exotic tree abundance and maximum tree height. The results of this study suggest that the size and resources provided by trees are affecting bird richness in our study site. Although many of the resources (e.g., flowers, fruits, nesting sites) are provided by exotic plants in our study site, native ones were clearly underrepresented. Given the negative effects that exotic plant species can have on ecosystems, it is crucial to consider planting alternative native species that can offer resources similar to those currently available through exotic ones.RESUMO ∙ Vegetação, urbanização e riqueza de aves em uma área peri‐urbana Brasileira As aves tem recebido uma atenção especial em áreas urbanas por serem facilmente detectáveis e responderem facilmente às mudanças de habitat, enquadrando‐se perfeitamente como grupo bioindicador nesses ambientes. Neste estudo foram avaliadas as relações entre a intensidade da urbanização e as características da vegetação das áreas verdes e a avifauna da Universidade Federal de São Carlos, São Paulo, Brasil. Foi encontrado uma relação positiva entre a riqueza de espécies de aves e a abundância de árvores exóticas e altura máxima das árvores, mas nenhuma interação entre a abundância de árvores exóticas e altura máxima das árvores foi registrada. Os resultados deste estudo apontam que a quantidade de recursos oferecido pelas árvores e o tamanho delas afetam diretamente a riqueza de aves na área estudada. Muitos dos recursos (ej. flores, frutos, locais de nidificação) são fornecidos por plantas exóticas, pois as nativas estão sub‐representadas na área. Levando‐se em conta os efeitos negativos que as espécies exóticas podem exercer sobre os ecossistemas, é fundamental considerar espécies nativas alternativas que possam oferecer recursos semelhantes aos atualmente disponíveis através das espécies exóticas
TEMPORAL VARIATION IN THE FEEDING ECOLOGY OF THE BLACK-FACED IBIS (THERISTICUS MELANOPIS) IN PASTURES OF SOUTHERN CHILE
Get PDFTemporal variation in food availability may generate changes in the feeding strategies and trophic preferences of animals. We studied the temporal variation in feeding behavior, diet composition, and prey availability of the Black-faced Ibis (Theristicus melanopis) in pastures of southern Chile between May 1999 and January 2000. Soil core samples showed that hypogeous invertebrates such as, earthworms (Lumbricus spp.), black cutworm larvae (Agrotis spp.), black pasture caterpillars (Dalaca spp.), and southern green chafers (Hylamorpha elegans) were the most abundant prey in the pastures and that their populations experienced pronounced seasonal variations. Insect larvae were the main prey of the Black-faced Ibis and were consumed in greater proportion than expected by chance. The diet composition (based on feces) and trophic preferences coincided with variations in prey availability. During periods of reduced prey abundance Black-faced Ibises foraged on more different types of prey and their consumption rate diminished. At the same time, the abundance of Black-faced Ibises decreased in the study area. These variations were most evident in late spring and summer, when prey abundance in the pastures was lower than in the other seasons. Our results suggest that the life cycle of the prey is the main causal factor that influences the feeding ecology of the Black-faced Ibis in pastures of southern Chile
DIETA DEL CORRELIMOS DIMINUTO (CALIDRIS MINUTILLA) EN CULTIVOS DE ARROZ ORGÁNICO DE COLOMBIA
Get PDFRESUMEN ∙ El arroz es uno de los principales alimentos para el ser humano y su área cultivada global se aproxima a los diez millones de hectáreas. Muchos ecosistemas naturales, en especial humedales, han sido modificados para realizar este cultivo. Sin embargo, el desarrollo de este cereal requiere de etapas de anegamiento que permiten que varios organismos, entre estos las aves playeras, obtengan recursos alimenticios. En los cultivos orgánicos de arroz del Valle del Cauca, Colombia, se han registrado doce especies de aves playeras migratorias provenientes principalmente de Norteamérica y se ha encontrado la mayor concentración de individuos del Correlimos Diminuto (Calidris minutilla) en Colombia. En los sitios de reproducción, C. minutilla se alimenta principalmente de invertebrados bentónicos y terrestres mientras que para los sitios de invernada se ha registrado una mayor gama de presas. Con el fin de determinar la dieta del C. minutilla en arrozales orgánicos, entre octubre y diciembre de 2012 se capturaron 50 individuos con redes de niebla y se les indujo a regurgitar con solución salina. Las presas identificadas en los regurgitados indican que en los arrozales orgánicos del Valle del Cauca, C. minutilla se alimenta principalmente de insectos, arañas y material vegetal. Además, usa pequeñas piedras para triturar presas con exoesqueletos duros como coleópteros y hemípteros. Dado el porcentaje de consumo de larvas y adultos de coleópteros que son considerados una plaga en los cultivos de arroz, C. minutilla puede ser uno de los principales controladores naturales de estos insectos. Esta información