Search

Bordoibam-Bilmukh is a small wetland located at the boundary of the Dhemaji and Lakhimpur districts of Assam, India that provides shelter and breeding ground to many resident and migratory birds. A survey was conducted between October 2022 and March 2024 on the avian diversity of Bordoibam-Bilmukh Bird Sanctuary. A total of 47 bird species under 16 orders and 29 families were recorded during the survey. Order Passeriformes, recorded with the highest number of avian species (15). Among the families, the highest number of species (5) was recorded under Ardeidae. Out of all the species recorded, three species, viz., Brown Shrike, Citrine Wagtail, and White Wagtail were winter migratory; one species, the Lesser Kestrel, was summer migratory, and the remaining 43 were resident species. Besides, two species, viz., Lesser Adjutant and Greater Adjutant are listed as 'Near Threatened' species on the IUCN Red List. Comparing the avian diversity from 1997 to 2024, a decline in the number of avian species from 167 (as per the 1997 record) to 47 (as per the present study) has been observed in the sanctuary. Various anthropogenic activities such as habitat destruction and disturbance, hunting of birds, are the major causes of the decline of avian diversity. For future species diversity restoration in the sanctuary, these negative anthropogenic activities should be addressed immediately for conservation strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

ABSTRACT Herons (Ardeidae), an important group in wetland ecosystems, have a particularly strong relationship with humans. However, their predation on farmed fish and shrimp in aquafarms can lead to economic losses for local fish farmers. Consequently, notable conflicts arise between fish farmers and herons. Fish farmers adopt various measures to deter herons from “stealing” their fish; however, there is limited research on the behavioral responses of herons under such pressures of human disturbance. Flight initiation distance (FID) is an important manifestation of avian anti‐predation behavior and serves as an indicator of birds' tolerance to human disturbance. This study investigated the potential variations in tolerance to human disturbance between the little egret (Egretta garzetta) and the Chinese pond heron (Ardeola bacchus) in “stealing” environments (aquafarm environments) and non‐aquafarm environments in Hainan and Guangdong Provinces, south China, using FID as an indicator. Herons in aquafarm environments were less tolerant (having longer FIDs) to human disturbance compared to herons in non‐aquafarm environments. The main cause of this phenomenon could be the harsh deterrents used by humans to prevent herons from “stealing” fish. These deterrents increase the predation risk for herons when “stealing” in aquafarms, causing them to exhibit less tolerance to human disturbance. Our study increases understanding of the behavioral response patterns of herons in human–wildlife conflicts and provides valuable insights for more scientific and rational management and protection of Ardeidae species.

ABSTRACT Resource partitioning is crucial for the coexistence of colonial herons, as it allows multiple species to share the same habitat while minimising competition. This study took advantage of a natural experiment in 2006 and 2007 when Black‐crowned Night Herons were prevented from breeding at Lake Fetzara in the first year due to the presence of a feral cat. This event provided valuable insight into the spatial and temporal dynamics of nest site selection among coexisting heron species, which consisted of Cattle Egrets (Ardea ibis), Little Egrets (Egretta garzetta) and Squacco Herons (Ardeola ralloides). After the cat was removed, egg‐laying began in the core areas of the colony and gradually spread to the periphery. Species that initiated nesting early selected mid‐elevation sites near the tree trunk, which likely offered protection from both ground and aerial predators, while also providing some shielding from solar radiation and strong winds. These early selected sites featured larger branches, which conferred greater nest stability. Vertical stratification was evident among the heron species; however, contrary to long‐standing assumptions, it was not directly related to body size. Both vertical and horizontal stratification were observed, with nests progressively moving higher and further from the tree trunk as the breeding season advanced. The following year, Black‐crowned Night Herons displaced other species to lower heights and positions further from the trunk, highlighting the significant influence of interspecific interactions on nest site selection. This study underscores the complex interplay between nest site selection, biotic interactions and abiotic factors in heron colonies, emphasising the importance of resource partitioning in maintaining species coexistence in densely populated breeding sites.

