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PubMed1991

The development of migratory orientation mechanisms.

Recent experimental studies (since ca. 1985) on the ontogeny of orientation mechanisms in migratory birds are reviewed. The processes and interactions are synthesized into a framework that may help identify critical research questions. Birds that grow up in the earth's magnetic field develop the ability to perform appropriate migratory orientation, even in the absence of any experience with relevant visual cues. In two species, large changes in direction during the course of migration seem to be controlled by an endogenous time program. In one of these, the Pied Flycatcher (Ficedula hypoleuca), the correct magnetic orientation seems to occur only when the magnetic fields appropriate to the latitudes encountered en route were experienced at the proper seasonal time. The magnetic compass may be modified by visual experience with either the day or night sky. Celestial rotation may be the calibrating reference in this case, as it is in the development of the star compass. Young Savannah Sparrows (Passerculus sandwichensis) learn to perform compass orientation at sunset based on polarized skylight. This compass capability seems to be calibrated by magnetic directions. Some problems of experimental design and the interpretation of results from experiments on development are discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed1998

The pineal organ, its hormone melatonin, and the photoneuroendocrine system.

The vertebrate pineal organ rhythmically synthesizes and secretes melatonin during nighttime and forms an essential component of the photoneuroendocrine system which allows humans and animals to measure and keep the time. Regulation of the melatonin biosynthesis depends on signals from photoreceptors perceiving and transmitting environmental light stimuli and endogenous oscillators generating a circadian rhythm which is independent from any environmental time cue (zeitgeber). In nonmammalian species the photoreceptors responsible for regulating melatonin biosynthesis reside within the pineal organ itself. In several nonmammalian species (e.g., lamprey, zebra fish, house sparrow, chicken) the pineal organ is also capable of generating circadian rhythms and thus serves all key functions of the photoneuroendocrine system: photoreception, endogenous rhythm generation, and production of neurohormones. These may even be accomplished by a single "photoneuroendocrine" cell. In mammals the pineal organ has lost both the direct light sensitivity and the capacity of generating circadian rhythms, and melatonin biosynthesis is regulated by retinal photoreceptors and a circadian oscillator located in the suprachiasmatic nucleus of the hypothalamus. Due to this spatial separation the photoneuroendocrine system of mammals comprises neuronal and neuroendocrine pathways which interconnect its components. The neuronal pathways involve circuits of both the central and the peripheral nervous systems, and as an important final link noradrenergic sympathetic nerve fibers. The suprachiasmatic nucleus appears as a major target of melatonin in mammals. The pineal hormone may thus be involved in a feedback loop of the mammalian photoneuroendocrine system. The present comparative contribution considers, after a short survey of classical findings on the phylogenetic development and the gross anatomy of the pineal complex, cytoevolutionary and cell biological aspects of the various types of pinealocytes as well as the afferent and efferent innervation of the pineal organ (pinealofugal and pinealopetal neuronal pathways). Moreover, emphasis is placed on receptor mechanisms, second messenger systems (Ca2+ and cyclic AMP), transcription factors (e.g, CREB and ICER), and their roles for regulation of melatonin biosynthesis. Finally, the action, targets, and receptors of melatonin are dealt with. The synoptic approach of this contribution, which combines anatomical and ultrastructural findings with cell and molecular biological results, confirms the functional significance of the melatonin-synthesizing pineal organ as an important component of the photoneuroendocrine system and stresses the importance of this organ as a model to study signal transduction mechanisms both in photoreceptors and in neuroendocrine cells.

Animals↗
PubMed1996

Interspecies variation of "B" esterases in birds: the influence of size and feeding habits.

Interspecies differences in "B" esterases were evaluated in seven species of wild birds in order to investigate their different susceptibilities to organophosphorus (OP) insecticides. The relationship between "B" esterases and body size and the influence of feeding habits in the evolution of esterase activities were explored. An in vitro inhibition test was carried out with paraoxon and azinphos methyl oxon in order to investigate the role of equilibrium binding parameters (acetylcholinesterase/ organophosphorus compounds affinity) in determining susceptibility of the different species to parathion and azinphos methyl. Esterase activities were different in all species. The smallest bird studied (the sparrow) had the highest brain acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and plasma carboxylesterase (CbE) activities. The largest bird (the cormorant) had the lowest level of both activities. For microsomal CbE, the coot had the highest activity. An inverse correlation was found between brain AChE and plasma CbE activity in relation to body size. Omnivorous species showed the highest brain AChE and plasma CbE activities which were low in species with a specialised diet. The in vitro inhibition test demonstrated the active involvement of equilibrium binding parameters in determining different susceptibilities to these contaminants in birds.

