Birds

In order to determine the impact of urbanization on raptors in the semi-desert conditions of southwestern Kazakhstan, an analysis of the spatio-temporal distribution of raptors is presented for the first time based on the results of surveys of the avifauna of Kyzylorda. Eight species of raptors were recorded: field Hen Harrier (Circus cyaneus), Marsh Harrier (C. aeroginosus), Eurasian Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus), Long-Legged Buzzard (Buteo rufinus), Eurasian Buzzard (B. buteo), Steppe Eagle (Aquila nipalensis), Eurasian Hobby (Falco subbuteo), and Common Kestrel (F. tinnunculus). The probability of raptors being present was negatively associated with dense urban low-rise buildings with limited greenery in the bay and the new part of the city. At the same time, the dense urban development with little or no greenery in the old central part of the city provides adequate habitat (including a foraging base and nesting sites) for the Common Kestrel. Raptor presence was positively associated with the Syrdarya River floodplain and wasteland with small groups of trees and/or shrubs. The landfill site located on the north-eastern edge of the city serves as a feeding ground for the Long-Legged and Eurasian Buzzards, while the airport area is inhabited by the Eurasian Buzzard, Steppe Eagle, and Common Kestrel. Based on this study, we would recommend that enterprises (e.g., grain storage facilities, airports) and local executive bodies who are interested in the conservation of raptors and regulating the population of the pigeons around their territories should retain or plant more native vegetation and shrubs and preserve areas with green spaces. Full article

Urban landscapes have given rise to novel ecosystems (e.g., green areas), which differ in design and ecological quality depending on local planning strategies. Europe has the goal to increase conservation through increasing greenspace; however, urban wildlife health impacts, particularly on birds, are poorly studied. This study investigates associations between haemosporidians and intestinal coccidia in the Eurasian Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus), as well as their body condition and immunological status, from five urban green areas in Madrid, Spain, from 2019 to 2022. These green areas differ in green infrastructure, and because these birds are adapted to urban environments, they are a good model to evaluate how green area infrastructure may affect the birds’ health. We detected a 29% prevalence of haemosporidians (Haemoproteus being the most common, followed by Leucocytozoon and Plasmodium) and a 4% prevalence of intestinal coccidia. We found that haemosporidian prevalence was significantly higher in green areas with untreated stagnant water surrounded by muddy areas, ideal conditions for vector reproduction. Therefore, effective management strategies, especially related to water treatment, are essential for protecting urban wildlife and human health. This study provides valuable information for researchers and urban wildlife managers to incorporate appropriate management strategies into urban green area planning to preserve urban biodiversity and protect public health. Full article

The climate is expected to change substantially by the end of the current century. In response to climate change, species may disperse, adapt, or become locally extinct. We aim to assess how the climate changes predicted to occur by 2060 may affect the potential distribution of Tropical Mockingbird (Mimus gilvus antelius) and Chalk-browed Mockingbird (Mimus saturninus frater) within the Atlantic Forest domain, Brazil. Occurrence data for both species were compiled from the scientific literature and online biodiversity databases. A total of 118 georeferenced records were obtained for Tropical Mockingbird and 1080 for Chalk-browed Mockingbird. Species distribution models predicted that the two species would respond differently to the ongoing climatic changes. The Tropical Mockingbird will slightly expand its suitable habitat by 3.5% (3871 km²) under the optimistic scenario (minimum temperature increase by 2060; Representative Concentration Pathways-RCP 2.6) and 2.5% (2765 km²) in the pessimistic scenario (maximum temperature increase by 2060; RPC 8.5), relative to the 1960–1990 baseline. Chalk-browed Mockingbird will reduce its suitable habitat by 64% (70,780 km²) under RPC 2.6 and 65% (71,886 km²) under RPC 8.5. The two future climate scenarios suggest that sympatry between the two species will become increasingly rare, with a shift toward allopatry due to emerging climatically unsuitable areas separating their distributions. Our results highlighted the importance of environmental policies that incorporate local ecological contexts and species-specific traits to mitigate biodiversity loss under future climate conditions. Full article