Studies on the distribution characteristics and environmental relevance of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in waterbird feathers are scarce. In the present study, the concentrations of twenty-three PFAS in the remiges, coverts, body, down, and tail feathers of three common species of Ardeidae (little egret, grey heron, and Chinese pond-heron) in Poyang Lake were investigated. The total PFAS concentrations in the pinna and scapus were 38 – 42 ng/g dry weight (dw) and 21 – 38 ng/g dw, respectively; long-chain C9–14 perfluorocarboxylic acids were abundant in all feathers. Most PFAS accumulated in the pinna; however, perfluorohexane sulfonic acid and perfluorooctane sulfonamide were predominant in the scapus. The PFAS concentrations were higher in the tail and flight feathers than in the cover and body feathers. Furthermore, the concentrations of PFAS in waterbird feathers were comparable with those in fish and higher than those in benthic invertebrates, all of which originated from Poyang Lake. The PFAS profiles in feathers were significantly and positively correlated with those in fish (r > 0.71) and benthos (r > 0.43). These results suggest that waterbird feather is a suitable biomonitor of PFAS contamination in regional freshwater ecosystems.

Heron colonies are dynamic components of wetlands. Therefore, their systematic monitoring is important for the management of both birds and wetlands. During the period 1988–2018, we counted breeding pairs of seven colonial breeding heron species at 65 colonies across 37 wetlands in Greece. We considered as annual variables of a population: (a) years since 1988, (b) Natura 2000 network inclusion, (c) protected area management authority overseeing, (d) wetland type (new or restored), and (e) new colonies (established after 2003). The Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis and the Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides had a positive breeding population trend. The Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax, Little Egret Egretta garzetta, and Grey Heron Ardea cinerea had a negative trend, while the Purple Heron Ardea purpurea population was stable. The Great White Egret Ardea alba bred sporadically at only a few sites which precluded the evaluation of its population trend. The informative population variables differed among species, even of those at the same colony, which suggests trends are also affected by conditions at wintering grounds. The study highlights the need for the systematic monitoring of heron colonies and the protection of foraging/breeding areas in order to reverse the observed negative population trends.