Acetylcholinesterase↗
PubMed1989

Histochemistry of glycoconjugates in the gallbladder epithelium of ten animal species.

A battery of seven lectins and several conventional mucin histochemical techniques were used to identify the epithelial mucins of the gallbladder of ten species: man, rabbit (Oryctolagus cuniculus, mammalia), hamster (Mesocricetus auratus, mammalia), chicken (Gallus gallus, bird), sparrow (Passer domesticus, bird), moorish gecko (Tarentola mauritanica, reptilia), ladder snake (Elaphe scalaris, reptilia), lake frog (Rana perezi, amphibia), natterjack toad (Bufo calamita, amphibia) and gilthead sea bream (Sparus auratus, fish). Glycogen was found in the epithelial lining of the reptilian and amphibian gallbladders. Sulphate and carboxyl groups were frequently found in the same species, except in the ladder snake and natterjack toad gallbladders where only sulphate groups were identified. Sialic acid residues were detected in man, rabbit, bird, T. mauritanica, R. perezi and fish gallbladders. ConA binding pattern was similar in the ten species studied. In the human gallbladder only PNA failed to label the luminal surface, while the glands were only unreactive to DBA. The human gallbladder showed a large variety of saccharides. The present results suggest that no relation exists between the composition of the gallbladder mucins and the situation of the species in the phylogenetic scale.

Animals↗
PubMed1993

Avian sex chromosomes in the lampbrush form: the ZW lampbrush bivalents from six species of bird.

The ZW bivalent has been identified and characterized in detail in its lampbrush form in oocytes of chicken, quail, turkey, pigeon, chaffinch and sparrow. The sex bivalent in all six species looks like a single highly asymmetrical chromosome. Most of it has the typical lampbrush organization. The terminal one-fifth is relatively thick and condensed and bears only a few pairs of lateral loops: this condensed terminal region is the W chromosome; the part with normal lampbrush morphology is the Z. The two are connected by a single near terminal chiasma. The fine scale morphology and arrangement of loops and markers on Z and W chromosomes are described for each species and lampbrush maps have been constructed. The identification of the lampbrush sex bivalent is based on the following criteria. The asymmetrical chromosome has two centromere regions. In the interstitial region of the asymmetrical chromosome where the junction between Z and W chromosomes is supposed to be, there are telomere-specific loops and telomeric DNA sequences and there is good morphological evidence for the presence of a chiasma. There are W chromosome specific DNA sequences in the region of the asymmetrical lampbrush chromosome that is thought to represent the W. Breed-specific variations in the morphology of the chicken W chromosome with respect to the sizes, numbers and arrangements of axial chromomeres and distributions of specified repeated DNA sequence families have been identified, offering one of the first examples of definitive correlation between a repeat family and a single chromomere. The lampbrush chromosomes of all the birds examined, except quail, terminate in distinctive free hanging loops. These are a novel feature in the sense that at the end of each chromatid there is a large transcription unit terminating in a cluster of telomeric DNA sequences.

Animals↗
PubMed1994

Podospora Lautarea sp. nov. from Southern Alps (France): description and physiological properties.

A taxonomic description of Podospora Lautarea sp. nov. is provided. This species is characterized by a reddish brown peridium, and by its large, asymmetric ascospores, small, hyaline, unique primary appendage, absence of secondary appendage and cylindrical asci. Due to the size of its appendage, this species may be related to Podospora minicaudaFaureal et Locquin-Linard. Asci and ascospores are close to those of P. fimbriata (Bayer) Cain, but the dimensions and ornamentation of perithecia are quite different. To summarize, this species belongs to the small group of Podospora exhibiting only one appendage (such as P. minicauda, P. carpinicola Mouchacca or P. horridula (Sacc.) Francis and Sparrow) but can not be assimilated to one of the described species in this group. The main cultural characteristics and physiological properties of this species are described.

Ascomycota↗
PubMed1979

Scanning and transmission electron microscopy of the oocyst wall of Isospora lacazei.

The oocyst wall of Isospora lacazei from sparrows was studied with scanning (SEM) and transmission (TEM) electron microscopy. In TEM, the oocyst wall consisted of four distinct layers (L1-4). The innermost layer, L1, was moderately electron-lucent and 240--285 nm thick; L2 was electron-dense and 210--240 nm thick; L3 was moderately electron-lucent and 15--150 nm thick; L4, the outer most layer, was discontinuous and consisted of electron-dense discoid bodies which measured 180--220 nm x 320--840 nm. The discoid bodies of L4 as seen by TEM appeared spheroid in shape when observed by SEM. One or two membranes were situated on or between various layers of the oocyst wall. One such membrane occurred on the inner margin of L1, two closely applied membranes were interposed between L1 and L2, one membrane occurred between L2 and L3, and one membrane on the outer margin of L3.

