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Se presenta la lista de especies de aves registradas en un área de matorral espinoso tamaulipeco del centro-norte de Tamaulipas, México. Se registraron 171 especies pertenecientes a 42 familias, en observaciones realizadas de 1999 a 2005. Las familias con un mayor número de especies fueronAnatidae con 21 especies, Accipitridae con 17 y Emberizidae con 13. Del total de especies registradas, 91 son residentes y 80 migratorias. El matorral espinoso tamaulipeco proporciona zonas de refugio, animación, alimentación, descanso, tanto para las especies de aves residentes como migratorias. El presente estudio es una contribución al conocimiento de la avifauna asociada al matorral espinoso tamaulipeco y para la región noreste de Tamaulipas.

Haemosporidian parasites are responsible for anemia, acute tissue degeneration, and depopulation in wild birds. This study aimed to investigate the prevalence of haemosporidians and also morphologic and molecular evaluation of tissue stages of Haemoproteus sp. in common buzzards (Buteo buteo). Eleven free-living common buzzards were referred to the Avian Clinic of Veterinary School of Lorestan University with lethargy, weight loss, and ataxia. Gametocytes of Leucocytozoon buteonis were found in blood smears of six (54.5 %) birds, while one had simultaneous infection with blood stages of Haemoproteus and Leucocytozoon. During histopathological examinations, exo-erythrocytic stages of the genus Haemoproteus were seen in the lung and kidney of a dead bird. This study is the first report of exo-erythrocytic infection of Haemoproteus in common buzzards. Molecular assays confirmed the infection of Haemoproteus sp. (lineage BUTBUT15) in tissue samples. Phylogenetic analysis using cytochrome b gene suggested that BUTBUT15 was more closely related to the lineages isolated from the family Falconidae in contrast to the Accipitridae.

The diets of raptors are some of the best studied and well-known of all bird groups. Raptors are typically carnivores, hunting and feeding on vertebrates and, for some species, invertebrates. Here, we described instances of the Black Kite (Milvus migrans) and Whistling Kite (Haliastur sphenurus) consuming non-native avocado (Persea americana) fruit in commercial orchards in northern Australia, over multiple years. This appears to be the first instance of frugivory by raptors in Australia. We review instances of frugivory for other raptor species globally. This review finds that 29 species of raptor from the families Falconidae, Accipitridae and Cathartidae have been recorded consuming fruit, significantly more than previous reviews.

The Australian pre-Pleistocene fossil record of Accipitridae (eagles, hawks, old-world vultures) comprises one latest Oligocene or early Miocene and one middle Miocene species, each represented by ...

The harriers (Accipitridae: Circus) represent a unique group of raptorial birds due to their hunting behaviour and their facial ruff and prominent facial disc. During previous studies it was suggested that harrier species may have other convergent features shared with owls like asymmetric or enlarged ear openings related to sensitive hearing capabilities. In this study, cranial asymmetry was done using SAGE (Symmetry and Asymmetry of Geometric Data) software. 32 skulls of 3 species (Western Marsh Harrier (Circus aeruginosus) n=8, Montagu’s Harrier (Circus pygargus) n=10, Hen Harrier (Circus cyaneus) n=14) were photographed, digitized and assigned with 2D landmarks with TpsDig software. The variables were analysed based on Generalized Procrustes analysis. The morphometric data showed cranial asymmetry of harriers. This asymmetry should rather be explained by foraging strategies as the results are corresponding to the exceptionally good hearing of these species among diurnal raptors.

Obligate scavenging on the dead and decaying animal matter is a rare dietary specialization that in extant vertebrates is restricted to vultures. These birds perform essential ecological services, yet many vulture species have undergone recent steep population declines and are now endangered. To test for molecular adaptations underlying obligate scavenging in vultures, and to assess whether genomic features might have contributed to their population declines, we generated high-quality genomes of the Himalayan and bearded vultures, representing both independent origins of scavenging within the Accipitridae, alongside a sister taxon, the upland buzzard. By comparing our data to published sequences from other birds, we show that the evolution of obligate scavenging in vultures has been accompanied by widespread positive selection acting on genes underlying gastric acid production, and immunity. Moreover, we find evidence of parallel molecular evolution, with amino acid replacements shared among divergent lineages of these scavengers. Our genome-wide screens also reveal that both the Himalayan and bearded vultures exhibit low levels of genetic diversity, equating to around a half of the mean genetic diversity of other bird genomes examined. However, demographic reconstructions indicate that population declines began at around the Last Glacial Maximum, predating the well-documented dramatic declines of the past three decades. Taken together, our genomic analyses imply that vultures harbor unique adaptations for processing carrion, but that modern populations are genetically depauperate and thus especially vulnerable to further genetic erosion through anthropogenic activities.

Remains of at least three species of large aegypiine vultures from early Palaeolithic and Iberomaurusian of Ifri n’Ammar, Morocco are the first substantial fossil record of these taxa in the Maghreb. They can be tentatively referred to the two extant species Aegypius monachus (Cinereous Vulture) and Gyps fulvus (Griffon Vulture), and to the extinct Gyps melitensis. Few fragments of remarkably large bones may belong to especially large specimens of A. monachus, but it cannot be ruled out that they are indeed remains of the so far only insufficiently known palaeospecies A. prepyrenaicus Hérnandez, 2001, originally described from the Upper Pleistocene of Spain. Two vulture species definitely occurred contemporarily; Gyps fulvus was found in the entire sequence, while A. monachus occurred only between 13,800 and 17,000 calBP. G. melitensis was found only once in an unknown stratigraphic context. All remains were found along with human artefacts in a cave deposit. Few bones show longitudinal scratches, which probably are cut marks, indicating that humans made use of the flesh, feathers and/or bones of these vultures. None of these species were previously recorded for the Upper Pleistocene of the Maghreb, and the fossil specimens provide important evidence for the former distribution of Old-World vultures in this area, which is insufficiently known and which changed dramatically during the twentieth century.

