DOCSLIB.ORG

Floating and Swimming in Passerines

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Floating and Swimming in Passerines FLOATING AND SWIMMING IN PASSERINES StevenSpeich and M. Allen Speich A recent controversyinduced us to submit our observationsand experimentson the survivalvalue and mode of swimmingby small passefine birds. Schemer (1969) observed a Willow Warbler (Phylloscopustrochilus) spreading its wingsand tail when floatingin water and concluded that the behavior enabled the bird to stay afloat. However,Jackson (1970) questionedwhether this behavior was not "... merely part of the swimmingmovement..." and correctly pointed out that air trappedin the featherswas sufficient to keep a bird afloat without the spreadingof the wingsand tail. Our observationsof floating Cliff Swallows(Petrochelidon pyrrhonota), Barn Swallows (Hirundo rustica), and House Sparrows (Passer domesticus)suggest that even the passivespreading of the wingsand tail aids in survival. There are but a few examplesin the literatureof passefinesusing their wings for swimming. In addition to the Dipper (Cinclus mexicanus),which actively usesits wingsin swimmingunder water and occasionallyon the surface,the followingpasse fines have been observedsurface-swimming: Bank Swallow (Riparia riparia; Stoner, 1928 and 1936); Barn Swallow(Jackson, 1970); Catbird (Dumetella carolinensis;Petrides, 1942); Robin (Turdus migratorius; Broun, 1943); Willow Warbler(Schemer, 1969); HouseSparrow (Hickling, 1950; Creutz, 1953); and EuropeanTree Sparrow(Passer montanus; Hickling, 1950). Apparently all of the above passefines,possibly excludingthe Dipper, employ what is describedas the "butterfly" stroke (Jackson,1970) to propel themselvesacross the water. This strokein birds is analogousto the movementsof the armsby man in performingthe "butterfly." We now add four more passefine speciesthat swim using the "butterfly" stroke. B. Deuel (pets. comm.) observedin September 1969 at Malheur National Wildlife Refuge, Harney Co., Oregon, a Long-billedMarsh Wren (Telmatodytespalustn's} that fell into the water. The floating bird immediately swam to shore and dimbed onto a bank. The bird was picked up and placedon a branch,where it sat with its feathersfluffed for fifteen minutesbefore flying away. In July 1965 at the Desert National Wildlife Range, Clark Co., Nevada, Deuel (pets. comm.) saw a Tree Swallow (Iridoprocne bicolor} fall into the water while skimmingthe water surfaceand Calif. Birds3: 65-68, 1972 65 SWIMMING PASSERINES then swim towardsshore. On 27 April 1970 we startleda nestling Black Phoebe {Sayornisnigricans} in a highway culvert near Clarks- ville, E1 Dorado Co., California. It fluttered from its nest and landed six feet from shore in a stagnantpool, where it floated on out- stretchedwings for thirty secondsbefore swimmingto shore.On approximately 25 occasionsbetwen 1967 and 1970 we observed individual Cliff Swallowsthat fell into water during both day and night banding operationsat breedingcolonies. These mishapswere mainly in concreteculverts beneath highways.The behaviorof the adult birds in water varied. During nocturnal banding operations individualadults often floated with spreadwings and tail for several minutes until retrievedby banders.However, some birds swamabout erraticallyand then restedfor short periods.During the day, downed birds generallytried to swim out of the culvert,using the "butterfly" stroke, to a nearby bank or emergentobject. If the water was moving,the downedbirds usuallydrifted passivelyout of the culvert and then swamto safety. On the afternoon of 4 July 1970 we examined swallow nests under a wooden bridge near Minden, DouglasCo., Nevada.Irrigation water three to four feet deep in a canal fifteen feet wide flowed under the bridge. Our activitiesinduced five full-sizednestling Barn Swallowsto leave their nest prematurely.Four of them fell into the canal