DOCSLIB.ORG

Capturing Birds with Mist Nets: a Review

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text

Load more

Capturingbirds with mist nets: A review Brt•mE. Keyesand Chr/sflanE. Grue provementshave been made in their design.These in- heovermist 300netyears was agodeveloped as a techniquebyJapanese for capturing hunters clude a choiceof smallerand larger meshsizes and the birds for food (Austin1947, Spencer 1972). Today mist replacementof cotton,silk, and nylon webbing with netsare undoubtedlythe mostcommonly used method monofilamentnylon and terylenefor increasedstrength for capturingbirds for research(Spencer 1972). As a and durability.Mist netswith a varietyof specifications result, many improvementsand modificationsin mist are now available commercially.Consult recent issues nets and their use have been suggestedby nettersfor of thisand otherornithological iournals for suppliers. particularspecies and habitats.With a few exceptions, Black mist nets are used most often since this color thisinformation is widely scatteredthroughout the orni- absorbsrather than reflectslight. However, othercolors thologicalliterature. Low (1957)has describedbasic mist-netoperations. Methods for mist-nettingin adverse are available for specifichabitat conditions.For exam- weatherconditions or particularhabitats have been de- ple,fine sand-colored nets have been effective in cap- turing shorebirdsin open-beachareas (Bleitz 1961). scribedby Bleitz (1970)and Spencer(1972). The most Pale green-aqua,dark green, dark brown, and white comprehensivereviews of mist-nettingtechniques pres- netshave alsobeen usedsuccessfully in marshes,for- ently available to netters are those of Wilson et al. ests and fields, mud flats, and snow-covered areas, re- (1965]and Bub (1967].In this paper we provide a re- spectively(Bleitz 1962b, 1964). view suitablefor both novice and experiencednetters emphasizingNorth Americanbird speciesand habitats. Various net sizes are also available. The standard mist net measuresabout 2 x 9 m (7 x 30 ft). Capturesuccess GENERAL MIST-NETTING PROCEDURES can oftenbe improvedby increasingor decreasingnet size to suit particularhabitats and the behaviorof the The standardmist-net setup includes the net, supported bird speciesto be captured. The maximum size of the in sections(shelves) by crosslines (trammels),strung net should not exceed the dimensions of the back- betweentwo polesand attachedwith loops.Guy lines ground.For example,Van Gesseland Kendall(1974) to the polesaid in keepingthe net uprightand the shelf found that a backgroundof swampvegetation or man- stringstaut. Althoughmany modifications of this stand- groveswas essentialto preventnets from beingtoo ard setuphave been describedfor particularhabitats conspicuousin marsh habitat. Net height can be ad- and species(see subsequent sections of thispaper), the justed by the additionor removal of shelves.Axell basic method of capture is the same. Mist nets are (1958a)and Minton (1958)found that single-shelfmist constructedof very fine material similar to hair nets; nets were more effective than standard size nets for when used properly,they are nearly invisible.Birds capturingfinches in areaswith low coverand wading readily fly into the netsand when strikingthem from birds in open-shoreareas. Two-shelf nets were effec- eitherside, become entangled in a hammock-likepock- tive in capturingredwings in orchardsduring winter et formedby the loosenetting supported by the tighter (Waller 1972).Tall netswith as many as 12 shelveshave trammels.Low (1957),Bleitz (1957& 1970),McClure beenused successfully in matureforests (Austin 1947). (1964),and Wilson et al. (1965)have all detailed the Shorteningthe lengthof the trammels,thus increasing generaluse of mist nets. More generaldescriptions the amountof nettingper unit length,provides more have been written by Kuyava(1959) and Bridge(1963); pocketin the net.The MerseysideRinging Group (1971] thesesources should be consultedby the novicenetter. Permits to mist net birds must be obtained from both found that this type of net adjustmentimproved cap- ture ratesfor largebird species. Stateand Federal agencies. Mist nets are availablein a variety of mesh sizes.In Nets, poles,and attachments general,mesh size should correspond to the bodysizes of the speciesthat are to be captured.Heimerdinger Since the first Japanesemist nets were introducedin and Leberman[1966] studied the comparativeefficiency NorthAmerica by O.L. Austin,Jr. in 1947,several ira- of 30 and 36 mm meshmist nets. A greaterpercentage Page2 NorthAmerican Bird Bander Vol.7, No. 1 of largebirds were capturedin the36 mm mesh;many 1965,Adkisson 1975, Zicus 1975,Graul 1979},in a loop of thesebirds were seen"bouncing off" thesmaller size [Karr1979) or squarefArtmann 1971, Cink 1975) around mesh. However, many small birds escapedby going an area of bird activity,in