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In this world, different terrestrial bird species are major factor that contribute significantly to biodiversity, especially in green vegetated areas on land and in marine or freshwater environments. Objective: To find out the declined breeding biology of House Sparrow bird, belonging to the Passeridae family, worldwide. The female Sparrow has a dull color, while the male is brightly colored and is mostly found in rural areas with human populations nearby. Methods: The study was conducted in three different villages in Taluka Jhando Mari from March 2023 to March 2024. Results: A total of 108 clutches were observed, with a total of 436 eggs. Out of these, 351 eggs hatched, resulting in an 82% hatching success rate, while 35 (9.34%) eggs were non-fertile and 43 (11.01%) were broken or damaged. The maximum number of populations was recorded in June, and the minimum in December in different Talukas. Conclusions: It is concluded that the variation in the population and breeding biology of House Sparrows can be increased by providing artificial nests during the breeding season from March to June.

In this world, different terrestrial bird species are major factor that contribute significantly to biodiversity, especially in green vegetated areas on land and in marine or freshwater environments. Objective: To find out the declined breeding biology of House Sparrow bird, belonging to the Passeridae family, worldwide. The female Sparrow has a dull color, while the male is brightly colored and is mostly found in rural areas with human populations nearby. Methods: The study was conducted in three different villages in Taluka Jhando Mari from March 2023 to March 2024. Results: A total of 108 clutches were observed, with a total of 436 eggs. Out of these, 351 eggs hatched, resulting in an 82% hatching success rate, while 35 (9.34%) eggs were non-fertile and 43 (11.01%) were broken or damaged. The maximum number of populations was recorded in June, and the minimum in December in different Talukas. Conclusions: It is concluded that the variation in the population and breeding biology of House Sparrows can be increased by providing artificial nests during the breeding season from March to June.

In this world, different terrestrial bird species are major factor that contribute significantly to biodiversity, especially in green vegetated areas on land and in marine or freshwater environments. Objective: To find out the declined breeding biology of House Sparrow bird, belonging to the Passeridae family, worldwide. The female Sparrow has a dull color, while the male is brightly colored and is mostly found in rural areas with human populations nearby. Methods: The study was conducted in three different villages in Taluka Jhando Mari from March 2023 to March 2024. Results: A total of 108 clutches were observed, with a total of 436 eggs. Out of these, 351 eggs hatched, resulting in an 82% hatching success rate, while 35 (9.34%) eggs were non-fertile and 43 (11.01%) were broken or damaged. The maximum number of populations was recorded in June, and the minimum in December in different Talukas. Conclusions: It is concluded that the variation in the population and breeding biology of House Sparrows can be increased by providing artificial nests during the breeding season from March to June.

Urban areas provide a constant and predictable supply of anthropogenic processed food. The House Sparrow (Passer domesticus Linnaeus, 1758), a declining urban bioindicator species, has recently been reported to have a high level of oxidative stress, with urban diet or pollutants proposed as the potential cause. In this study, we aimed to experimentally determine the effects of two urban trophic resource types (bar snack food leftovers and pet food) on sparrows' physical condition, plasma biochemical nutritional parameters, and blood oxidative status in captivity. To exclude the potential previous effect of urban pollutants, 75 House Sparrows were captured from a rural area in SE Spain and kept in outdoor aviaries. Individuals were exposed to one of three diet treatments: control diet (fruit, vegetables, poultry grain mixture), bar snack diet (ultra-processed snacks), or cat food diet (dry pellets) for 20 days. Blood samples were collected before and after diet treatments to analyze the relative change rates of 12 variables, including physical condition, nutritional status, and oxidant–antioxidant status. A principal component analysis was run to identify gradients of variables covariation, and Generalized Linear Mixed Models were used to determine the effect of diets on each selected PC and on raw variables. The bar snack diet led to signs of anemia and malnutrition, and females tended to lose body condition. The cat food diet increased oxidative stress indicators and protein catabolism. Unbalanced urban diets can affect the body condition and nutritional physiology of House Sparrows and may also induce oxidative stress despite the absence of environmental pollution.

Urban areas provide a constant and predictable supply of anthropogenic processed food. The House Sparrow (Passer domesticus Linnaeus, 1758), a declining urban bioindicator species, has recently been reported to have a high level of oxidative stress, with urban diet or pollutants proposed as the potential cause. In this study, we aimed to experimentally determine the effects of two urban trophic resource types (bar snack food leftovers and pet food) on sparrows' physical condition, plasma biochemical nutritional parameters, and blood oxidative status in captivity. To exclude the potential previous effect of urban pollutants, 75 House Sparrows were captured from a rural area in SE Spain and kept in outdoor aviaries. Individuals were exposed to one of three diet treatments: control diet (fruit, vegetables, poultry grain mixture), bar snack diet (ultra-processed snacks), or cat food diet (dry pellets) for 20 days. Blood samples were collected before and after diet treatments to analyze the relative change rates of 12 variables, including physical condition, nutritional status, and oxidant–antioxidant status. A principal component analysis was run to identify gradients of variables covariation, and Generalized Linear Mixed Models were used to determine the effect of diets on each selected PC and on raw variables. The bar snack diet led to signs of anemia and malnutrition, and females tended to lose body condition. The cat food diet increased oxidative stress indicators and protein catabolism. Unbalanced urban diets can affect the body condition and nutritional physiology of House Sparrows and may also induce oxidative stress despite the absence of environmental pollution.

Kennis - Grootschalige na-isolatie en renovatieprojecten ten behoeve van de energietransitie leiden ertoe dat daken worden aangepast aan de huidige tijd. Hierdoor kunnen nestgelegenheden voor de Huismus verloren gaan. Bij grootschalige renovaties op het niveau van woonwijken wordt vaak rekening gehouden met natuurwetgeving en dienen er bij aangetoonde aanwezigheid van Huismussen, maatregelen genomen te worden ten gunste van de soort. Dit gebeurt in de vorm van het aanbieden van alternatieve nestgelegenheden, zoals nestkasten, ingemetselde neststenen of voorzieningen onder de dakrand als opgeschoven vogelschroot. Het is echter niet duidelijk welke werkwijze de juiste bescherming biedt en welke maatregelen als effectief kunnen worden beschouwd. Om hier meer inzicht in te krijgen, heeft Sovon Vogelonderzoek Nederland in 2022 en 2023 op 15 locaties in Nederland onderzoek gedaan naar de bezetting van alternatieve nestgelegenheden door de Huismus in vergelijking met natuurlijke nestgelegenheden. Voor dit onderzoek zijn op de 15 locaties tellingen verricht van Huismussen in geselecteerde, en onderling vergelijkbare, onderzoeks- en referentielocaties.