and floated 100 feet downstreambefore disappearingaround a bend. The birds in the water archedand rotated their wingsslightly forward and spreadtheir flight feathers,holding their heads above water as they floated. At no time were they observedattempting to swim. On the morningof the followingday we found that all five young had returnedto their originalnest; thus their swimmingefforts were successful. At dusk on 4 July 1970 we banded in a Cliff Swallow colony located in a concretehighway culvert in Hope Valley, Alpine Co., California.Nine adult birds accidentallyfell into the four-inch-deep rapidly-flowingbrook and were carrieddownstream. The birdshit the water with outstretchedwings, and with wingsand tail spreadwere carriedthrough ripples and smallfalls to a sharpturn. There the birds climbed out onto a sandy bank and onto grassand immediately began preening.Never did they exhibit any detectablewing move- ments of the "butterfly" type nor loose their buoyant upright positionin the water. In order to study the swimmingof passetinesmore closely,we undertooksome simple tests with full grownHouse Sparrows. When 66 SWIMMING PASSERINES thrown into water, dry birds immediately swam as describedabove and were able to fly from the surfacealmost immediately. However, wetted individualswere unable to do so and swam actively about, restingintermittently on extendedwings and tail. A bird that was previouslycompletely soakedwas unable to swim nearly as well as the drier birds. In resting, the wings of the soakedbird were only partially extendedand hung beneaththe surfaceof the water. With more than half of its trunk below the surface,the bird was unstable, tending to roll from sideto side. Immediatelyafter removalfrom the water, wetted birds were able to fly, but not with normal efficiency. The well-soakedindividual could not fly when taken from the water, and it spent more than a half hour preeningand drying before it flew. Downed birds are occasionallytaken by aquaticpredators. During the summer of 1967 while we were banding Cliff Swallowsin a colony near Clarksville,E1 Dorado Co., California, an adult bird fell into the pool at the colony entrance. The bird immediately swam toward shorebut was capturedby a Bullfrog(Rana catesbeiana}and killed. The Tree Swallow seenswimming by Deuel was alsotaken by a Bullfrog. Since passefinebirds landingon the surfaceof the water normally already have their wings open, the observedspread posture of downed birds is expected.The above observationssuggest that the spreadingof remigesand rectricesis not merely part of the swimming movementand that there is sufficientbuoyancy in the feathersof a bird to keep it afloat without spreading.However, spreading reduces the extent of wetting of a downed individual,thus enablinga more rapid escapefrom the water with concomitantlyincreased chances of avoidingpredation and difficultiesin thermoregulation. ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS We wish to thank GeorgeA. Clark, Jr. and Miklos D. F. Udvardy for aid in preparationof this note. LITERATURE CITED Broun, M. 1943. Swimmingability of young Robin. Auk 60: 445-446. Creutz, G. 1953. SchwimmendeHaussperlinge. Vogelwelt 73: 141. Hickling, R. A. O. 1950. Swimming of small birds. British Birds 43: 292. Jackson,D. 1970. Swimming ability of the Barn Swallow. Auk 87: 577. Petrides,G. A. 1942. Swimmingability of youngCatbird. Auk 59: 584. 67 SWIMMING PASSERINES Schemer, E. R. 1969. Swimmingability of Willow Warbler. Auk 86: 350. Stoner, D. 1928. Observationsand banding notes on the Bank Swallow - IV. Auk 45: 310-320. Stoner, D. 1936. Studies on the Bank Swallow, Riparia riparia riparia (Lin- naeus), in the Oneida Lake region. Roosevelt Wild Life Ann. 4: 127-233. Department of BiologicalSciences, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721, and Rehabilitation Center, University of Arizona, Tucson, Arizona 85721. 68 .