a patternwithin an estab- straightthrough the 36 mm mesh.Ludwig 0969] has lishedgrid (Fluck1960, Savidge and Davis1971), or suggestednet and meshsizes useful for capturingspe- scatteredthroughout a studyarea in "good"locations cificbird species.Small-mesh nets (25 mm] havebeen [Karr 1979).When nets are arrangedparallel or at usedsuccessfully for hummingbirds(Bleitz 1970]. Karr anglesto oneanother, it becomesdifficult for birdsto (1979]suggested use of a combinationof 30 and 36 mm avoidone net withoutentangling themselves in another. meshnets to captureterrestrial birds weighing 5 to 100 grams. Bleitz[1964) has discussed the general construction and useof mist-netpoles. A varietyof materialshave been used for poles.Bamboo and wood broomstickshave Weather and time of day beenused (Evans 1965), but maysplit whenforced into the ground.To remedythis problem, Bubb (1960) and Weather (Stewart1971, Quinlan and Boyd 1976,Rob- Bleitz (1964)devised methods for usingaluminum tub- bins 1981a)and time of day [Stewart1971, Grue et al. ing, althoughits strengthis questionable.We have 1981,Karr 1981,Robbins 1981b, Skirvin 1981)can have a foundthat 4.8 m (16ft) aluminumextension poles used considerableeffect on avian activity and net visibility, by painters(Quik-Lok©, Wooster Brush Co., Wooster, and therefore,mist-netting success. Sunlight and high Ohio 44691q,although expensive, are easy to handle humidity [dew) may increasenet visibility and de- and effective. Most netters, however, prefer to use creasecapture success [Stewart 1971, Quinlan & Boyd jointedsections of thin-walledelectrical conduit, pref- 1976);cloud cover was associatedwith high capture erably1.3 cm (0.5inch] to 1.9cm (0.75inch] in diameter rates [Quinlanand Boyd1976). Quinlan and Boydalso (Peterson1960, Ludwig 1968), since conduit does not found that capturesuccess was negativelycorrelated haveto be guyedas strongly as either bamboo or alumi- with temperatureand positivelycorrelated with baro- num (McCamey1969). Howell (1969]recommended metric pressure.Temperature appears to be a signif- usingthe heaviermetal, 1.9 cm diameter,because of its icantfactor governing the beginningand end of a bird's decreasedtendency to bow. Constructionof inexpen- daily activityperiods [Eyster 1954). High temperatures sive mist-netpoles made of electricalconduit has been tend to shortenactivity periods, whereas very low tem- describedby Casttaleand Karr (1981). peraturesinhibit activity [Robbins1981a). Reasons for poor nettingsuccess during periods of low barometric Kale (1969)found that 1.3 cm diametersteel reinforcing pressureare not clear. Quinlan and Boyd suggested rodswork well as supportingstakes for portablenet that becauseperiods of high barometric pressureare poles.Harwood (1973) developed a guyingmethod that associated with unfavorable weather conditions for mi- holds even in fine sand or mud. gration,an increasein the number of capturesduring theseperiods may be due to birds "holdingover" in Site selectionand net placement study areas. The effects of weather on avian activity appearto vary amongspecies [Robbins 1981a) and hab- Generally,the sitechosen for trappingshould be within itats [Grue et al. 1981).However, harsh weather (e.g., the preferred habitat of the bird speciesdesired, as strongwinds, rain) usually results in a reduction in capture successis usually positivelycorrelated with capture rates, particularly in open habitats such as abundance.Nets are more productivewhen placedin grasslands. shadeor againsta dark background,and shelteredfrom the wind IMarshall in French 1963].The removal of The effectsof time of day on mist-nettingsuccess may vegetationand debrisfrom under the net helpsprevent also vary amongspecies, habitats, and seasons(Karr tanglingand allowsone to lower the net so that birds 1981, Robbins 1981b). Bird activity and net visibility cannotfly beneathit. may changethroughout the day. Generally,bird activity is greatestin the morningand late afternoonor early Wise placementof netscan significantlyincrease cap- evening[Grue et al. 1981,Robbins 1981b). Precise times ture success.Nets can be placed end to end ITerborgh of maximum activity may vary with day length and and Faaborg1973, Wright 1979), parallel to one another weatherconditions. For example,overcast skies tend to IBeckett1965c), in a "V" or "L" formation [Carruthers delay morning activity and cause early cessationof eveningactivity [Stewart 1971, Robbins 1981b). Consid- •Use of trade names or names of suppliersis for erationof the effectsof weatherand timeof day on the identificationpurposes only and does not constitute behaviorof the speciesto be nettedmay help maximize endorsementby the Federalgovernment. capture success. Jan.- Mar. 1982 NorthAmerican Bird Bander Page Settingthe net (1965)used spring clips and
Recommended publications
  • Guidelines to the Use of Wild Birds in Research