Animals↗
PubMed1981

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and NADP-linked malate dehydrogenase during posthatching development of brain of altricial birds.

Glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase and NADP-linked malate dehydrogenase were studied in different areas of the brain of three altricial birds during posthatching development. The birds were pigeon and swift, having a posthatching nestling period of 30 days; and sparrow, having a posthatching nestling period of 14 days. The activity of the two enzymes was high during development. G-6-PD activity may be high because of the need for pentoses in the early part of development and the need for reducing equivalents (NADPH2) for synthesis of lipids and other compounds in the later stages of development. Malic enzyme activity also seems to be high because of the need for reducing equivalents. The activity of malic enzyme was found to be higher than that of G-6-PD.

Animals↗
PubMed1991

Brain acetylcholinesterase activity in forest songbirds exposed to a new method of UULV fenitrothion spraying.

Brain acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity was measured in forest songbirds exposed to Ultra Ultra Low Volume (UULV) aerial spraying of fenitrothion in New Brunswick for spruce budworm control. Brain AChE activity was determined in 324 songbirds from the sprayed blocks and 47 from an unsprayed control area, and represented four species. In most cases, more than half of the individuals of any species sampled were diagnosed as "exposed" (greater than or equal to 20% inhibition) to the fenitrothion sprays and had a mean percent level of inhibition of 40% or greater, relative to mean control values. The proportion of birds with life-threatening levels of inhibition (greater than or equal to 50%) was usually less than 20%. The largest proportion of birds with life-threatening inhibition was found after the first 210 g AI/ha spray. The White-throated Sparrow had the highest proportion (25-55%) of individuals with life-threatening inhibition after all sprays. Brain AChE inhibition was greater in exposed birds collected after the first 210 g AI/ha spray than after the second one. Variation among species' responses to the sprays is discussed in relation to habitat and foraging preferences. Several sampling biases which may contribute to underestimation of the impact of fenitrothion spraying on birds are identified.

Acetylcholinesterase↗
PubMed1989

Psychometric validity and clinical usefulness of the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scales and the AAMD Adaptive Behavior Scale for an autistic sample.

Two prominent assessment measures of adaptive behavior were compared and evaluated in terms of their psychometric properties and their clinical usefulness for autistic children and adolescents. The AAMD Adaptive Behavior Scale-School Edition (Lambert & Windmiller, 1981) and the Vineland Adapative Behavior Scales (Sparrow, Balla, & Cicchetti, 1984) were compared in 15 autistic persons aged 8 to 18. Correlations between the two instruments revealed good concurrent validity. The psychometric properties of the tests were similar to those found in samples of mentally retarded persons. The use of adaptive behavior measures for autistic children and adolescents is encouraged. Clinical advantages and disadvantages of the two tests are discussed.

Activities of Daily Living↗
PubMed2004

Acetylcholinesterase in central vocal control nuclei of the zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata).

The distribution of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) in the central vocal control nuclei of the zebra finch was studied using enzyme histochemistry. AChE fibres and cells are intensely labelled in the forebrain nucleus area X, strongly labelled in high vocal centre (HVC) perikarya, and moderately to lightly labelled in the somata and neuropil of vocal control nuclei robust nucleus of arcopallium (RA), medial magnocellular nucleus of the anterior nidopallium (MMAN) and lateral magnocellular nucleus of the anterior nidopallium (LMAN). The identified sites of cholinergic and/or cholinoceptive neurons are similar to the cholinergic presence in vocal control regions of other songbirds such as the song sparrow, starling and another genus of the zebra finch (Poephila guttata), and to a certain extent in parallel vocal control regions in vocalizing birds such as the budgerigar. AChE presence in the vocal control system suggests innervation by either afferent projecting cholinergic systems and/or local circuit cholinergic neurons. Co-occurrence with choline acetyltransferase (ChAT) indicates efferent cholinergic projections. The cholinergic presence in parts of the zebra finch vocal control system, such as the area X, that is also intricately wired with parts of the basal ganglia, the descending fibre tracts and brain stem nuclei could underlie this circuitry's involvement in sensory processing and motor control of song

Acetylcholinesterase↗
PubMed1991

Occurrence of keratinophilic fungi on Indian birds.