Knowledge on the natural history and ecology of several species of birds of prey is limited, despite information on diet is important to understand ecological and functional processes as well as coevolutionary aspects of predator-prey interactions. This study aimed to review the taxa predated by the Great Black Hawk Urubitinga urubitinga based on data available in the literature and digital media databases. We also report the first record of predation of the Neotropic Cormorant Nannopterum brasilianus and siluriform fish by U. urubitinga and describe its feeding behavior. The taxonomic composition of the diet of the Great Black Hawk includes reptiles (35% of the taxa reported), followed by birds (22%) and fish (20%). We found that snakes and fish are important prey items of the Great Black Hawk. However, this bird of prey has a varied diet, which includes several other species. We highlight the importance of collaborative citizen science to understand the diet of birds of prey and emphasize the importance of the least possible interference during leisure activities in natural areas.

Birds are important components of biodiversity and acts as an indicator of habitat quality, productivity and stability. This study aimed to document species richness and assess the temporal distribution pattern of globally threatened bird species in the Basanta Protested forest, one of the largest corridor forests which connects Dudhwa National Park (India) with protected areas of western lowland Nepal. During study period of ten years from 2010 to 2019, a total of 381 bird species from 78 families of 19 orders were recorded. Order Passeriformes had the highest species richness (180) followed by order Accipitriformes and Charadriiformes. Among the families, the family Muscicapidae had the highest species richness (31) , followed by Accipitridae and Anatidae. Fifteen globally threatened species like Red-headed Vulture (Sarcogyps calvus), White-rumped Vulture (Gyps bengalensis), Slender-billed Vulture (Gyps tenuirostris), Steppe Eagle (Aquila nipalensis) and Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus) were recorded in Basanta forest. Results reveal decline on abundance of globally threatened species that might be due to anthropogenic factors like encroachment, road expansion, poaching and eutrophication. Extensive avian survey in the study area is important for further exploration of avian community along with its driving factors, which might play a crucial role in developing baseline information and implementing conservation implications.

We report on differential movement of adult and juvenile cinereous vultures (Aegypius monachus) in the northeast Asia. Adult vultures remain in Mongolia throughout the year, whereas many juvenile vultures migrate from their breeding grounds in Mongolia to wintering grounds in the Republic of Korea (South Korea). We trapped adult and juvenile Cinereous Vultures in Mongolia and Korea to attach wing tags (n = 270 fledglings and 10 adults) and, for some, global positioning system telemetry units (n = 31 fledglings, 18 juveniles, and 10 adults). While adult birds never left Mongolia, fledglings and juveniles wandered more widely into Russia (rarely), China, and the Korean Peninsula. Most telemetered fledglings and juveniles for which we obtained data migrated seasonally between Mongolia and South Korea. Juvenile vultures used larger summer home ranges than adults. Juveniles used much smaller winter than summer home ranges. Over the course of the year, adult and juvenile vultures moved similar amounts that differed seasonally. How juvenile vultures learn the migration route between Mongolia and Republic of Korea remains unknown. Our results have important conservation implications, as factors influencing the survivorship of migratory birds can strongly impact populations.

Scavengers can provide ecosystem services to people by removal of dead animals that could become sources of disease. From such point of view, it seems appropriate to evaluate these benefits in Azerbaijan in quantitative terms. To this end, in 2013, an extensive monitoring was organized in the Turyanchay Reserve, which covers six regions and neighboring territories (the total population here is 640 thousand people). A high level of animal mortality in the Turyanchay Reserve is supported by the concentration of 24 species of wild mammals and 700 thousand domestic animals in the surrounding environment. The difficult terrain area is another factor leading to the death of animals. Animals grazing on hillsides often break down and die. The bodies of domestic and wild animals killed by wolves also often remain lying on this territory. In addition, vehicles traveling along the Agdash-Gabala highway cause the death of many domestic and wild animals. During the two months of the study (from June to July), 62 dead animals were found. Ten kinds of diseases were identified in 38 undecomposed bodies of these animals. Scavengers eat animal bodies in one-three days (without bones), preventing them from becoming a source of infection. The role of necrophages in minimizing of epizootic cases and improving sanitary conditions is important for ecosystems, because the blood of most animals is a carrier of diseases and most of the parasites present in it are common to both humans and animals. Scavengers can be used by veterinary organizations as indicators to simplify the identification of animal bodies and the subsequent disposal of their remains. Keywords: ecosystems; scavenger birds; animal corpses; disease; indicators; Azerbaijan References Beasley, J. C., Olson, Z. H., De Vault TL. (2015). Ecological role of vertebrate scavengers. In: Benbow M E, Tomberlin JK, Tarone AM. (Eds.). Carrion ecology, evolution and their applications (pp. 107–127). Boca Raton, Fl: CRC Press. Borisov, B. A., Moroz, B. V. (2003). Clinic, diagnosis and toxoplasmosis. Moscow, Russia, Kolos (In Russian). Cross, M. L., Buddle, B. M., Aldwell, F. E. (2007). The potential of oral vaccines for disease control in wildlife species. Vet J. 174, 472-480. Frolich, K. (2002). A review of mutual transmission of important infectious diseases between livestock and wildlife in Europe. Annals the New York Academy of Sciences, 969(1), 4-13. Grass, J. E., Gould, L. H., Mahon, B. E. (2013). Epidemiology of food borne disease outbreaks caused by Clostridium perfringens, United States, 1998-2010. Foodborne Pathog. Dis, 10, 131–136. Grilli, M. G., Bildstein, K. L., Lambertucci, A. L. (2019). Nature's clean-up crew: Quantifying ecosystem services offered by a migratory avian scavenger on a continental scale. Ecosystem Services 39 (October):100990. DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoser.2019.100990 Inger, R., Per, E., Cox, D. T., Gaston, K. J. (2016). Key role in ecosystem functioning of scavengers reliant on a single common species. Scientific Reports, 6, 29641. Karimov, A. M. (2001). Diagnosis of liver echinococcosis. Synopsis of thesis. Dushanbe, Tadjikstan, 2001, 26 (In Russian). Karimov, T. A. (2011). About the roles of scavengers as nature’s orderlies. Materials of the conference on veterinary medicine and food security, problems and perspectives. Materials of international conference. Nakhchivan. 23-24 October: 58-61 (in Azerbaijani). Margalida A, Donazar JA, Carrete M, Sanchez�?�Zapata JA. 2010. Sanitary versus environmental policies: Fitting together two pieces of the puzzle of European vulture conservation. Journal of Applied Ecology, 47, 931–935. Markandya, A., Taylor, T., longo, A., Murty, M. N., Murty, S, et al. (2008). Counting the cost of vulture decline an appraisal of the human health and other benefits of vultures in India. Ecological Economics, 67, 194–204. Morales, R. Z., Perez�?�Gar�?ia, J. M., Moleon, M., Botella, F., Carrete, M, et al. (2015). Supplanting ecosystem services provided by scavengers raises greenhouse gas emissions. Scientific Reports, 5, 7811. Mundy, P., Butchart, D., Ledger, J., Piper, S. (1992). The vultures of Africa. London, UK: Academic Press. Peisley, R. K., Saunders, M. E., Robinson, W. A., Luck, G. W. (2017). The role of avian scavengers in the breakdown of corpses in pastoral landscapes. J. Emu, 117(1), 68-77. DOI: 10.1080/01584197. 2016.1271990 Roggenbuck, M., Baerholm, I., Blom, N., Baelum, J., Bertelsen, M. (2014). The microbiome of New World vultures. Nature Communications, 5(1), 5498. DOI: 10.1038/ncomms6498 Schlacher, T. A., Weston, M. A., Schoeman, D. S., Olds, A. D., Huijbers, C. M, et al. (2015). Golden opportunities: A horizon scan to expand sandy beach ecology. Estuarine, Coastal and Shelf Science, 157, 1–6. Van Immerseel, F., De. Buck, J., Pasmans, F., Huyghebaert, G., Haesebrouck, F, et al. (2004). Clostridium perfringens in poultry: an emerging threat for animal and public health. Avian Pathol, 33, 537–549. Wilson, E. E., Wolkovich, E. (2011). Scavenging: How carnivores and carrion structure communities. Trends in Ecology and Evolution, 26, 129–135. Zharov, A. V., Ivanov, I. V., Strelnikov, A. P. (2000). Autopsy and pathological diagnosis of animal diseases. Moscow (In Russian).