    Guidelines to the Use of Wild Birds in Research

    THE ORNITHOLOGICAL COUNCIL Providing Scientific Information about Birds GUIDELINES TO THE USE OF WILD BIRDS IN RESEARCH Special Publication 1997 Edited by Abbot S. Gaunt & Lewis W. Oring Third Edition 2010 Edited by Jeanne M. Fair, Editor-in-Chief Ellen Paul & Jason Jones, Associate Editors GUIDELINES TO THE USE OF WILD BIRDS IN RESEARCH Jeanne M. Fair1, Ellen Paul2, & Jason Jones3, Anne Barrett Clark4, Clara Davie4, Gary Kaiser5 1 Los Alamos National Laboratory, Atmospheric, Climate and Environmental Dynamics, MS J495, Los Alamos, NM 87506 2 Ornithological Council, 1107 17th St., N.W., Suite 250, Washington, D.C. 20036 3 Tetra Tech EC, 133 Federal Street, 6th floor, Boston, Massachusetts 02110 4 Binghamton University State University of New York, Department of Biology, PO BOX 6000 Binghamton, NY 13902-6000 5 402-3255 Glasgow Ave, Victoria, BC V8X 4S4, Canada Copyright 1997, 2010 by THE ORNITHOLOGICAL COUNCIL 1107 17th Street, N.W. Suite 250 Washington, D.C. 20036 http://www.nmnh.si.edu/BIRDNET Suggested citation Fair, J., E. Paul, and J. Jones, Eds. 2010. Guidelines to the Use of Wild Birds in Research. Washington, D.C.: Ornithological Council. Revision date August 2010 2 Dedication The Ornithological Council dedicates this 2010 revision to Lewis W. Oring and the late Abbot (Toby) S. Gaunt, whose commitment to the well-being of the birds for whom ornithologists share a deep and abiding concern has served our profession well for so many years. Toby Gaunt Lew Oring Revision date August 2010 3 Acknowledgments and disclaimer Third edition The Ornithological Council thanks the Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare of the National Institutes of Health for their financial support for the production of this revision.

  • Chapter 3. Capture and Marking

    CHAPTER 3. CAPTURE AND MARKING A. Overview Scientific studies of birds often require that birds be captured to gather morphometric data and to collect samples for pathological, genetic, and biogeochemical analysis. These data and samples can be used to understand evolutionary relationships, genetics, population structure and dynamics, comparative anatomy and physiology, adaptation, behavior, parasites and diseases, geographic distributions, migration, and the general ecology of wild populations of birds. This knowledge informs us about avian biology and natural history and is necessary to effect science-based conservation and management policies for game and non-game species, endangered species, economically important species, and bird habitat conservation (White and Garrott 1990). Capture is generally necessary to mark birds, which allows scientists to investigate demography, migration/movement patterns, or identify specific individuals after release (Day et al. 1980). Many techniques have been developed to capture and mark birds (Nietfeld et al. 1994; Bub 1995). The assumption that marking does not affect the birds is critical because it is the basis for generalizing the data to unmarked birds (Murray and Fuller 2000). The purpose of this section is not to describe capture and marking techniques, but instead to discuss the effects that different capture and marking techniques have on a bird’s short- and long-term physiological well-being and survival. The more commonly used methods are covered and described briefly, but the focus is on the potential impacts of the method. Thus, even if a particular method is not covered, the researcher is alerted to concerns that may arise and questions to be considered in refining methods so as to reduce impacts.
  • BIRD SHOOTING and TRAPPING in MALTA: a TRADITIONAL SPORTS? Natalino Fenech