Keratinophilic fungi were isolated from feathers of most common Indian birds, viz. domestic chicken (Gallus domesticus), domestic pigeon (Columba livia), house sparrow (Passer domesticus), house crow (Corvus splendens), duck (Anas sp.), rose-ringed parakeet (Psittacula krameri). Out of 87 birds, 58 yielded 4 keratinophilic fungal genera representing 13 fungal species and one sterile mycelium. The isolated fungi were cultured on Sabouraud's dextrose agar at 28 +/- 2 degrees C. Chrysosporium species were isolated on most of the birds. Chrysosporium lucknowense and Chrysosporium tropicum were the most common fungal species associated with these Indian birds. Maximum occurrence of fungi (47%) was recorded on domestic chickens and the least number of keratinophilic fungi was isolated from the domestic pigeon and duck. The average number of fungi per bird was found to be the 0.44.

Animals↗
PubMed1999

Effects of Protective Fencing on Birds, Lizards, and Black-Tailed Hares in the Western Mojave Desert.

/ Effects of protective fencing on birds, lizards, black-tailed hares (Lepus californicus), perennial plant cover, and structural diversity of perennial plants were evaluated from spring 1994 through winter 1995 at the Desert Tortoise Research Natural Area (DTNA), in the Mojave Desert, California. Abundance and species richness of birds were higher inside than outside the DTNA, and effects were larger during breeding than wintering seasons and during a high than a low rainfall year. Ash-throated flycatchers (Myiarchus cinerascens), cactus wrens (Campylorhynchus brunneicapillus), LeConte's thrashers (Toxostoma lecontei), loggerhead shrikes (Lanius ludovicianus), sage sparrows (Amphispiza belli), and verdins (Auriparus flaviceps) were more abundant inside than outside the DTNA. Nesting activity was also more frequent inside. Total abundance and species richness of lizards and individual abundances of western whiptail lizards (Cnemidophorous tigris) and desert spiny lizards (Sceloporus magister) were higher inside than outside. In contrast, abundance of black-tailed hares was lower inside. Structural diversity of the perennial plant community did not differ due to protection, but cover was 50% higher in protected areas. Black-tailed hares generally prefer areas of low perennial plant cover, which may explain why they were more abundant outside than inside the DTNA. Habitat structure may not affect bird and lizard communities as much as availability of food at this desert site, and the greater abundance and species richness of vertebrates inside than outside the DTNA may correlate with abundances of seeds and invertebrate prey. KEY WORDS: Birds; Fenced protection; Lepus californicus, Lizards; Mojave Desert; Off-highway vehicles; Protected area management; Sheep grazing

Journal Article↗
PubMed2002

Comparative approaches to avian song system function: insights into auditory and motor processing.

Many fundamental advances in our understanding of basic neural function have been made using bird song learning and performance as a model system. These advances have included a greater understanding of higher-order neural processing, developmental and hormonal influences on behavior, and the realization that neurogenesis plays an important role in normal adult brain function. The great diversity of passerine birds and song-related behaviors they exhibit suggest that oscine songbirds are ideally suited for comparative studies. While the comparative approach has been used successfully in the past to study song-related phenomena at anatomical and behavioral levels, it has been underutilized in addressing questions at the neurophysiological level. Most neurophysiological studies of songbird auditory and motor processing have been performed in one species, the zebra finch (Taeniopygia guttata). We present and compare neurophysiological studies we have performed in zebra finches and song sparrows (Melospiza melodia), species that differ markedly in their singing behavior and song repertoire characteristics. Interspecific similarities, and striking differences, in song neural processing are apparent. While preliminary, these data suggest that comparative neurophysiological studies of species carefully chosen for their vocal repertoire and singing behavior will contribute significantly to our understanding of vertebrate sensory and motor neural processing.

Acoustic Stimulation↗
PubMed2003

Immediate early gene response to hearing song correlates with receptive behavior and depends on dialect in a female songbird.

Stimulus-induced expression of the immediate early gene ZENK (egr-1) in the songbird's auditory forebrain presumably depends on the behavioral significance of the stimulus. Few studies, however, have quantified both the ZENK and behavioral responses to a stimulus in the same individuals. We played conspecific male song of either hatch (local) or foreign dialect to female white-crowned sparrows (Zonotrichia leucophrys oriantha) and quantified both the auditory ZENK response and their behavioral response, which is known to depend on dialect. Birds hearing hatch dialect showed greater ZENK induction in the caudomedial hyperstriatum ventrale and the dorsal portion of the caudomedial neostriatum than birds hearing foreign dialect, supporting previous work showing a relationship between ZENK and salience of the stimulus. In the dorsal portion of the caudomedial neostriatum, ZENK induction was correlated with the amount of non-vocal courtship behavior; however, in the caudomedial hyperstriatum ventrale, ZENK induction was more highly correlated with the females' own vocal behavior and thus may have been partly self-induced. Some females sang and showed a male-like pattern of ZENK induction in their song systems. This study provides the first evidence that the ZENK response in a sensory area to a social stimulus is proportional to the animal's preference for the stimulus.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Avian reproductive failure in response to an extreme climatic event.