Bald eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus (Linnaeus); Accipitriformes: Accipitridae) from 92 locations in Manitoba were examined for chewing lice (Phthiraptera: Amblycera and Ischnocera) from 1992 to 2017. Bald eagles were salvaged from rehabilitation hospitals and were examined using two methods, dry-ruffling (n = 107) and washing (n = 40). We collected 39 066 bald eagle lice of four genera and six species: Colpocephalum flavescens (De Haan), C. napiforme (Rudow), C. turbinatum (Denny) (Phthiraptera: Menoponidae) (total for all Colpocephalum species = 18 082), Craspedorrhynchus halieti (Osborn) (Phthiraptera: Philopteridae) (n = 49), Degeeriella discocephalus (Burmeister) (Phthiraptera: Philopteridae) (n = 20 912), and Kurodaia fulvofasciata (Piaget) (Phthiraptera: Menoponidae) (n = 23). Quantitative data were collected on all genera with the comparison of washed to dry-ruffled. Colpocephalum flavescens and D. discocephalus dominated the louse populations, with similar prevalence and mean intensity. Both genera had sex ratios near 1.0, and similar nymph-to-female ratios near 3:1. The dry-ruffling method was relatively inefficient, collecting 11% as many lice as the washing method. Total prevalence for dry-ruffled birds was 63%; total mean intensity was 103.5, but for washed birds, the prevalence was 93% with a mean intensity of 861.1. No Laemobothrion vulturis (Fabricius) (Phthiraptera: Laemobothriidae) were found.

The first Paraguayan records of the Broad-winged Hawk Buteo platypterus are reported from Itapúa and Central departments.

Chlamydial infections, caused by a group of obligate, intracellular, gram-negative bacteria, have health implications for animals and humans. Due to their highly infectious nature and zoonotic potential, staff at wildlife rehabilitation centers should be educated on the clinical manifestations, prevalence, and risk factors associated with Chlamydia spp. infections in raptors. The objectives of this study were to document the prevalence of chlamydial DNA shedding and anti-chlamydial antibodies in raptors admitted to five wildlife rehabilitation centers in California over a one-year period. Chlamydial prevalence was estimated in raptors for each center and potential risk factors associated with infection were evaluated, including location, species, season, and age class. Plasma samples and conjunctiva/choana/cloaca swabs were collected for serology and qPCR from a subset of 263 birds of prey, representing 18 species. Serologic assays identified both anti-C. buteonis IgM and anti-chlamydial IgY antibodies. Chlamydial DNA and anti-chlamydial antibodies were detected in 4.18% (11/263) and 3.14% (6/191) of patients, respectively. Chamydial DNA was identified in raptors from the families Accipitridae and Strigidae while anti-C.buteonis IgM was identified in birds identified in Accipitridae, Falconidae, Strigidae, and Cathartidae. Two of the chlamydial DNA positive birds (one Swainson’s hawk (Buteo swainsoni) and one red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)) were necropsied, and tissues were collected for culture. Sequencing of the cultured elementary bodies revealed a chlamydial DNA sequence with 99.97% average nucleotide identity to the recently described Chlamydia buteonis. Spatial clusters of seropositive raptors and raptors positive for chlamydial DNA were detected in northern California. Infections were most prevalent during the winter season. Furthermore, while the proportion of raptors testing positive for chlamydial DNA was similar across age classes, seroprevalence was highest in adults. This study questions the current knowledge on C. buteonis host range and highlights the importance of further studies to evaluate the diversity and epidemiology of Chlamydia spp. infecting raptor populations.

