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This article discusses a study on the lifespans of Neotropical forest landbirds, which has been a topic of interest for scientists for a long time. The study used a 45-year dataset from central Panama to determine the longevity of 47 species. The oldest recorded individual was an 18-year-old Rufous Motmot, and most species had a lifespan of at least 7 years. The study also explored the relationship between longevity and factors such as body mass, diet, and sociality. Surprisingly, there was no correlation between body mass and longevity, and some of the smallest species actually lived the longest. The study suggests that future research should involve larger-scale studies to obtain more accurate estimates of lifespan. [Extracted from the article]

As the human footprint expands to meet societal energy needs, as do the impacts to wildlife. Raptors in particular are highly susceptible to anthropogenic caused mortality. Industry sectors are encouraged to offset these causes of mortality. Several options to mitigate these losses have been proposed, including raptor rehabilitation. However, its role as a conservation tool is untested. Currently no peer‐reviewed demographic analyses exist using post‐release data from rehabilitated raptors to evaluate its effectiveness at continental scales. Our objectives were to estimate annual survival of rehabilitated and wild raptors, and then use those estimates in demographic models to assess potential effects at individual and population levels. We hypothesized that rehabilitated raptors would survive similarly to their wild counterparts after an acclimation period, and that longer‐lived species (K‐selected) would benefit most from these releases. We used US Geological Survey Bird Banding Lab band‐recovery data (1974–2018) from 20 raptor species for modeling survival of rehabilitated individuals (n = 125 740) in comparison to wild birds (n = 1 913 352). Results from 17 species with adequate recovery data indicated that five species rehabilitated ≠ wild survival, two species had uncertain estimates, and 10 species rehabilitated ≈ wild survival by years two and three post‐release. We acquired admission (n = 69 707) and release (n = 25 740) data from 24 rehabilitation centers across the US (2012–2021). We integrated survival, fecundity and numbers of releases into demographic models. These models quantified the extent to which rehabilitated raptors may contribute to broader conservation efforts, especially in the context of individual take. All but two species, had measurable numbers of individuals added to the population regardless of the number of releases. The general pattern was for K‐selected species to yield larger benefits from rehabilitated supplementation to the population. These results provide evidence that rehabilitation may serve as mitigation tool to offset incidental take. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Global migrations of diverse animal species often converge along the same routes, bringing together seasonal assemblages of animals that may compete, prey on each other, and share information or pathogens. These interspecific interactions, when energetic demands are high and the time to complete journeys is short, may influence survival, migratory success, stopover ecology, and migratory routes. Numerous accounts suggest that interspecific co-migrations are globally distributed in aerial, aquatic, and terrestrial systems, although the study of migration to date has rarely investigated species interactions among migrating animals. Here, we test the hypothesis that migrating animals are communities engaged in networks of ecological interactions. We leverage over half a million records of 50 bird species from five bird banding sites collected over 8 to 23 y to test for species associations using social network analyses. We find strong support for persistent species relationships across sites and between spring and fall migration. These relationships may be ecologically meaningful: They are often stronger among phylogenetically related species with similar foraging behaviors and nonbreeding ranges even after accounting for the nonsocial contributions to associations, including overlap in migration timing and habitat use. While interspecific interactions could result in costly competition or beneficial information exchange, we find that relationships are largely positive, suggesting limited competitive exclusion at the scale of a banding station during migratory stopovers. Our findings support an understanding of animal migrations that consist of networked communities rather than random assemblages of independently migrating species, encouraging future studies of the nature and consequences of co-migrant interactions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Migration is a prevalent strategy among birds used to track seasonal resources throughout the year. Individual and population‐level migratory movements provide insight to life‐history variation, carry‐over effects, and impacts of climate change. Our understanding of how geographic variation in a species' breeding or wintering grounds can impact migration distances is limited. However, changes in migration distances can have important fitness consequences for individuals and conservation implications for populations, particularly if migratory connectivity is altered during the annual cycle. In this study, we use three decades of data from the United States Geological Survey Bird Banding Laboratory for six migratory species of Arctic and subarctic breeding geese. We employ a Bayesian hierarchical framework to test if the distance between breeding and wintering locations has changed over time, while accounting for the latitude of the breeding grounds. A model that included only a temporal trend estimated the average rate of change in migration distance, across all six species, at −3.0 km/year over the period 1990–2019. Five of the six species showed a significant decrease in migration distances. Including an interaction effect with breeding latitude revealed that the reduction in migration distance was strongest in the southernmost populations for four of the six species. For those species, migration distance in northern populations were all either relatively unchanged or increasing. This indicates that southern breeding populations of geese had a stronger association with the observed spatiotemporal changes in wintering ranges, potentially influenced by a combination of climatic and biotic factors (e.g. resource availability or competitive interactions) that uniquely impact these populations. Abundant, long‐term banding data shows promise for use in illuminating changes in migratory patterns under climate change, leading to improved management and conservation outcomes, from regional to continental scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Above all, bird ringing must be safe for birds, for ethical reasons but also to ensure that data collection is not biased by marking effects. Bird ringing schemes are responsible for determining the size of the rings used to mark birds individually. This paper critically reviews the recommended ring sizes in the Aranzadi Ringing Scheme and proposes an objective criterion for ringers. A morphological analysis of tarsus width (MTW) and the width of the tibia–tarsus articulation (MAW), over a sample of more than 4000 individuals of 74 species of both passerines and non-passerines captured in Spain, revealed that the mean difference between the internal diameter of the recommended ring (IDR) and MTW was 32% in relation to MTW (sd 15.8%, 95% confidence interval 28–35%). Experience demonstrates that this clearance is adequate, but recommendations for rings with clearances either too narrow (<6%) or too wide (>50–60%) should be reviewed and changed, if possible, to bring them closer to a 32% standard. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