Many marsh birds, like bitterns or rails, are endangered species inhabiting only natural habitats and dependent exclusively on different types of emergent vegetation. In a changing environment, some of these habitat specialists are becoming more flexible, shifting their preferences by colonizing man-made habitats. We studied habitat selection by Little Bitterns (Ixobrychus minutus minutus) breeding in a fishpond landscape in south-eastern Poland. Applying a large-scale research approach, we examined several habitat features in order to predict the presence of the Little Bittern from a direct comparison of areas with and without breeding birds. Partial least squares (PLS) regression identified two components of several variables that explained 53% of the variation in the presence of the Little Bittern in a fishpond habitat. The occurrence of the Little Bittern was limited to high-quality patches of emergent vegetation, the height, width and area of which were all significantly greater in the area with breeding birds than in unoccupied patches. Patches with a highly variable edge line in the form of fringes or indentations were less favoured. An optimal water level throughout the breeding season was crucial for nest-site selection and ensured access to food. The heterogeneity of the pond dykes and pond canals positively predicted the presence of the Little Bittern by creating potential nesting or foraging sites. Interestingly, the proportion of bulrushes (Typha spp.) in the emergent vegetation patches had a negative effect on the presence of the Little Bittern. The main threat to this habitat‐sensitive species was the cutting of perennial emergent vegetation, in particular the Common Reed (Phragmites australis). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: We studied the nesting population trends of the colonially nesting heron species in Greece from 1988 to 2018, aiming to identify drivers of these trends and thus inform colony/wetland conservation measures. Two species (Cattle Egret and Squacco Heron) had a positive trend, while three species (Black-crowned Night Heron, Little Egret and Grey Heron) had a negative trend. The Purple Heron presented a stable trend. Our results suggest that: (a) The Natura 2000 network and the operation of the protected areas Management Authorities have positively affected heron species nesting population trend or range expansion, (b) national wetland restoration efforts have facilitated the expansion of most heron species' breeding range via the establishment of new colonies, and (c) colonies located outside protected areas were—especially in the case of the Grey Heron—most likely to have a declining nesting population trend. The drivers behind the observed population trends differed among species, even among those sharing the same breeding sites. This suggests that the nesting population trends could be due to ecological changes at both the breeding and at the wintering sites. Our results emphasize the importance of continuing wetland restoration efforts, developing heron-friendly farming practices, and adopting a systematic nationwide survey of colonies. Heron colonies are dynamic components of wetlands. Therefore, their systematic monitoring is important for the management of both birds and wetlands. During the period 1988–2018, we counted breeding pairs of seven colonial breeding heron species at 65 colonies across 37 wetlands in Greece. We considered as annual variables of a population: (a) years since 1988, (b) Natura 2000 network inclusion, (c) protected area management authority overseeing, (d) wetland type (new or restored), and (e) new colonies (established after 2003). The Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis and the Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides had a positive breeding population trend. The Black-crowned Night Heron Nycticorax nycticorax, Little Egret Egretta garzetta, and Grey Heron Ardea cinerea had a negative trend, while the Purple Heron Ardea purpurea population was stable. The Great White Egret Ardea alba bred sporadically at only a few sites which precluded the evaluation of its population trend. The informative population variables differed among species, even of those at the same colony, which suggests trends are also affected by conditions at wintering grounds. The study highlights the need for the systematic monitoring of heron colonies and the protection of foraging/breeding areas in order to reverse the observed negative population trends. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In 2013-2023, in the Gizilaghaj Bay located on the South-Western coast of the Caspian Sea, the trophic relationships of the migratory and nesting bird populations belonging to the Ardeidae family (Botarus stellaris, Ixobrychus minutus, Nycticorax nycticorax, Ardeola ralloides, Bubulcus ibis, Egretta garzetta, Ardea alba, Ardea cinerea, Ardea purpurea) were evaluated with 100 points. It was evaluated 40-60 (sufficient) in 36 species, the main food objects of which are plants, in 9 species 60-80 (good). It was evaluated 40-60 (sufficient) in 12 species of birds, the main food objects of which are invertebrates, 60-80 (good) in the populations of 114 species and 80-100 (very good) in 10 bird species. It was evaluated 0-20 (very bad) in 14 species, the main food objects of which are vertebrates, 20-40 (bad) in 18 species, 40-60 (sufficient) in 56 species and 60-80 (good) in 10 species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Variations in physico-chemical parameters of water as abiotic factors affect the spatio-temporal distributions of the organisms that live in it. The present study aims to determine the influence of physico-chemical properties on Ardeidae spatiotemporal variations in the wetland of Ramsar site 1018 in Benin. To reach this goal, transect enumeration techniques and stationary counts lasting 15-30 min were used to count Ardeidae species once a month at different sites such as Nokoué Lake, Sô River, Porto-Novo Lagoon, Ouémé River and ancient Lagoons from January 2015 to December 2016. Water physico-chemical parameters were measured at three stations per site during the bird counts. Five of the 12 species recorded monthly were significantly influenced (p< 0.05) by water physico-chemical parameters. It was then revealed that pH influenced Ardeidae spatial variation. Such information is relevant to the management of Ramsar Site 1018, which hosts migratory waterbird species from Palearctic (Eurasia) every year. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A study conducted at Goalpara College in Assam, India, examined the habitat utilization and feeding patterns of birds on the campus. The study recorded and studied 44 bird species from 30 families, categorizing them into seven groups based on their food type. Insectivorous birds were found to be the most dominant. The study also analyzed the habitat selection of the birds, with the H-1 habitat type being the most species-rich. The findings highlight the importance of modified habitats in maintaining urban biodiversity and provide valuable information for the management of avifauna habitats. [Extracted from the article]