Inspirerende voorbeelden - Steeds meer mensen besluiten om hun huis te isoleren en te verduurzamen. Goed bezig, want daarmee kun je flink besparen op de energiekosten. Bovendien is het ook nog eens goed voor het milieu.

Kennis - De huismus is een beschermde inheemse diersoort als bedoeld in artikel 3.1 van de Wet natuurbescherming, op basis van het feit dat de soort deel uitmaakt van ‘alle natuurlijk in het wild levende vogelsoorten op het Europese grondgebied van de Lidstaten waarop het Verdrag van toepassing is’ (artikel 1 van de Vogelrichtlijn). De huismus staat vermeld op de lijst met vogelsoorten waarvan de nesten jaarrond beschermd zijn (RVO, 2009). De nesten van huismussen vallen onder categorie 2 van vogelnesten “nesten van koloniebroeders die elk broedseizoen op dezelfde plaats broeden en die daarin zeer honkvast zijn of afhankelijk van bebouwing of biotoop. De (fysieke) voorwaarden voor de nestplaats zijn vaak zeer specifiek en limitatief beschikbaar” (zie bijlage 2 Jaarrond beschermde nesten). De huismus staat tevens als gevoelig vermeld op de Rode Lijst van Nederlandse broedvogels (2004). In geval van overtreding van deze verboden bestaat er voor het bevoegd gezag een beginselplicht tot handhaving. Dat kan leiden tot bestuursrechtelijke maatregelen in de vorm van een last onder bestuursdwang, een last onder dwangsom of een BSBm (Bestuurlijke strafbeschikking milieu). Overtreding van deze verboden is bovendien een economisch delict en kan leiden tot strafrechtelijke vervolging. De wet voorziet in een algemene bevoegdheid voor de bevoegde gezagen (de provincies en in sommige gevallen het Ministerie van Economische Zaken) om onder voorwaarden een ontheffing of vrijstelling te verlenen van de verboden (artikel 3.3).

Onderzoek - In het Programma Versnelling Verduurzaming Gebouwde Omgeving heeft de minister voor Volkshuisvesting en Ruimtelijke Ordening op 1 juni 2022 aangekondigd dat in het Besluit Bouwwerken Leefomgeving (Bbl) een landelijke minimumeis wordt opgenomen voor ‘natuurinclusieve’ bouwwerken. In het Bbl wordt een grondslag opgenomen om in de Omgevingsregeling (Or) specifieke eisen aan verblijfsvoorzieningen voor gebouwafhankelijke beschermde soorten te kunnen stellen. Hiermee komt er een verplichting dat bij nieuwbouw en bij ingrijpende renovatie maatregelen moeten worden getroffen, zodat daken en/of gevels verblijfsplaatsen kunnen bieden aan gebouwafhankelijke beschermde soorten, zoals de huismus, gierzwaluw en diverse soorten vleermuizen. BZK heeft samen met een werkgroep, bestaande uit bouw- en natuurorganisaties, uitgangspunten en randvoorwaarden geïnventariseerd. Deze rapportage doet verslag van het onderzoek om, op basis van deze geformuleerde uitgangspunten en randvoorwaarden, te komen tot landelijke voorschriften voor verblijfsvoorzieningen voor de genoemde diersoorten. Daarnaast wordt een voorstel gedaan voor de opzet van een infoblad met praktijkuitleg over de voorschriften en voorbeelden van voorzieningen, waarmee invulling wordt gegeven aan het voorschrift. Deze praktijkuitleg gaat verder dan de toelichting op de artikeltekst. Als laatste is er een regeleffecttoets uitgevoerd. Deze toets geeft inzicht in de vraag of de beoogde voorschriften, in haar context bezien, voor de praktijk uitvoerbaar en proportioneel zijn.

In deze jaarrapportage worden resultaten van de MAS-tellingen in het broedseizoen van 2023 weergegeven. Van een selectie van soorten worden dichtheidskaarten gepresenteerd. Met de inzet van een groep trouwe vrijwilligers zijn 55 telpunten extra geteld die voldeden aan alle selectie-eisen en die meegenomen konden worden in de analyses. De telling in 2023 maakt deel uit van een langjarige monitoring waarmee Provincie Flevoland de trends en verspreiding van de broedvogelsoorten in het agrarisch gebied wil volgen. Provincie Flevoland heeft voor de periode 2023-2027 de opdracht gegeven om de over heel Flevoland verspreide 177 MASpunten die in voorgaande jaren geteld zijn, uit te breiden.

The role of commensal birds in the epidemiology of pathogens in poultry farms remains unclear. Our study aimed to identify potential key species for interactions with domestic ducks on one free-range duck farm in southwest France. Methods combined direct individual observations on duck outdoor foraging areas, network analysis, and general linear mixed models of abundances. Results showed a wide diversity of wild bird species visiting foraging areas, heavily dominated in frequency by White wagtails (Motacilla alba) and Sparrows (Passer domesticus and Passer montanus). These also were the only species seen entering duck premises or perching on drinkers in the presence of ducks. Moreover, White wagtails were the species most frequently observed on the ground and in close proximity to ducks. Network analysis suggested the role of White wagtails and Sparrows in linking ducks to other wild birds on the farm. The abundance of White wagtails was positively associated with open vegetation, with the presence of ducks and particularly in the afternoon, while the abundance of Sparrows was positively associated only with the fall-winter season. By precisely characterising interactions, the study was able to identify few wild bird species which should be prioritized in infectious investigations at the interface with poultry.