A wide variety of attachment techniques have been used to track birds with electronic tags, with glue, tape, leg rings, neck collars and harnesses being the most common methods. In general, the choice of attachment method should strive to minimize tagging effects, but ensure that sufficient data are collected to address the research question at hand. The aim of our study was to develop and evaluate tag attachment methods to track Sandwich Terns Thalasseus sandvicensis during the last part of the incubation and the chick‐rearing period of one breeding season. Tag attachments had to stay on for the duration of the chick‐rearing period (5–6 weeks) and be non‐restraining and flexible, but strong enough to withstand the forces and submersion associated with their plunge‐diving foraging technique. We first experimentally tested the durability of flexible material under various environmental conditions with the aim of developing a self‐releasing harness. Then, in field studies, we compared three different attachment methods on terns during the breeding seasons, attaching tags to dorsal feathers using (1) tape, (2) glue or (3) a newly developed harness made specifically for short‐term deployments of one chick‐rearing period and constructed from degradable material. Assessment of the performance of attachment methods was based on retention time of the loggers and on annual survival rates of tagged individuals in comparison with non‐tagged individuals. The use of tape and glue led to premature loss of tags (median minimum retention time (range) of 3 (1–4) days and 15 (5–26) days, respectively), whereas the self‐releasing harness had a median minimum retention time of 42 (18–91) days, which is sufficient to track Sandwich Terns during the entire chick‐rearing period. The apparent annual survival of birds tagged using glue or tape did not differ from that observed in non‐tagged control birds. In contrast, birds fitted with the self‐releasing harnesses might have experienced a lower survival rate than control birds. Entanglement of birds in the harness material was incidentally observed in three cases, which may have contributed to the lower survival rates observed in this group. The risk of entanglement can potentially be mitigated with a leg‐loop harness instead of a full‐body harness. Our results highlight the necessity of careful consideration when selecting appropriate attachment methods. Specifically, there is a need to address whether the research questions and desired tracking duration justify the use of a harness and the higher impact that it entails, or whether a tape or glue‐mount is sufficient. More broadly, sharing field expertise in tag attachments across studies is essential to successful deployments while minimizing the impact on animals. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Determining space use for species is fundamental to understanding their ecology, and tracking animals can reveal insights into their spatial ecology on home ranges and territories. Recent technological advances have led to GPS-tracking devices light enough for birds as small as ~30 g, creating novel opportunities to remotely monitor fine-scale movements and space use for these smaller species. We tested whether miniaturized GPS tags can allow us to understand space use of migratory birds away from their capture sites and sought to understand both pre-breeding space use as well as territory and habitat use on the breeding grounds. We used GPS tags to characterize home ranges on the breeding grounds for a migratory songbird with limited available breeding information, the Golden-crowned Sparrow (Zonotrichia atricapilla). Using GPS points from 23 individuals across 26 tags (three birds tagged twice), we found home ranges in Alaska and British Columbia were on average 44.1 ha (95% kernel density estimate). In addition, estimates of territory sizes based on field observations (mean 2.1 ha, 95% minimum convex polygon [MCP]) were three times smaller than 95% MCPs created using GPS tags (mean 6.5 ha). Home ranges included a variety of land cover classes, with shrubland particularly dominant (64–100% of home range cover for all but one bird). Three birds tracked twice returned to the same breeding area each year, supporting high breeding site fidelity for this species. We found reverse spring migration for five birds that flew up to 154 km past breeding destinations before returning. GPS-tracking technology allowed for critical ecological insights into this migratory species that breeds in very remote locations. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Waterbirds are particularly affected by the high hunting pressure they face in many regions, which in some cases is compromising conservation actions for threatened species. The marbled teal Marmaronetta angustirostris is one of the most endangered waterbirds in Europe. In order to restore its population, several conservation actions have recently been undertaken, including a population reinforcement programme in Spain using captive‐bred birds. With the aim of assessing the success of the reinforcement programme to establish a long‐term self‐sustaining population, we identified mortality causes of marbled teal, evaluated the survival of individual birds of the reinforcement programme and estimated the viability of the population under different management scenarios. We used data from wild and captive‐bred individuals tracked by GPS since 2018 (n = 42) and from a mark–recapture programme initiated in 2015 (n = 297). We recovered 15 dead birds or transmitters: 20% died of natural causes, 60% of non‐natural causes (including all anthropic causes) and 20% of unknown causes. Furthermore, the GPS tags of 24 birds unexpectedly stopped transmitting without any indication of malfunction, and for 66.7% of these disappeared birds, the cessation was suspected to be caused by illegal shooting. Survival during the hunting season was higher for males (31.3%) than for females (12.5%), and for the wild (50%) than for the captive‐bred birds (9.4%), probably due to differences in migration patterns to North Africa. Population viability models revealed that maintaining the breeding population at the current mortality rates is only possible with a permanent release programme of captive‐bred individuals, and that in order to establish a self‐sustaining population, non‐natural mortality would have to be reduced by at least 40%. We recommend management measures to reduce marbled teal mortality, such as limiting legal hunting to hours with clear visibility, prosecuting illegal shootings, controlling exotic predators and improving water management to reduce disease outbreaks. Some improvements can be implemented in captive‐breeding programmes, such as earlier release times and incorporating anti‐predator training. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Two endemic Anatolian nemacheilids were studied cytogenetically for the first time. Diploid chromosome numbers, chromosome morphologies in the karyotypes and also C-band and Ag-NOR banding properties were recorded for the two species of Oxynoemacheilus. The diploid chromosome number is 50 and karyotypes contained 34 biarmed and 16 monoarmed chromosomes in Oxynoemacheilus axylos Yoğurtçuoğlu et al. 2022. In O. nasreddini Yoğurtçuoğlu et al. 2021, there are 30 biarmed and 20 monoarmed chromosomes. No heteromorphic sex chromosomes were determined. C-band patterns and the number of Ag-NORs were different between the two studied species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Wintering birds serve as vital climate sentinels, yet they are often overlooked in studies of avian diversity change. Here, we provide a continental‐scale characterization of change in multifaceted wintering avifauna and examine the effects of climate change on these dynamics. We reveal a strong functional reorganization of wintering bird communities marked by a north–south gradient in functional diversity change, along with a superimposed mild east–west gradient in trait composition change. Assemblages in the northern United States saw contractions of the functional space and increases in functional evenness and originality, while the southern United States saw smaller contractions of the functional space and stasis in evenness and originality. Shifts in functional diversity were underlined by significant reshuffling in trait composition, particularly pronounced in the western and northern United States. Finally, we find strong contributions of climate change to this functional reorganization, underscoring the importance of wintering birds in tracking climate change impacts on biodiversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Anopheles mosquitoes are the only vectors of human malaria, a deadly disease causing over 500,000 deaths annually, mainly in sub-Saharan Africa. Less than 10% of the roughly 500 Anopheles species are malaria vectors. Although malaria has been eliminated in Europe, Anopheles mosquito species remain a focus of research due to their potential to transmit malaria and other infectious diseases. Understanding the evolution of vectorial capacity can be enhanced by knowledge of the speciation and adaptation of malaria mosquitoes. Chromosomal inversions, such as large-scale genomic rearrangements, are believed to play a role in the ability of mosquitoes to diversify and adapt to human-created environments. However, genome mapping and the characterization of chromosomal inversions have only been conducted on a small fraction of malaria mosquito species. In this study, we mapped and characterized inversions that differentiate the European mosquito Anopheles atroparvus and the Eurasian mosquito An. messeae. Two small genomic blocks underwent a change in position and orientation on the X chromosome between the two species. The rearranged chromosomal regions are enriched with genes that play roles in regulating the immune system and mating behavior. These findings offer insight into the underlying molecular mechanisms behind the differences in susceptibility to infection and behavior between An. atroparvus and An. messeae. The Maculipennis subgroup of malaria mosquitoes includes both dominant malaria vectors and non-vectors in Eurasia. Understanding the genetic factors, particularly chromosomal inversions, that differentiate Anopheles species can provide valuable insights for vector control strategies. Although autosomal inversions between the species in this subgroup have been characterized based on the chromosomal banding patterns, the number and positions of rearrangements in the X chromosome remain unclear due to the divergent banding patterns. Here, we identified two large X chromosomal inversions, approximately 13 Mb and 10 Mb in size, using fluorescence in situ hybridization. The inversion breakpoint regions were mapped by hybridizing 53 gene markers with polytene chromosomes of An. messeae. The DNA probes were designed based on gene sequences from the annotated An. atroparvus genome. The two nested inversions resulted in five syntenic blocks. Only two small syntenic blocks, which encompass 181 annotated genes in the An. atroparvus genome, changed their position and orientation in the X chromosome. The analysis of the An. atroparvus genome revealed an enrichment of gene ontology terms associated with immune system and mating behavior in the rearranged syntenic blocks. Additionally, the enrichment of DNA transposons was found in sequences homologous to three of the four breakpoint regions. This study demonstrates the successful application of the physical genome mapping approach to identify rearrangements that differentiate species in insects with polytene chromosomes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

From 2014-2023 we studied the spring migration of Snow Buntings (Plectrophenax nivalis) through southwest Yukon, collecting data on wing length and body mass, age-sex class composition, and stopover mass gain for birds banded and recaptured during the study. We used walk-in ground traps, baited with cracked corn and millet, to capture birds in agricultural fields near Haines Junction. We banded 10,058 Snow Buntings, 78.5% of which were male (After Second Year or ASY=51.0%, Second year or SY=27.5%), while 21.5% were females (ASY=15.1%, SY=6.4%). The first arrivals were males, 75% which were ASY, and as the season progressed ASY females, then SY females, began to arrive, and males started to move on. Wing length and mass were significantly greater for males than for females among all age classes, and significantly greater for ASY than for SY in congregate and within the same sex class. Body condition index (BCI; mass:wing length) varied among age-sex classes across years: in most years ASY males had the highest BCI, followed by SY males, ASY females, and SY females. During our study, SY male BCI declined significantly and ASY male BCI also declined, while SY female BCI was stable, and ASY female BCI increased significantly. We had 2,630 recaptures (excluding same day recaptures). The majority of the same year recaptures (54.4%) were in the first two days after banding; the longest period from first banding to last recapture was 21 days. The difference in mean BCI was generally positive for the duration of stopover time, but some ASY birds lost mass in the longest stopover duration. Sixty-eight individuals (70 events; two individuals were each recaptured in two different years) were year-to-year recaptures (2.7% of total recaptures), up to five years after banding. Three Snow Buntings that we banded have been recovered elsewhere. Our study of migration phenology contributes to the body of knowledge needed to conserve and manage Snow Buntings in Canada. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Banding is the main method used to mark and identify individual birds, and to study populations, migration, age, and behavior. Banding birds also plays an important role in rehabilitation efforts, as their recapture provides good information about the effectiveness of the prescribed treatment, allowing constant review of the rehabilitation protocols used. This study compiles information on banded birds retrieved at the Santos Basin Beach Monitoring Project (Projeto de Monitoramento de Praias da Bacia de Santos, PMP-BS), and it reviews the ecological and behavioral aspects involved in species' movements that contributed to their arrival at the beach. We also provide results of autopsies and clinical information on rehabilitation. Herein, we report on 235 banded birds (16 found more than once) between Rio de Janeiro (Saquarema) and Santa Catarina (Laguna), southeast Brazil, between August 2015 and February 2021. Eighteen species are represented, belonging to four orders and nine families. Among the causes of weakness or death, anthropic interactions (e.g., fishing, aggression, and garbage ingestion) and exhaustion (mainly in migratory species) stand out. Our findings highlight the importance of banding and recapturing birds as an efficient and effective method to better understand the ecology and displacement of mobile species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 2010 Deepwater Horizon (DWH) oil spill caused catastrophic damage to marine and terrestrial environments in and along the Gulf of Mexico. The DWH Natural Resource