contribuye a entender porque C. minutilla utiliza los arrozales y resalta la importancia de este agroecosistema para la migración de esta ave playera.ABSTRACT ∙ Diet of Least Sandpipers (Calidris minutilla) in organic rice fields of ColombiaRice is one of the most important food sources for humans, and its global cultivated surface reaches ten millions of hectares. Many natural ecosystems, especially wetlands, have been modified or destroyed due to conversion to rice fields. However, rice crops require flooding, and the wetlands thus created can provide food for several organisms including shorebirds. In the organic rice fields of Valle del Cauca, in Colombia, twelve species of Nearctic migrant shorebirds have been recorded, including the highest numbers of Least Sandpipers (Calidris minutilla) in Colombia. On their breeding grounds in North America, Least Sandpipers feed on benthic and terrestrial invertebrates, while on the wintering grounds they ingest a wider range of prey. To determine the diet of Least Sandpipers in this type of cultivation in Valle del Cauca, from October 2012 to December 2012 we caught 50 individuals using mist netting and obtained regurgitates induced with saline solution. The identification of prey found in regurgitates indicates that Least Sandpipers feed on insects, spiders, and vegetable material in the study site. In addition, they use small stones to crush prey with hard exoskeleton, such as Coleoptera and Hemiptera. Given the relatively high levels of consumption of beetle larvae and adults, which are considered pests for rice crops, Least Sandpipers could be one of the main biocontrol agents of these insects. This information contributes to understand why Least Sandpipers use organic rice fields and highlights the importance of this agroecosystem for the migration of this shorebird
NOTAS SOBRE ANIDACIÓN Y CUIDADO MATERNAL DEL COLIBRÍ ESMERALDA HONDUREÑO (AMAZILIA LUCIAE) EN EL VALLE DE AGALTA, HONDURAS
Get PDFResumen ∙ El Colibrí Esmeralda Hondureño (Amazilia luciae) es la única ave endémica de Honduras. Esta especie en peligro habita valles intermontanos con bosques áridos espinosos, bosque semi‐deciduo o áreas abiertas con arbustos dispersos. Durante un año (agosto de 2014–julio de 2015) se llevaron a cabo búsquedas de nidos de Amazilia luciae. Se registraron 17 nidos los cuales fueron monitoreados. La mayoría de los nidos (N = 15) se encontraron entre enero y marzo. Los nidos tuvieron forma de copa y se registró el uso de nueve especies de plantas nativas como sustrato. El ciclo reproductivo, desde construcción hasta que los polluelos dejan el nido, fue de 42 días. Los nidos encontrados contenían 1–2 huevos o polluelos. Finalmente se documentaron 14 ocasiones de cuidado maternal hacia juveniles fuera del nido. Estos resultados ayudarán a guiar estudios futuros, así como informar a participantes de esfuerzos locales de conservación dirigidos a beneficiar esta especie.Abstract ∙ Notes on the nesting and maternal care of the Honduran Emerald (Amazilia luciae) in the Agalta Valley, Honduras The Honduran Emerald (Amazilia luciae) is the only endemic bird in Honduras. This endangered hummingbird inhabits intermontane valleys with arid thorn forests, semi‐deciduous forest or open habitat with dispersed shrubs. During one year (August 2014–July 2015) we conducted searches for Honduran Emerald nests. We found and monitored 17 nests. Most nests (N = 15) were found between January and March. Nests were cup‐shaped and nine native plant species were recorded as substrate. The nesting cycle, from nest construction to fledging, takes approximately 42 days. Nests contained 1–2 eggs or nestlings. We documented 14 occasions of maternal care towards juveniles outside of the nest. This study will help guide future studies as well as promote local conservation efforts
ECOLOGÍA Y SITUACIÓN ACTUAL DE LA FAMILIA COLUMBIDAE EN LA RESERVA DE LA BIOSFERA LOS TUXTLAS, VERACRUZ
Get PDFRESUMEN Analizamos la presencia y abundancia de palomas tropicales residentes en la Reserva de la Biosfera Los Tuxtlas, Veracruz, México durante las épocas reproductivas de 2010 y 2011. Se emplearon distintos métodos de conteo para maximizar el registro del mayor número de especies y superar las dificultades del terreno y la vegetación. Muestreamos principalmente a través de transectos y puntos de conteo en bosque tropical perennifolio, bosque mesófilo de montaña, bosque de pino‐encino y áreas agropecuarias, y registramos 512 individuos de 12 de las 17 especies reportadas históricamente. Las especies registradas en el presente fueron: Patagioenas cayennensis, P. speciosa, P. flavirostris, P. nigrirostris, Columbina inca, C. talpacoti, Claravis pretiosa, Geotrygon montana, Leptotila verreauxi, L. plumbeiceps, Zentrygon carrikeri (endémica) y Zenaida asiatica. La mayor riqueza se observó en el bosque tropical perennifolio, en donde la especie más abundante fue L. verreauxi. La abundancia varió significativamente entre tipos de vegetación para L. verreauxi, L. plumbeiceps y Z. carrikeri, posiblemente debido a los diferentes niveles de tolerancia a la