    BIRD SHOOTING and TRAPPING in MALTA: a TRADITIONAL SPORTS? Natalino Fenech

    BIRD SHOOTING AND TRAPPING IN MALTA: A TRADITIONAL SPORTS? Natalino Fenech hether bird shooting and trapping are traditions and whether Wthey can be justified, are two different questions. For an activity to be accepted, it does not have to be traditional. On the other hand, traditional activities may become unacceptable as the values of society change. Even so, one has to establish whether what some people call 'traditional' is in fact traditional. Hobsbawm states that '''Traditions'' which appear or claim to be old are often quite recent in origin and sometimes invented. "Invented tradition" is taken to mean a set of practices which seek to inculcate certain values and norms of behaviour by repetition, which automatically implies continuity with the past. In fact, where possible, they normally attempt to establish continuity with a suitable historic past.'! Hunters and trappers frequently claim that their pastimes are 'traditional sports', hence they are more then justified in practising them. They claim that man was always a hunter. If man was always a hunter, all men should be hunters, not just in Malta but worldwide. As it is, hunters are a small minority of any population. Table 1 shows statistics for some European countries. Malta has the highest density of shooters and the highest percentage of the population who own a shooting licence. Yet, the number of hunters is under 5 per cent of the population, a far cry than what it should be if the 'man the hunter' instinct is anything to go by. Hunting in Malta's History A cursory glance through Malta's history is sufficient to show that the claim that hunting is a traditional sport is unfounded.
  • The Mysteries of Bird Migration – Still Much to Be Learnt

    The Mysteries of Bird Migration – Still Much to Be Learnt

    The mysteries of bird migration – still much to be learnt Franz Bairlein ABSTRACT Bird ringing has unveiled many mysteries of avian migrations, notably routes and destinations. However, there is still much to be explored by the use of ringing and other marking techniques. Satellite tracking, geolocation and global positioning systems are new tools, as well as particular chemical and molecular markers which appear to be very useful in the study of bird migration by delineating origin of birds and connectivity between breeding and non-breeding grounds. Understanding of bird migrations also gained much from captive studies about the internal mechanisms in the control of bird migration, but we still lack knowledge about external factors, such as food availability, weather, competitors, parasites or diseases.This paper summarises ongoing studies on Northern Wheatears Oenanthe oenanthe to illustrate the benefit of such an integrated approach. Future migration research must aim much more at comparative research and a more integrated approach at various spatial and temporal scales, and linking various sub-disciplines. It is also important to realise that migration is only one part of the life-cycle of a migrating species.Thus, linking migration and breeding is another future challenge, for both basic science and conservation of migratory birds. or centuries, the seasonal arrival and The study of bird migration by ringing departure of bird species to and from Our knowledge of bird migration improved Ftheir breeding grounds remained a dramatically with the development of bird mystery. Although these events were described ringing, first practised by the Danish school by early observers such as the wall and floor teacher Hans Christian Cornelius Mortensen in painters of ancient Egypt, Aristotle and the 1899 (Jespersen & Tåning 1950; Bairlein 2001).
  • A Bird's EYE View on Flyways

    A Bird's EYE View on Flyways

    A BIRD’S EYE VIEW ON FLywayS A brief tour by the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals IMPRINT Published by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Secretariat of the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals (CMS) A BIRD’S EYE VIEW ON FLywayS A brief tour by the Convention on the Conservation of Migratory Species of Wild Animals UNEP / CMS Secretariat, Bonn, Germany. 68 pages. Produced by UNEP/CMS Text based on a report by Joost Brouwer in colaboration with Gerard Boere Coordinator Francisco Rilla, CMS Secretariat, E-mail: [email protected] Editing & Proof Reading Hanah Al-Samaraie, Robert Vagg Editing Assistant Stéphanie de Pury Publishing Manager Hanah Al-Samaraie, Email: [email protected] Design Karina Waedt © 2009 United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) / Convention on Migratory Species (CMS). This publication may be reproduced in whole or in part and in any form for educational or non-profit purposes without special permission from the copyright holder, provided acknowledgement of the source is made. UNEP would appreciate receiving a copy of any publication that uses this publication as a source. No use of this publication may be made for resale or for any other commercial purpose whatsoever without prior permission in writing from the United Nations Environment Programme. DISCLAIMER The contents of this volume do not necessarily reflect the views of UNEP or contributory organizations.The designations employed and the presentations do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of UNEP or contrib- utory organizations concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area in its authority, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries.
  • Tape Lures Swell Bycatch on a Mediterranean Island Harbouring Illegal Bird Trapping