A large, extinct species of Buteogallus Lesson is described from post-cranial elements in Quaternary cave deposits in western Cuba and south-central Hispaniola. The new taxon was approximately the same size as females of the extinct continental B. woodwardi, but more robust. Some fossils, recently documented from Hispaniola as Accipitridae genus and species indeterminate, are probably referable to taxa previously known from Cuba, including the new species described herein. Osteological comparisons of both living and extinct species indicate that the extinct genus Amplibuteo Campbell is synonymous with Buteogallus.

Background. The analysis of the available data on the study of the polymorphism of the mtDNA control region in the Eurasian populations of burial eagles (1996-2020) indicates their genetic differentiation by geographical distribution. The periodic detection of new haplotypes indicates the relevance of such studies and insufficient knowledge of this issue. The aim of the work is to clarify the level of polymorphism and identify specific genetic features of the Volga population of the imperial eagle (A. heliaca) according to the analysis of the variability of mitochondrial and microsatellite DNA. Materials and methods. The material for genetic research was new collections (n = 22) of linn feathers of burial eagles collected in the Ulyanovsk region (n = 15), the Republic of Tatarstan (n = 4), the Republic Mordovia (n = 2) and the Chuvash Republic (n = 1). DNA was isolated from feathers of adult birds and the pulp and blood of chicks according to the standard method of phenol-chloroform extraction. A fragment (345 pn) of the mtDNA control region (D-loop) and three tetranucleotide microsatellite repeats (IEAAAG09, IEAAAG11, IEAAAG15) were used for genetic analysis. Fragments of the mtDNA control region (n = 22) and microsatellite DNA (n = 171) were sequenced using an ABI 3500 sequencer (Applied Biosystems). Haplotypic and nucleotide diversity were studied using the DnaSP 5.10.01 program. To reconstruct phylogenetic relationships, Maximum Likelihood (ML) and Neighbor-Joining (NJ) methods were used in the MEGA X program. Microsatellite genetic data was analyzed using the Arlequin 3.5.2 and Structure 2.3.4 programs. The obtained nucleotide sequences of newly identified mtDNA haplotypes of the imperial eagle were deposited in GenBank NCBI under the numbers OK504653 (haplotype RE) and OK504654 (haplotype RF). For statistical processing of the results, a significance level of p < 0.05 was set for all tests. Results. Analysis of the distribution of mtDNA control region haplotypes across 5 geographically isolated Imperial eagle breeding groups in the Volga region (ULR-NW – northwest of the Ulyanovsk region, UlR-NE – northeast of the Ulyanovsk region, UlR–C – center of the Ulyanovsk region, UlR-S – south of the Ulyanovsk region, RTat – Republic of Tatarstan) revealed their subdivision. When analyzing the average numbers of nucleotide differences, the isolation of the breeding groups from the Republic of Tatarstan and the Ulyanovsk region is noticeable. The average number of nucleotide differences (k) between all nest groups was 1.606 and was lower than this indicator when comparing the group from Tatarstan with the Ulyanovsk groups (1.739). In the phylogenetic analysis, two haplogroups of the imperial eagle were identified. The first haplogroup (AQH_1) is formed by mtDNA haplotypes characterized by one or two nucleotide substitutions. The second haplogroup (AQH_2) consists of haplotypes having from 3 to 5 nucleotide substitutions. The results of the median test also indicate the existence of 2 genetically close groups of sequences of a fragment of the mtDNA control region corresponding to more or less altered haplotypes. The analysis of microsatellite DNA of geographically isolated breeding groups of imperial eagles in the Ulyanovsk region revealed a low level of internal polymorphism. Conclusion. The conducted studies have shown that the Volga population of the imperial eagle is genetically differentiated. It consists of two subpopulations – Ulyanovsk and Tatarstan, characterized by specific mtDNA haplotypes. These subpopulations are confined to the Volga and Bugulminsko-Belebeevskaya uplands. The analysis of microsatellite DNA, as well as the reconstruction of evolutionary events related to the variability of mtDNA haplotypes show that the level of polymorphism of the Ulyanovsk subpopulation of imperial eagles is low, and the population itself is fairly homogeneous.

The knowledge in the behaviour and movement of endangered species is of key importance for the precise targeting and assessing the efficiency of nature conservation actions, especially considering vultures, which explore vast areas to locate ephemeral and unpredictable food resources. Therefore, a total of 51 Griffon Vultures (Gyps fulvus) from both the re-introduced population and the autochthonous Balkan Peninsula (Balkans) colonies have been tagged with GPS/GSM transmitters in recent years, in order to study their seasonal and spatial distribution. The current study presents the analysis of the high-resolution GPS location data, acquired between January 2016 and March 2021. A total of 1,138,383 locations (an average number of 23,716 ± 18,886 positions per bird, ranged between 2,515 and 76,431 of total fixes per bird; n=48) were used to estimate the home range size and identify the traditional foraging areas and roosting sites of the birds during the wintering, migration/roaming and summering periods. Our results reveal that Griffon Vultures movement activity and home range size varied considerably throughout the annual cycle, especially between their wintering and summering grounds, while exhibiting significant overlapping amongst the tracked individuals. Specifically, immature Griffon Vultures travel long distances across all Balkan Peninsula countries, but always gather with conspecifics, showing strong fidelity to active breeding/roosting sites. The total home range 95% area of the Griffon Vulture population on the Balkans was estimated at 39,986.4 km² and the 50% core area at 1,545.42 km² (n = 48). All tracked birds were found to either visit or frequently use (> 95% of the time) the same seven vulture key zones on the Balkan Peninsula – one in Serbia, one shared between North Macedonia and Bulgaria, one shared between Bulgaria and Greece, two entirely lying in Bulgaria, one in western Greece and one shared between Kvarner Archipelago islands in Croatia and the Julian Alps - Italy, Austria and Slovenia. Several smaller sub-zones were also defined within these general ones. The seven key zones form a coherent network and are used as stepping stones for Griffon Vultures during their migration movements and roaming, but also wintering and summering. The observed concentration tendency of Griffon Vultures on the Balkans and the predictability of their temporal and spatial presence should be used to precisely target, address and substantially increase the efficiency of the conservation measures in this marginal and, thus, still vulnerable meta-population.