perturbación. El bosque mesófilo de montaña fue el hábitat utilizado en mayor proporción a lo esperado para la mayoría de las especies examinadas como: P. flavirostris, C. pretiosa, L. verreauxi, L. plumbeiceps y Z. carrikeri. Las preferencias de hábitat más amplias correspondieron a P. flavirostris, C. pretiosa y L. verreauxi. Tres especies fueron exclusivas a un tipo de vegetación (P. cayennensis y P. nigrirostris en bosque tropical perennifolio; P. speciosa en bosque mesófilo de montaña). El volcán San Martín Pajapan, una de las áreas núcleo de la Reserva de la Biósfera fue muestreada por primera vez, y registramos a L. verreauxi, L. plumbeiceps, al igual que a una importante población de Z. carrikeri, especie endémica cuyas poblaciones conocidas están limitadas a otras tres áreas montañosas de la región. Las poblaciones de palomas que habitan en interior de bosque se encuentran ubicadas en fragmentos de bosque primario aislados, por lo que deben establecerse corredores para evitar el aislamiento de las poblaciones remanentes de especies de palomas en riesgo. ABSTRACT ∙ Ecology and status of pigeons and doves (Columbidae) in Los Tuxtlas Biosphere Reserve, Veracruz, MexicoWe analyzed the presence and abundance of tropical resident pigeons and doves (Columbidae) in Los Tuxtlas Biosphere Reserve, Veracruz, Mexico, during the breeding seasons of 2010 and 2011. We used different survey methods to maximize the detection of different species and overcome terrain and vegetation limitations. We surveyed the area mostly through transects and point counts in evergreen tropical forest, cloud forest, pine‐oak forest, and agricultural areas, including the Reserve core areas, recording 512 individuals of 12 out of 17 columbid species reported historically for the area. We were able to confirm Patagioenas cayennensis, P. speciosa, P. flavirostris, P. nigrirostris, Columbina inca, C. talpacoti, Claravis pretiosa, Geotrygon montana, Leptotila verreauxi, L. plumbeiceps, Zentrygon carrikeri (endemic), and Zenaida asiatica. The tropical evergreen forest is the vegetation type with the highest species richness, and the most abundant species was L. verreauxi. Abundance varied significantly among vegetation types for L. verreauxi, L. plumbeiceps, and Zentrygon carrikeri, possibly due to differences in their tolerance to disturbance. Cloud forest stood out as the most important habitat as it was used more than expected by species such as P. flavirostris, C. pretiosa, L. verreauxi, L. plumbeiceps, and Z. carrikeri. The species with the broadest habitat preferences were P. flavirostris, C. pretiosa, and L. verreauxi. Three species were exclusive to a single vegetation type (P. cayennensis and P. nigrirostris to evergreen tropical forest; P. speciosa to cloud forest). The volcán San Martín Pajapan, one of the Bio‐ sphere Reserve core areas was surveyed for the first time, and we recorded L. verreauxi, L. plumbeiceps, as well as an important population of Z. carrikeri, the latter endemic species being previously only known from three other Mexican mountain ranges. The populations of doves and pigeons inhabiting the forest interior are mostly located in isolated primary forest fragments, therefore corridors should be established to avoid the isolation of the remaining endangered dove populations
HÁBITOS ALIMENTARIOS DE XENODACNIS (XENODACNIS PARINA) EN LOS PÁRAMOS DEL SUR DEL ECUADOR
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DESCRIPTION OF THE NEST AND EGGS OF THE GREEN THORNTAIL (DISCOSURA CONVERSII)
Get PDFABSTRACT The breeding biology of the genus Discosura (Trochilidae) is poorly known. Here, we describe in detail the nest and eggs of the Green Thorntail (D. conversii). We analyze two nests; one was collected with two eggs at Limón province, Costa Rica, the other was observed and photographed at Departamento de Antioquia, Colombia. The eggs are white and oval‐shaped. Both nests are deep and compact open cups, however, the nest from Colombia is externally covered with green‐colored lichens while this feature is not present in the nest collected in Costa Rica. We recommend reporting more data from other nests and eggs of this species to determine possible causes for intraspecific variation. RESUMEN ∙ Descripción del nido y los huevos del Rabudito Verde (Discosura conversii)La biología reproductiva del género Discosura (Trochilidae) es poco conocida. En este manuscrito, describimos en detalle el nido y los huevos del Rabudito Verde (Discosura conversii). Analizamos dos nidos, uno de ellos fue recolectado con dos huevos en la provincia de Limón, Costa Rica y el otro fue observado y fotografiado en el Departamento de Antioquia, Colombia. Los huevos son de color blanco y de forma ovalada. Ambos nidos son copas abiertas y profundas, sin embargo el nido observado en Colombia estaba cubierto por líquenes en su parte externa, esta característica no está presente en el nido que fue recolectado en Costa Rica. Recomendamos continuar reportando datos tanto del nido como de los huevos de esta especie, con el fin de determinar las posibles causas de esta variación intraespecífica