The role of commensal birds in the epidemiology of pathogens in poultry farms remains unclear. Our study aimed to identify potential key species for interactions with domestic ducks on one free-range duck farm in southwest France. Methods combined direct individual observations on duck outdoor foraging areas, network analysis, and general linear mixed models of abundances. Results showed a wide diversity of wild bird species visiting foraging areas, heavily dominated in frequency by White wagtails (Motacilla alba) and Sparrows (Passer domesticus and Passer montanus). These also were the only species seen entering duck premises or perching on drinkers in the presence of ducks. Moreover, White wagtails were the species most frequently observed on the ground and in close proximity to ducks. Network analysis suggested the role of White wagtails and Sparrows in linking ducks to other wild birds on the farm. The abundance of White wagtails was positively associated with open vegetation, with the presence of ducks and particularly in the afternoon, while the abundance of Sparrows was positively associated only with the fall-winter season. By precisely characterising interactions, the study was able to identify few wild bird species which should be prioritized in infectious investigations at the interface with poultry.

Kennis, advies - Ooit was de huismus de meest algemene broedvogel van Nederland. Sinds de jaren tachtig is het aantal broedparen echter door onbekende redenen met meer dan vijftig procent afgenomen. Daarom zijn de vogel, het nest en de leefomgeving beschermd. Het ‘Kennisdocument Huismus’ beschrijft waar je bij ruimtelijke activiteiten zoals bouwen of slopen rekening mee moet houden ten gunste van de huismus.

Inspirerende voorbeelden - Met slimme ingrepen je erf natuurrijker maken, dat kan enorm veel betekenen voor vogels. Het Brabantse project ErvenPlus heeft de afgelopen jaren laten zien hoe je door het vergroenen van boerenerven de vogelstand een flinke boost kan geven. De aantallen steenuilen, boerenzwaluwen en mussen namen zienderogen toe.

Vector-borne diseases, especially those transmitted by mosquitoes, have severe impacts on public health and economy. West Nile virus (WNV) and avian malaria parasites of the genus Plasmodium are mosquito-borne pathogens that may produce severe disease and illness in humans and birds, respectively, and circulate in an endemic form in southern Europe. Here, we used field-collected data to identify the impact of Culex pipiens, Cx. perexiguus and Cx. modestus, on the circulation of both WNV and Plasmodium in Andalusia (SW Spain) using mathematical modelling of the basic reproduction number (R0). Models were calibrated with field-collected data on WNV seroprevalence and Plasmodium infection in wild house sparrows, presence of WNV and Plasmodium in mosquito pools, and mosquito blood-feeding patterns. This approach allowed us to determine the contribution of each vector species to pathogen amplification. Overall, 0.7% and 29.6% of house sparrows were positive to WNV antibodies and Plasmodium infection, respectively. In addition, the prevalence of Plasmodium was higher in Cx. pipiens (2.0%), followed by Cx. perexiguus (1.8%) and Cx. modestus (0.7%). Three pools of Cx. perexiguus were positive to WVN. Models identified Cx. perexiguus as the most important species contributing to the amplification of WNV in southern Spain. For Plasmodium models, R0 values were higher when Cx. pipiens was present in the population, either alone or in combination with the other mosquito species. These results suggest that the transmission of these vector-borne pathogens depends on different Culex species, and consequently, their transmission niches will present different spatial and temporal patterns. For WNV, targeted surveillance and control of Cx. perexiguus populations appear as the most effective measure to reduce WNV amplification. Also, preventing Culex populations near human settlements, or reducing the abundance of these species, are potential strategies to red

Feathers serve a diversity of functions in birds and their continuous use and exposure to the environment requires a scheduled moult to maintain their full functionality. As feathers represent about 25% of a bird’s protein content, moult is expected to impose substantial energy and nutrient demands, but perhaps not to the extent reported. Energy conversion efficiencies for feather formation are among the lowest for any biological structure examined, but this assumes that increases in maintenance energy requirements (minimum resting metabolic rate (RMRmin)) during moult are predominately due to feather synthetic costs. We tested this assumption by comparing the RMRminand protein turnover rates of House Sparrows (Passer domesticus (Linnaeus, 1758)) during peak moult and in a non-moulting cohort before and 12 days after having a similar amount of feathers plucked. Replacement of plucked feathers had no effect on metabolic rate, whereas RMRminwas 28% higher in moulting than in non-moulting House Sparrows. Protein turnover rates were lowest in non-moulting birds, but rate differences between non-moulting and moulting birds were threefold higher than those between non-moulting and plucked House Sparrows. Thus, the energy inefficiencies reported for feather replacement are mainly due to costs associated with coincident processes rather than being a direct cost of feather synthesis per se.

Vector-borne diseases, especially those transmitted by mosquitoes, have severe impacts on public health and economy. West Nile virus (WNV) and avian malaria parasites of the genus Plasmodium are mosquito-borne pathogens that may produce severe disease and illness in humans and birds, respectively, and circulate in an endemic form in southern Europe. Here, we used field-collected data to identify the impact of Culex pipiens, Cx. perexiguus and Cx. modestus, on the circulation of both WNV and Plasmodium in Andalusia (SW Spain) using mathematical modelling of the basic reproduction number (R0 ). Models were calibrated with field-collected data on WNV seroprevalence and Plasmodium infection in wild house sparrows, presence of WNV and Plasmodium in mosquito pools, and mosquito blood-feeding patterns. This approach allowed us to determine the contribution of each vector species to pathogen amplification. Overall, 0.7% and 29.6% of house sparrows were positive to WNV antibodies and Plasmodium infection, respectively. In addition, the prevalence of Plasmodium was higher in Cx. pipiens (2.0%), followed by Cx. perexiguus (1.8%) and Cx. modestus (0.7%). Three pools of Cx. perexiguus were positive to WVN. Models identified Cx. perexiguus as the most important species contributing to the amplification of WNV in southern Spain. For Plasmodium models, R0 values were higher when Cx. pipiens was present in the population, either alone or in combination with the other mosquito species. These results suggest that the transmission of these vector-borne pathogens depends on different Culex species, and consequently, their transmission niches will present different spatial and temporal patterns. For WNV, targeted surveillance and control of Cx. perexiguus populations appear as the most effective measure to reduce WNV amplification. Also, preventing Culex populations near human settlements, or reducing the abundance of these species, are potential strategies to reduce WNV spillover into h