Recently, climate change research has emphasized the potential increase in the frequency and severity of climatic extremes. We compared the reproductive effort and output among four species of passerine birds in coastal southern California, USA, a semi-arid region, during a normal precipitation year (2001) and the driest year in a 150-year climate record (2002). Both reproductive effort and output differed dramatically between years. Mean reproductive output among the four species was 2.37 fledglings/pair in 2001 and 88.4% of all pairs observed attempted at least one nest. The birds attempted a mean of 1.44 nests per pair and were successful in 47.7% of those attempts. In 2002, only 6.7% of the pairs even attempted a nest and only 1.8% were successful, for a total output of 0.07 fledglings per pair. The abundance of suitable arthropod prey items in the environment was also much lower in 2002, suggesting that low food availability was the proximal cause of the reproductive failure. The data for one of these species, the rufous-crowned sparrow (Aimophila ruficeps), were combined with reproductive and rainfall data from a previous 3-year study (1997-1999) in the same sites. The combined data sets suggest that the response of reproduction to rainfall variation is linear, and that the low end of the precipitation range brings the population near reproductive failure. Any change in climate that would increase the frequency of extreme dry conditions would likely endanger populations of these species.

Acclimatization↗
PubMed2004

Stable isotopes in breath, blood, feces and feathers can indicate intra-individual changes in the diet of migratory songbirds.

We used stable isotopes of C in breath, blood, feces and feathers to identify intra-individual changes in diet and the timescale of diet changes in free-living songbirds at a stopover site. Because accurate interpretation of differences between the delta13C of breath, plasma, and red blood cells (RBCs) relative to diet requires knowing the turnover rate of C within them, we determined the rate of change of C in breath, plasma and RBCs for yellow-rumped warblers (Dendroica coronata). Half-lives of C in breath, plasma, and RBCs were 4.4+/-2.1 h, 24.8+/-12.3 h and 10.9+/-3.2 days, respectively, for yellow-rumped warblers. delta13C of breath, plasma, RBCs and feces from wild-caught golden-crowned kinglets (Regulus satrapa), ruby-crowned kinglets (R. calendula) and gray catbirds (Dumetella carolinensis) indicated that they had maintained an isotopically consistent diet for an extended period of time. However, delta13C of breath and plasma indicated that white-throated sparrows (Zonotrichia albicollis) had recently expanded their diet to include a C4 dietary component. Likewise, delta13C of breath, plasma, RBCs and feces indicated that some wild-caught yellow-rumped warblers had consumed foods with a more enriched protein signature prior to their arrival on Block Island, and since arrival, they had consumed mostly northern bayberry (Myrica pensylvanica). Therefore, comparisons of the delta13C of breath, plasma, RBCs, feces and feathers from individual songbirds can indicate changes in diet and provide an estimate of the timescale of the diet change.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Discrimination between host songs by brood parasitic brown-headed cowbirds ( Molothrus ater).

Songbirds can learn both to produce and to discriminate between different classes of acoustic stimuli. Varying levels of auditory discrimination may improve the fitness of individuals in certain ecological and social contexts and, thus, selection is expected to mold the cognitive abilities of different species according to the potential benefits of acoustic processing. Although fine-scale auditory discrimination of conspecific songs and calls has been frequently reported for brood parasitic brown-headed cowbirds ( Molothrus ater), it remains unclear why and how they perceive differently the songs of their many host species. Using habituation-dishabituation paradigms and measuring behavioral and physiological (heart-rate) responses, we found that captive female cowbirds consistently discriminated between songs of two host species, the song sparrow ( Melospiza melodia) and the red-winged blackbird ( Agelaius phoeniceus). Playback experiments with stimuli composed of con-specific followed by heterospecific vocalizations in the field also demonstrated discrimination between these heterospecific songs even though cowbirds were not attracted to playbacks of either host species' songs alone. Our results do not directly support a nest-searching function of heterospecific song discrimination by cowbirds and are most consistent with a function of the parasites' avoidance of attacks by their aggressive hosts. These data demonstrate discrimination between heterospecific vocalizations by brown-headed cowbirds and add a novel dimension to the already expansive auditory perceptual abilities of brood parasitic species and other songbirds.

Animals↗