Polymorphism has been described in many avian taxa including Ardeidae. This study investigated the spatio-temporal distribution of color polymorphic forms (with regard to the color of the unfeathered parts (legs/lores)) of the Great White Egret Ardea alba alba in internet images from Europe. In total, 140 images of presumed polymorphs from 16 countries (from 2006 to 2021) have been collected and examined. Eight coloration schemes of visible unfeathered parts were distinguished. Since some polymorphs may represent the subspecies Eastern Great Egret Ardea alba modesta, the ratio of beak length to total head length was compared among individuals representing the nominal and Eastern Great Egret subspecies. The ratio distributions were similar in all compared groups; thus, polymorph egrets may represent both of these subspecies. Most polymorph images originate from the Netherlands and the southwestern Norwegian coast. This may have resulted from specific local diets and contact with hormone-disrupting compounds. Nevertheless, some observation biases, such as the presence of local breeding population or high numbers of nature photographers, could have affected our observation pattern. Some analyzed features also followed temporal patterns. Most polymorphs were observed during the breeding season, suggesting disruptions of sex hormones as a possible cause. Studies of spatio-temporal patterns of polymorph occurrence may allow us to obtain insights into the causes of large variation in coloration schemes in polymorphic species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, a 2600-ha Ramsar site, Lac Tonga, in northeastern Algeria, was fortnightly surveillance, for seven months, from December 2021 to June 2022. The aim was to monitor and determine the spatio-temporal distribution of Ardeidae. A total of seven species were inventoried, including the Western Cattle egret Ardea ibis (1701 individuals) and the Little egret Egretta garzetta (265 individuals). The other species were the Squacco heron Ardeola ralloides, Grey heron Ardea cinerea, Purple heron Ardea purpurea, Black-crowned Night heron Nycticorax nycticorax and Great egret Ardea alba, with 69, 56, 54, 51 and 35 individuals respectively. During the study period, maximum abundance was observed during May (A=582 individuals), and species richness generally varied between 3 and 5 species. The highest diversity and equitability indices values were noted during June (H'=1.4 bits and E=0.88), indicating the presence of a balanced population. The monitoring of Ardeidae’ spatial distribution shows that they exploit mainly the western and northeastern parts of the lake with an important occupation during the study period. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Investigations on the parasites that infect migrating birds worldwide are ongoing. To identify the parasite species that infect ardeids, morphological and morphometric characteristics were used. A total of 20 Bubulcus ibis (Ardeidae) specimens were collected from the agricultural lands belonging to the Faculty of Agricultural at Cairo University, which were then examined for nematode parasites. Only one acuariid species, belonging to the Acuariidae family, has been identified, with a prevalence rate of 50 % (10/20) among infected egrets. The Desportesius species isolated from the gizzard of the egret host is morphologically and morphometrically compatible with Desportesius invaginatus, which was previously identified from several Ciconiiformes hosts of Bubulcus ibis (Egypt, India, and Taiwan), Egretta garzetta (France), and Egretta rufescens (USA). Additionally, utilizing the partial small subunit ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA) gene sequence, maximum parsimony based on the Tamura-Nei model was used to infer the phylogeny of the recovered Desportesius species. The query sequences revealed 99.37 % identity for the 18S (MW358651.1) of the previously mentioned D. invaginatus. In addition to clarifying several morphological features of D. invaginatus, this study also provided new DNA data for this species.