Abstract Multiple molecular phylogenetic studies have demonstrated that two Neotropical raptors, tiny hawk Accipiter superciliosus and its sister species semicollared hawk A. collaris, are not closely related to core Accipiter, and that A. superciliosus, at least, possesses osteological characters not replicated in the remainder of the genus. Based on these data, there is a need to recognise their distinctiveness at generic level. However, as recently noted in two global bird checklists, no name is available to accommodate them, so we provide a new nomen here. Furthermore, two Asian accipitrids, crested goshawk A. trivirgatus and its presumed closest relative Sulawesi goshawk A. griseiceps, are also phylogenetically distinctive; in this case the genus-group name Lophospiza is applicable. We also designate type species for two genus-group names (Hieraspiza and Eusparvius) currently in the synonymy of Accipiter, and, as an aid to future workers, we provide a synonymy of the genus Accipiter and a list of species currently included in Accipiter for which published molecular phylogenetic data are apparently lacking.

We used photo-documented citizen science data held in publicly accessible databases to better elucidate the diet of one of the smallest Neotropical Accipitridae, the Tiny Hawk (Accipiter superciliosus). Previous data are exclusively anecdotal, but a suggestion that this species is to some extent a specialized predator on hummingbirds (Trochilidae) is widely reported in the literature, despite being based on few observations. Using a total of more than 680 photographs of Tiny Hawks, we identified 33 items of avian prey from 15 families and at least 25 genera, including one hummingbird and some comparatively large non-passerines. Prey also included one bat. Although the Tiny Hawk is perhaps more liable to predate hummingbirds than most other Neotropical raptors, the available data suggest that the Tiny Hawk, like many other Accipiter species, is primarily a bird specialist. As evidenced by other recently published studies, internet-sourced photographs might prove useful for similar dietary analyses for other poorly known raptors.

We present a genome assembly from an individual female Aquila chrysaetos chrysaetos (the European golden eagle; Chordata; Aves; Accipitridae). The genome sequence is 1.23 gigabases in span. The majority of the assembly is scaffolded into 28 chromosomal pseudomolecules, including the W and Z sex chromosomes.

The Broad-winged Hawk ( Buteo platypterus (Vieillot, 1823)) (Accipitriformes: Accipitridae) is a migratory bird of prey that winters in Central and South America. This note reports two new records of the species in southern Brazil, which are currently the southernmost records in wintering areas. One of the observations represents the first occurrence for Santa Catarina state and the other is only the second for Rio Grande do Sul state, the first one for the central region of the state. Both observations suggest that this species may be more frequent than expected in southern Brazil and neighbouring countries.

This is the first study to describe the mitochondrial genome of the Himalayan Griffon, Gyps himalayensis, which is an Old World vulture belonging to the family Accipitridae and occurring along the Himalayas and the adjoining Tibetan Plateau. Its mitogenome is a closed circular molecule 17,381 bp in size containing 13 protein-coding genes, 22 tRNA coding genes, two rRNA-coding genes, a control region (CR), and an extra pseudo-control region (CCR) that are conserved in most Accipitridae mitogenomes. The overall base composition of the G. himalayensis mitogenome is 24.55% A, 29.49% T, 31.59% C, and 14.37% G, which is typical for bird mitochondrial genomes. The alignment of the Accipitridae species control regions showed high levels of genetic variation and abundant AT content. At the 5 ' end of the domain I region, a long continuous poly-C sequence was found. Two tandem repeats were found in the pseudo-control regions. Phylogenetic analysis with Bayesian inference and maximum likelihood based on 13 protein-coding genes indicated that the relationships at the family level were (Falconidae + (Cathartidae + (Sagittariidae + (Accipitridae + Pandionidae))). In the Accipitridae clade, G. himalayensis is more closely related to Aegypius monachus than to Spilornis cheela. The complete mitogenome of G. himalayensis provides a potentially useful resource for further exploration of the taxonomic status and phylogenetic history of Gyps species.

© 2019 Elsevier Ltd Bird eggs can become part of the archaeological record either accidentally or as a result of human activities but, in both instances, they can reveal important aspects of the environment at the site, the ways in which people chose to exploit it, and even the existence of subtle ecological balances between humans and other animals. This is the case for El Mirόn, one of the most important cave sites in Cantabrian Spain, with occupation levels spanning around 40,000 years, from the late Middle Palaeolithic to the Bronze Age. This mountainous area in Cantabria was an ideal environment for hunting medium-sized game and, as such, supported both human and non-human predators, including birds of prey. Here we use a combination of peptide mass fingerprinting (by MALDI-MS) and protein sequencing (by LC-MS/MS) in order to taxonomically identify ninety-five fragments of eggshells recovered from nineteen archaeological layers. We firmly identify these as diurnal birds of prey (Accipitridae) and suggest that the species might have been bearded vulture, based on previous taphonomic studies that highlighted its presence at the cave. The implication is that both species of diurnal predators, humans and birds, inhabited the cave and used the surrounding environment during different periods of the year.

We present new records of Gray-bellied Hawk, Accipiter poliogaster (Temminck, 1824), and Rufous-thighed Hawk, A. striatus erythronemius (Kaup, 1850), from northeastern Brazil and review the occurrence of these species in this region. While A. s. erythronemius occurs in secondary forests in the semi-arid regions of northeast Brazil, A. poliogaster seems to be associated more with mature and wet forests and not in the Caatinga scrub.

We present the observations of some kleptoparasitic and territorial interactions in the Snail Kite ( Rostrhamus sociabilis ), following focal individuals from January to May 2017 in two wetlands of El Salvador. Those interactions were performed during their food searching and managing of prey on perch. We observed two attempts of kleptoparasitism from Great-tailed Grackle ( Quiscalus mexicanus ) to R. sociabilis . On the first case, a flock of Q. mexicanus chased an adult Snail Kite, which had captured a snail; on the second case, a male of Q. mexicanus tried to steal a young Snail Kite's prey, which was managing its prey on perch. On both cases in response to the attack, two individuals chose to change perch to complete the consumption of its prey. We also observed an intent of kleptoparasitism between two male Snail Kites, after the attack, on perch the chased bird released the snail and moved to another site, meanwhile, the attacker ended up eating the snail. We attribute this observation to a kleptoparasitic behavior, related to water stress and variations in prey availability. We recorded Snail Kite's territorial behavior between the species and against other raptors, as a way to protect their feeding territories. With these observations, we provide some information about the ecological behavior of the species in El Salvador. We stress the need to carry out research related to the interaction between R. sociabilis and Q. mexicanus on its feeding sites, focusing in the eff ect of water scarcity and snail availability on the behavior of the Snail Kite.

