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CONSERVATION & RESEARCH UPDATES FROM THE NATIONAL AVIARY

FALL 2018

EDUCATION HUMAN POPULATION IMPACTS The National Aviary Industrial : Promotes Chocolate A Growing Problem for that Supports Birds by Steven Latta by Patricia O’Neill, Director of Education egular readers of Flightpaths and other produced in the U.S. and around the world. and Visitor Engagement conservation magazines know that It has transformed formerly sustainable and many birds around the world are in biologically diversified areas (i.e., small- ecause industrial agriculture destroys R trouble. But what are the causes, and which scale family scattered throughout a natural habitats, promoting agricultural B causes are having the biggest negative impact? matrix of other habitats) into expansive, approaches that preserve or provide critical genetically uniform dependent habitat for birds is an important part of A recent report from BirdLife International on increasing and use of any conservation strategy. , a reveals that >12% of the world’s >10,000 fossil fuels, synthetic , chemical strategy in which trees, shrubs and bird species are in immediate danger , and even pharmaceuticals. crops are co-planted, can provide habitat of becoming extinct; another 40% are for many species, including resident declining, including many common species. Vast monocultures are frequently and migratory birds. In particular, crops This means that the future of more than dedicated to the cultivation of crops for like coffee and cacao (the source of culinary half of the planet’s bird species is in doubt. export, often for use as animal feed. In one chocolate), when grown under the cover of Our human population — specifically, recent example in Brazil, 40,000 square shade trees (especially native tree species), our consumption of resources and miles of tropical dry forest have been are of real value to many birds. production of wastes — are behind these converted to soybeans for export primarily to fatten hogs and chickens overseas. Studies in the 1980s spearheaded bird population trends. In particular, by the father of Neotropical migratory BirdLife lists the global spread of industrial- Industrial agriculture destroys and bird population monitoring, Chandler scale agriculture as the leading factor fragments diverse natural habitats for land Robbins, showed that in Costa Rica, contributing to bird population declines. birds, while agricultural runoff impacts where cacao is grown in a manner More than 33% of earth’s land surface watersheds, riparian birds, and human similar to shade-grown coffee, bird is dedicated to agriculture; however, health. contributes populations were closest to matching the expansion and intensification of to global warming because it requires large those in surrounding native broadleaf agriculture in many parts of the world is amounts of fossil fuels for cultivation, forests. Despite this early indication, few now impacting almost three-quarters of the fertilizers, harvesting, and export. It follow-up studies have identified specific world’s threatened bird species. exacerbates climate change by diminishing bird-supportive guidelines Industrial agriculture has radically forest cover that provides crucial, long-term for cacao, or a scheme for certifying it in changed how the vast majority of food is storage of carbon. continued on page 7 a manner similar to what has been done with coffee. With its lush hillsides, rich soil, and a warm climate, the is ideal for growing cacao. It is also home to more than 300 species of birds, including 32 endemic species found nowhere else in the world. For many years, conflicts have existed between and wildlife. Some farmers have hunted birds they thought were damaging their crops, and removed Industrial-scale agriculture has been continued on page 4 cited as the most important threat to birds globally... but alternatives do exist. 2

FROM THE EDITOR Our Everyday Choices Have Global Effects

hen multiplied, relatively simple actions can have profound impacts. WAt the National Aviary, we have long recognized the powerful impact agriculture can have on birds and their habitats. But only recently has industrial-scale agriculture been widely recognized as one of the most serious contributors to the decline of bird The National Aviary inspires populations around the world. respect for nature through an In this issue we report on ways that National Aviary researchers have been seeking to appreciation of birds. understand how agriculture is contributing to these declines, and how we are promoting changes and choices consumers can make that will benefit smaller scale, more sustainable Editor agriculture that is far less detrimental to birds and their habitats than industrial agriculture. Steven Latta, Ph.D. Director, Conservation and Field Research For example, our early studies showed increased bird use of coffee when grown under a [email protected] diverse shade overstory compared to full sun. So today we partner with another Pittsburgh nonprofit to support small-scale, organic coffee growing, and alternative models of food Managing Editor production and , that are simply better for birds. Robert Mulvihill, M.Sc. Ornithologist Based on the success of similar bird-friendly coffee promoted by the Smithsonian [email protected] Institution, recently I collaborated with Dominican colleagues to help cacao farms to Allegheny Commons West better support wild birds. Working with small-scale cacao growers and their agricultural 700 Arch Street , we have promoted organic cacao-growing practices and other changes which Pittsburgh, PA 15212-5201 increase the diversity of vegetation on the farms — a change benefiting migratory and 412-323-7235 resident birds alike. And when social or economic activities result in the retirement of farmlands, other research results from the National Aviary show how we can help promote the conversion of abandoned agricultural land to forested habitat in ways that are more beneficial to birds. Every time that you choose to pay a few more pennies per cup or per candy bar to purchase coffee or chocolate grown in a non-industrial manner, you are casting your vote for smaller scale agricultural systems that value and welcome birds. As individuals and as families, when we buy organic, locally grown, seasonal , we are doing something Printed on recycled paper FSC and post-consumer mark here that translates into tangible protection for birds and other wildlife, and for the future of sustainable small-scale family farms. Importantly, the National Aviary practices what it preaches! In this issue you will also read how we even make a special effort to www.aviary.org source organic, local, and seasonal foods to feed to our own birds! Follow us on Twitter: @National_Aviary Help us save birds and their habitats by supporting organic, Facebook.com/NationalAviary seasonal, locally and responsibly sourced foods!