The pathogenicity of the H5 subtype high pathogenicity avian influenza viruses (HPAIVs) in Ardeidae bird species has not been investigated yet, despite the increasing infections reported. Therefore, the present study aimed to examine the susceptibility of the Ardeidae species, which had already been reported to be susceptible to HPAIVs, to a clade 2.3.2.1 H5N1 HPAIV. Juvenile herons (four grey herons, one intermediate egret, two little egrets, and three black-crowned night herons) were intranasally inoculated with 106 50% egg infectious dose of the virus and observed for 10 days. Two of the four grey herons showed lethargy and conjunctivitis; among them, one died at 6 days post-inoculation (dpi). The viruses were transmitted to the other two cohoused naïve grey herons. Some little egrets and black-crowned night herons showing neurological disorders died at 4–5 dpi; these birds mainly shed the virus via the oral route. The viruses predominantly replicated in the brains of birds that died of infection. Seroconversion was observed in most surviving birds, except some black-crowned night herons. These results demonstrate that most Ardeidae species are susceptible to H5 HPAIVs, sometimes with lethal effects. Herons are mostly colonial and often share habitats with Anseriformes, natural hosts of influenza A viruses; therefore, the risks of cluster infection and contribution to viral dissemination should be continuously evaluated. Clade 2.3.2.1 H5N1 HPAIV causes lethal infections in Ardeidae sp. Viruses are transmitted among grey herons. Some herons with HPAIV showed conjunctivitis or neurological symptoms. HPAIV systemically replicated in herons tissues. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Rice fields have traditionally been considered key feeding grounds for many waterbird species, including herons. Studies show that field management and flooding cycles influence the reproductive parameters of these birds. L'Albufera de València, on the east coast of the Iberian Peninsula, has large areas of rice fields and is home to the third largest breeding colony of herons in Spain. Changes in water and rice field management that have occurred since the colony was last assessed (1990) may have affected the colony's reproductive performance. Clutch and brood size, and hatching, nesting and breeding success were estimated for Grey Heron Ardea cinerea, Purple Heron Ardea purpurea, Cattle Egret Bubulcus ibis, Little Egret Egretta garzetta, Squacco Heron Ardeola ralloides (Ardeidae) and Glossy Ibis Plegadis falcinellus (Threskiornithidae) in 2015–2017. The extent of flooding and cultivation of rice fields was assessed from February 2016 to June 2017. Reproductive parameters were related to the state of the rice fields. All reproductive output parameters were lower than those reported in the literature. In 2016, laying started earlier (at the end of April), when the fields were still dry and hatching started from May, after flooding. In 2017, peak hatching occurred in June, when the fields were sown. A significant relationship was found between breeding success and the area of sown fields, except for the Squacco Heron. We found that birds that initiated egg laying closer to the date of flooding had a relatively higher breeding success for the Little Egret, Glossy Ibis, Cattle Egret and Purple Heron. The success of nesting populations in this type of artificial wetland requires water management plans that synchronize flooding regimes and maintenance of flooded areas with the biological requirements of these species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We discuss the possible mechanisms explaining the potential brood parasitism between Little Bittern and Common Moorhen by reporting the first case worldwide of a Little Bittern Ixobrychus minutus laying on a nest of Common Moorhen Gallinula chloropus recorded at Boussedra Pond (Algeria, Northern Africa). In this regard we review the cases of possible brood parasitism between Little Bittern and Common Moorhen. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Adults of the genus Posthodiplostomum , Dubois, 1936 are parasites of fish-eating birds, mainly of the family Ardeidae, and are globally distributed. The genus currently comprises 35 species, although recent molecular evidence has shown that the diversity of the genus is underestimated since several candidate species have been recognized. In the Neotropical region of Mexico, at least 6 Posthodiplostomum lineages have been detected with metacercaria stages recovered from unrelated fish hosts. Here, we obtained adult specimens of Posthodiplostomum from 6 fish-eating birds representing 2 families ( Butorides virescens , Ardea herodias , Nycticorax nycticorax , Tigrisoma mexicanum – Ardeidae, and Rynchops niger and Leucophaeus atricilla – Lariidae) from 4 localities in southern Mexico. Specimens were sequenced for 2 nuclear (28S and ITS1–5.8S–ITS2) and 1 mitochondrial ( cox1 ) molecular marker. Phylogenetic analyses allowed us to link metacercariae and adult specimens and recognized a lineage, which was described morphologically. The new species can be distinguished from its congeners by its prosoma morphology and body size; this is the first described species in the Neotropical region of Mexico. Additionally, new host and locality records for P. macrocotyle and P. pricei are presented, expanding their geographical distribution range in the Americas.

After more than a decade of regular occurrence, the first confirmed breeding of the Sacred Ibis Threskiornis aethiopicus in the lagoon of Venice (Italy) was observed in 2020, in three sites. The ibises nested in colonies with of one or more species of Ardeidae and Phalacrocoracidae. The colonies were on islets < 2 ha in size, covered with thick vegetation. Nests were placed on the top of bushes or trees, at a height of 1.5-5 m. The colony sites seemed not occupied by adults until the end of February - half of March; laying took place from early May, with hatchings occurring from the end of that month until July. Overall, 22-24 pairs nested in 2020. Birds were observed feeding at saltmarshes, freshwater wetlands and arable fields; a public garbage collection site was also used regularly. Given the high number of suitable nesting and feeding sites, a rapid growth of the Sacred Ibis population is expected in the next years. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This paper reports the occurrence of Clinostomum heluans Braun 1901 (Digenea: Clinostomidae) in a specimen of Botaurus pinnatus (Wager, 1829) (Ave: Ardeidae) found in southeastern Brazil. Although this parasite has been reported in other birds in Brazil, Cuba, the Czech Republic and Venezuela, this is the first report of B. pinnatus as a host for this parasite.