Public health in a densely populated city is inextricably linked to the state of the urban environment. The microclimate, the condition of water sources and sanitary well-being are just some of the many environmental factors that have a strong influence on people’s health. The presence of urban green spaces and various birds in cities is extremely important, also to create a more favorable psychological atmosphere for the people who live and/or work there. At the same time, it should not be forgotten that the feces of synanthropic birds are a favorable environment for various potentially pathogenic species of microorganisms, including yeasts of the genus Candida. Here, we investigated the culturable, potentially pathogenic ascomycetous yeast microbiome in the fresh and dry feces of five synanthropic birds (Rock Pigeon, European Starling, White Wagtail, Great Tit and House Sparrow). The samples were collected in spring (May 2024). In total, 48 Rock Pigeon, 47 European Starling, 38 White Wagtail, 32 Great Tit and 30 House Sparrow droppings were collected and analyzed. The selective medium Brilliance Candida Agar was used for cultivation. A total of 638 strains were isolated belonging to 9 yeast species (Arxiozyma bovina, Candida albicans, Nakaseomyces glabratus, Clavispora lusitaniae, C. tropicalis, C. parapsilosis, Pichia kudriavzevii, Debaryomyces hansenii and D. fabryi). All detected yeast species were molecularly identified using the ITS rDNA region. The microbiome of potential pathogens in fresh feces proved to be significantly host-dependent. Most pathogenic yeasts (7 species)—A. bovina, C. albicans, N. glabratus, Cl. lusitaniae, C. tropicalis, C. parapsilosis and P. kudriavzevii—were only detected in fresh feces from pigeons. This list contains five out of six ascomycetous species from the list of critical, high and medium-important yeast pathogens published in the World Health Organization fungal list. Of the potentially pathogenic yeasts, two species were observed in the dry droppings of various birds: C. parapsilosis and P. kudriavzevii. No significant differences in the diversity of culturable pathogens in dry droppings were observed between the different hosts. Fresh droppings from synanthropic birds, especially pigeons (and to a lesser extent dry droppings), therefore pose a health risk. In this study, we did not find any feces from synanthropic birds in which potentially pathogenic ascomycetous yeasts were not detected. To maintain the sanitary safety and well-being of citizens, it is very important to regulate the number of synanthropic birds (primarily pigeons), especially in sensitive areas such as playgrounds, hospital territories, etc. Full article

This report presents the first complete natal dispersal trajectory of a female Montagu’s Harrier Circus pygargus, tracked in real time from fledging to first breeding using high-resolution continuous Global Positioning System (GPS) telemetry. The bird’s first flight occurred on 26 July 2024, initiating a 31-day post-fledging dependence phase (PFDP), followed by a 23-day pre-migratory phase (PMP), during which it explored areas up to 280.8 km from the nest and eventually settled ca. 190 km away in the Sirente-Velino Regional Park. From there, autumn migration began on 18 September 2024. The bird reached its first wintering site in Mali by 15 October. It used four wintering areas over 178 days, with a winter home range of 37,615.02 km². Spring migration started on 11 April 2025 and lasted 21 days, ending with arrival in the Gran Sasso e Monti della Laga National Park (Central Italy) on 2 May. The bird used two main sites during the pre-breeding phase (PRBP) before laying eggs on 2 June 2025. The natal dispersal distance, from birthplace to nest site, was 151.28 km. Over 311 days, it covered a total of 14,522.23 km. These findings highlight the value of advanced telemetry in revealing early-life movement ecology and are useful for understanding species-specific patterns of survival, reproduction, and space use and can inform conservation actions. Full article

This paper outlines a methodology to compile geo-referenced observational data of Australian birds acting as pollinators of Strelitzia sp. (Bird of Paradise) flowers and dispersers of their seeds. Given the absence of systematic published records, a crowdsourcing approach was employed, combining data from natural history platforms (e.g., iNaturalist, eBird), image hosting websites (e.g., Flickr) and, in particular, social media. Facebook emerged as the most productive channel, with 61.4% of the 301 usable observations sourced from 43 ornithology-related groups. The strategy included direct solicitation of images and metadata via group posts and follow-up communication. The holistic, snowballing search strategy yielded a unique, behavior-focused dataset suitable for analysis. While the process exposed limitations due to user self-censorship on image quality and completeness, the approach demonstrates the viability of crowdsourced behavioral ecology data and contributes a replicable methodology for similar studies in under-documented ecological contexts. Full article

