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Preen wax is important for plumage maintenance and other functions. Its chemical composition is complex, and separating and quantifying its components, commonly by gas chromatography (GC), can be challenging. We present a simple analytical system consisting of thin‐layer chromatography/flame ionization detection (TLC‐FID) using a solvent system of 100% toluene to analyse the complex compound classes...
Head‐bobbing is the fore–aft movement of the head relative to the body during terrestrial locomotion in birds. It is considered to be a behaviour that helps to stabilize images on the retina during locomotion, yet some studies have suggested biomechanical links between the movements of the head and legs. This study analysed terrestrial locomotion and head‐bobbing in the Elegant‐crested Tinamou Eudromia elegans...
Rooikrans Acacia cyclops is an aggressive invasive tree that threatens natural resources in South Africa. The seeds of A. cyclops have a prominent aril which attracts birds that ingest the seeds and disperse them endozoochorously. Two biological control agents, a Seed Weevil Melanterius servulus and a Flower‐galling Midge Dasineura dielsi, were released on A. cyclops in 1991 and 2002, respectively...
To assess the effects of naturally occurring heavy metals on wild birds, we compared reproductive success and heavy metal contents in feathers of Kagu Rhynochetos jubatus living on ultramafic (rich in heavy metals) soil with those of Kagu living on non‐ultramafic soil. From 2003 to 2016, we monitored breeding of 19 Kagu families by radiotracking and video‐monitoring, and collected rump down feathers...
Here, we document the development of the House Sparrow Passer domesticus gut microbiota for the benefit of future ecological and evolutionary studies in this widely used avian system. We collected and inventoried luminal and mucosal samples from the distal guts of nestling House Sparrows between 3 and 12 days of age, and also collected similar samples from adult birds. Luminal bacterial community...
Intermittently incubating birds alternate between sessions of egg warming and recesses for foraging during the day, but stay on the nest continuously at night. Hence, energy costs of nocturnal incubation (which increase during longer and colder nights) cannot be replenished until the next day. Night conditions might therefore be expected to affect morning incubation behaviour the day after. We tested...
Acoustic playback is commonly used to study wild birds, with applications as diverse as investigating behaviours, ascertaining the presence of rare and elusive species, and attracting individuals to a location. The number of studies employing playback is growing larger every year because it is easy to apply, increasingly affordable and very effective. However, the way that it is used and reported...
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