Load more

Recommended publications
  • Aves: Hirundinidae)
    1 2 Received Date : 19-Jun-2016 3 Revised Date : 14-Oct-2016 4 Accepted Date : 19-Oct-2016 5 Article type : Original Research 6 7 8 Convergent evolution in social swallows (Aves: Hirundinidae) 9 Running Title: Social swallows are morphologically convergent 10 Authors: Allison E. Johnson1*, Jonathan S. Mitchell2, Mary Bomberger Brown3 11 Affiliations: 12 1Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Chicago 13 2Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan 14 3 School of Natural Resources, University of Nebraska 15 Contact: 16 Allison E. Johnson*, Department of Ecology and Evolution, University of Chicago, 1101 E 57th Street, 17 Chicago, IL 60637, phone: 773-702-3070, email: [email protected] 18 Jonathan S. Mitchell, Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, University of Michigan, 19 Ruthven Museums Building, Ann Arbor, MI 48109, email: [email protected] 20 Mary Bomberger Brown, School of Natural Resources, University of Nebraska, Hardin Hall, 3310 21 Holdrege Street, Lincoln, NE 68583, phone: 402-472-8878, email: [email protected] 22 23 *Corresponding author. 24 Data archiving: Social and morphological data and R code utilized for data analysis have been 25 submitted as supplementary material associated with this manuscript. 26 27 Abstract: BehavioralAuthor Manuscript shifts can initiate morphological evolution by pushing lineages into new adaptive 28 zones. This has primarily been examined in ecological behaviors, such as foraging, but social behaviors 29 may also alter morphology. Swallows and martins (Hirundinidae) are aerial insectivores that exhibit a This is the author manuscript accepted for publication and has undergone full peer review but has not been through the copyediting, typesetting, pagination and proofreading process, which may lead to differences between this version and the Version of Record.
    [Show full text]
  • Cave Swallow: Colorado’S Stealthiest Vagrant
    Deininger; DFO: Denver Field Ornithologists; CD: Coen Dexter; ED: Edward Donnan; JD: John Drummond; FD: Florence Duty; LE: Lisa Edwards; EBE: E.B. Ellis; DF: Dick Filby; AF: Andrew Floyd; HF: Hannah Floyd; TF: Ted Floyd; NF: Nelson Ford; DG: Den- nis Garrison; MG: Mel Goff; BG: Bryan Guarente; BBH: BB Hahn; DH: Dona Hilkey; KH: Kathy Horn; MJ: Margie Joy; BK: Bill Kaempfer; TK: Tim Kalbach; MK: Mary Keithler; JK: Joey Kellner; BKe: Ben Kemena; RK: Richard Kendall; LK: Loch Kilpat- rick; HK: Hugh Kingery; UK: Urling Kingery; KK: Ken Kinyon; EK: Elena Klaver; GK: Gary Koehn; CK: Connie Kogler; NKr: Nick Komar; NKe: Nic Korte; SL: Steve Larson; LL: Lin Lilly; TL: Tom Litteral; FL: Forrest Luke; BM: Bill Maynard; DM: Dan Maynard; TMc: Tom McConnell; NM: Nancy Merrill; KMD: Kathy Mihm-Dunning; RM: Rich Miller; JM: Jeannie Mitchell; SM: Steve Mlodinow; TMo: Tresa Moulton; PPN: Paul & Polly Neldner; JN: Jim Nelson; KN: Kent Nelson; CN: Christian Nunes; BP: Brandon Percival; MP: Mark Peterson; NP: Nathan Pieplow; M&PP: Mike & Pat Pilburn; PP: Pete Plage; SP: Suzi Plooster; BPr: Bill Prather; IP: Inez Prather; SRd: Scott Rashid; SRo: Saraiya Ruano; RR: Rick Reeser; PSS: Pearle Sandstrom-Smith; BSc: Bill Schmoker; JKS: Jim & Karen Schmoker; LS: Larry Semo; SS: Scott Severs; KS: Kelly Shipe; DS: David Silverman; CS: Clif Smith; AS: Andy Spellman; GS: George Steele; BSt: Brad Steger; CS: Cara Stiles; JS: Jane Stulp; DT: Dave Trappett; VT: Van Truan; JV: John Vanderpoel; GW: Glenn Walbek; DW: David Wald; TW: Tom Wilberding; CW: Cole Wild; LPW: Lisa & Paul Williams; BW: Brenda Wright; MY: Mark Yaeger liTerATure CiTed NWSFO (National Weather Service Forecast Office).
