Search PubMed⌕ Search

SEARCH · Search PubMed

Results for “Falconiformes”

Search indexed PubMed citations on genomics, clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health. Explore titles, authors and supplied subject terms, then open the PubMed record.

Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.

At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed1977

Some infectious and parasitic diseases in Oklahoma raptors.

Blood films and sera samples from wild Oklahoma raptors (Strigiformes--36 birds, 3 species; Falconiformes--50 birds, 7 species) were examined for hematozoa and tested for serologic antibody response to Newcastle Disease Virus (NDV), encephalitis (EEE and WEE), ornithosis, and influenza. Twenty-nine of 36 (80.5) Strigiformes and 24 of 50 (48.0%) Falconiformes showed the presence of one or more hematozoa. Serologic testing revealed the serum of one adult male red-tailed hawk positive for antibody to NDV and one additional adult male red-tailed hawk positive for antibody to type-A influenza.

Animals↗
PubMed1981

Blood parasites of birds in Central Europe. 3. Plasmodium and Haemoproteus.

The present paper is the third in the series on blood parasites of birds in Central Europe. It is devoted to the genera Plasmodium and Haemoproteus. Plasmodium has been found in 11.3% of birds belonging to 54 species, most abundant being in Galliformes and Columbiformes. On the other hand, this parasite seems to be absent in Anseriformes, Falconiformes, Hirundinidae and Sturnidae in Central Europe. Haemoproteus has been encountered in the studied region in 11.8% of birds belonging to 85 species. It is most abundant in Falconiformes, Strigiformes, Hirundinidae, Emberizidae, Fringillidae, Muscicapidae, Paridae and Turdidae, but it has not been encountered in Anseriformes. The paper also discusses the dependence of the incidence of these parasites on migratory ability of their hosts and on the nest ecology of birds. Moreover, an ecological outline is given of the representatives of the genera Plasmodium and Haemoproteus in birds in Central Europe, mainly on the basis of the ecological model of avian malaria after Beaudoin et al. (1971).

Animals↗
PubMed1998

[The modified Schirmer tear test in birds--a method for checking lacrimal gland function].

The Schirmer tear test (STT) is an important component of the complete ophthalmic examination in mammals for evaluating lacrimal function. However, no STT reference values for birds have been published to date. 255 ophthalmologically healthy birds (42 different species form seven orders) were tested using a 1-minute STT I (without topical anaesthesia, reflex secretion), STT II (with topical anaesthesia, basal secretion) and as a modification STT III (measurement under isofluran/oxygen, inhalation anaesthesia, a precaution to minimize examination induced stress) using standardized 5-mm-STT strips as well as--under consideration of the size of the palpebral fissure--strips trimmed down to 2 and 4 mm. Mean values (+/- SD) for STT I and STT II were 3.2 +/- 2.7 to 7.5 +/- 2.6 mm/min and 1.7 +/- 1.4 to 4.5 +/- 2.8 mm/min respectively in Psittaciformes (using 4 mm strips), 4.1 +/- 2.7 to 14.4 +/- 7.2 mm/min and 2.0 +/- 1.7 to 4.2 +/- 3.1 mm/min in Falconiformes and 10.7 +/- 4.0 to 11.5 +/- 5.4 mm/min and 3.6 +/- 1.7 to 5.9 +/- 3.1 mm/min in Accipitriformes (using 5 mm strips). Due to the lack of a glandula lacrimalis Strigiformes showed STT levels below 3 mm/min. STT III values were between those of STT I and STT II in Falconiformes and Accipitriformes but not in Columbiformes. On the basis of these results the STT will become an important component of the bird specific ophthalmologic examination procedure allowing more sophisticated examination of lacrimal gland associated avian eye disorders.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

New candidate species most closely related to penguins.

The phylogenetic position of the order Spenisciformes in Aves remains unclear despite several independent analyses based on morphological and molecular data. To address this issue, we determined the complete mtDNA sequence of rockhopper penguins. The mitochondrial genome, excluding the region from the D-loop to 12SrRNA, was also sequenced for petrel, albatross, frigatebird, loon and grebe, which previous studies suggest are related to penguins. A maximum likelihood analysis of the phylogenetic placement of penguins with 23 birds, including 17 species whose mtDNA sequences were previously reported, suggested that storks are the closest extant relatives of penguins, with 78% and 56% bootstrap supports, depending on the choice of outgroup species. Thus, ciconiiform birds constitute new candidates as the closest extant relatives of penguins (previously proposed candidates were either gaviiform, podicipediform, or procellariiform birds). In addition to this new evidence, our analysis gave evidence to some of ambiguous relationships in the avian tree: our analysis supported a basal split between passerines and other neoavians within Neoaves, and rejected the monophyly of Falconiformes as well as that of loons and grebes.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Evidence for cryptic speciation of Leucocytozoon spp. (Haemosporida, Leucocytozoidae) in diurnal raptors.

