Assessing the Hazard to Granivorous Birds Feeding on Chemically Treated Seeds

Current methods for evaluating hazards to seed-eating birds are based on estimated exposure per unit area and assume that birds ingest all of the chemical on a treated seed. In an earlier study, however, it was determined that red-winged blackbirds removed only about 15% of an insecticidal treatment applied to individual rice seeds. Here, we extend those findings by examining the seed-handling behavior of four granivorous bird species exposed to millet, rice, sunflower and sorghum treated with imidacloprid. Mourning doves (Zenaida macroura L.) swallowed the seed whole. House finches (Carpodacus mexicanus Müller), red-winged blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus L.) and boat-tailed grackles (Quiscalus major Vieillot) discarded the seed hulls, however, and removed only 15–40% of the initial chemical treatment. Residues on seed hulls decreased as handling time increased. Sunflowers had the lowest residues because birds repeatedly handled the hull to remove bits of the oily kernel. These results suggest that avian hazard assessment methods should incorporate species-typical seed-handling behavior to assess more accurately birds' exposure to chemicals on different types of seed. © of SCI.     

Consumption of fipronil-treated rice seed does not affect captive blackbirds

Fipronil is an insecticide developed for use on rice seed and other crops. In a series of cage and pen trials, we evaluated the responses to dyed, fipronil-treated rice seed of three bird species likely to encounter it in the field. Individually caged red-winged blackbirds (Agelaius phoeniceus), brown-headed cowbirds (Molothrus ater), and boat-tailed grackles (Quiscalus major) displayed no evidence of adverse reaction to treated seed. Chemical analyses of hulls from treated seeds eaten by captive birds revealed that 10–20% of the fipronil originally present was removed during feeding. In group enclosures, male red-winged blackbirds ate as much fipronil-treated rice as they did dyed, untreated seed. In four-day tests within a 0·2-ha flight pen, 10-bird blackbird flocks removed 11·4% of fipronil-treated seed from a test plot compared to 12·5% of dyed, untreated seed removed from the alternate plot. When the alternate plot contained undyed rice, however, seed removal from the treated plot averaged 2·4% compared to 28·9% from the alternative plot, suggesting that the groups of test birds avoided treated seed based on its appearance. We conclude that 325 and 500 mg kg^-1 fipronil applications alone do not affect avian feeding activity. © 1998 SCI.     

Factors affecting red-winged blackbird response to methiocarb,an avian repellent

Two physiological responses (heart rate and respiration rate) and a behavioral response (keypecking rate) were measured to determine whether or not bait from and/or gastrointestinal content would influence the efficacy of an avian repellent on red-winged blackbirds. Methiocarb was administered under four conditions (i.e., cracked corn or pellet baits and food deprivation or nondeprivation). Results show that both physiological and behavioral responses to methiocarb are much more pronounced when it is administered in pellet form to food-deprived birds. These findings help explain some inconsistencies in results of field evaluations of methiocarb and illustrate the significance of formulation and the timing of treatment application as important factors in development of bird damage control agents and techniques.     

Attractiveness of brown rice baits to non-target birds in harvested corn and soybean fields

Brown rice is used as a bait-carrier for the avicide DRC-1339 (3-chloro-4-methylaniline) when baiting blackbirds (Icteridae). In March and April 1996 and 1997, we assessed non-target granivorous bird use of rice-baited plots placed in harvested corn and soybean fields in eastern South Dakota for 168 observation hours. In both years combined, we identified 10 and 14 granivorous species in corn and soybean fields, respectively. In 1996 (X = 0.2, SE = 0.04) and 1997 (X = 1.2, SE = 0.38), total numbers of granivores min(-1) were similar between crops (P > or = 0.322). In 1996, bird numbers were higher (P = 0.069) in rice-baited fields (X = 0.3, SE = 0.07) than in unbaited reference fields (X = 0.1, SE = 0.04). In 1997, bird numbers (X = 1.2, SE = 0.38) did not differ between treatments (P = 0.456). Our data show that small numbers of non-target birds visited the rice-baited plots. However, total number of different individual birds using the plots was unknown.     