Els estudis de seguiment al llarg termini de les poblacions d'aus són fonamentals per a establir les bases de la conservació i de la gestió. En els entorns urbans, la estreta relació amb l'home és un element adicional al què les aus han d'adaptar-se, motiu pel qual ens plantejem analitzar l'evolució de les poblacions d'aus nidificants de la ciutat de Castelló de de la Plana i els factors que condicionen la seua abundància durant 12 anys de seguiment. El treball constata que hi ha una pèrdua de diversitat i d'equitativitat a pesar de l'augment d'espècies reproductores. S'analitzen les tendències tendències de les 24 espècies d'aus nidificants a la ciutat de Castelló de la Plana agrupades en tres conjunts; (1) les que mostren tendència significativa en positiu: tórtora turca (Streptopelia decaocto), garsa (Pica pica), falciot comú (Apus apus) i griva (Turdus viscivorus); (2) les que ho fan en negatiu: teuladí (Passer domesticus), cadernera (Carduelis carduelis), avió comú (Delichon urbicum) i oroneta (Hirundo rustica); i (3) les que es mantenen estables on s'inclouen les 16 restants. Els canvis poblacionals es relacionen amb els següents factors: A. l'increment de massa vegetal als parcs, amb tot el que això comporta (humitat, protecció, espais de cria...); B. els efectes del tractament dels horts adjunts a la ciutat amb biocides; C. la dinàmica poblacional a d'altres àrees del territori espanyol. En aquest treball s'exposa per primera vegada l'evolució recent de les aus urbanes a la ciutat de Castelló de la Plana. Aquestes dades poden servir com a ferramenta de gestió i com a base per a futures comparacions., Long-term studies of bird populations are fundamental to stablish conservation and management measures. In urban areas, the close relationship with the man is an aditional issue that birds have to confront, therefore we propose analyze the evolution of breeding birds' populations in the city of Castelló de la Plana and the factors that affect their abundance during this 12 years. This work determines that there is a loss in biodiversity and equitativity despite the increase in breeding species. The trends of the 24 breeding bird species of Castelló de la Plana are analized in this study, and are grouped in three sets: species that show a positive significant trend: Collared Dove (Streptopelia decaocto), Magpie (Pica pica) Common Swift (Apus apus) and Mistle Thrush (Turdus viscivorus); species that show a negative trend: House Sparrow (Passer domesticus), Goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis), House Martin (Delichon urbicum) and Swallow (Hirundo rustica); and species that are stable, where the remaining 16 are included. The following fctorts are related to the the population changes: A.The plant mass increase at the green spaces, with all the implications it has (humidity, cover, breeding places ... ); B. The carry-over efect that has the biocide treatments of the nearby crops; C. The general trends of population dynamics in other areas of Spain. In this study, we show for the first time the recent trends of urban birds in the city of Castellón de la Plana. This data can be valuable as a management tool and be useful as a basis for future comparisions.

[Background] Avian malaria parasites are a highly diverse group that commonly infect birds and have deleterious effects on their hosts. Some parasite lineages are geographically widespread and infect many host species in many regions. Bird migration, natural dispersal, invasive species and human-mediated introductions into areas where competent insect vectors are present, are probably the main drivers of the current distribution of avian malaria parasites., [Methods] A total of 412 and 2588 wild house sparrows (Passer domesticus) were captured in 2012 and 2013 in two areas of the Iberian Peninsula (central and southern Spain, respectively). Genomic DNA was extracted from blood samples; parasite lineages were sequenced and identified by comparing with GenBank and/or MalAvi databases., [Results] Thirteen Plasmodium lineages were identified in house sparrows corresponding to three major clades. Five individuals were infected by the African Plasmodium lineage PAGRI02, which has been proposed to actively circulate only in Africa., [Conclusions] Despite the low prevalence of PAGRI02 in sparrows in Spain, our results suggest that the area of transmission of this parasite is more widespread than previously thought and covers both Africa and Europe. Further studies of the global distribution of Plasmodium lineages infecting wild birds are required to identify the current transmission areas of these parasites. This is vital given the current scenario of global change that is providing new opportunities for avian malaria transmission into areas where parasites were previously absent.

Een selectie van berichten, verzameld en bewerkt door Gerbert Strang: 'Papegaaien kunnen slim handel drijven', 'Met de vroege landbouw kwam ook de Huismus', 'Kraanvogels nestelen weer in Brabant en Limburg', 'Grootste kolonie Koningspinguïns hard gedaald', 'Jaarlijks verdwijnt 500 miljoen ton aan insecten in de snavels van vogels'.

Iedereen kent de huismus, het straatschoffie onder de erfvogels. Ooit was hij zo algemeen, dat niemand er aandacht aan schonk. Totdat bleek dat de populatie hard achteruit holde. Dit infoblad geeft informatie over het ophangen van nestkasten voor deze soort voor het project ErvenPlus om de erven ‘biodiverser’ in te richten.

Urbanization, characterized by the rapid growth of human development and resource consumption, not only replaces preexisting habitats but can also convert entire landscapes and their associated ecological services. As a result, these areas provide researchers with opportunities to study how wildlife species respond to novel habitat scenarios. In Chapter 1, we directly compared the House Sparrow’s (Passer domesticus) success among different habitat typologies in its native and non-native distributions. We related their numbers to environmental variables describing vegetation structure, urban infrastructure, and human activity. Our results are not only consistent with previous reports but also reveal some useful insights for the development of population management tools. In Chapter 2, we assessed the feasibility of using Google Street View as an ecological tool for gathering environmental data in different urban areas and typologies. Our results provide an optimistic look for GSV’s utilization as a powerful tool in the field of ecology.

Urbanization, characterized by the rapid growth of human development and resource consumption, not only replaces preexisting habitats but can also convert entire landscapes and their associated ecological services. As a result, these areas provide researchers with opportunities to study how wildlife species respond to novel habitat scenarios. In Chapter 1, we directly compared the House Sparrow’s (Passer domesticus) success among different habitat typologies in its native and non-native distributions. We related their numbers to environmental variables describing vegetation structure, urban infrastructure, and human activity. Our results are not only consistent with previous reports but also reveal some useful insights for the development of population management tools. In Chapter 2, we assessed the feasibility of using Google Street View as an ecological tool for gathering environmental data in different urban areas and typologies. Our results provide an optimistic look for GSV’s utilization as a powerful tool in the field of ecology.