Species of Leucocytozoon (Haemosporida, Leucocytozoidae) traditionally have been described based on morphological characters of their blood stages and host cells, with limited information on their avian host specificity. Based on the current taxonomy, Leucocytozoon toddi is the sole valid species of leucocytozoids parasitizing falconiform birds. Using a nested polymerase chain reaction protocol, we determined the prevalence of Leucocytozoon infection in 5 species of diurnal raptors from California. Of 591 birds tested, 177 (29.9%) were infected with Leucocytozoon toddi. Subsequent phylogenetic analysis of the cytochrome b gene revealed that distinct haplotypes are present in hawks of these genera. Haplotypes present in Buteo spp. are not found in Accipiter spp., and there is a 10.9% sequence divergence between the 2 lineage clades. In addition, Leucocytozoon sp. from Accipiter spp. from Europe group more closely with parasites found in Accipiter spp. from California than the same California Accipiter species do with their sympatric Buteo spp. Similarly, a Leucocytozoon haplotype from a Common Buzzard (Buteo buteo) from Kazakhstan forms a monophyletic lineage with a parasite from B. jamaicensis from California. These results suggest that Leucocytozoon toddi is most likely a group of cryptic species, with 1 species infecting Buteo spp. and 1 or more species, or subspecies, infecting Accipiter spp.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

New host and locality records for the Ixodes auritulus (Acari: Ixodidae) species group, with a review of host relationships and distribution in the Neotropical Zoogeographic Region.

New Neotropical records are presented for ticks belonging to the Ixodes auritulus Neumann, 1904, species group, together with a review of hosts and localities from which members of this complex have previously been collected. The range of the I. auritulus species group is now understood to include Colombia, and 15 bird species are listed as new hosts. From Guatemala to southern Argentina and Chile, specimens of the I. auritulus group have been found on birds belonging to the orders Ciconiiformes, Columbiformes, Falconiformes, Galliformes, Passeriformes, Piciformes, Procellariiformes and Tinamiformes. Passeriform birds are probably the principal hosts, sustaining tick populations throughout the Neotropics. Collection data have yielded four areas--southern South America (from 56 degrees S to 51 degrees S), southern Brazil (25 degrees S-22 degrees S), south-central Peru (14 degrees S-10 degrees S) and Central America (10 degrees N-15 degrees N)--where the I. auritulus group appears to commonly parasitize birds, but additional collections may show that the range of this complex is less discontinuous than currently perceived. Several morphological differences are described for ticks within and among these areas, but it is still unclear whether the I. auritulus group comprises more than one species.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

A novel family of repetitive DNA sequences amplified site-specifically on the W chromosomes in Neognathous birds.

A novel family of repetitive DNA sequences was molecularly cloned from ApaI-digested genomic DNA of two Galliformes species, Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica) and guinea fowl (Numida meleagris), and characterized by chromosome in-situ hybridization and filter hybridization. Both the repeated sequence elements produced intensely painted signals on the W chromosomes, whereas they weakly hybridized to whole chromosomal regions as interspersed-type repetitive sequences. The repeated elements of the two species had high similarity of nucleotide sequences, and cross-hybridized to chromosomes of two other Galliformes species, chicken (Gallus gallus) and blue-breasted quail (Coturnix chinensis). The nucleotide sequences were conserved in three other orders of Neognathous birds, the Strigiformes, Gruiformes and Falconiformes, but not in Palaeognathous birds, the Struthioniformes and Tinamiformes, indicating that the repeated sequence elements were amplified on the W chromosomes in the lineage of Neognathous birds after the common ancestor diverged into the Palaeognathae and Neognathae. They are components of the W heterochromatin in Neognathous birds, and a good molecular cytogenetic marker for estimating the phylogenetic relationships and for clarifying the origin of the sex chromosome heterochromatin and the process of sex chromosome differentiation in birds.

Animals↗
PubMed1987

Nuclear origin of the centrifugal visual pathway in birds of prey.