The Egyptian Vulture (Neophron percnopterus; Accipitridae) is a medium-sized scavenger distributed throughout most of the Indo-Pak subcontinent. Although the species has been listed as endangered on the IUCN Red List since 2007 due to rapid population decline, scientific data about the species' population trends and ecology in Pakistan are sparse. The present study was conducted in and around Poonch River Mahasheer National Park (PRMNP) in the northeastern part of Pakistan, covering an area of approximately 146 km2. To monitor populations, we used the line transect method to survey 11 sites once per year from May 2013 to May 2019. Based on monitoring data at all 11 sites, the total number of vultures observed averaged 84 birds annually (n ¼ 7 yr, range ¼ 64–131), with the greatest number observed in 2019. Congregation sites of the vultures were closer to settlements (mean ¼ 239 m) and rivers (mean ¼ 1119 m) than to dump sites (mean ¼ 2975 m), though some roost sites were very near (,200 m) dump sites and roads. Roost sites included large pine (Pinus roxburghii) trees, electric pylons, rocks, and cliffs. To better understand population status and dynamics, we recommend studies extending across a larger area and including surveys of the nesting population.

The current study presents and analyses the results from the recently completed 11-year-establishment phase, following the start of the local re-introduction of the Griffon Vulture (Gyps fulvus) in Kotlenska Planina SPA and Sinite Kamani Nature Park in the Eastern Balkan Mountains of Bulgaria in the period 2010-2020. As a result of the re-introduction efforts and release of 153 individuals, the Griffon Vulture has been successfully reproducing again in the Eastern Balkan Mountains since 2016, after more than 40-50 years of absence. At 2020, the local population consists of some 80 local and up to 80-115 birds, together with sojourn individuals. Amongst them, 23-25 breeding pairs, located in five different colonies and two more frequently used roosting sites. The current average productivity remains relatively low: 0.41 fledglings/territorial pair and fledging success of 0.61 fledglings/breeding pair between 2016 and 2020, but shows a trend to increase with time and the growing experience of the young locally re-introduced population. The mortality confirmed between 2010-2021 accounts for 33%, mostly due to electrocution as a post-release effect in the first six months following their release. Our data show that the newly established population in the Eastern Balkan Mountains mostly forages on feeding sites, having a comparatively small 95% home range: 281.88 ± 91 km2 and 50% core area: 6.6 ± 2.28 km2 (range 4.7–8.5 km2). We, therefore, consider the establishment phase of the re-introduction of Griffon Vulture in this particular site as successfully completed, but management should continue. Furthermore, the area of the Eastern Balkan Mountains can currently be regarded as a "source" for the species within the source-sink population regulation concept in the national and Balkan context.

The analysis of biological diversity at a regional scale is the first step to understand and classify the biological importance of a specific region and therefore the adoption of implementing conservation strategies. We conducted weekly bird counts by using the point count method from January 2015 to December 2017 in Midelt province, Morocco. A total of 130 bird species were observed, among breeding, migrant, and wintering species belonging to 42 families. Accipitridae (15 species), Muscicapidae (9 species), and Alaudidae (9 species) were the most observed families. Order of Passeriformes was the dominant order represented with 16 families and 68 species. Moreover, five species of conservation concern were recorded such as the vulnerable European turtle dove, houbara bustard, and Dupont’s lark; the near threatened ferruginous duck and bearded vulture; and the endangered Egyptian vulture. On the other hand, the results of the diversity analysis (Margalef index, Shannon–Wiener index, and Simpson index) showed the highest diversity in wetlands, forests, steppes, and farmlands, while cliff, landfills, and urban areas were the least diversified habitats. Finally, with its geographic situation between humid Atlas and Sahara desert, as well as the diversity of habitats and avifauna, Midelt region needs advanced analysis in terms of biodiversity and environmental characteristics, in order to provide effective conservation management.

Birds are infected by several genera of blood parasites in the phylum Apicomplexa, Order Haemosporidia: Haemoproteus, Plasmodium, and Leucocytozoon. This broadly distributed and diverse group of parasites greatly influences many aspects of the hosts' lifecycle and can cause diseases and even mortality in birds under natural and captive conditions. We determined the prevalence of haemosporidian blood parasites in raptors in Iran by examining blood samples from 62 raptors (13 species from three families: Accipitridae, Falconidae and Strigidae). We documented the first known report in Iran of haemosporidian infection for several raptor species, including eight novel host records for Haemoproteus and two novel host records for Leucocytozoon. Raptors were infected by Haemoproteus spp. (24% of 62 individuals), Leucocytozoon spp. (3% of individuals), and microfilaria (58% of individuals). Such new information from less-studied countries such as Iran can potentially be used to address conservation and management questions in epidemiological studies of wildlife diseases, veterinary medical treatment of captive birds, and in the investigation of host–parasite relationships.

Geranoaetus polyosoma (Quoy & Gaimard, 1824) is a diurnal raptor widely distributed in South America. Although the trophic ecology of this bird has been more studied in the southern extreme of its range, little information is available on its dietary response to prey supply in desert environments. In the present study, we report on the trophic ecology of G. polyosoma in a sub-urban desert zone in northern Chile, with the following objectives: (1) to quantitatively describe its diet and (2) to determine its dietary selectivity in response to prey supply in the study area. The diet of G. polyosoma consisted mainly of rodents (97.2%). A greater preference (p < 0.05) was observed for the following large prey items (> 19.5 g): two native rodent species, Phyllotis xanthopygus (Waterhouse, 1837) and Eligmodontia puerulus (Philippi, 1896); and two introduced rodent species: Rattus rattus (Linnaeus, 1769) and R. norvegicus (Berkenhout, 1769).