Vertebrate mothers transfer diverse compounds to developing embryos that can affect their development and final phenotype (i.e., maternal effects). However, the way such effects modulate offspring phenotype, in particular their immunity, remains unclear. To test the impact of maternal effects on offspring development, we treated wild breeding house sparrows (Passer domesticus) in Sevilla, SE Spain with Newcastle disease virus (NDV) vaccine. Female parents were vaccinated when caring for first broods, eliciting a specific immune response to NDV. The immune response to the same vaccine, and to the PHA inflammatory test were measured in 11-day-old chicks from their following brood. Vaccinated chicks from vaccinated mothers developed a stronger specific response that was related to maternal NDV antibody concentration while rearing their chicks. The chicks' carotenoid concentration and total antioxidant capacity in blood were negatively related to NDV antibody concentration, whereas no relation with PHA response was found. Specific NDV antibodies could not be detected in 11- day-old control chicks from vaccinated mothers, implying that maternally transmitted antibodies are not directly involved but may promote offspring specific immunity through a priming effect, while other immunity components remain unaffected. Maternally transmitted antibodies in the house sparrow are short-lived, depend on maternal circulation levels and enhance pre-fledging chick specific immunity when exposed to the same pathogens as the mothers

Ook vogels worden vuil. Om het verenkleed te ontdoen van het vuil of van ectoparasieten nemen zij meestal een stof- of waterbad. Soms gebruiken ze echter andere hulpmiddelen, bijvoorbeeld mieren. Spaanse Mussen gebruiken verse bladen van Absintalsem om hun nesten vrij te houden van bloedzuigende ectoparasieten. Op een camping in Bosnië-Herzegovina werd de nestbouw van een viertal paartjes Spaanse Mussen gevolgd. De nesten werden gebouwd in ruimten tussen de regenpijp en de daklijst van een woonhuis. Ze hadden een ronde vorm met de vliegopening aan de voorzijde en ze bestonden voornamelijk uit droge grassen. De nesten zijn te vergelijken met boomnesten die Huismussen maken als er geen andere nestmogelijkheid voorhanden is.

Studies were conducted by means of the line transect method in 4 towns (Ondangwa, Ongwediva, Oshakati, Outapi) and 12 larger villages in Ovamboland, north-central Namibia. In overall, 59 residential bird species were recorded. In particular across settlement, the number varied from 6 to 34 (x = 20:2;sd = 9:99). The Simpson’s Diversity Index varied from D = 0:61 to D = 0:93. Overall, dominants comprised 68.1% of all pairs recorded (N = 2105), with Passer domesticus accounted for 32.2% (eudominant). Other dominant species included: Uraeginthus angolensis, Cypsiurus parvus, Corvus albus, Streptopelia senegalensis and Urocolius indicus. Subdominants (5 species) comprised 14.2%. Bird assemblage in Ruacana proved to be fairly distant from that in other Ovambo settlements. Latitudinal trends have been shown for the proportion between Pycnonotis tricolor and P. nigricans and Passer diffusus and P. domesticus species. Passer domesticus almost totally replaced Passer diffusus, while Streptopelia senegalensis almost totally replaced Streptopelia capicola in the urbanized habitats of the northStudies were conducted by means of the line transect method in 4 towns (Ondangwa, Ongwediva, Oshakati, Outapi) and 12 larger villages in Ovamboland, north-central Namibia. In overall, 59 residential bird species were recorded. In particular across settlement, the number varied from 6 to 34 (x = 20:2;sd = 9:99). The Simpson’s Diversity Index varied from D = 0:61 to D = 0:93. Overall, dominants comprised 68.1% of all pairs recorded (N = 2105), with Passer domesticus accounted for 32.2% (eudominant). Other dominant species included: Uraeginthus angolensis, Cypsiurus parvus, Corvus albus, Streptopelia senegalensis and Urocolius indicus. Subdominants (5 species) comprised 14.2%. Bird assemblage in Ruacana proved to be fairly distant from that in other Ovambo settlements. Latitudinal trends have been shown for the proportion between Pycnonotis tricolor and P. nigricans and Passer diffusus and P.

Studies were conducted by means of the line transect method in 4 towns (Ondangwa, Ongwediva, Oshakati, Outapi) and 12 larger villages in Ovamboland, north-central Namibia. In overall, 59 residential bird species were recorded. In particular across settlement, the number varied from 6 to 34 (x = 20:2;sd = 9:99). The Simpson’s Diversity Index varied from D = 0:61 to D = 0:93. Overall, dominants comprised 68.1% of all pairs recorded (N = 2105), with Passer domesticus accounted for 32.2% (eudominant). Other dominant species included: Uraeginthus angolensis, Cypsiurus parvus, Corvus albus, Streptopelia senegalensis and Urocolius indicus. Subdominants (5 species) comprised 14.2%. Bird assemblage in Ruacana proved to be fairly distant from that in other Ovambo settlements. Latitudinal trends have been shown for the proportion between Pycnonotis tricolor and P. nigricans and Passer diffusus and P. domesticus species. Passer domesticus almost totally replaced Passer diffusus, while Streptopelia senegalensis almost totally replaced Streptopelia capicola in the urbanized habitats of the northStudies were conducted by means of the line transect method in 4 towns (Ondangwa, Ongwediva, Oshakati, Outapi) and 12 larger villages in Ovamboland, north-central Namibia. In overall, 59 residential bird species were recorded. In particular across settlement, the number varied from 6 to 34 (x = 20:2;sd = 9:99). The Simpson’s Diversity Index varied from D = 0:61 to D = 0:93. Overall, dominants comprised 68.1% of all pairs recorded (N = 2105), with Passer domesticus accounted for 32.2% (eudominant). Other dominant species included: Uraeginthus angolensis, Cypsiurus parvus, Corvus albus, Streptopelia senegalensis and Urocolius indicus. Subdominants (5 species) comprised 14.2%. Bird assemblage in Ruacana proved to be fairly distant from that in other Ovambo settlements. Latitudinal trends have been shown for the proportion between Pycnonotis tricolor and P. nigricans and Passer diffusus and P.