    Tape Lures Swell Bycatch on a Mediterranean Island Harbouring Illegal Bird Trapping

    bioRxiv preprint doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.03.13.991034; this version posted March 15, 2020. The copyright holder for this preprint (which was not certified by peer review) is the author/funder, who has granted bioRxiv a license to display the preprint in perpetuity. It is made available under aCC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license. 1 Tape lures swell bycatch on a Mediterranean island 2 harbouring illegal bird trapping 3 Matteo Sebastianelli1, Georgios Savva1, Michaella Moysi1, and 4 Alexander N. G. Kirschel1* 5 1Department of Biological Sciences, University of Cyprus, PO Box 20537, Nicosia 1678, 6 Cyprus 7 8 Keywords: Cyprus, illegal bird hunting, Sylvia atricapilla, Sylvia melanocephala, playback 9 experiment, warbler. 10 *Email of corresponding author: [email protected] 11 12 bioRxiv preprint doi: https://doi.org/10.1101/2020.03.13.991034; this version posted March 15, 2020. The copyright holder for this preprint (which was not certified by peer review) is the author/funder, who has granted bioRxiv a license to display the preprint in perpetuity. It is made available under aCC-BY-NC-ND 4.0 International license. 13 Abstract 14 Mediterranean islands are critical for migrating birds, providing shelter and sustenance 15 for millions of individuals each year. Humans have long exploited bird migration 16 through hunting and illegal trapping. On the island of Cyprus, trapping birds during 17 their migratory peak is considered a local tradition, but has long been against the law. 18 Illegal bird trapping is a lucrative business, however, with trappers using tape lures that 19 broadcast species’ vocalizations because it is expected to increase numbers of target 20 species.
  • Partial Migration in the Mediterranean Storm Petrel Hydrobates Pelagicus Melitensis

    Partial Migration in the Mediterranean Storm Petrel Hydrobates Pelagicus Melitensis

    Lago et al.: Partial migration in Mediterranean Storm Petrel 105 PARTIAL MIGRATION IN THE MEDITERRANEAN STORM PETREL HYDROBATES PELAGICUS MELITENSIS PAULO LAGO*, MARTIN AUSTAD & BENJAMIN METZGER BirdLife Malta, 57/28 Triq Abate Rigord, Ta’ Xbiex XBX 1120, Malta *([email protected]) Received 27 November 2018, accepted 05 February 2019 ABSTRACT LAGO, P., AUSTAD, M. & METZGER, B. 2019. Partial migration in the Mediterranean Storm Petrel Hydrobates pelagicus melitensis. Marine Ornithology 47: 105–113. Studying the migration routes and wintering areas of seabirds is crucial to understanding their ecology and to inform conservation efforts. Here we present results of a tracking study carried out on the little-known Mediterranean Storm Petrel Hydrobates pelagicus melitensis. During the 2016 breeding season, Global Location Sensor (GLS) tags were deployed on birds at the largest Mediterranean colony: the islet of Filfla in the Maltese Archipelago. The devices were retrieved the following season, revealing hitherto unknown movements and wintering areas of this species. Most individuals remained in the Mediterranean throughout the year, with birds shifting westwards or remaining in the central Mediterranean during winter. However, one bird left the Mediterranean through the Strait of Gibraltar and wintered in the North Atlantic. Our results from GLS tracking, which are supported by data from ringed and recovered birds, point toward a system of partial migration with high inter-individual variation. This highlights the importance of trans-boundary marine protection for the conservation of vulnerable seabirds. Key words: Procellariformes, movement, geolocation, wintering, Malta, capture-mark-recovery INTRODUCTION The Mediterranean Storm Petrel has been described as sedentary, because birds are present in their breeding areas throughout the year The Mediterranean Storm Petrel Hydrobates pelagicus melitensis is (Zotier et al.
  • CMS/CAF/Inf.4.13 1 Central Asian Flyway Action Plan for Waterbirds and Their Habitat Country Report