红嘴蓝鹊的饲养、驯化及防治松毛虫的效果研究

红嘴蓝鹊是天目山区的留鸟,食性杂,能捕食30多种昆虫,食虫量大,棚养鸟每天能吃虫50～60克,约松毛虫幼虫70～80条。每只蓝鹊每年可控制30亩松林的害虫。该鸟有一定的群居性,易驯化,在浙江地区是驯养、治虫的最佳鸟种,且观赏性好。     

Aversion of the feral pigeon and the house sparrow to pellets and sprouts treated with commercial formulations of methyl anthranilate

Two methyl anthranilate formulations, ReJex‐iT® TP‐40 and AG‐36, were tested as bird‐repelling agents for animal feed and vegetable sprouts, respectively. Feral pigeons (Columba livia) and house sparrows (Passer domesticus) are important pests of animal husbandry and field crops in Israel. In each 4‐day experiment, four birds were held together in an aviary, and were offered four trays or dishes with animal feed or cauliflower sprouts in four corners of the cage. The trays and dishes were transposed daily in a Latin square sequence. Pigeons consumed significantly more untreated feed than treated feed. When no alternative untreated food was offered, there was no significant repellency. Treatment of animal feed with TP‐40 to give 2.0 ml methyl anthranilate kg^?1 or less had no repellent effect on sparrows. Concentrations of 4.0 ml kg^?1 or more repelled the sparrows significantly. When no untreated feed was presented, pigeons and sparrows preferred the lowest concentration of methyl anthranilate presented. When AG‐36 was tested on vegetable sprouts, the sparrows tended significantly to avoid the highest concentration used—14.5 ml methyl anthranilate litre^?1 spray. The inter‐specific differences between the birds indicate that the efficacy of methyl anthranilate formulations as a repellent has to be specified for every species. This study did not determine (1) the possibility of developing habituation, (2) the behaviour of birds under natural conditions in the field, or (3) the influence of the feeding behaviour of a sympatric bird species on the repellency of methyl anthranilate to other species. © 2001 Society of Chemical Industry     

On the interaction between weed and bird damage in rice

Weeds and granivorous birds are the two major biotic constraints to rice production in sub‐Saharan Africa. Anecdotal evidence advances the hypothesis that weedy fields attract granivorous birds to the extent that the joint weed × bird impact on crops is synergistic. We develop a theoretical model, based on experimental data, of the interaction between weed and bird damage to formally test this hypothesis. We observe that the response of bird‐inflicted yield loss to weeds is unimodal and inverse‐U‐shaped. Bird‐inflicted yield loss increases from 44% in weed‐free conditions to a maximum of 55% at a critical weed infestation level of 20 g dry weight m^?2. We conclude that the 11% increase in yield loss can be attributed to the synergistic interaction between weed and bird damage in rice. Our theory provides new insights into the analysis of the interaction between weeds and pests in general and supports a revision of currently accepted recommendations for weed management in rice. In areas where birds constitute an important production risk, it would be beneficial for rice farmers to remove those weeds that are tall enough to attract birds, even beyond the critical weed period.     

Hazards to wildlife from the use of DDT in orchards

An investigation into the poisoning of birds with 1,1,1-trichloro-2, 2-di (4-chlorophenyl) ethane (DDT) on a fruit farm in South-East England is described. Pesticide levels in wild birds were sufficient to be held responsible for deaths. It is suggested that levels in samples of soil, earthworms, sludge, eggs, etc. did not indicate the source of the poisoning. Examination of caged birds following exposure to normal spraying indicated little hazard from this type of operation. Some discussion of the assessment of levels of intoxication is included.     