Kites of the Elaninae group are small and medium-sized, mostly tropical raptors traditionally considered as an early diverged subfamily of the Accipitridae. We used nucleotide sequences of three genetic markers (mitochondrial Cyt b and COI, nuclear RAG-1) to reconstruct the phylogenetic relationships of the Elaninae, other kites, and representatives of different families of diurnal raptors. Our results confirm the basal position of Elaninae, separated the latest in Early Miocene, including Chelictinia riocourii, which was not sequenced before and belongs to this group. Not only DNA data but also cytological, morphological, and ecological data show the singularity of Elaninae. We suggest elevating this group to family level as Elanidae within the order Accipitriformes. It includes Gampsonyx swainsonii as a monotypic subfamily because of distinctive traits and DNA sequence data. Taxonomic implications for other macrogroups of Accipitriformes are discussed.

In environments driven by unpredictable resource pulses, populations of many consumer species experience dramatic fluctuations in abundance and spatial extent. Predator–prey relationships in these acyclic systems are poorly understood in particular with respect to the level of prey specialisation shown by nomadic predators. To understand the dynamics of such a system I examined the response to rodent outbreaks by the letter-winged kite (Elanus scriptus) in the Simpson Desert, Australia; a region that experiences major pulses in primary productivity, driven by unpredictable rainfall events. The kite feeds on small mammals and is the only night-hunting species in the Accipitridae. Letter-winged kites irrupted in the area on only three occasions during 20 years of sampling (1999–2019) and remained for a maximum of 20 months. Each period of kite occupation occurred only during the increase and/or peak phase of rodent population cycles (which occurred three times during the study). During each period kite diet was dominated by small (10–50 g body mass) quadrupedal rodents (Pseudomys australis, P. hermannsburgensis, Mus musculus). Abundance of these species varied across the three outbreaks and kites typically captured them in proportion to availability. The large body mass (134 g) long-haired rat (Rattus villosissimus) was abundant during one outbreak but was infrequently consumed. The bipedal spinifex hopping-mouse (Notomys alexis) was within the kites’ favoured prey size range (35 g) but was consistently avoided. The flexibility in prey selection by letter-winged kites appears to be an important adaptation for survival and reproduction by species exploiting acyclic rodent outbreaks.

The Changeable Hawk-Eagle Nisaetus cirrhatus complex is represented by two taxa in mainland India: N. c. cirrhatus in the northern plains and peninsula and N. c. limnaeetus in the Himalayan foothills. Traditionally these taxa have been regarded as subspecies of one species, but recently they have been proposed to be different species. Here, we use an integrative taxonomic approach based on considerations of plumage, biometrics, genetics and vocalizations. Several plumage characters are significantly different between the two taxa, but crest length was the only one of 56 characters that was diagnostically different, with no overlap. About 30% of the birds had intermediate crest lengths, suggesting that they are hybrids or backcrosses, as also supported by the microsatellite results. PCAs of adult plumage show many intermediate individuals, irrespective of whether these birds were collected near a putative contact zone. There is restricted gene flow between the two taxa, presumably as a result of their largely allopatric distributions. On current knowledge, reproductive isolation appears to be weak at best, and we therefore recommend continuing to regard limnaeetus morphology, genetics, vocalization, integrative taxonomy

The early and mid-Pleistocene avian communities of North America are best known from the Rocky Mountain region and peninsular Florida. In the Appalachian Mountain region, only a small number of avian bones from mid-latitude cave deposits have been attributed to this time period. Here, I enlarge this record by reporting on bird bones from Cumberland Bone Cave in western Maryland, a well-known locality for large and small Irvingtonian mammals and other vertebrates. The taxa identified encompass ground birds, waterfowl, a hawk, two eagles, a vulture, an owl, a jay, a flycatcher, a junco or sparrow, and a finch. No purely boreal elements are confirmed as part of the avian assemblage, and all of the extant species that are positively or tentatively identified in the assemblage still occur in the region today. An immature bone referred to the Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus (Bechstein)) represents an Irvingtonian breeding record for the species in Maryland. This record occurs at the northern limit of the current breeding range for the genus. Extinct species in the assemblage include the Passenger Pigeon (Ectopistes migratorius (Linnaeus)), a large screech owl (Megascops guildayi (Brodkorb & Mourer-Chauviré 1984)), and the large goose, Branta dickeyi Miller 1924. It can be argued that none of these represent the extinction of a phyletic lineage during the Irvingtonian. Based on the broad habitat preferences of modern counterparts of the birds in the assemblage, we can expect that Irvingtonian habitats near the site included mixed forest with mast-producing hardwoods and both early and later successional stages represented. There must have been fluvial, wetland, or lacustrine habitat suitable for waterbirds nearby, and probably also open woodland or grassy savannah areas, suitable for vulture foraging, turkey nesting, and booming by Ruffed Grouse.

Buteogallus schistaceus (Sundevall) is an endemic bird of prey from the Amazon region, with a declining population according to international conservation agencies. The objective of this study was to report the occurrence of a parasitic nematodes in an individual treated at the Ambulatório de Animais Silvestres of Universidade Federal Rural da Amazônia, Belém campus. The animal was captured on campus and showed no resistance to capture. Fluid therapy and deworming were made, later the bird regurgited ten nematodes identified as belonging to the genus Procyrnea Chabaud (1958). Reviewing the scientific literature, it was found that so far there are no records on the helminth fauna of this bird species, which is therefore the first report of a nematode in B. schistaceus. Resumo Buteogallus schistaceus (Sundevall) é uma ave de rapina endêmica da região amazônica, com população em diminuição, segundo órgãos de conservação internacional. Logo, o objetivo deste trabalho foi relatar a ocorrência de nematódeos parasitos em um indivíduo atendido no Ambulatório de Animais Silvestres, da Universidade Federal Rural da Amazônia, campus Belém. O animal foi capturado nas dependências do campus e não apresentou resistência à captura. Foram então instituídos fluidoterapia e vermifugação, após os quais o animal regurgitou dez nematódeos identificados como pertencentes ao gênero Procyrnea Chabaud (1958). Ao revisar a literatura científica, verificou-se que, até o momento, não existem quaisquer registros sobre a helmintofauna dessa espécie de ave, sendo, portanto, o primeiro relato de um nematódeo em B. schistaceus.