Feather mites play an important role in bird communities, covering a wide spectrum of associations with their hosts, ranging from parasitic to mutualistic relations. As a result of long co-evolution with their warm-blooded hosts, this diverse group of arthropods can be found in a wide range of environments where their hosts occur, including the high Arctic. The feather mite fauna of Greenland is poorly known. Herein, we present new data on feather mites found on three species of passerine birds, which were captured on Disko Island (Qeqertarsuaq), West Greenland. The feather mite species Analges longispinosus was found on Snow Bunting (Plectrophenax nivalis); Proctophyllodes plectrophenax on Snow Bunting and Lapland Longspur (Calcarius lapponicus); and Proctophyllodes hipposideros on Northern Wheatear (Oenanthe oenanthe). The two Proctophyllodes species represent new records for Greenland. Further studies are needed to reveal the diversity of feather mite species in this remote Arctic region. Full article

The Brazilian Araucaria Forest (AF) now covers only 1% of its original extent due to significant degradation, making conservation a challenge. The AF occurs in a mosaic alongside grassland and Atlantic Forest ecosystems, influencing bird species’ distribution through ecological processes. We compared the composition and functional diversity of the bird community along a gradient of AF cover in a protected area (Pró-Mata Private Natural Heritage Reserve) in southern Brazil. Bird sampling was conducted using MacKinnon lists along five trails with different histories of vegetation suppression, based on forest cover estimates from landscape imagery. Birds were functionally classified based on morphological and ecological traits. We recorded 191 bird species in total. We found higher bird richness in trails with less forest cover, while functional diversity responded inversely to vegetation cover. Bird species composition shifted from more open-habitat specialists to more forest specialists with the increasing forest cover and vegetation structural complexity. These findings highlight the ecological importance of maintaining vegetation heterogeneity, as vegetation mosaics enhance avian species richness and support a broader range of functional traits and ecosystem processes. We recommend the conservation of Araucaria Forest–grassland mosaics as a strategic approach to support multidimensional biodiversity and sustain key ecological functions in southern Brazil. Full article

In this study, we used a causal analysis approach to assess the impact of deforestation on bird abundance in Mexico. Based on records in the eBird and GBIF databases, ten species were selected in 807 grids on the mainland. Relative abundances by species were estimated using a fixed-effects panel data regression for the period 2016–2018. Deforestation was used as a quasi-natural experiment, classifying treatment and control groups according to the distribution of relative abundances by quintiles of gross deforestation rates during the period 2001–2018. The treatment group was defined as relative abundances of birds present in grids in the last deforestation quintile (≥4% to 12%); the control group included relative abundances of birds present in grids of the first four quintiles (<4%). Extended regression models were used to estimate the impacts of high deforestation rates on the relative abundance of birds, finding mixed causal effects: five showed statistically significant declines in abundance (Ruddy Ground Dove (Columbina talpacoti), Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus), Melodious Blackbird (Dives dives), Bewick’s Wren (Thryomanes bewickii), and Rufous-backed Thrush (Turdus rufopalliatus)), while one specie Yellow-winged Cacique (Cassiculus melanicterus) exhibited significant increases. These findings highlight the importance of causal effect studies in contributing to empirical evidence-based conservation decision-making. Full article

How humans perceive and interact with other animal species is critical in enhancing conservation initiatives. The study recorded and analyzed people’s knowledge and perceptions of birds of prey and their interactions in three rural communities in Paraíba, Brazil. The data were collected by face-to-face interviews using semi-structured questionnaires. One hundred ninety-one people were interviewed, and 19 species were recorded. Based on the answers to the questionnaires, the species are considered omens of climatic/ecological and supernatural events. They are important in the maintenance of ecosystems (predation of rodents and snakes and feeding on dead animals). However, most birds of prey are killed because they cause damage by preying upon domestic animals or for being associated with bad omens. The diversity of information listed here shows the need for complex and interdisciplinary studies to understand the human dimensions of knowledge and relationships between people and birds, contributing to species conservation and encouraging coexistence between people and birds of prey. Full article

Real-time health assessment is crucial for diagnosing emerging threats to wildlife. Point-of-care instruments now allow detailed, affordable measurements of blood metabolites (e.g., glucose, triglycerides, ketones) in free-ranging animals. Ketones, however, remain understudied, especially in relation to environmental and life-history traits. Here, we assessed blood ketone variation in male House Finches (Haemorhous mexicanus) across two seasons (summer and winter) as a function of body condition, circulating glucose, carotenoids, lipid-soluble vitamins, and habitat urbanization (urban/suburban/rural). In both seasons, the interaction between capture site and glucose concentration predicted ketone levels: urban and suburban birds showed a negative relationship, while in summer, rural birds showed a positive one. Additionally, in winter, ketone levels were negatively associated with plasma carotenoids, indicating birds with higher carotenoid levels had lower ketone concentrations. These findings suggest that similar to patterns seen in biomedical research and our previous work on carotenoids and health, ketone status can serve as a valuable indicator of nutritional condition and fat metabolism in wild birds, particularly in the context of urbanization. Full article