Résumés français: Resumes espanoles

Abstract

Laboratory studies were conducted, using a millet grain bait, to estimate the minimum concentration of 4‐aminopyridine (4‐AP) needed to produce abnormal behaviour and distress calls in house sparrows (Passer domesticus L.). Three concentrations (0.50, 0.75 and 1.0%) were tested and three doses (6, 18 and 30 mg) were administered by forcing birds to eat one, three or five treated grains. There were differences among the three concentrations in time from dosing to first distress call and in abnormal behaviour, but not in the duration and number of distress calls. At each concentration different doses had different effects. Males emitted more and higher pitched distress calls than did females. It is concluded that concentrations of 0.75 and 1.0% could be effective in reducing damage to cereal crops by house sparrows in Pakistan. The calculated LD₅₀ was 5.9 mg/kg (4.5–7.7 mg/kg, 95% confidence limits).     

Chloroanisole residues in broiler tissues

The relative tissue concentrations and total bird levels of chloroanisoles in commercial broilers reared on litter are reported. The levels observed at either 4 or 8 weeks of age are well below those quoted as inducing taint development in cooked birds. Although the highest concentrations of chloroanisoles occurred in bone and adipose fat the greatest contribution of chloroanisoles to “whole bird” levels was found in edible tissue. However, this was predominantly pentachloroanisole which is unlikely to cause a taint problem since it has a much higher taint threshold than tetrachloroanisole.     

Investigations on avian pests of oil palm,Elaeis guineensis Jacq. in India†

Abstract

The common myna Acridotheres tristis Linn., the jungle crow Corvus macrorhynchus Wagner and the house crow Corvus splendens Viellot are the major pests of oil palm in India. Other birds like crow pheasant Centropus sinensis Stresmann, parrot Loriculus sp. and pariah kite Milvus migrans Sykes also feed on oil palm fruits. These birds feed on the fleshy mesocarp of the ripe fruits resulting in heavy fruit loss, significantly reducing oil yield. Gizzard and intestinal content analysis indicated that oil palm fruits are the major source of food for these birds. Observations on 1657 oil palm fruit bunches during 1985–86 revealed that 76% of the ripe bunches and 5.6% of the unripe bunches were damaged by birds. The damage by birds was either ‘partial’ or ‘complete’, where 40–50% and 80–100% respectively, of the individual fruit weight was lost. The partial fruit damage was more common in 130–160 day‐old bunches and the complete fruit damage increased after 150 days of fruit set. Fruit loss due to bird damage was higher in palms in the border area of the plantation (2.3 kg/bunch) than in the interior (1.3 kg/bunch). It is estimated that around 2.8 tonnes of fresh fruits/ha/yr, equivalent to 420 kg of palm oil, are lost due to bird damage.     

内蒙古鄂尔多斯高原鸟类区系组成及其特征

2005年和2008-2009年,以样带法和固定半径样点法,对内蒙古鄂尔多斯高原鸟类区系进行了调查。调查期间共记录到鸟类168种,隶属于14目39科。其中,留鸟31种,夏候鸟73种,旅鸟60种,冬候鸟4种。繁殖鸟104种,构成鸟类区系的主体。繁殖鸟中北方型种类有92种,占繁殖鸟总数的88.5%,北方型种类占绝对优势,具有典型的古北界特征。在所记录鸟类中,有国家I级重点保护鸟类5种,国家Ⅱ级重点保护鸟类21种。调查区域主要由林地、灌丛草地、湿地、农田和居民区5种生境类型组成,调查结果表明：人类活动对鸟类区系组成有较大影响。     

Residues of organochlorine insecticides in some fishes and birds in the gezira of Sudan

Twenty-eight specimens representing five types of fish and five types of birds from the Gezira Research Farm, Wad Medani, Sudan, were analysed for residues of organochlorine insecticides. All fish muscle samples were found to contain pp′-DDE, pp′-TDE and pp′-DDT in total concentrations ranging from 0.27 to 16.0 mg/kg. In addition to DDT-type residues, dieldrin (HEOD) was also found in the majority of bird samples. Concentrations in bird breast muscle ranged from 0.07 to 5.5 mg/kg. When bird liver samples were examined they were found to contain higher residues than the breast muscle in nearly all cases.     