The isthmo-optic nucleus (NIO) at the origin of the retinopetal pathway was examined in 12 birds of prey (strigiforms and falconiforms) using cytoarchitectonic methods and after the intraocular injection of the regrograde tracers Rhodamine beta-isothiocyanate and Fast blue. The NIO was found to be poorly differentiated and reticular in appearance and depending on the species contained between 900 and 1400 neurons. These values are approximately 10 times less than those recorded in the pigeon and chicken. As in the latter species, the experimental data obtained in the strigiform Tyto alba showed the presence of retinopetal ectopic neurons bilaterally. However the ipsilateral contingent was proportionally larger in the nocturnal raptor. The functional significance of the poorly developed centrifugal visual system in birds of prey is discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed1987

Spatial visual acuity of the falcon, Falco berigora: a behavioural, optical and anatomical investigation.

In the brown falcon the relationship between acuity, as measured using a task designed to test minimum-separable acuity, and luminance was investigated as well as the possible determinants of that relationship. The maximum acuity was 73 c/deg and was found to be resistant to decreases in luminance. Maximum behavioural acuity corresponds closely with the maximum anatomical resolving power of the eye, though it is postulated that, in the first instance, acuity is optically constrained. The flat acuity-luminance function of the falcon results from adaptations which increase the optical sensitivity of the eye compared with the globose eye of strongly diurnal falconiformes.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

The use of titanium dioxide as an inert marker for digestion studies in raptors.

1. TiO2 is not a suitable marker for digestibility studies involving raptors. 2. Complete recovery of the 'inert' marker was not achieved. 3. Total collection of faeces is a more accurate method to determine food absorption. 4. Freezing sample solutions prior to colorimetric analysis can produce misleading results. 5. The percentage food absorbed from the intestine in Falconiformes is about 85% by dry weight.

Absorption↗
PubMed1986

Size and structure of the bird genome--I. DNA content of 48 species of Neognathae.

The nuclear DNA content was evaluated in 48 species of Neognathae birds belonging to 13 orders, namely Anseriformes, Charadriiformes, Columbiformes, Ciconiiformes, Falconiformes, Galliformes, Gruiformes, Passeriformes, Pelicaniformes, Phoenicopteriformes, Piciformes, Psittaciformes and Strigiformes. The DNA content, expressed in pg/nucleus, ranges from 2.81 to 4.97. The genome size variability within and among families is discussed on the basis of the Hinegardner's (1976) model of genome evolution.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Differences in straggling rates between two genera of dove lice (Insecta: Phthiraptera) reinforce population genetic and cophylogenetic patterns.

Differences in dispersal abilities have been implicated for causing disparate evolutionary patterns between Columbicola and Physconelloides lice (Insecta: Phthiraptera). However, no study has documented straggling (when lice are found on atypical hosts) rates within these lineages. We used the fact that the Galapagos Hawk, Buteo galapagoensis (Gould) (Falconiformes) feeds on the Galapagos Dove Zenaida galapagoensis Gould (Columbiformes) within an ecologically simplified setting. The Galapagos Dove is the only typical host of Columbicola macrourae (Wilson) and Physconelloides galapagensis (Kellogg and Huwana) in Galapagos. We quantitatively sampled and found these lice on both bird species. A DNA barcoding approach confirmed that stragglers were derived from Galapagos doves. We also collected a Bovicola sp. louse, likely originating from a goat (Capra hircus). On hawks, C. macrourae was significantly more prevalent than P. galapagensis. On doves, the two lice were equally prevalent and abundant. Differences in prevalence on hawks was a function of differences in straggling rate between lice, and not a reflection of their relative representation within the dove population. This provides further evidence that differences in dispersal abilities may drive differences in the degree of cospeciation in Columbicola and Phyconelloides lice, which have become model systems in evolutionary biology.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Captive raptor propagation.

"Raptor" is a collective term to describe both diurnal birds, mainly of the order Falconiformes and those which are generally nocturnal, the Strigiformes (owls). This article discusses the management of raptors in captivity for breeding.

Animal Husbandry↗
PubMed2000

Two new species of Caryospora Léger, 1904 (Apicomplexa, Eimeriidae) from accipitrid raptors.