The Galápagos Petrel (Pterodroma phaeopygia) is a long-lived Critically Endangered seabird endemic to the Galápagos Islands and faces severe threats from invasive species, particularly rodents. Until now, evidence of rat predation on Galápagos Petrel nestlings has been largely indirect, inferred from indirect evidence and predator control outcomes. Here, we present the first photographic documentation of a presumed black rat (Rattus rattus) preying on a Galápagos Petrel nestling, captured by a camera trap on private farmland on Santa Cruz Island. The predation event occurred during a period of parental absence, when the nestling was left unattended while adults foraged at sea. Notably, the parent Petrels continued returning to the nest for 91 days following nestling loss, suggesting strong nest fidelity and highlighting potential energetic costs associated with breeding failure. Our findings reveal critical vulnerabilities during the nestling-rearing phase and emphasize the urgent need to enhance rodent control efforts and protect nesting areas, particularly on farmland outside the Galápagos National Park boundaries. We conclude by providing targeted conservation recommendations to mitigate invasive predator impacts and improve breeding success for this emblematic and imperiled seabird. Full article

The grey-headed woodpecker (Picus canus) (GHW) is one of the least-studied European woodpeckers, listed in Annex I of the Birds Directive. We examined the key environmental characteristics that determine the possibility of GHW occurrence in vast forests in northeast Poland. Woodpeckers were inventoried in spring on 54 study plots (4 km²) covering 20% of the forest area. Active territories were detected and mapped using the playback experiment of territorial voices and drumming. The generalized linear model GLM, random forest RF, and Boosting were used for modeling. GLM was used to indicate the most critical factors affecting the abundance of GHW. The number of territories in a single study plot ranged from 0 to 3; the most frequent were areas without woodpeckers. The probability of the nesting of the GHW was increasing at plots with watercourses, a bigger share of mixed forest area, and a proportion of stands over 120 years old. The calculation for all 400 quadrats allowed us to estimate the population size at approximately 180–200 breeding pairs. The overall density of GHW in the study area was assessed at 0.13/km², while at the optimal quadrats, it increased to about 0.75/km². Preference for watercourses was linked to alders growing along water banks. Near the water, there are often small meadows where the GHW can prey on ants. In turn, old-growth forests above 120 years old increased the probability of the presence of the GHW. There are more dead and dying trees in older forests, which are the ones the GHW chooses to excavate cavities. To effectively protect the habitats of the GHW, it is necessary to maintain a larger area of stands over 120 years old, mainly on wet sites. Full article

Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever Virus (CCHFV) is an emerging zoonotic pathogen with a high case fatality risk. Its primary vectors, Hyalomma spp. ticks, are expanding their geographic range, raising concerns about the increasing risk of Crimean-Congo Haemorrhagic Fever (CCHF) outbreaks in Europe. Migratory birds contribute considerably to the spread of Hyalomma ticks, transporting immature forms over long distances during spring migrations. Additionally, climate change plays a crucial role in this expansion by creating favorable conditions for Hyalomma spp. survival and dispersal. This review explores the interplay between Hyalomma spp. ecology as vectors of CCHFV, the role of migratory birds and the impact of climate change on the dispersal of CCHFV across Europe. Understanding these dynamics is essential for assessing future risks, improving surveillance strategies, and implementing effective public health interventions. Full article

Based on samples collected in the framework of the Eurasian Woodcock Bagging Program in Hungary between 2010 and 2019, we investigated the spring migration of Eurasian Woodcock by age class and sex. The dynamical properties of each year’s trajectory are represented using Gaussian smoothing. The models were used to determine the peak of the migration by sex and age in each year. In the comparative analysis by sex, an ARIMA regression model was used as a time-series analysis, which showed that there was a strong positive correlation between the migration of females and males in each year, which indicates that there is no statistically verifiable time difference in the migration pattern of each sex. We found a positive correlation in the same ARIMA model for each year of migration, which indicates that there is no statistically verifiable difference in the spring migration of males and females of the same age groups in Hungary. This study also demonstrates that there is a sharp ratio shift in the spring migration in favour of males. This significant imbalance can be explained by the selective hunting during spring roding, which is of particular importance for the sustainable utilisation of the species. Full article