Preference of birds for zinc phosphide bait formulations

BACKGROUND: Zinc phosphide baits are used for controlling pest rodents but are also highly toxic to other vertebrates. The base for rodent baits containing zinc phosphide is usually wheat kernels which are highly attractive to birds. In this study, wheat-based pellets of different shapes and colours without zinc phosphide were tested for their attractiveness for pigeons (Columba livia Gmelin) and Japanese quails (Coturnix japonica Temm. & Schleg.) in aviaries and for pigeons and corvids (Corvus monedula L., Corvus corone L., Pica pica L.) in the field. RESULTS: In aviaries, wheat was clearly preferred over other bait. In the field, some bait formulations were avoided by birds in certain conditions. However, no formulation was avoided consistently across species to lower the potential uptake of zinc phosphide below the LD(50) for highly susceptible bird species (8 mg kg(-1) body weight). The formulations that were not rapidly eaten by birds (blue granules, red lentil-shaped pellets) were not avoided consistently at low and high vegetative cover.CONCLUSIONS: The bait formulations tested may not considerably enhance the safety of birds when using zinc phosphide for rodent control. Field testing other combinations of bait colour and shape to minimise background contrast may result in bait with higher potential for bird protection.     

Pattern of damage to early and late maize in southwestern Nigeria by the village weaverbird (Ploceus cucullatus)

Abstract

Village weaverbirds (Ploceus cucullatus Muller) normally feed on early maize in the morning (0800 to 1100 h) and evening (1600 to 1800 h) in southwestern Nigeria. However, when disturbed the birds feed during all the hours of daylight, and to be effective bird scaring would have to persist throughout the day. Developing grains are eaten, but rarely dry grains. The period of active bird scaring can therefore be reduced to about two weeks. In 1977 the mean percentage damage varied from 2.2 ± 0.3% in plots with dry ears to 34.1 ± 12.7% in plots with fresh ears, but in 1978 the situation was reversed with 17.7 ± 3.1% damage in plots with dry ears to 1.1 ± 0.2% in plots with fresh ears. The pattern of damage to early maize is associated with the annual rainfall, which determines the occurrence of lepidopterous larvae and wild sorghum (Sorghum arundicearum Stapf) which form alternative food items for the birds. Less than 2% of late maize ears was damaged since alternative food resources were abundant. Only early maize may need protecting from bird damage, but there was no definite relationship between time of planting and amount of damage caused.     

华北平原耕作区鸟类群落的集团结构及生态位

2004年5~8月,在河北廊坊地区进行鸟类群落多样性研究的基础上,采用系统聚类Ward方法,按照鸟类取食部位、取食方式、取食高度,分别将平原耕作区鸟类群落划分为6种、4种、3种集团类型。在栖息高度生态位宽度值上,喜鹊的最大(0.969),戴胜的最小(0.122);在栖位生态位宽度值上,树麻雀的最大(0.730),黑枕黄鹂的最小(0.272)。在生态位重叠值上,喜鹊/黑枕黄鹂的最大(0.968),而喜鹊/戴胜的最小(0.101)。在与廊坊周边自然保护区的鸟类食性集团结构进行比较的基础上,提出了鸟类群落集团结构多样性的恢复途径。     

Flight-tunnel experiments with red-billed queleas to determine the distribution of a solution sprayed onto birds in flight

In an attempt to simulate conditions when Quelea birds are sprayed with avicide at night while they are in flight, captive birds were sprayed with red dye as they flew down a dark tunnel. The distribution of dye on the birds' plumage showed that the spray makes contact with the front of the head, the upper breast, and the flight feathers of the wing; very little reaches any other part of the body. Large droplets (180 to 250 μm) were much more effective than small droplets (30 to 75 μm) at hitting the flying bird, presumably because the latter were carried over the body surfaces by the airstream.     