Two new species of Coccidia (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) are described from European accipitrid raptors (Falconiformes: Accipitridae). Oöcysts of Carvospora aquilae n. sp. found in faeces of the gold eagle Aquila chrysaetos are subspherical to broad ellipsoidal and measure 43 (40-49) x 37.5 (34-39) microm. Polar granule, oöcyst residuum and micropyle are absent. Each oöcyst contains one spherical to subspherical slightly polygonal sporocyst measuring 23.8 (23-25) x 23.3 (22-25) microm. Stieda and substieda bodies are absent. The sporocyst residuum is composed of numerous small granules less than 0.5 microm in diameter dispersed randomly among the sporozoites. Sporulated oöcysts of Carvospora circi n. sp. from faeces of the marsh harrier Circus aeruginosus are widely oval, measuring 24.5 (23-25) x 21.8 (21-24) microm. A polar granule, oöcyst residuum and micropyle are absent. Each oöcyst contains one spherical to subspherical sporocyst measuring 16.2 (15-17) x 15.6 (15-17) microm. A compact granular, spherical to subspherical sporocyst residuum, 10.4 (10-11) x 8.5 (7-9), was present in 76% of measured sporocysts. In 24% of sporocysts the granules of sporocyst residuum were scattered among the sporozoites.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Vitamin A (retinol and retinyl esters), alpha-tocopherol and lipid levels in plasma of captive wild mammals and birds.

Vitamin A (retinol and retinyl esters), vitamin E and lipids were determined in a wide variety of wild mammals and birds held in captivity. In mammals plasma levels of vitamin A were generally below 500 ng/ml and those of vitamin E were highly variable (0.1-2 micrograms/ml). In primates, vitamin E levels were 3 to 8 micrograms/ml. Whereas in Marsupialia, Chiroptera, primates, Rodentia, Proboscidea, Sirenia, Perissodactyla and Artiodactyla only retinol was found, retinyl esters (basically retinol palmitate/oleate) represented 10 to 50% of the total plasma vitamin A in some birds of the order Ciconiiformes and Falconiformes. Retinol levels in birds were higher compared to mammals (500-2,000 ng/ml). The same was true for lipids as well as for vitamin E levels (1-26 micrograms/ml) in the plasma of birds.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Seroprevalence of avian paramyxovirus 1, 2, and 3 in captive and free-living birds of prey in Spain (preliminary results): implications for management of wild and captive populations.

Since December 1997, 700 blood plasma samples from 31 different species of captive and free-living birds of prey from Spain were analyzed by hemagglutination inhibition (HI) test for the presence of antibodies to avian paramyxovirus (aPMV) 1,2, and 3. Out of 700 birds, 120 tested positive for aPMV-1, 10 birds had antibodies to aPMV-2, and 4 birds tested positive against aPMV-3. Prevalence of antibodies against aPMV-1 was significantly higher in captive than in free-living birds of prey and in Falconiformes than in Strigidae and Accipitridae. Infection or exposure in captive birds may be due to the use of avian-derived food in rehabilitation and captive-breeding centers. This may be of concern at the time of reintroduction of these birds into free-living populations.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Guidelines for the interpretation of laboratory findings in birds and mammals with unknown reference ranges: plasma biochemistry.

The results of analyses of plasma samples from healthy and sick adult birds and mammals of a wide range of species were used to calculate reference ranges and clinical ranges for 11 biochemical variables (calcium, sodium, chloride, total protein, albumin, globulin, inorganic phosphate, potassium, bicarbonate, urea and creatinine concentrations) in six mammalian Orders (Primata, Carnivora, Pinnipedia, Proboscidea, Perissodactyla and Artiodactyla) and six avian Orders (Ciconiiformes, Gruiformes, Pelecaniformes, Psittaciformes, Falconiformes and Strigiformes). The patterns of variation between Orders for the different biochemical variables were then used to provide guidelines for the interpretation of plasma biochemistry results in the species in these Orders for which there are no reference data. The observed clinical ranges provide an indication of the potential diagnostic value of each variable.

Animal Diseases↗
PubMed2004

Helminths isolated from the digestive tract of diurnal raptors in Catalonia, Spain.

The prevalence of parasitic helminths in the digestive tract of 119 diurnal raptors (Falconiformes), which had died in a wildlife rehabilitation centre in Catalonia, was studied. The birds belonged to 13 species, with 100 of them (84 per cent) being kestrels (Falco tinnunculus), buzzards (Buteo buteo), sparrowhawks (Accipiter nisus) and goshawks (Accipiter gentilis). Ninety-five of the birds (79.8 per cent) were infected with helminths. Nematodes were the most frequently found helminth (75.6 per cent), followed by trematodes, cestodes and ancanthocephalans. All the buzzards and sparrowhawks and 92 per cent of the goshawks were infected, but only 59 per cent of the kestrels were infected.

Animals↗