    CMS/CAF/Inf.4.13 1 Central Asian Flyway Action Plan for Waterbirds and Their Habitat Country Report

    CMS/CAF/Inf.4.13 Central Asian Flyway Action Plan for Waterbirds and their Habitat Country Report - INDIA A. Introduction India situated north of the equator covering an area of about 3,287,263 km2 is one of the largest country in the Asian region. With 10 distinctly different bio geographical zones and many different habitat types, the country is known amongst the top 12 mega biodiversity countries. India is known to support 1225 species of bird species, out of these 257 species are water birds. India remains in the core central region of the Central Asian Flyway (CAF) and holds some crucial important wintering population of water bird species. India is also a key breeding area for many other water birds such as Pygmy cormorant and Ruddy-shelduck, globally threatened water birds such as Dalmatian Pelican, Lesser White-fronted Goose, Siberian crane, oriental white stork, greater adjutant stork, white winged wood duck etc. Being located in the core of the CAF, and several important migration routes the country covers a large intra-continental territory between Arctic and Indian Ocean. Being aware of the importance of the wetlands within the geographic boundary of the India for migrating avifauna, India has developed a wetland conservation programme. India currently has 19 RAMSAR sites. India has identified more than 300 sites which has the potential to be consider as the RAMSAR sites. However, being the second most populus nation in the world with agricultural economy, wetlands are one of the most used habitat with water bird and human interface. Much of the Indian landmass also being dependent to the normal monsoonal rainfall for precipitation is also subjected to extremes of drought and flood making the wetlands vulnerable to drastic ecological changes.
  • Hitchhikers' Guide to Analysing Bird Ringing Data

    Hitchhikers' Guide to Analysing Bird Ringing Data

    Ornis Hungarica 2015. 23(2): 163–188. DOI: 10.1515/orhu-2015-0018 Hitchhikers’ guide to analysing bird ringing data Part 1: data cleaning, preparation and exploratory analyses ANDREA HARNOS1*, PÉTER FEHÉRVÁRI2 & Tibor Csörgő3 Andrea Harnos, Péter Fehérvári & Tibor Csörgő 2015. Hitchhikers’ guide to analysing bird ring- ing data – Part 1. – Ornis Hungarica 23(2): 163–188. Abstract Bird ringing datasets constitute possibly the largest source of temporal and spatial in- formation on vertebrate taxa available on the globe. Initially, the method was invented to un- derstand avian migration patterns. However, data deriving from bird ringing has been used in an array of other disciplines including population monitoring, changes in demography, conservation management and to study the effects of climate change to name a few. Despite the widespread usage and importance, there are no guidelines available specifically describing the practice of data management, preparation and analyses of ringing datasets. Here, we present the first of a series of comprehensive tutorials that may help fill this gap. We describe in detail and through a real-life example the intricacies of data cleaning and how to create a data table ready for analy- ses from raw ringing data in the R software environment. Moreover, we created and present here the R package; ringR, designed to carry out various specific tasks and plots related to bird ringing data. Most methods described here can also be applied to a wide range of capture-recapture type data based on individual marking, regardless to taxa or research question. Keywords: data cleaning, R statistical software, banding data, statistical analysis, mark-recapture, data management Összefoglalás Feltehetően a madárgyűrűzésből származó adatok szolgáltatják a leghosszabb időtávot felölelő és legtöbb adatot tartalmazó gerinces adatbázist a Földön.
  • ADU Guide 5 SAFRING Bird Ringing Manual

    ADU Guide 5 SAFRING Bird Ringing Manual

    ADU Guide 5 SAFRING Bird Ringing Manual S.J. de Beer G.M. Lockwood J.H.F.A. Raijmakers J.M.H. Raijmakers W.A. Scott H.D. Oschadleus L.G. Underhill Cape Town, July 2001 Avian Demography Unit DEA & T The Avian Demography Unit (ADU) is a research unit of the University of Cape ADU Guide 5 Town. It conducts research in partnership with BirdLife South Africa. The ADU provides a channel through which birders can make a unique and significant input to the science of ornithology. BirdLife South Africa members form a net- work of observers who contribute data to projects coordinated by the ADU. The SAFRING ADU produces the newsletter Bird Numbers twice a year. The mission of the Avian Demography Unit is to contribute to the improved Bird Ringing Manual understanding of bird populations, especially bird population dynamics, and thus make a contribution to bird conservation. The Avian Demography Unit achieves this through mass-participation projects, long-term monitoring, innovative statistical modelling, and population-level interpretation of results. The empha- sis is on the curation, analysis, publication and dissemination of data. S.J. de Beer ADU Guides provide information on projects of the Avian Demography Unit G.M. Lockwood at the University of Cape Town. J.H.F.A. Raijmakers Birders interested in being involved in projects of the ADU should write to: J.M.H. Raijmakers Avian Demography Unit, University of Cape Town, Rondebosch 7701, South Africa, tel. (021) 650-2423, e-mail [email protected]. W.A. Scott Other publications in this series: H.D.
  • A National Review of the Status of Trapping for Bird Control