    [Show full text]
  • Cliff Swallow Petrochelidon Pyrrhonota
    Natural Heritage Cliff Swallow & Endangered Species Petrochelidon pyrrhonota Program State Status: None www.mass.gov/nhesp Federal Status: None Massachusetts Division of Fisheries & Wildlife SPECIES DESCRIPTION: The Cliff Swallow is small, pointed-winged, aerial insectivore with a square tail, orange rump, and chestnut-colored throat. They historically nested in large colonies on cliff faces in the western United States, but are now found across much of North America, nesting in the east primarily on artificial surfaces such as bridges, culverts, and buildings. DISTRIBUTION AND ABUNDANCE: Cliff Swallows have been steadily declining as breeders in Massachusetts and are now relegated primarily to small colonies in Berkshire, Franklin, and northern Essex Counties. In the first Massachusetts Breeding Bird Atlas, the mountainous western areas of the state hosted fair numbers of Cliff Swallow colonies, both on natural cliffs Figure 2: Massachusetts Breeding Bird Survey results, 1966-2009. and on human structures such as barns and bridges. The Connecticut River Valley had no shortage of such due to heavy infiltration of House Sparrows. Swallows structures but had only 21% occupancy by blocks, likely were present in similar proportions across the Worcester and Lower Worcester Plateau regions, but Coastal Plains records were almost entirely restricted to the northern parts of the region. Only a handful of Cliff Swallow colonies were reported in the Lowlands and Cape Cod. By Atlas 2, no Cliff Swallows were found in Norfolk, Bristol, Plymouth, Barnstable, or Nantucket Counties. The species entirely vacated the Worcester Plateau as well. The Cliff Swallows that were found in Massachusetts during Atlas 2 covered less than half the breeding footprint of Atlas I and were largely located in the west, where suitable nesting sites (i.e., old barns) could still be found, along with a few sites in northern Essex County.
    [Show full text]
  • TREE SWALLOW Tachycineta Bicolor Tree Swallows Are the Only Swallows to Be Seen All Year in the Sacramento Region
    TREE SWALLOW Tachycineta bicolor Tree swallows are the only swallows to be seen all year in the Sacramento region. A few winter here; others come to join them early in the spring. They are about sparrow-length but slimmer. The male is steel blue on top, white underneath. Tree swallows like wooded areas near streams. They can be seen skimming close to the water scooping up insects. Usually a hole in a tree trunk is chosen for a nest and lined with grass, leaves and feathers. The violet green swallow, a bird with similar colors but with white around the sides of the rump, is found here in warm weather. CLIFF SWALLOW Petrochelidon pyrrhonota Cliff swallows, famous for their annual return to San Juan Capistrano, likewise return to the Sacramento region within a few days of the same date each year. Wherever a bridge or culvert houses a colony of these swallows, the same kind of homecoming takes place each spring. Cliff swallows are identified by their buff foreheads, orange rumps, and square tails. They fly with long sweeping glides and steep climbs, catching flying insects on the wing. The bulb-shaped nests, hung under bridges, highway overpasses and eaves of buildings, are built entirely of mud. Flocks of cliff swallows can be seen around puddles gathering mud in their bills. When disturbed by an intruder or when flying over feeding grounds, the birds utter a squeaky, guttural sound. BARN SWALLOW Hirundo rustica Here is a bird with a real “swallow tail” outfit. In fact, it is our only swallow with a deeply forked tail.
    [Show full text]
  • The Oriole.Indd 1 5/21/08 9:18:21 AM 2 the ORIOLE Vols
    THE ORI O LE Quarterly Journal of the Georgia Ornithological Society Volumes 70 – 71 January – December 2005 – 2006 Numbers 1 – 4 TWO CAVE SWALLOWS AND ONE NORTHERN ROUGH- WINGED SWALLOW ON THE DECEMBER 2002 MACON CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT Paul Johnson 901 Santa Fe Trail, Macon, GA 31220 Email: [email protected] On 14 December 2002, during the annual Macon Christmas Bird Count (CBC), Walt Bowman, Nancy Gobris, Ty Ivey, Larry Ross, and I observed two Cave Swallows (Petrochelidon fulva) at the Macon Dump in Bibb County, Georgia, between 1500 and 1530 hours. Our team also noted one Northern Rough-winged Swallow (Stelgidopteryx serripennis) at the same location. Around 0800 hours, Ty Ivey, Walt Bowman, and Nancy Gobris found a Northern Rough-winged Swallow at the Macon Water Treatment Site, about 2.5 km (1.5 miles) from the Macon Dump. Because it was possible that our team saw the same individual swallow twice, we reported just one Northern Rough- winged Swallow within our CBC data. We entered the Macon Dump shortly after 1500 hours. The weather was overcast, with a strong westerly wind and cold temperatures. The CBC low temperature on 14 December was 4 C (40 F) and the high was 8 C (46 F). I first noticed a swallow over the lake from our moving vehicle. I saw the light rump and believed it was a Cliff Swallow (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota). As we watched the swallow with our binoculars, we began to consider the possibility of a Cave Swallow. At this point we noticed two other swallows, a second Petrochelidon and a Northern Rough-winged Swallow.