Damage Assessment (NRDA) estimated that 56,141-102,399 birds across 93 species were directly or indirectly injured, and breeding and foraging habitats suffered substantial damage. The 2016 DWH civil settlement allocated NRDA funds to Florida to replenish and protect DWH-injured bird species. Additional NRDA restoration funds were allocated Regionwide (i.e., all Gulf states) and to Open Ocean Restoration Areas. In addition, Florida was allocated funds through the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation's Gulf Environmental Benefit Fund (GEBF) to address DWH-injured living resources and habitats. NRDA and GEBF funds for bird restoration must be used in areas impacted by the DWH oil spill or in locations with clear connections to DWH-injured bird populations. We compiled and summarized literature and unpublished data to illustrate the coastal connectivity of 17 focal waterbird species between the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Coast. We documented coastal connectivity for 13 of the 17 (76%) focal species. Rates of coastal connectivity derived from United States Geological Survey Bird Banding Lab data for populations anywhere on the United States Atlantic or Gulf coasts ranged by species from 0-22% of resighted individuals being observed on both coasts and ranged from 0-30% when restricted to coasts within Florida. The connectivity between the majority of Atlantic and Gulf coast focal populations is substantial, and the consideration of restoration projects on the Atlantic Coast should be determined on a case-by-case basis. Restoring living resources and breeding and foraging habitats along Florida's coastlines for the benefit of avian species that exhibit coastal connectivity will help create more resilient habitats for the benefit of at-risk species in the face of future catastrophes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Partial migration, in which migrant and resident members of a species spend part of the annual cycle in the same habitat, is a widely-occurring strategy among animal species. However, studies of this behavior are impeded by problems such as distinguishing migrant from resident individuals and detecting resident-migrant hybridization. We used a combination of genomic sequencing and bird banding to determine the migratory status of individuals in a declining population of western burrowing owls (Athene cunicularia hypugaea) in northern California. We banded individuals for four consecutive years in winter and summer. Each summer we surveyed for birds we had banded during previous winters. Using genomic analysis, we analyzed feathers from birds found in winter and summer to assess migratory status and interactions between winter and summer owls. The data showed a pattern of migration in which long-distance migratory birds were found in areas outside the breeding sites and joined resident owls at the breeding sites in the winter, but disappeared from these areas by the next breeding season. These results fit a pattern of partial migration in which long-distance migrants join resident birds in the winter. Although during breeding seasons we never observed any migrants that we banded in winter either within or outside the breeding sites, genomic analysis showed that some migrants stayed into the summer and bred with resident owls to produce hybrid offspring. This interaction brings different genetic material into the small resident population, a contribution that may benefit this declining population. This work demonstrates the value of combining genomic assessments of migratory status with field data collection to better characterize population structure and inform conservation actions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An optimal blend of relatively high frequency and effective atmospheric penetration renders the X-band a versatile selection for a wide range of applications. Hence, metamaterial absorber and frequency selective surface (FSS) as a band-stop filter and shielding element play a significant role in X-band. This article proposes a cost-effective, wide oblique and polarization-insensitive metamaterial, whose applications as an absorber and FSS having band-stop characteristics for X-band are explained. The isotropic unit cell of the proposed metamaterial is designed by an array of two subunit cells, where one is the 90° rotated version of the other with diagonal symmetry. Equivalent circuits of both subunit cells and array structure are systematically designed and analyzed, which provides scope for future modification according to the required frequencies. The proposed absorber provides three absorption peaks and absorptivity of more than 90% up to 60° oblique incidence angle. A good agreement between experimentally measured and simulated results is observed. For the use of the structure as FSS, it has been optimized to provide band-stop characteristics precisely for the X-band up to a wide oblique incidence angle. The proposed design can be used as an absorber, band-stop filter, reflector, and shielding element for the X-band. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: The presence of transient abnormal protein banding (M‐protein immune reconstitution) in serum immunofixation electrophoresis after autologous haematopoietic stem cell transplantation in patients with multiple myeloma has been reported. The purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of post‐transplant M‐protein immune reconstitution on the prognosis of patients with multiple myeloma. M‐protein immune reconstitution was observed in 25.9% (75/290) of patients. The CR rate and MRD negativity were higher in the M‐protein immune reconstitution group (85.3% vs. 69.3%, p = 0.013, 81.9% vs. 66.5%, p = 0.014). Although there were no significant differences between the groups, the overall median survival time was longer in the M‐protein immune reconstruction group (80 vs. 72 m, p = 0.076; not reached vs. 105 m, p = 0.312). Among patients in the cytogenetic high‐risk group, the occurrence of M‐protein immune reconstitution predicted better PFS and OS (80 vs. 31 m, p = 0.010; not reached vs. 91 m, p = 0.026). Additionally, in revised‐International Staging System stage III patients, PFS and OS were better in those who achieved M‐protein immune reconstitution (80 vs. 20 m, p = 0.025; 57 vs. 32 m, p = 0.103). The better prognosis of M‐protein immune reconstitution patients may be associated with the acquisition of a deeper response. In high‐risk patients, early acquisition of M‐protein immune reconstitution may suggest a better prognosis. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This study presents an updated analysis of cytogenetic data for several species within the 40,42-chromosome genera of the subtribe Orchidinae. The research includes insights into the distribution of heterochromatin obtained using C-banding and fluorochrome techniques. Our investigation confirmed variation in the distribution of heterochromatin and repetitive DNA sequences among species pertaining to Neotinea s.l. and Orchis s.str. These variations also potentially contribute to the diversification of these species. Cytogenetic analyses of the Neotinea group demonstrated that both H33258 and DAPI staining result in blocks of fluorescent regions on numerous chromosomes. Particular attention was paid to the cytological composition of the polyploid Neotinea commutata, focusing on its potential origin. Based on the karyological results acquired, a hypothesis concerning the origin of N. commutata is proposed. The most noteworthy revelations regard the O. mascula complex. In these species, the telomeric areas of all chromosome sets display extensive heterochromatin. Fluorochrome staining revealed telomeric blocks on many chromosomes that were not seen with Giemsa staining. This highlighted a distinct feature of O. mascula, where particularly large C-bands surrounding the centromeric regions of multiple chromosomes were found. However, in O. mascula, O. provincialis, O. pauciflora, and O. patens, C+ chromatin may not show a significant response to fluorochrome Hoechst or DAPI+ staining. The unique cytomorphological arrangement observed in the O. mascula species, unlike other members of the O. mascula complex, suggest epigenetic phenomena. Additional data are presented for the genera Dactylorhiza and Gymnadenia. A deeper understanding of the diversity of chromosomal structures among these orchids promises to shed light on the mechanisms underlying speciation, adaptation, and the remarkable diversity characteristic of the Orchidaceae family. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Natal dispersal distance (NDD) is critical in understanding and defining populations and their conservation. It is defined as the linear distance between the natal location and first reproductive ('effective NDD') or potential reproductive ('gross NDD') location. It is a measure of gene flow and the functional connectivity across generations between individuals breeding in the same or different geographies. NDD is difficult to record in large raptors. GPS‐satellite telemetry has facilitated its recording. Previous Scottish studies showed that gross and effective NDD were apparently equivalent, and an algorithm based on telemetric data could identify the territory settlement timing and location of birds originally tagged as nestlings. We analysed natal dispersal data from 39 Golden Eagles GPS‐tagged in Scotland to estimate NDD. Raw median estimates were 29.8 km for males (n = 22) and 58.6 km for females (n = 17), 38.1 km averaged across sexes. Males had significantly shorter NDD, as theoretically predicted. Our NDD estimates were shorter but not grossly dissimilar to those from the USA, where sex differences in NDD had not been confirmed. Respective sample sizes may underly the latter contrast in confirmation. We also showed that in the absence of data from sexed birds, NDD estimates can be different. Natal dispersal duration was not related to NDD, suggesting that time to prospect a territory opportunity was not associated with the selected territory's distance from the natal site. The previous status of the subsequent settled territory (occupied or vacant) was also not related to NDD. We conclude that sex differences in NDD are important in application to population demography and conservation. Although we found no support for two other potential drivers of NDD (natal dispersal duration and previous territory status), identifying additional influences on NDD is in its infancy in large raptors and deserves more study. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Seabird populations are declining across their global range due to a variety of threats, including shifting food webs from climate change. The impact of these threats is exacerbated in long‐lived species with low reproductive output and high investment in a few offspring, where juvenile survival is of substantial importance to populations. Changes to post‐fledging survival and recruitment of adults are difficult to detect, necessitating better information to forecast juvenile survival before fledglings take to sea. To achieve this goal, we test the hypothesis that there is an ideal mass range for fledglings, outside of which survival is limited, providing an early warning signal for future recruitment failures. Here we present a long‐term study of chick banding, weighing and resighting of wedge‐tailed shearwaters, Ardenna pacifica, a globally widespread but declining tropical/subtropical seabird in a sea‐surface warming hotspot across a span of 43 years. We provide data on 1615 fledgling birds banded most years between 1977 and 2020, with 111 resighted as adults. We found that fledglings weighing 380–470 g have the best chance to survive to adulthood and those weighing 330–540 g have a possible chance of survival. We detected a gradual decline in masses since data collection began, with chicks fledging, on average, 1.6 g lighter each year. This decline has been sharpest since 1996, with fledging masses decreasing at an average rate of 3.8 g annually. Should this 1.6 g decline continue, the average fledgling will cross out of the 'survivable' mass range by 2047/2048. We contextualise these findings with observed declines reported in some populations across the species South Pacific range, adding to the conversation about challenges to seabirds in regions experiencing rapid change. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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Worldwide, migratory phenology and movement of many bird species is shifting in response to anthropogenic climate and habitat changes. However, due to variation among species and a shortage of analyses, changes in waterfowl migration, particularly in the fall, are not well understood. Fall migration phenology and movement patterns dictate waterfowl hunting success and satisfaction, with cascading implications on economies and support for habitat management and securement. Using 60 years of band recovery data for waterfowl banded in the Canadian Prairie Pothole Region (PPR), we evaluated whether fall migration timing and/or distribution changed in Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), Northern Pintail (A. acuta), and Blue-winged Teal (Spatula discors) between 1960 and 2019. We found that in the Midcontinent Flyways, Mallards and Bluewinged Teal migrated faster in more recent time periods, whereas Northern Pintail began fall migration earlier. In the Pacific Flyway, Mallards began fall migration earlier. Both Mallards and Northern Pintails showed evidence of short-stopping in the Midcontinent Flyways. Indeed, the Mallard and Northern Pintail distribution of band recovery data shifted 180 and 226 km north, respectively, from 1960 to 2019. Conversely, Bluewinged Teal recovery distributions were consistent across years. Mallards and Northern Pintails also exhibited an increased proportion of band recoveries in the Pacific Flyway in recent decades. We provide clear evidence that the timing and routes of fall migration have shifted over the past 6 decades, but these phenological and spatial shifts differ among species. We suggest that using community-science data collected by hunters themselves to explain one of the group's major concerns (changes in duck abundance at traditional hunting grounds), within the environmental lens of climate change, may help lead to further engagement and two-way dialogue to support effective waterfowl management for these culturally and ecologically important species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is a project proposal titled "Diversity and body condition of birds inhabiting native and exotic forests in the Pampas of Argentina." The proposal aims to continue a long-term monitoring program of bird species in forested areas of the Pampas region in Argentina. The project will evaluate the influence of the landscape matrix on bird species composition and the health status of individuals, specifically focusing on the type of patch (exotic or native) and the landscape matrix (urban, rural, grassland). The study will be conducted at three banding stations representing urban, rural, and natural forest patches. The researchers plan to capture passerine birds using mist nets, band them with colored bands, and take various morphological measurements to assess body condition, age, and sex. Blood samples will be taken for further analysis. The project also aims to raise awareness about bird conservation through education programs and outreach activities. The research team consists of researchers from CONICET and the University of Mar del Plata, and they plan to involve biology students, park rangers, and volunteers in the fieldwork. [Extracted from the article]