An opportunistic predation by Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias) on Eastern cottontail rabbit (Sylvilagus floridanus) was observed in south Texas on 31 Oct 2019. The Great Blue Heron had already captured the Eastern cottontail rabbit at the first observation but the maneuvering process, killing, and ingestion were recorded photographically, which make this observation unique even though this might constitute the second report on Great Blue Heron eating Eastern cottontail rabbits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: Understanding the movement and displacement of individuals within avian species is important for conservation. Herons, Storks and Egrets are especially important as they are migratory species and are potential indicator species. It is therefore valuable to set life history baselines to understand survival. Objectives: To establish baseline longevity and displacement values for the avian families Ardeidae, Threskiornithidae and Ciconiidae using the South African Bird Ringing Scheme (SAFRING) data for Africa and to highlight gaps in the SAFRING database for these families. Method: We used data archives of ringed and subsequently reported individuals to determine maximum displacement and longevities from the past seven decades for each species within these three families. Displacement was estimated by the straight-line distance between subsequent records for the same individual. Longevity is the measure of time elapsed in records for the same individual. Results: Displacement and longevity data were available for 17 of the 24 species in the focus families. Individuals of most of the species were ringed as nestlings so displacement records may represent dispersal. Displacement ranged from a maximum of 10 114 km for a White Stork (Ciconia ciconia) to 2.5 km for a Little Bittern (Ixobrychus minutus). Several species are poorly sampled, resulting in longevity records of just a few days. Despite that, longevity values were 5 years for 16 species, and the highest value was 25.3 years for a White Stork. Conclusion: It was possible to determine longevity values for most of the species within the three families investigated. Based on the displacement profiles for species with sufficient records, there are large differences in movement between species. Certain common species such as Purple Heron (Ardea purpurea) have very few ringing records, which indicate a need for further species-specific research as the longevity values are not representative. This could greatly benefit studies aiming to use these species as ecosystem health indicators as well as identify which species are at risk.

Se registró la reproducción de las garzas Egretta thula, Bubulcus ibis y Cochlearius cochlearius en el estero Boca Negra, Jalisco, México. El período reproductivo se presento al inició de la estación de secas (finales de marzo) y terminó a la mitad de la temporada de lluvias (finales de agosto). Se dio seguimiento a nueve nidos de E. thula, nueve de B. ibis y dos de C. cochlearius. Para las tres especies se registraron diversos componentes de éxito reproductivo.

El comportamiento de pesca con cebo activo ha sido registrado en especies de la familia Ardeidae. Para la Garza blanca (Ardea alba) sólo existe un registro previo en la literatura. Mediante este aporte se documenta el registro de pesca con cebo activo por la Garza blanca observado en un Parque urbano de Argentina.

Genetic markers are a useful tool for bird population monitoring, especially when combined with ringing data, and particularly so in vulnerable species. This study compared the effectiveness of two DNA extraction methods: a standard protocol and a commercially available kit. The molecular sex-typing was performed using PCR-based methods with a 2550F/2718R set of primers in three species of herons: Great Egret, Purple Heron, and Grey Heron. Genomic DNA was isolated from feathers, eggshells, and eggshell swabs from 26 individuals. Overall, better DNA yields and purity were obtained by using the standard protocol isolation method. The highest DNA yield was obtained from the pin feathers compared to the contour feathers and eggshells, both of which had lower yields. Eggshell swabs indicated possible contamination with parental/sibling DNA. Our evaluation demonstrates that the optimization of laboratory procedures is beneficial, particularly when different types of noninvasive tissue samples are available. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Strigea brayi n.sp. was obtained from the small intestine of cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis Linn.) from Sindh, Pakistan. The trematodes were present in four hosts. This new species is characterized by a small body which includes a forebody and a hindbody. The tegment is without spines or tubercles. Tribocytic oral bilobed, oral sucker small, pharynx slightly smaller than oral sucker, caeca reaching posterior end of body, ventral sucker in posterior half of forebody, ovary roughly oval, testes in middle of hindbody. Vitellaria confined to lateral fields of hindbody reaching up to caecal end, copulatory bursa large, eggs oval and large in size. Specific differences between S. brayi n.sp. and other species of the genus include body size, egg size, body shape and position of various structures. Species comparasions are included. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Intermediate Egret Ardea intermedia belongs to family Ardeidae, and it is widely distributed over east Africa across the Indian subcontinent to Southeast Asia and Australia. In the present study, the total mitochondrial genome of A. intermedia was determined. The genome is 18,578 bases in length and contains 13 protein-coding genes (PCGs), 22 transfer RNA genes, 2 ribosomal RNA genes and 2 non-coding regions (CR and CRR), with a base composition of A 30.8%, G 14.0%, T 24.3% and C 30.9%. The dn/ds values of ten PCGs (ND1, ND2, ATP8, ATP6, Cox3, ND3, ND4L, ND4, ND5 and ND6) are below 1. Bayesian inference (BI) and maximum likelihood (ML) methods generated similar topologies. Phylogenies showed that Ardea novaehollandiae and A. intermedia should be assign to Egretta and Ardea, respectively. The mitogenomic data of A. intermedia will be useful in the conservation genetics and phylogeny of the species.