    [Show full text]
  • Swallows Nesting in Nuisance Locations
    U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Swallows Nesting in Nuisance Locations Cliff swallows present a high degree of intraspecific brood parasitism. Individuals often lay eggs in other individuals’ nests within the same colony. It has been observed that some parasitic swallows have even tossed out their neighbors’ eggs and replaced them with their own offspring. Parasitized swallows had lower success in fledging their own chicks. This behavior has been adapted to increase the parasitic swallow’s offspring’s success by passing on the burden of taking care of chicks to another individual. Solitary Barn swallow at Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge. Tim Ludwick/USFWS There are eight species of swallows that regularly breed in North America: the Bank swallow, Barn swallow, Cave swallow, Cliff swallow, Northern Rough-winged swallow, Purple martin, Tree swallow, and Violet-green swallow. Natural History: After migrating north from their wintering grounds, mostly in Central America, Cliff and Barn swallows often nest on cliffs, canyons, bridges, and eaves of buildings. Swallows may construct an entirely new Cliff swallows constructing their nests at Kern National nest or they may use old nests, building off of traces Wildlife Refuge. Tim Ludwick/USFWS of mud where an old nest used to be. The breeding season for swallows lasts from March through Ecological Value of Swallows: September. They often produce two clutches per Swallows provide us with an ecological service as year, with a clutch size of 3-5 eggs. Eggs incubate insect controllers. They particularly consume between 13-17 days and fledge after 18-24 days. swarming insects such as bees, wasps, flies, However, chicks return to the nest after fledging for damselflies, moths, grasshoppers, crickets, and several weeks before they leave the nest for good.
    [Show full text]
  • Cliff Swallow Hirundo Pyrrhonota
    Cliff Swallow Hirundo pyrrhonota Breeding by the Cliff Swallow is limited to areas that offer open areas for foraging, ver­ tical surfaces with an overhang for nest sites, and mud for nesting material (Emlen 1954). In Vermont, the species is most fre­ quently encountered in open farmlands near large barns or other buildings suitable for nest sites. The species has been found nest­ ing in forested areas, such as the base lodge at Jay Peak, where adjacent ski trails pre­ sumably provide the prerequisite open for­ aging areas. Although the eaves of buildings provide by far the most common sites in Vermont, the species has been recorded (Samuel 1971). Twenty-seven dates for nest­ nesting under highway bridges, on one-story lings in Vermont range from June 11 to Au­ shopping malls, on houses, and inside sheds. gust 12. The nestling period lasts about 24 Originally the species nested on cliffs, but days (Samuel 1971). There are only two re­ there has been no reference to cliff nesting ported dates for dependent young for Ver­ in Vermont since Cutting (1884). mont-July 16 and August 8; egg and nest­ Cliff Swallows are frequently conspicuous ling dates indicate that dates for dependent as they hawk insects over hayfields and young should range from the first week of bodies of water. Groups of these swallows July to the fourth week of August. The au­ gathering mud, all with wings held high tumn migration peaks in August. A few Cliff over their backs, also call attention to the Swallows are seen during September each species.