California Brown Pelicans Pelecanus occidentalis californicus rehabilitated in 2009-2019 were released with metal federal and blue plastic auxiliary leg bands. Resighting data were obtained from the US Geological Survey's Bird Banding Laboratory, International Bird Rescue's citizen science reporting forms, and non-breeding communal roost site surveys. Medical problems and demographic data were assessed in relation to whether birds were resighted, whether they were alive at the most recent resighting, and by longevity after release. The 1 418 blue-banded individuals in the study were admitted for rehabilitation and released 1 465 times, and 49.9% were resighted at least once. At the most recent re-encounter, 79.2% were alive. Fifty-five birds were not resighted until 5-11 years after release. Mean (± standard deviation) post-release longevity inclusive of all birds was 3 (3.1) years, which represents minimum survival time for those last encountered alive. Survival analysis was performed utilizing annualized resightings and dead recoveries for each bird. Survival probability differed with intake age, averaging 0.70 for birds admitted as post-fledge hatch-year to 0.80 for birds admitted as after-hatch-year. Dedicated surveys beginning in 2015 resulted in a much higher probability of live detections in the latter half of the study. Annual survival estimates averaged 0.83 during this period, when age at rehabilitation was not an important factor. Mean longevity of the 2015-2019 cohort was estimated at 5.67 years post release. Of 224 birds receiving blue bands during 2009-2010, 13.8% of sub-adults or after-third-years at rehabilitation have been resighted older than 10 years of age, including 11 birds resighted since 2021 at minimum ages of 13.1-15.2 years. This study shows that Brown Pelicans can be successfully rehabilitated and returned to the wild, with some demonstrating greater than expected longevity than previously estimated for the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

This document is a report from the Inland Flyway Review - Spring 2023, which provides information on bird banding stations in the inland region of North America. The report includes data from 14 stations in Illinois, Ohio, Wisconsin, Michigan, Missouri, and Alabama. Most stations were able to operate normally after the Covid scenario, although some had health issues or low numbers. The report includes information on the number of birds banded, species captured, and highlights from each station. [Extracted from the article]

The Eastern Bird Banding Association (EBBA) held its annual meeting at the Winter Clove Inn in Round Top, NY. The meeting brought together 87 people who networked, learned about current avian research projects, and participated in a bucket raffle. Despite a snowstorm, attendees enjoyed workshops, presentations, and keynote speeches on topics such as bird migration, habitat use, and the impact of outdoor recreation on breeding birds. The meeting concluded with the announcement of grant recipients and the passing of new council members and officers. The talks were recorded and will be available online. [Extracted from the article]

The article focuses on the results of bird banding activities in Harford County, Maryland, during the fall of 2022 at the Harford Glen Banding Station. It details the station's operations, observations made during the banding season, and the species encountered, noting changes in species composition, productivity, and age distribution among captured birds compared to previous years.

Simple Summary: Domestic quail have been used for egg and meat production and laboratory experiments. Although the wild ancestors of quail live around the Japanese Archipelago, there is a lack of field studies, especially on reproductive sites. Wild-derived strains of several species have been established to study their domestication history and genetic control. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate wild quails and create wild-derived quail strains. Field observations during the breeding season have provided insights into the wild quails' migration, reproductive, and social behaviors. Morphological traits were measured in 31 quails (2019–2022 population). By comparing them with the 1914 and 1970 populations, the morphological traits of wild quail stocks in Japan might have been relatively stable over the latest ten decades. In 2021–2022, each two captured wild (Wild) males were mated with both the domestic (Dom) females and hybrids of Dom and Wild (W50) females. We established wild-derived strains of quail (W50 and W75), providing opportunities for future conservation use as wild quail stocks and experimental use in basic science. Domestic quail are used as both farm and laboratory animals. As the wild ancestor of quails is "endangered," field studies are needed to conserve them. If wild-derived strains of quail are established, they will be unique genetic resources for both farm and laboratory animals. The purpose of the present study was to conduct a field study and create wild-derived quail strains using the breeding stocks in Tokachi, Hokkaido, Japan. Field observations from 2019 to 2022 indicate that wild quails migrate and stay at reproductive sites from late April to late October. Our estimations of the approximate ages of the observed and captured quails imply that adult males have intermittent reproductive opportunities from May to August. Morphological traits collected from adult and juvenile quails in the 2019–2022 population were similar to those previously reported for Japan's 1914 and 1970 populations. Using natural mating of captured wild males and domestic (Dom) females, we established the W50 and W75 strains, which possessed 50% and 75% genetic contributions from the wild stocks. These unique genetic resources can be applied for future conservation and experimental use to understand the domestication history and genetic basis of quantitative traits. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Foraging outcomes dictate the nutritional resources available to an organism and may vary with intrinsic factors, like age. Thus, understanding how age affects foraging performance, alone or in interaction with extrinsic factors (like environmental quality), improves our understanding of aging processes in the wild. We examined how foraging traits, measured across five breeding seasons, change with age, environmental variation, and their interaction in Nazca boobies (Sula granti), a pelagic seabird in Galápagos. We evaluated the hypotheses that (1) foraging performance is better in middle‐aged birds than in young ones, and that (2) foraging performance is better in middle‐aged birds than in old ones. Furthermore, favorable environmental conditions will either (3) attenuate age differences in foraging performance (by relieving constraints on young, inexperienced and old, senescent age classes), or (4) accentuate age differences (if middle‐aged birds can exploit abundant resources better than other age classes can). Incubating birds tagged with GPS loggers (N = 815) provided data on foraging performance (e.g., total distance traveled, mass gained) to evaluate interactions between age and environmental variation (e.g., sea surface temperature). Poor environmental conditions associated with the cool phase of the El Niño‐Southern Oscillation increased foraging effort, including foraging distance and duration, for example. Across age classes, foraging boobies responded similarly to environmental variation except for female mass gain rate: age‐related declines in mass gain rate were reduced under favorable environmental conditions. Birds of different ages also searched in somewhat distinct areas in the poor conditions of 2016, but not in other years. In several foraging traits, including foraging duration and distance, female boobies showed predicted early‐life improvement and late‐life decline, following the established pattern for reproductive traits in this species. Thus, deficits in resource acquisition (this study) may contribute to the poor survival and reproductive outcomes previously observed in old Nazca boobies, particularly in females. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The history of the decline of the Ivory‐billed Woodpecker is long and complex, but the status of the species since 1944, when the last widely accepted sighting in continental North America occurred, is particularly controversial. Reports of Ivory‐billed Woodpeckers have continued, but none has reached the threshold of quality for general acceptance by ornithologists or the birdwatching public. In 2021, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service opened for public comment a proposal to declare the species extinct. Here, we present evidence suggesting the presence of the Ivory‐billed Woodpecker at our study site, based on a variety of data collected over a 10‐year search period, 2012–2022. These data are drawn from visual observations, ~70,000 h of recordings by 80–100 acoustic recording units, ~472,550 camera‐hours by as many as 34 trail cameras, and ~1089 h of video drawn from ~3265 drone flights. Using multiple lines of evidence, the data suggest intermittent but repeated presence of multiple individual birds with field marks and behaviors consistent with those of Ivory‐billed Woodpeckers. Data indicate repeated reuse of foraging sites and core habitat. Our findings, and the inferences drawn from them, suggest that not all is lost for the Ivory‐billed Woodpecker, and that it is clearly premature for the species to be declared extinct. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Grassland bird populations are being lost at an alarming rate due to human modifications to grassland ecosystems. Grassland restoration has been shown to mitigate population declines for many species that use these habitats at some point in their annual cycles. We examined capture rates of adult, breeding, and hatch-year birds at a restored grassland site in the piedmont of central Georgia to determine whether colonization, breeding success, hatching success, and recruitment processes were impacting populations of grassland birds. We banded birds approximately twice per month from January 2009 through December 2021 at Panola Mountain State Park. Restoration efforts started in 2001, and include annual prescribed burns, control of invasives, and revegetation with native grassland plants. We documented an increase in total capture rates when all grassland species were combined (p=0.03, r²=0.37) and for several grassland species, including Chipping Sparrows (p=0.01, r²=0.44) and Marsh Wrens (p=0.004, r²=0.55). Capture rates of grassland birds in breeding condition increased as well, including when grassland species were combined (p=0.01, r²=0.45), Common Yellowthroats (p=0.05, r²=0.30), Indigo Buntings (p=0.04, r²=0.34), and Field Sparrows (p=0.002, r²=0.59). Capture rates of hatch-year birds increased for Chipping Sparrows (p=0.02, r²=0.39). Species-specific responses to restoration occur at different rates depending on habitat preferences, yet the only species that significantly declined was the Red-winged Blackbird, a bird more associated with water than grasslands. We attribute these increases and, importantly, the lack of significant declines, to successful ongoing restoration, which is providing adequate and appropriate resources for grassland birds. If managers identify target species, we recommend that restoration efforts include activities that are aimed at species-specific habitat requirements and habitat-level threats of those target species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An understanding of the factors associated with post-release survivorship in rehabilitated animals is instrumental for evaluating best-practice rehabilitation and release methods to ultimately achieve optimal conservation outcomes. However, there is almost nothing reported in the scientific literature concerning post-release survivorship in hand-reared flying-foxes, with the only published study to date suggesting that hand-reared flying-foxes have significantly reduced mean longevity following release. We report a case of a hand-reared grey-headed flying-fox (Pteropus poliocephalus) that was fitted with a metal identification band when it was released in 2004 and recovered alive in 2022. This information provides clear evidence of this individual having post-release survivorship of 18 years. The distance between the release and recovery locations was approximately 297 km, corresponding with the species' known nomadism. Based on the current scientific information on longevity in the grey-headed flying-fox, this individual would be considered an old animal. Large numbers of injured and orphaned flying-foxes are rescued and rehabilitated annually but there is almost nothing reported in the scientific literature concerning post-release survivorship in flying-foxes. We report a case of a hand-reared grey-headed flying-fox (Pteropus poliocephalus) that was released in 2004 and recovered alive in 2022, reconciled as the same individual through a unique identification number on a metal band that had been fitted to the bat's thumb. This provides clear evidence of post-release survivorship of 18 years in this flying-fox. Photograph by Janine Davies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

To investigate the effects of piscivorous colonial waterbird predation on juvenile salmonids (smolts) and to determine what proportion of all sources of smolt mortality was due to predation, we analyzed a data set describing fall Chinook Salmon Oncorhynchus tshawytscha that were marked with PIT tags in the Columbia River, USA. We used a state‐space Bayesian model that incorporated live detections of tagged fish and recoveries of tags from dead fish to jointly estimate predation and survival over multiple river reaches and years (2008–2019). By incorporating recoveries of tags on bird colonies, the model was also able to increase the precision and spatial extent of survival estimates compared with a more traditional capture–recapture model. Results indicated that the avian predation probability (proportion of available fish consumed) varied depending on the predator species, colony location, and the fish's rearing type. Estimates of cumulative predation probability ranged annually from 0.066 (95% credible interval = 0.049–0.089) to 0.283 (0.210–0.419), and predation accounted for 7.3% (4.3–11.9%) to 29.1% (19.7–40.2%) of all sources of smolt mortality during out‐migration to Bonneville Dam. Probabilities of predation on wild smolts were significantly higher than those for hatchery smolts in most river reaches and years. Predation probabilities were the highest for colonies of American white pelicans Pelecanus erythrorhynchos and double‐crested cormorants Nannopterum auritum, which were located near where wild smolts rear and congregate. Estimates of predation by Caspian terns Hydroprogne caspia, California gulls Larus californicus, and ring‐billed gulls L. delawarensis were often <0.03 of available smolts annually. Collectively, results indicated that the cumulative effects of predation on Chinook Salmon smolts were substantial in some but not all river reaches and years. Future models that consider biological and environmental factors influencing smolt susceptibility to avian predation may provide a more holistic understanding of the degree to which predation limits fish survival. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The timing of avian migration has evolved to exploit critical seasonal resources, yet plasticity within phenological responses may allow adjustments to interannual resource phenology. The diversity of migratory species and changes in underlying resources in response to climate change make it challenging to generalize these relationships.We use bird banding records during spring and fall migration from across North America to examine macroscale phenological responses to interannual fluctuations in temperature and long‐term annual trends in phenology.In total, we examine 19 species of North American wood warblers (family Parulidae), summarizing migration timing from 2,826,588 banded birds from 1961 to 2018 across 46 sites during spring and 124 sites during fall.During spring, warmer spring temperatures at banding locations translated to earlier median passage dates for 16 of 19 species, with an average 0.65‐day advancement in median passage for every 1°C increase in temperature, ranging from 0.25 to 1.26 days °C−1. During the fall, relationships were considerably weaker, with only 3 of 19 species showing a relationship with temperature. In those three cases, later departure dates were associated with warmer fall periods. Projecting these trends forward under climate scenarios of temperature change, we forecast continued spring advancements under shared socioeconomic pathways from 2041 to 2060 and 2081 to 2100 and more muted and variable shifts for fall.These results demonstrate the capacity of long‐distance migrants to respond to interannual fluctuations in temperatures, at least during the spring, and showcase the potential of North American bird banding data understanding phenological trends across a wide diversity of avian species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phenotype alterations can occur naturally during the life span of the domestic fowl. These alterations increase the risk to become a target of aggression and may cause a severe impact on the welfare of affected birds. We analysed the behavioural consequences of sequential phenotype alterations and their long-term effects within stable social groups of adult birds differing in group size. Phenotypically homogeneous groups, with 100% or 0% marked individuals, and heterogeneous groups, with 70%, 50% or 30% marked birds, were housed at constant density in groups of 10, 20 or 40. We applied sequential phenotype alterations to homogeneous groups (by marking or unmarking birds) and compared their behavioural response to heterogeneous groups considered controls. Results show that aggression was greatly affected by phenotype alteration but, unexpectedly, group size did not play any relevant role modulating social responses. Aggression was directed towards the first altered birds and was significantly higher than in control groups. Long term effects were detected, as victimized individuals failed to engage in aggression at any time and adapted their behaviour to minimize aggressive encounters (e.g. high perch use). Therefore, we provide evidence of long-lasting submissive strategies in stable groups of adult domestic fowl, highlighting the relevance of phenotype alteration on the social dynamics of affected birds. Phenotype alterations could help explain much of the targeted aggression observed in producing flocks which severely affects animal welfare. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: As for other life history traits, variation occurs in movement patterns with important impacts on population demography and community interactions. Individuals can show variation in the extent of seasonal movement (or migration) or can change migratory routes among years. Internal factors, such as age or body condition, may strongly influence changes in movement patterns. Indeed, young individuals often tend to move across larger spatial scales compared to adults, but relatively few studies have investigated the proximate and ultimate factors driving such variation. This is particularly the case for seabirds in which the sub-adult period is long and difficult to follow. Here, we examine migration variation and the factors that affect it in a common Mediterranean seabird, the Yellow-legged gull (Larus michahellis). Methods: The data include the encounter histories of 5158 birds marked as fledglings between 1999 and 2004 at 14 different colonies in southern France and resighted over 10 years. Using a multi-event mark-recapture modeling framework, we use these data to estimate the probability of movement and survival, taking into account recapture heterogeneity and age. Results: In accordance with previous studies, we find that young individuals have greater mobility than older individuals. However, the spatial extent of juvenile movements depends on natal colony location, with a strong difference in the proportion of sedentary individuals among colonies less than 50 km apart. Colony quality or local population dynamics may explain these differences. Indeed, young birds from colonies with strong juvenile survival probabilities (~ 0.75) appear to be more sedentary than those from colonies with low survival probabilities (~ 0.36). Conclusions: This study shows the importance of studying individuals of different ages and from different colonies when trying to understand seabird movement strategies. Local breeding success and the availability of food resources may explain part of the among colony differences we observe and require explicit testing. We discuss our results with respect to the feedback loop that may occur between breeding success and mobility, and its potential implications for population demography and the dissemination of avian disease at different spatial scales. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Advances in spring migratory phenology comprise some of the most well‐documented evidence for the impacts of climate change on birds. Nevertheless, surprisingly little research has investigated whether birds are shifting their migratory phenology equally across sex and age classes—a question critical to understanding the potential for trophic mismatch. We used 60 years of bird banding data across North America—comprising over 4 million captures in total—to investigate both spring and fall migratory phenology for a total of 98 bird species across sex and age classes, with the exact numbers of species for each analysis depending on season‐specific data availability. Consistent with protandry, in spring (n = 89 species), adult males were the first to arrive and immature females were the last to arrive. In fall (n = 98), there was little difference between sexes, but adults tended to depart earlier than juveniles. Over 60 years, adult males advanced their phenology the fastest (−0.84 days per decade, 95 CrI = −1.22 to −0.47, n = 36), while adult and immature females advanced at a slower pace, causing the gap in male and female arrival times to widen over time. In the fall, there was no overall trend in phenology by age or sex (n = 57), driven in part by high interspecific variation related to breeding and molt strategies. Our results indicate consistent and predictable age‐ and sex‐based differences in the rates at which species' springtime phenology is shifting. The growing gap between male and female migratory arrival indicates sex‐based plasticity in adaptation to climate change that has strong potential to negatively impact current and future population trends. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]