Studies were conducted by means of the line transect method in 4 towns (Ondangwa, Ongwediva, Oshakati, Outapi) and 12 larger villages in Ovamboland, north-central Namibia. In overall, 59 residential bird species were recorded. In particular across settlement, the number varied from 6 to 34 (x = 20:2;sd = 9:99). The Simpson’s Diversity Index varied from D = 0:61 to D = 0:93. Overall, dominants comprised 68.1% of all pairs recorded (N = 2105), with Passer domesticus accounted for 32.2% (eudominant). Other dominant species included: Uraeginthus angolensis, Cypsiurus parvus, Corvus albus, Streptopelia senegalensis and Urocolius indicus. Subdominants (5 species) comprised 14.2%. Bird assemblage in Ruacana proved to be fairly distant from that in other Ovambo settlements. Latitudinal trends have been shown for the proportion between Pycnonotis tricolor and P. nigricans and Passer diffusus and P. domesticus species. Passer domesticus almost totally replaced Passer diffusus, while Streptopelia senegalensis almost totally replaced Streptopelia capicola in the urbanized habitats of the northStudies were conducted by means of the line transect method in 4 towns (Ondangwa, Ongwediva, Oshakati, Outapi) and 12 larger villages in Ovamboland, north-central Namibia. In overall, 59 residential bird species were recorded. In particular across settlement, the number varied from 6 to 34 (x = 20:2;sd = 9:99). The Simpson’s Diversity Index varied from D = 0:61 to D = 0:93. Overall, dominants comprised 68.1% of all pairs recorded (N = 2105), with Passer domesticus accounted for 32.2% (eudominant). Other dominant species included: Uraeginthus angolensis, Cypsiurus parvus, Corvus albus, Streptopelia senegalensis and Urocolius indicus. Subdominants (5 species) comprised 14.2%. Bird assemblage in Ruacana proved to be fairly distant from that in other Ovambo settlements. Latitudinal trends have been shown for the proportion between Pycnonotis tricolor and P. nigricans and Passer diffusus and P.

Studies were conducted by means of the line transect method in 4 towns (Ondangwa, Ongwediva, Oshakati, Outapi) and 12 larger villages in Ovamboland, north-central Namibia. In overall, 59 residential bird species were recorded. In particular across settlement, the number varied from 6 to 34 (x = 20:2;sd = 9:99). The Simpson’s Diversity Index varied from D = 0:61 to D = 0:93. Overall, dominants comprised 68.1% of all pairs recorded (N = 2105), with Passer domesticus accounted for 32.2% (eudominant). Other dominant species included: Uraeginthus angolensis, Cypsiurus parvus, Corvus albus, Streptopelia senegalensis and Urocolius indicus. Subdominants (5 species) comprised 14.2%. Bird assemblage in Ruacana proved to be fairly distant from that in other Ovambo settlements. Latitudinal trends have been shown for the proportion between Pycnonotis tricolor and P. nigricans and Passer diffusus and P. domesticus species. Passer domesticus almost totally replaced Passer diffusus, while Streptopelia senegalensis almost totally replaced Streptopelia capicola in the urbanized habitats of the northStudies were conducted by means of the line transect method in 4 towns (Ondangwa, Ongwediva, Oshakati, Outapi) and 12 larger villages in Ovamboland, north-central Namibia. In overall, 59 residential bird species were recorded. In particular across settlement, the number varied from 6 to 34 (x = 20:2;sd = 9:99). The Simpson’s Diversity Index varied from D = 0:61 to D = 0:93. Overall, dominants comprised 68.1% of all pairs recorded (N = 2105), with Passer domesticus accounted for 32.2% (eudominant). Other dominant species included: Uraeginthus angolensis, Cypsiurus parvus, Corvus albus, Streptopelia senegalensis and Urocolius indicus. Subdominants (5 species) comprised 14.2%. Bird assemblage in Ruacana proved to be fairly distant from that in other Ovambo settlements. Latitudinal trends have been shown for the proportion between Pycnonotis tricolor and P. nigricans and Passer diffusus and P.

Studies were conducted by means of the line transect method in 4 towns (Ondangwa, Ongwediva, Oshakati, Outapi) and 12 larger villages in Ovamboland, north-central Namibia. In overall, 59 residential bird species were recorded. In particular across settlement, the number varied from 6 to 34 (x = 20:2;sd = 9:99). The Simpson’s Diversity Index varied from D = 0:61 to D = 0:93. Overall, dominants comprised 68.1% of all pairs recorded (N = 2105), with Passer domesticus accounted for 32.2% (eudominant). Other dominant species included: Uraeginthus angolensis, Cypsiurus parvus, Corvus albus, Streptopelia senegalensis and Urocolius indicus. Subdominants (5 species) comprised 14.2%. Bird assemblage in Ruacana proved to be fairly distant from that in other Ovambo settlements. Latitudinal trends have been shown for the proportion between Pycnonotis tricolor and P. nigricans and Passer diffusus and P. domesticus species. Passer domesticus almost totally replaced Passer diffusus, while Streptopelia senegalensis almost totally replaced Streptopelia capicola in the urbanized habitats of the northStudies were conducted by means of the line transect method in 4 towns (Ondangwa, Ongwediva, Oshakati, Outapi) and 12 larger villages in Ovamboland, north-central Namibia. In overall, 59 residential bird species were recorded. In particular across settlement, the number varied from 6 to 34 (x = 20:2;sd = 9:99). The Simpson’s Diversity Index varied from D = 0:61 to D = 0:93. Overall, dominants comprised 68.1% of all pairs recorded (N = 2105), with Passer domesticus accounted for 32.2% (eudominant). Other dominant species included: Uraeginthus angolensis, Cypsiurus parvus, Corvus albus, Streptopelia senegalensis and Urocolius indicus. Subdominants (5 species) comprised 14.2%. Bird assemblage in Ruacana proved to be fairly distant from that in other Ovambo settlements. Latitudinal trends have been shown for the proportion between Pycnonotis tricolor and P. nigricans and Passer diffusus and P.