    [Show full text]
  • SWALLOWS and Conservation Biology Cooperative Extension University of California Davis, California 95616
    W. Paul Gorenzel Staff Research Associate Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, SWALLOWS and Conservation Biology Cooperative Extension University of California Davis, California 95616 Terrell P. Salmon Wildlife Extension Specialist Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Conservation Biology University of California Davis, California 95616 Fig. 1. Cliff swallow (Hirundo pyrrhonota) with nests on a building. Identification Damage Prevention and Repellents Control Methods Not effective. Eight members of the swallow family Hirundinidae breed in North America: Toxicants Exclusion the tree swallow (Tachycineta bicolor), None are registered. violet-green swallow (Tachycineta Netting or wire mesh. thalassina), purple martin (Progne Trapping Strip doors. subis), bank swallow (Riparia riparia), Not allowed. northern rough-winged swallow Habitat Modification (Stelgidopteryx serripennis), barn swal- Shooting Substrate modification: slick low (Hirundo rustica), cave swallow surfaces discourage nesting. Not allowed. (Hirundo fulva), and the cliff swallow (Hirundo pyrrhonota). Of the eight spe- Nest Removal Architectural design: some cies, barn and cliff swallows regularly designs discourage nesting. Avoid Wash nests down with a water hose or build mud nests attached to buildings overhanging eaves. knock down with a pole. and other structures, a habit that Frightening sometimes puts them into conflict with humans. This is particularly true of the Not effective for barn or cliff swallows. cliff swallow, which nests in large colo- nies of up to several hundred pairs. Barn swallows tend to nest as single pairs or occasionally in loose colonies PREVENTION AND CONTROL OF WILDLIFE DAMAGE — 1994 Cooperative Extension Division Institute of Agriculture and Natural Resources University of Nebraska - Lincoln United States Department of Agriculture Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service Animal Damage Control E-121 Great Plains Agricultural Council Wildlife Committee of a few pairs.
    [Show full text]
  • Cliff Swallow Petrochelidon Pyrrhonota Bottles Made of Mud Pellets and Stuck to Bridges and Buildings, Cliff Swallow Nests Are P
    394 Swallows — Family Hirundinidae Cliff Swallow Petrochelidon pyrrhonota Bottles made of mud pellets and stuck to bridges and buildings, Cliff Swallow nests are perhaps more easily found and identified than those of any San Diego County bird. Living overwhelmingly around these man-made environments, usually in colonies, Cliff Swallows are familiar to San Diegans—some- times too familiar, when the colonies are over doors, walkways, and patios. The species is still a common summer resident, locally abundant around some lakes and lagoons, but creeping signs of decline sug- gest that the Cliff Swallow’s bargain with humanity carries a price. Photo by Anthony Mercieca Breeding distribution: The Cliff Swallow is widespread though the coastal lowland, with colonies known from and farther inland, but Cliff Swallow colonies trace the the great majority of atlas squares in the western half of route of Interstate 8 as far east as Jacumba (U28). There the county. Along the coast, the only exception is Point are few colonies above 4000 feet elevation, but the high- Loma (S7), where the species is a rare migrant or non- est site is at 6140 feet on the fire lookout tower atop High breeding visitor only. The largest colonies are on bridges Point, Palomar Mt. (D15, up to nine on 1 July 1999, K. L. over the lagoons, such as Buena Vista (H6, 1100 on 11 Weaver). May 1999, M. Freda), Agua Hedionda (I6, 425 on 11 The Cliff Swallow’s breeding range barely extends May 1999, W. E. Haas), and San Dieguito (M7, 400 on 31 onto the desert slope at Tule Lake (T27) and where May 1998, D.
    [Show full text]
  • The Cliff Swallow—Biology and Control
    University of Nebraska - Lincoln DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln Proceedings of the Tenth Vertebrate Pest Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings Conference (1982) collection February 1982 THE CLIFF SWALLOW—BIOLOGY AND CONTROL W. Paul Gorenzel Wildlife Extension, University of California, Davis, California Terrell P. Salmon Wildlife Extension, University of California, Davis, California Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/vpc10 Part of the Environmental Health and Protection Commons Gorenzel, W. Paul and Salmon, Terrell P., "THE CLIFF SWALLOW—BIOLOGY AND CONTROL" (1982). Proceedings of the Tenth Vertebrate Pest Conference (1982). 17. https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/vpc10/17 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Vertebrate Pest Conference Proceedings collection at DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. It has been accepted for inclusion in Proceedings of the Tenth Vertebrate Pest Conference (1982) by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. THE CLIFF SWALLOW—BIOLOGY AND CONTROL W. PAUL GORENZEL and TERRELL P. SALMON, Wildlife Extension, University of California, Davis, California 95616 ABSTRACT: Cliff swallows (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota) nesting in colonies on man-made structures can cause aesthetic problems and health hazards. Cliff swallows are migratory, wintering in South America and breeding throughout most of North America. Cliff swallows have a homing tendency to old colonies and are attracted to the gourd-shaped mud nests. Egg laying begins before nest construction is finished; clutch size averages 3 or 4 eggs. Renesting is common if a nest fails and some pairs may raise 2 broods in 1 nesting season. Cliff swallows may be present at a colony for up to 132 days.