The effect of crop,cultivation and seed addition for birds on surface weed seed densities in arable crops during winter

Weed seeds present an agronomic threat, but are also an important food resource for wildlife in winter. Weed seed densities on the soil surface in winter were examined from 1999 to 2002 in 105 fields on three different farms in UK. The effect of the preceding crop, cultivation, position within the field and the application of seed for birds (bird seed) on surface seed abundance and species composition was tested. Six or fewer species comprised c. 80% of the weed seeds. By January of each study year, the densities of seeds important for farmland birds (key seeds) were 73% or 87% lower compared with early winter on two of the farms, but were stable on the third where seeds were incorporated through cultivation. At the edge and mid‐field, seed densities only exceeded 400 m^?2 in 17%, 10% and 12% of fields for total, key and dicotyledonous seeds respectively. The preceding crop only affected seed densities at one site; stubbles of winter barley had fewer seeds compared with winter wheat or spring barley. Seed densities varied between the edge and mid‐field, but trends were inconsistent between sites. The density of the larger seeds (Atriplex patula, Viola arvensis, Polygonum aviculare and Chenopodium album) were reduced in fields receiving bird seed. The objectives of weed control and conservation may not be mutually exclusive because seed return was most reduced where the ground remained uncultivated through the winter, yet this also provided the best foraging opportunities for surface feeding seed predators.     

Simulation studies of Senegalese Grasshopper ecosystem interactions II: the role of egg pod predators and birds

We present a simulation study of the role of birds and egg pod predators in the population dynamics of the Senegalese grasshopper. The model was an energetics-driven ecosystem model that included a natural Sahelian grass, millet, grasshoppers, the egg pod predators bombyliidae and Tenebrionidae, and 24 species of birds that prey on grasshopper nymphs and adults. The model simulated the rain-dependent dynamics and migration along a five-location south–north transect in Niger and Senegal, and the main outputs were the grasshopper pressure on the transect, measured as accumulated transect grasshopper days, and the density of eggs ready to emerge the following rainy season. The model was calibrated using observations from transects in Niger (2003, 2004) and Senegal (2004).

When input data from Niger 2003 and 2004 were applied, simulated reductions in grasshopper pressure during the rainy season from egg pod predators and birds, respectively, were within a range of 18–25%, but taken together the overall reduction in grasshopper pressure ranged between 35 and 37%. Using input from Senegal (2004) the birds accounted for reductions of around 25%.

When the impact of the natural enemies was measured in terms of reduction in the density of eggs hatching the following year, the simulated impact of the egg pod predators ranged between 45 and 83% and that of the birds between 33 and 39%, and the two groups combined caused reductions between 60 and 75%.

Analyses of the sensitivity to the bird species, added one by one, showed ‘predator saturation’ along the Niger transects (with low grasshopper density) but not along the Senegal transect.

For Niger, the sensitivity analyses revealed Cattle Egret, Grey-headed Sparrow, Chestnut-bellied Starling, Buffalo Weaver, Sudan Golden Sparrow, Grey Hornbill, Red-billed Hornbill and Abyssinian Roller to be the most important individual species. For Senegal the top-five individual bird species were Village Weaver, Buffalo Weaver, Savile's Bustard, Grey-headed Sparrow and Abyssinian Roller.     

Evaluation of a pelleted bait containing methyl anthranilate as a bird repellent

No-till agriculture involves the use of granular pesticide formulations, chemically treated seeds, and pelleted baits. Some of these may accidentally kill birds. We have tested whether methyl anthranilate (MA), a known bird repellent, would eliminate consumption of a pelleted bait. In two laboratory experiments and an outdoor aviary trial, cowbirds (Molothrus ater Bodd.) were presented with pellets containing pesticide and MA, pellets containing pesticide but no MA, and carrier pellets without pesticide or MA. Consumption of any formulation was low, but the addition of MA significantly decreased bait loss in the laboratory, and prevented the disappearance of bait in the outdoor trial.