Range expansions driven by global warming are increasingly documented, particularly in birds and insects. The House Bunting, a species native to North Africa, has recently established the first confirmed breeding population in mainland Europe in Algeciras, southern Spain. This study presents the results of the first systematic survey of this population, conducted in December 2024. Using a standardized survey method across a grid of hexagonal sampling units, we recorded a minimum of 18 individuals, including juveniles, indicating both successful reproduction and possible new arrivals. Observations were concentrated in low-rise urban areas, mirroring the species’ preferred habitats in Morocco. The presence of individuals with juvenile plumage in December suggests an extended breeding season, which may facilitate population growth. Given the geographical proximity to North Africa and predicted increases in aridity due to climate change, further expansion into Iberia appears likely. Although no immediate ecological impacts have been detected, the potential for interactions with resident species justifies continued monitoring. This study provides a baseline for assessing the establishment and growth of this population, contributing to a broader understanding of how climate change influences species distributions and the colonization dynamics of expanding bird populations. Full article

The genus Coturnix, comprising migratory Old World quails, includes Common Quail (Coturnix coturnix) and Japanese Quail (Coturnix japonica), which are nearly indistinguishable morphologically. This similarity poses challenges in species identification, leading to conservation issues such as the illegal trade of wild Common Quail in the name of farmed Japanese Quail. To address this issue, we employed two approaches: (1) mining species-specific short sequence repeats (SSRs) and (2) designing a PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) assay targeting the COX1 gene to distinguish these species. While SSR markers proved unreliable, the PCR-RFLP assay successfully distinguished between Common Quail and Japanese Quail, leveraging the unique BsaBI restriction site in the Common Quail COX1 gene. This method demonstrated high specificity and reproducibility, offering a robust tool for forensic and conservation applications. Our findings provide a reliable, efficient, and accessible technique for wildlife managers and researchers to regulate the illegal trade of Coturnix quails and support conservation efforts. Full article

When selecting a habitat, it is optimal for organisms to choose one that maximizes reproductive success through access to high-quality resources, particularly in species that engage in parental care. However, organisms may inadvertently select a habitat for breeding that would initially appear preferential and undamaged, but may, in reality, be detrimental to parent and/or offspring fitness. In this study, we tested whether migratory European Pied Flycatchers (Ficedula hypoleuca) nesting in forest patches affected by outbreaks of the great web-spinning sawfly (Acantholyda posticalis) experienced fitness reductions indicative of an ecological trap, compared to those nesting in unaffected forest patches. After installing nest boxes to attract breeding pairs and potentially combat the outbreak, we found that Flycatchers inhabiting areas with sawfly outbreaks had similar clutch sizes to pairs breeding in unaffected forest patches. Contrarily, the fledgling number and body condition were significantly lower for those nesting in the damaged forests. In providing nest boxes for migrating Flycatcher pairs in forest patches that were subsequently impacted by a pest insect outbreak, an ecological trap arose for those pairs choosing to nest in what appeared to be an unaffected forest at first. Given the inability of breeding pairs to distinguish habitat quality on initial inspection, we suggest that nest boxes be used with caution in areas with unfavorable habitat conditions when attracting migratory birds, given the trends of their declining global numbers. Full article

Ecological determinants of avian population dynamics are essential for effective wildlife management and conservation. Black and grey francolins are classified as being of least concern by the IUCN and are an ecologically significant bird in the northern regions of Pakistan. Although habitat degradation and overhunting have adversely affected their populations, research on the population structure and habitat preferences of the Totali Game Reserve, Buner District, Pakistan, remains limited. The present study applied distance sampling via the line transect method to estimate population densities and the quadrat method to assess vegetation characteristics across three distinct habitats. A statistical analysis revealed significant variations in densities across the three habitat types—agricultural lands, agroforests, and pasturelands—with both species exhibiting distinct preferences for pastureland ecosystems. Seasonal trends indicated that autumn represented the peak period for the population, driven by post-breeding surges and optimal habitat conditions. Moreover, both species demonstrated a strong affinity for habitats dominated by specific plant species, including hopbush, raspberry, barberry, and blackberry, which provide a critical resource for food, foraging, nesting, and shelter. These findings highlight the ecological importance of pasturelands and specific vegetation types for supporting the survival of these species. Furthermore, conservation efforts should prioritize the preservation and restoration of pastureland ecosystems and incorporate rigorous monitoring programs to guide adaptive management strategies aimed at mitigating population declines. Full article