The male house sparrows has two assumed visible sexual traits which are 1) the colouration (or brightness) of the beak and 2) the size of the black badge on the bird’s throat and chest. Earlier research has shown that the testosterone concentration play an important part in determine the beak colour, with a higher testosterone concentration giving the bird a darker beak and as such making the male more attractive to females. Even though stress has been counted for as a changing factor of phenotypes and behaviour it is not certain how vast effect stress has on different animals. This study is focusing on how and if the individuals fundamental stress level (fundamental corticosterone concentration) is affecting the morphological appearance, in this case the visible sexual traits (beak colour and badge size) and mask (an indicator of age), within the house sparrows in the Lundy Island population. In this study there was no relationship between beak colour and corticosterone concentrations, stating that beak brightness is not determined by fundamental stress. Likewise there was no relationship between the corticosterone concentrations and the size of the badge. Mask measurements in relationship to corticosterone showed no significant effect. These results indicate that there is no relationship between the corticosterone concentration in the blood and the mask size or the beak colour and badge size as visible sexual traits., Många forskare är ense om att gråsparvshannen använder sig av två synliga karaktärsdrag för att attrahera honor. Den första är mörkhetsgraden på näbben och den andra är storleken på hannens svarta bröstlapp, placerad på hals och bröst. Tidigare forskning har visat att näbbfärgen påverkas kraftigt av hannens testosteron nivå och att en högre testosteron nivå leder till en mörkare näbb, vilket är mer attraktivt för honorna. Även om stress har visat sig påverka både fenotyp och beteende hos många olika djurgrupper är det fortfarande oklart hur stor effekt stress har på olika djur. Denna studie fokuserar på hur och om den individuella fundamentala stressnivån (den fundamentala kortikosteron nivån) påverkar de synliga attraherande karaktärsdragen (näbbfärg och bröstlappsstorlek) hos gråsparvshannarna. I denna rapport analyseras även hannarnas masker, vilka fungerar som åldersindikatorer, i relation till de individuella kortikosteron koncentrationerna. Inget samband kunde hittas mellan näbbfärg och kortikosteron nivå hos de analyserade individerna. Likaså kunde inget samband hittas mellan kortikosteron nivån och storleken på hannens bröstlapp. Inte heller maskstorleken visade samband med kortokosteron nivån. Resultatet indikerar således att stress inte påverkar hannens sexuellt attraktiva karaktärsdrag eller mask.

We studied the immune response of wild House Sparrows (Passer domesticus) experimentally challenged with different doses of inactivated Newcastle disease virus (NDV) vaccine. We evaluated within-individual cell-mediated and humoral responses in birds kept in outdoor aviaries, over a 6-wk period. Nonbreeding adult House Sparrows developed a significant humoral response to NDV experimental vaccination within 1 wk postchallenge, as measured by hemagglutination inhibition assay; values increased until week 4 and persisted until week 6. Differences among treatments appeared by week 1, with individuals challenged with the highest dose (0.2 mL) eliciting a higher humoral response than the rest (n = 18). By week 4, all individuals vaccinated displayed an increased humoral response, with individuals challenged with the highest dose remaining significantly above responses of individuals vaccinated with the middle dose (0.1 mL, n = 14), but not the lowest dose (0.05 mL, n = 15). The middle and lowest dose responded similarly and significantly different from controls (n = 23). Differences persisted through week 6 postchallenge. Cell-mediated responses were independent of the experimental treatment. All individuals experienced a rise in granulocyte concentration, whereas lymphocyte and monocyte concentrations decreased, most likely as a result of captivity. Adult wild House Sparrows immunochallenged with inactivated NDV vaccine developed a specific humoral response, highlighting the utility of this technique in immunologic and evolutionary ecology studies in wild birds.

Huismussen nemen dramatisch af in West-Europa. Vooral stedelijke populaties raken meer en meer versnipperd en worden kleiner. Zijn deze recente veranderingen reeds voelbaar in de genetische structuur en diversiteit van stedelijke populaties, en leidt dit tot een genetische verarming in stedelijke populaties ten opzichte van het platteland en groenere stadsranden? Of vormen stadsmussen en boerenmussen één pot nat?

Sperm competition exerts strong selection on males to produce spermatozoa with an optimal morphology that maximizes their fertilization success. Long sperm were first suggested to be favored because they should swim faster. However, studies that investigated the relationship between spermlength and sperm competitive ability or sperm swimming velocity yielded contradictory results. More recently, ratios of the different sections of a spermatozoon (the head,midpiece, and flagellum)were suggested to bemore crucial in determining swimming velocity. Additionally, sperm ability to remain and survive in the female storage organs may also influence fertilization success, so that optimal sperm morphology may rather maximize sperm longevity than velocity. In this study, we investigated how sperm morphology is related to sperm velocity and sperm longevity in the house sparrow Passer domesticus. Sperm velocity was found to be correlated with head/flagellum ratio. Sperm with small heads relative to their flagellum showed higher swimming velocity. Additionally, shorter sperm were found to live longer. Finally, we found sperm morphological traits to vary substantially within males and the head/flagellum ratio to be unrelated to total sperm length. We discuss the hypothesis that the substantial within-male variation in sperm morphology reflects a male strategy to produce a diversity of sperm from long, fast-swimming to short, long-living sperm to maximize their fertilization success in a context of sperm competition.

We performed experimental inoculations of house sparrows (Passer domesticus) with Buggy Creek virus (BCRV), a poorly known alphavirus (Togaviridae) vectored primarily by the swallow bug (Hemiptera: Cimicidae: Oeciacus vicarius) that is an ectoparasite of the cliff swallow (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota) and house sparrow. Viremias were detected by plaque assay in two of six birds on days 1–3 postinoculation; viremia was highest on day 2. Viral RNA was detected by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in blood of six of 12 birds ranging from day 1 to day 15 postinoculation. Infectious BCRV was detected in nasopharyngeal swab samples from two birds by plaque assay. Three control birds that were housed with viremic individuals showed evidence of BCRV RNA in blood (by RT-PCR), suggesting possible bird-to-bird transmission of this virus. Viral RNA also was detected by RT-PCR in brain and skin tissue of six birds on necropsy at the end of the 16-day experiment. Introduced house sparrows are apparently a competent amplifying host for BCRV, and their presence year-round at cliff swallow colonies may facilitate persistence of the virus locally, especially when cliff swallows abandon a site temporarily. The findings that BCRV can be shed orally, that it persists in bird skin, and that control birds could apparently be infected by conspecifics suggest that this virus may be transmitted from bird to bird in the crowded conditions of many cliff swallow colonies.