Centrorhynchus globocaudatus (Zeder, 1800) Lühe, 1911 (Centrorhynchidae) was reported in birds of prey. Our population from Falco tinnunculus Linnaeus (Falconidae) and Buteo buteo Linnaeus (Accipitridae) in northern Italy was morphologically distinct from others described elsewhere. The worms are elongate and cylindrical. Proboscis long, apically truncated and bare, with wider base and variably faint constriction at point of attachment of receptacle. Large anterior hooks well rooted; posterior spiniform hooks with reduced roots; transitional hooks with scutiform roots in-between. Four tubular cement glands extend into prominent ducts overlapping a large Saefftigen's pouch. Bursa large, with sensory plates. Vagina with laterally slit orifice in sub-ventral pit of globular terminal extension. Thick-shelled eggs ovoid without polar prolongation of fertilization membrane. In our specimens, proboscis hooks, receptacle, male reproductive system, and lemnisci especially in males varied in size from those from Ukraine, India, Egypt, Kyrgystan, Russia, Georgia, Armenia and Asian Soviet Republics. Our description of the Italian specimens includes new morphological information supported by scanning electron microscopy and microscope images, molecular analysis and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDXA) of hooks. Additional new details of proboscis hook roots, micropores and micropore distribution are described. Metal composition of hooks (EDXA) demonstrated high levels of calcium and phosphorous, and high levels of sulphur in core and cortical layers of eggs. The molecular profile based on sequences of 18S and cytochrome c oxidase 1 genes is also provided, as well as phylogenetic reconstructions including all available sequences of the family Centrorhynchidae, although further sequences are needed in order to clarify their phylogenetic relationships.

We report a small hawk-like diurnal bird from the early Oligocene (30–31 million years ago) of Poland. Aviraptor longicrus, n. gen. et sp. is of a size comparable with the smallest extant Accipitridae. The new species is characterized by very long legs, which, together with the small size, suggest an avivorous (bird-eating) feeding behavior. Overall, the new species resembles extant sparrowhawks (Accipiter spp.) in the length proportions of the major limb bones, even though some features indicate that it convergently acquired an Accipiter-like morphology. Most specialized avivores amongst extant accipitrids belong to the taxon Accipiter and predominantly predate small forest passerines; the smallest Accipiter species also hunts hummingbirds. Occurrence of a possibly avivorous raptor in the early Oligocene of Europe is particularly notable because A. longicrus coexisted with the earliest Northern Hemispheric passerines and modern-type hummingbirds. We therefore hypothesize that the diversification of these birds towards the early Oligocene may have triggered the evolution of small-sized avivorous raptors, and the new fossil may exemplify one of the earliest examples of avian predator/prey coevolution.

The Ceyssaguet avifauna includes four taxa, among which a new species of the genus Aquila, dedicated to Claude Guerin, and characterized by a larger size and different proportions from the other species of this genus. It also includes the recent species Phalacrocorax carbo, the Great Cormorant, the presence of which can be explained by the proximity of a lake and also of the Loire River. The presence of Accipiter gentilis, the Northern Goshawk, indicates a wooded environment, which agrees well with the results of the pollen analysis.

Despite the increasing numbers of hydrodam worldwide, only a handful of studies evaluated their impacts on biodiversity. Compared to terrestrial animals, birds were thought to be less affected by inundation process, following impoundment. At the Hulu Terengganu Hydroelectric Dam in Peninsular Malaysia, our study compared species assemblages and diversity of birds within the dam area (i.e. the dam reservoir and catchment area) after recent logging and inundation in relation to a nearby forest logged 30 years ago. Using point count and mist-netting techniques, we recorded a total of 64 species (Shannon Index (H’) = 3.827) in the dam area and 91 species (H’=3.99) in historically-logged forests. Insectivore species richness was significantly higher in the historically-logged forests (Mann-Whitney: Z=4.339, N=205, p

We review the distribution of the Ornate Hawk-eagle, Spizaetus ornatus (Daudin, 1800), in the state of São Paulo, reporting localities with records of the species. Most locations where the species has been historically documented have no recent records, especially to the west of the large remnants of forest in the coastal mountain ranges. Most current records come from Serra de Paranapiacaba, southwestern São Paulo, whereas no records exist within the Cerrado domain. Unlike the neighboring state of Minas Gerais, where it is found in fragmented landscapes, in São Paulo, the species occurs exclusively within protected areas in large blocks of Atlantic Forest.

Morphological adaptations for feeding are a conspicuous feature of avian evolution. Accipitrids exhibit a wide range of prey preferences. Skulls of 97 species which were assigned to seven dietary groups in the present study, were compared from the dorsal, lateral, and ventral views using geometric morphometrics. Landmarks were placed on the overall shape of cranium, bill, orbit, nostril, and attachment area for different jaw muscles. The results suggested considerable variations on the shape of bill and cranium, as well as the size of jaw closing muscles, by which can distinguish most of the groups. Scavengers were found to have a more slender and shallower skull, smaller orbits and longer maxilla whereas piscivores have a larger palatine. Mammalivores are characterized by reduced attachment area for the M. adductor mandibular externus superficialis, a relatively large palatine, long maxilla, and caudally positioned quadrate. Insectivores tend to have larger and more anteriorly oriented orbits, a relatively large attachment area for the M. adductor mandibular externus superficialis, and relatively broad and thin bills. Avivores are distinctive in their broad and protrudent caudal cranium. These morphological characteristics have some functional implications, and shed light on further biomechanical research. Moreover, phylogeny and size significantly contribute to skull shape variation.