The helminthological survey of 13 specimens of 5 ciconiiform species revealed the presence of 10 species of intestinal digeneans: Sphincterodiplostomum musculosum Dubois, 1936 in Tigrisoma lineatum and Ardea alba; Tylodelphys elongata (Lutz, 1928) in T. lineatum; Apharyngostrigea ardearum (Lutz, 1928) and Dolichorchis lacombeensis Lunaschi and Drago, 2006 in Ardea cocoi and Ardea alba; Posthodiplostomum nanum Dubois, 1937 in A. alba and T. lineatum; Ascocotyle diminuta (Stunkard and Haviland, 1924) in A. alba; Petasiger sp.1 in A. cocoi and Paryphostomum segregatum Dietz, 1909, Strigea vaginata (Brandes, 1888) and Petasiger sp. 2 in Coragyps atratus. Syrigma sibilatrix was free of digeneans. The reports of A. ardearum, T. elongata, S. musculosum and D. lacombeensis represent new host records; the other reports are new geographical records. Moreover, the specimens described as Apharyngostrigea brasiliana Szidat, 1929 by Labriola and Suriano (1998) were analyzed and transferred to A. ardearum.El estudio parasitológico de 13 ejemplares pertenecientes a 5 especies de aves Ciconiiformes reveló la presencia de 10 especies de digéneos intestinales: Sphincterodiplostomum musculosum Dubois, 1936 en Tigrisoma lineatum y Ardea alba; Tylodelphys elongata (Lutz, 1928) en T. lineatum; Apharyngostrigea ardearum (Lutz, 1928) y Dolichorchis lacombeensis Lunaschi y Drago, 2006 en Ardea cocoi y A. alba; Posthodiplostomum nanum Dubois, 1937 en A. alba y T. lineatum; Ascocotyle diminuta (Stunkard y Haviland, 1924) en A. alba; Petasiger sp.1 en A. cocoi y Paryphostomum segregatum Dietz, 1909, Strigea vaginata (Brandes, 1888) y Petasiger sp. 2 en Coragyps atratus. Syrigma sibilatrix no se encontró parasitada por digéneos. El presente estudio aporta nuevos registros de hospedadores para A. ardearum, T. elongata, S. musculosum y D. lacombeensis y nuevos registros geográficos para las restantes especies. Además, los organismos descritos como Apharyngostrigea brasiliana Szidat, 1929 por Labriola y Suriano (1998) fueron analizados y transferidos a A. ardearum.

In the present study, the avifauna of the “Mascarenhas de Moraes” Park, situated in the northern part of Porto Alegre (29º 59’ S; 51º 11’ W), was registered, including observations of the species breeding in the area. Thirty-eight species were identified over a period of 25 hours, 31.58% of which presented evidence of breeding. 41.67% of the breeding species consisted of Ardeidae.