    A National Review of the Status of Trapping for Bird Control

    A NATIONAL REVIEW OF THE STATUS OF TRAPPING FOR BIRD CONTROL W. PAUL GORENZEL, and TERRELL P. SALMON, Department of Wildlife, Fish and Conservation Biology, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, California 95616. A. CHARLES CRABB, College of Agriculture, California State University, Chico, California 95929-0310. ABSTRACT: We examined the status of trapping to control bird damage based on a nation-wide questionnaire, literature, and on-site visits of trapping programs. We mailed 464 questionnaires to Agriculture Commissioners in California, Cooperative Extension Wildlife Specialists, USDA APHIS Wildlife Services personnel, state Department of Agriculture personnel, and members of the National Animal Damage Control Association. Two hundred fifty questionnaires (54%) were returned from 50 states, 1 territory, and 51 California counties. Fifty-four percent of the respondents indicated they either trap, monitor, or provide infonnation on bird trapping. Regarding specific activities, 49% actively trapped while 43% provided information only. By affiliation, 90% of private respondents trapped, followed by 60% of federal respondents. Respondents listed 53 species of birds causing damage. Cited most often were rock doves (Columbo livia), European starlings (Stumus vulgaris), blackbirds, Canada geese (Branta canadensis), American crows (Corvus brachyrhynchos), house finch (Carpodacus me.xicanus), and house sparrows (Passer domesticus). Respondents listed 52 crops, 18 types of animal production facilities, and 16 non-crop sites that were subject to bird damage. Respondents listed 25 species that were trapped. Modified Australian crow traps, walk-in traps, and drive traps were used most frequently. Most respondents (80%) rated trapping as moderate to excellent for ducks, geese, rock doves, and house sparrows. Trapping for starlings was rated as moderate to excellent by 75% of private­ industry respondents (mostly non-agricultural damage), but 80% of California county returns (dealing mostly with agricultural damage) rated it as slight.
  • Speed of Bird Migratory Movements As an Adaptive Behavior V

    Speed of Bird Migratory Movements As an Adaptive Behavior V

    ISSN 20790864, Biology Bulletin Reviews, 2013, Vol. 3, No. 3, pp. 219–231. © Pleiades Publishing, Ltd., 2013. Original Russian Text © V.A. Payevsky, 2012, published in Zhurnal Obshchei Biologii, 2012, Vol. 73, No. 5, pp. 360–376. Speed of Bird Migratory Movements as an Adaptive Behavior V. A. Payevsky Zoological Institute, Russian Academy of Sciences, Universitetskaya nab. 1, St. Petersburg, 199034 Russia email: [email protected]; [email protected] Received January 10, 2012 Abstract—The migration speed of 115 bird species from 35 families of 14 orders has been analyzed on the basis of ring recovery data from published sources. The results show that the average speed varies between 10 and 880 km/day and the maximum speed varies between 30 and 1392 km/day, but the respective values in the majority of species fall within the ranges of 20–100 and 40–360 km/day. There is a significant positive corre lation between the average and maximum speed values. The ratio between them varies significantly between the species, with the overall average ratio being 4 : 1. On average, shorebirds migrate twice as rapidly as pas serines, and the average migration speed in birds of prey is slightly higher than in shorebirds. Species of the family Turdidae migrate significantly faster than species of the family Fringillidae, and the latter migrate faster than the Paridae. No significant differences in migration speed have been revealed between the Sylvi idae and Turdidae as well as between the Sylviidae and Motacillidae species. The average migration speed in shorebirds shows a significant negative correlation with body mass, but no such correlation is observed in the passerines.