From 2 August through 1 October 1993 we banded and leg flagged 362 house sparrows (126 adults, 236 juveniles) captured in a decoy trap at an experimental grain station on the campus of North Dakota State University, Fargo (NDSU). We documented sightings of leg-flagged birds between 3 August 1993 and 14 December 1994. Over this period, 56 (66%) of the total 76 observations of leg-flagged birds were on the NDSU campus; 21 (28%) of the 76 observations occurred between March and December 1994, a minimum of 5 months after the leg flags were attached and following the 1993-1994 winter. Of the 21 observations in 1994, 16 (76%) occurred on campus. The farthest sighting of a leg-flagged bird was 6.5 km (4 mi.) from the trap site. The data indicated that we captured and marked a localized population. A concerted effort based on trapping could reduce house sparrow damage on the small, experimental plots of cereal grains and sunflower grown at the station.

De bevindingen van onderzoek suggereren dat onze gewone huismus een hybride is van Passer domesticus. De variatie in de koptekening bij Huismussen uit Zuid-Limburg heeft in vrij korte tijd veranderingen ondergaan. Huismussen met een stip achter en een streep voor het oog zijn nu veruit in de meerderheid

Het aantal huismussen in de steden en dorpen is de afgelopen twintig jaar bijna gehalveerd. Een soort die het goed doet in de stad is de pimpelmees. Grafiek met een overzicht van de huismus en de pimpelmees in de stad 1980-2001

New Zealand horticulturists are experiencing increasing damage to a variety of crops from a number of introduced bird species. With the advent of the increasing problem there is a need for carefully planned control operations most of which, by necessity, will be carried out by the growers themselves. This means that a variety of baits and toxins is currently being evaluated for control purposes. Growers are being trained in the use of those toxins as well as how to get more effective use from a range of bird-scare devices. Control agencies continue to carry out control of certain bird species and monitor bird damage where possible.

New Zealand horticulturists are experiencing increasing damage to a variety of crops from a number of introduced bird species. With the advent of the increasing problem there is a need for carefully planned control operations most of which, by necessity, will be carried out by the growers themselves. This means that a variety of baits and toxins is currently being evaluated for control purposes. Growers are being trained in the use of those toxins as well as how to get more effective use from a range of bird-scare devices. Control agencies continue to carry out control of certain bird species and monitor bird damage where possible.

The conservation of Egyptian wildlife is discussed. Control measures are reviewed for rodents and birds, especially the house sparrow. Because of the high dam, permanent irrigation has resulted in Arvicanthis becoming a more serious invader of rural buildings.

Seed rice was treated with 0.25% methiocarb to test its effectiveness as a blackbird repellent in Vermilion Parish, Louisiana in the spring of 1975. Two replications of 3 treated and 3 untreated plots showed 68% more seedlings in treated plots (2,393) than in untreated plots (1,429). Half as many birds (chiefly redwing blackbirds, Agelaius phoeniceus, were recorded in treated (1.18/min) as in untreated plots (2.39/min).

In the Autumn of 1979, bird observations were made in the Azores during a marine biological expedition within the scope of the CANCAP-Project of the Rijksmuseum van Natuurlijke Historie. Six out of the nine islands of the archipelago were visited

The conservation of Egyptian wildlife is discussed. Control measures are reviewed for rodents and birds, especially the house sparrow. Because of the high dam, permanent irrigation has resulted in Arvicanthis becoming a more serious invader of rural buildings.

Seed rice was treated with 0.25% methiocarb to test its effectiveness as a blackbird repellent in Vermilion Parish, Louisiana in the spring of 1975. Two replications of 3 treated and 3 untreated plots showed 68% more seedlings in treated plots (2,393) than in untreated plots (1,429). Half as many birds (chiefly redwing blackbirds, Agelaius phoeniceus, were recorded in treated (1.18/min) as in untreated plots (2.39/min).

In the Autumn of 1979, bird observations were made in the Azores during a marine biological expedition within the scope of the CANCAP-Project of the Rijksmuseum van Natuurlijke Historie. Six out of the nine islands of the archipelago were visited

[EN] This note describes the food contents of 142 stomachs of House Sparrows (Passer domesticus). The diet is mainly granivorous. In spring-summer the trophic diversity is higher, the seeds of 6 weed specíes amounting to 95.6 % of the elements consumed, although the highest biomass proportions correspond to wheat and corn. In autumn-winter, the seeds of Echinochloa crus-galli constitute approximately 40 % both in number and weight, wheat and corn amounting each to 20 % in weight, Se describe el contenido estomacal de 142 Gorriones Comunes. La dieta es principalmente granivora. Durante la primavera-verano la diversidad trófica es máxima. Las semillas de seis plantas granívoras constituyen el 95,6 % de los elementos ingeridos, aunque el trigo y el maíz tienen mayor importancia desde el punto de vista de la biomasa. En otoño-invierno las semillas de Echinochloa crus-galli suponen alrededor de un 40 %, tanto en número como en peso, mientras que el trigo y el maiz sólo alcanzan, cada uno, un 20 % en peso

Methods of controlling domestic pigeons, European starlings, and house sparrows are discussed in detail, with emphasis on urban bird problems. Trapping, exclusion, and roost dispersal by means of frightening devices (pyrotechnic tools such as cracker shells and fuse ropes, in particular) and roost sprays are described in detail. For capture of pigeons, both cage traps and cannon nets are described, with illustrations provided. Case studies are provided of successful dispersal of starling roosts by use of sprays formulated with aqueous ammonia and a wetting agent. Brief mention of use of avicides is included.