Investigations on the parasites that infect migrating birds worldwide are ongoing. To identify the parasite species that infect ardeids, morphological and morphometric characteristics were used. A total of 20 Bubulcus ibis (Ardeidae) specimens were collected from the agricultural lands belonging to the Faculty of Agricultural at Cairo University, which were then examined for nematode parasites. Only one acuariid species, belonging to the Acuariidae family, has been identified, with a prevalence rate of 50 % (10/20) among infected egrets. The Desportesius species isolated from the gizzard of the egret host is morphologically and morphometrically compatible with Desportesius invaginatus , which was previously identified from several Ciconiiformes hosts of Bubulcus ibis (Egypt, India, and Taiwan), Egretta garzetta (France), and Egretta rufescens (USA). Additionally, utilizing the partial small subunit ribosomal RNA (18S rRNA) gene sequence, maximum parsimony based on the Tamura-Nei model was used to infer the phylogeny of the recovered Desportesius species. The query sequences revealed 99.37 % identity for the 18S (MW358651.1) of the previously mentioned D. invaginatus. In addition to clarifying several morphological features of D. invaginatus , this study also provided new DNA data for this species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The breeding herons and egrets in northwestern Italy derive a large portion of their food resources from rice fields. In order to investigate the possible effects of changes in rice cultivation techniques on the trends of the breeding population of these birds, we studied their diet and the prey availability in rice fields, and we compared the results for 2013 with the situation in past decades, by taking advantage of similar investigations conducted by our research team since 1978. The diet of five species of herons and egrets changed sharply after 1995, with the bulk of the diet now made up of completely new prey species, in particular the allochthonous Louisiana crayfish and Oriental weatherfish, that only recently colonized our study area, and with a lower frequency of the amphibians that were a staple prey before 2000, but whose abundance in rice fields has declined. Since 2000, the decrease in the populations of some breeders, particularly the most abundant Grey Heron and Little Egret, has coincided with their sharp change in diet, with the reduced availability of amphibians and with the diminished availability of flooded rice fields. However, the proportion of food resources obtained from rice fields versus the natural habitats remained high, or was only slightly lower for some predator species. Several issues remain open about the value of rice fields in supporting the foraging herons and egrets, and about the effect of changing agricultural techniques on the bird population. We need to assess more accurately the proportion of food obtained from rice fields, and to check whether the foraging herons and egrets can satisfy their energy requirements while foraging in agroecosystems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study was designed to reveal, in detail, the features of the skull bones in the grey heron, a species of the family Ardeidae, and to compare the findings with previous related literature reports and with Nomina Anatomica Avium. The articulation between the nasal and frontal bones was observed to be through the movable frontonasal joint. The upper beak fused with the neurocranium via this joint and with the palatine and vomer. It was also bound indirectly through the zygomatic bone articulating with the quadrate bone. The frontal bone possessed the frontal depression dorsally. Wideness of the frontal bone and supranasal pila seemed to be unique for the grey heron. The quadrate bone was observed to play a primary role in the beak action. No medial process was present in the mandible. Overall, the results hereby indicate that the wider jaw opening and sharp and pointed nature of the beaks in the grey heron enable it to feed on such creatures as fish, frogs, and crustaceans. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The animal mitochondrial genome is generally considered to be under selection for both compactness and gene order conservation. As more mitochondrial genomes are sequenced, mitochondrial duplications and gene rearrangements have been frequently identified among diverse animal groups. Although several mechanisms of gene rearrangement have been proposed thus far, more observational evidence from major taxa is needed to validate specific mechanisms. In the current study, the complete mitochondrial DNA of sixteen bird species from the family Ardeidae was sequenced and the evolution of mitochondrial gene rearrangements was investigated. The mitochondrial genomes were then used to review the phylogenies of these ardeid birds. Results: The complete mitochondrial genome sequences of the sixteen ardeid birds exhibited four distinct mitochondrial gene orders in which two of them, named as “duplicate tRNAGlu–CR” and “duplicate tRNAThr–tRNAPro and CR”, were newly discovered. These gene rearrangements arose from an evolutionary process consistent with the tandem duplication - random loss model (TDRL). Additionally, duplications in these gene orders were near identical in nucleotide sequences within each individual, suggesting that they evolved in concert. Phylogenetic analyses of the sixteen ardeid species supported the idea that Ardea ibis, Ardea modesta and Ardea intermedia should be classified as genus Ardea, and Ixobrychus flavicollis as genus Ixobrychus, and indicated that within the subfamily Ardeinae, Nycticorax nycticorax is closely related to genus Egretta and that Ardeola bacchus and Butorides striatus are closely related to the genus Ardea. Conclusions: The duplicate tRNAThr–CR gene order is found in most ardeid lineages, suggesting this gene order is the ancestral pattern within these birds and persisted in most lineages via concerted evolution. In two independent lineages, when the concerted evolution stopped in some subsections due to the accumulation of numerous substitutions and deletions, the duplicate tRNAThr–CR gene order was transformed into three other gene orders. The phylogenetic trees produced from concatenated rRNA and protein coding genes have high support values in most nodes, indicating that the mitochondrial genome sequences are promising markers for resolving the phylogenetic issues of ardeid birds when more taxa are added. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]