    [Show full text]
  • Deterring Cliff-Swallow Nesting on Highway Structures Using Bioacoustics and Surface Modifications
    University of Nebraska - Lincoln DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln Wildlife Damage Management, Internet Center Human–Wildlife Interactions for Spring 2009 Deterring cliff-swallow nesting on highway structures using bioacoustics and surface modifications Jaclyn S. Conklin University of California, Davis Michael J. Delwiche University of California, Davis W. Paul Gorenzel University of California, Davis Robert W. Coates University of California, Davis Follow this and additional works at: https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/hwi Part of the Environmental Health and Protection Commons Conklin, Jaclyn S.; Delwiche, Michael J.; Gorenzel, W. Paul; and Coates, Robert W., "Deterring cliff-swallow nesting on highway structures using bioacoustics and surface modifications" (2009). Human–Wildlife Interactions. 26. https://digitalcommons.unl.edu/hwi/26 This Article is brought to you for free and open access by the Wildlife Damage Management, Internet Center for at DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. It has been accepted for inclusion in Human–Wildlife Interactions by an authorized administrator of DigitalCommons@University of Nebraska - Lincoln. Human–Wildlife Confl icts 3(1):93–102, Spring 2009 Deterring cliff-swallow nesting on high- way structures using bioacoustics and surface modifi cations JACLYN S. CONKLIN, University of California, Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineer- ing, 1346 Bainer Hall, Davis, CA 95616, USA MICHAEL J. DELWICHE, University of California, Department of Biological and Agricultural Engi- neering, 2030-B Bainer Hall, Davis, CA 95616, USA [email protected] W. PAUL GORENZEL, University of California, Department of Wildlife, Fish, and Conservation Biology, 1328 Academic Surge, Davis, CA 95616, USA ROBERT W. COATES, University of California, Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineer- ing, 2030-B Bainer Hall, Davis, CA 95616, USA Abstract: Cliff swallows (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota) are migratory birds that breed in colonies and frequently nest on highway structures.
    [Show full text]
  • Life History Account for House Sparrow
    California Wildlife Habitat Relationships System California Department of Fish and Wildlife California Interagency Wildlife Task Group HOUSE SPARROW Passer domesticus Family: PASSERIDAE Order: PASSERIFORMES Class: AVES B547 Written by: S. Granholm Reviewed by: L. Mewaldt Edited by: R. Duke DISTRIBUTION, ABUNDANCE, AND SEASONALITY An introduced resident; common throughout most of California in urban and cropland habitats and other areas of human habitation, especially near livestock. In montane regions, occurs only locally at larger settlements (Garrett and Dunn 1981), and not at all at higher elevations (Gaines 1977b). Most abundant near stables, outdoor restaurants, and other habitation with nest sites and dependable food sources. Formerly more abundant; has declined in numbers since 1920's (Grinnell and Miller 1944), apparently because of reduction in abundance of waste grains available at stables and in horse manure during coincident pre-automobile period and irruptive phase of introduced population cycle (Bent 1958) SPECIFIC HABITAT REQUIREMENTS Feeding: Primarily a seedeater; also eats fruits, other plant materials, and some insects. Nestlings fed insects and seeds (Bent 1958). Often feeds on grains in fields and at stables, and scavenges human food scraps. Gleans most food from ground, but also gleans from foliage. Cover: Trees, shrubs, cavities, human structures provide cover. Apparently prefers to roost in nest hole or similar cavity, but also uses dense foliage of trees, shrubs, vines (Summers-Smith 1963). When not breeding, often roosts in flocks. While nesting, female roosts on nest. Reproduction: Usually builds nest in a hole, crevice, or cranny in a building, nest box, or tree, or in old nest of other cavity nester.
    [Show full text]