Steven Latta, Ph.D. Director, Conservation and Field Research FALL 2018 | 3

ANIMAL PROGRAMS

Not only does the National Aviary prepare food that is healthy for our birds, we also pay close attention to how the food was produced and sourced so that it is also healthy for the environment.

We Fix the Finest Fare for our Feathered Friends by Anna Steffenauer, Senior Aviculturist, Commissary

he National Aviary not only conducts One of our principal suppliers is a premier sustainable practices across its entire Tresearch and education about the distributor of fresh, specialty foods to the supply chain. ecological benefits of locally and sustainably and food in For feeding our other carnivorous birds, sourced foods — it practices what it preaches! Western Pennsylvania. It operates out of a such as our owls, hawks, and kookaburras, Feeding more than 500 birds of 150 state-of-the-art, green-certified facility less we only source animal protein that has been species every single day presents many than 20 miles from the National Aviary, and it ethically obtained. For the many birds at the challenges, but we always strive to serve is a member of PRO*ACT, a national network National Aviary that naturally feed on live our birds the freshest, most nutritious, most of local distributors that requires the highest insects, we supply live crickets, mealworms, sustainably sourced food possible. Like the commitment to food safety, quality and wax worms, and super worms that have kitchen of a major restaurant, our commissary service while employing business practices been raised by local suppliers. focused on , is clean, well-organized and efficiently Our very deliberate provisioning of local run. There we daily prepare and provide responsibility and integrity. By sourcing our produce locally and seasonally, we not only and sustainable foods allows us to not only a wide range of delectable seasonal foods meet the nutritional needs of all the for all of our fine feathered friends, from reduce the carbon footprint associated with transporting food items to us, we maximize at the National Aviary, but also to minimize Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus (Hyacinth Macaw) our impact on the environment. to Zosterops saypani (Bridled White-eye)! the nutritional quality and minimize the amount of chemical additives needed to grow Our commitment to continually provide The diets we prepare for our animals and store those foods. high quality diets for our birds, sourced take into account species-specific natural with environmental and For our piscivorous (i.e., -eating) feeding behaviors and nutritional needs, as impacts in mind, is neither easy nor well as the individual preferences of picky species, such as our African Penguins and Inca Terns, we order very large bulk inexpensive. For example, we purchase 500 eaters, seasonal food availability, and food lbs of fresh produce each month (at a cost costs. Importantly, for the health of our shipments (6-12 month’s supply) of a wide variety of whole frozen fish from of $2,000), and we prepare an additional birds and the environment, we also pay $9,000 worth of food for our carnivorous a distributor that subscribes to Seafood very close attention to how the foods we birds every month. But, we think it is well Watch, Ocean Wise, and NOAA Fisheries feed to our animals have been produced worth the cost to keep our fine feathered FSSI programs, and which advocates for and sourced. friends healthy and happy!” n 4

PHOTOS BY ANDREA THOMEN BY PHOTOS

The National Aviary Promotes Chocolate that Supports Birds continued from page 1 native overstory trees even though their and vegetation along streams, and cacao crops required shade. Now, thanks dispelling myths regarding bird damage to efforts supported by the National Aviary, to cacao crops. conservationists, farmers, and organic cacao We also with a local nonprofit certification technicians are working side , Grupo Acción Ecológica by side in the Dominican Republic to create (GAE), which is dedicated to community and preserve cacao farms that support education focused on the need to protect native birds. habitats, biodiversity, and human health. An initiative started by the National In addition to offering conservation Aviary in 2013 has begun to educate cacao educational activities to cacao growers farmers and community members in the and producers, Thomen and GAE have Dominican Republic about the benefits organized workshops for school children, of shade-grown cacao. The Dominican community groups, tour guides, and Republic is the world’s largest producer of others about the benefits of biodiversity organic cacao; cacao is grown under a shade and the important role of native vegetation tree canopy by 40,000 farmers there. within cacao plantations for supporting the Working in with country’s bird life. local community and As a result of these efforts, technicians conservationists, our bird-safe cacao who inspect cacao plantations have become initiative, headed up by National Aviary certified as knowledgeable in techniques to Research Associate, Andrea Thomen, make cacao growing more compatible with comprises collaborative education efforts native bird populations, and they pass their with farmers, a nascent bird-safe cacao knowledge on to the hundreds of small-scale certification program, tree plantings, and growers in the country. In the next few years, more. Our message focuses on the value of we hope to take the project nationwide, ABOVE: When cacao is grown under a native shade trees in cacao plantations, the working in new areas where many birds diverse shade overstory it can provide excellent habitat for a wide variety importance of a shrub understory are at risk. n of birds.

TOP: Pods of cacao trees contain seeds that are fermented, dried, and ground to make chocolate. FALL 2018 | 5

PARTNERING FOR CONSERVATION Bird-Compatible Coffee Builds New Hope by Steven Latta offee grown in a manner that dried in the sun on community patios, Csupports bird diversity is another and carefully selected by the farmers for alternative to industrial agriculture. The roasting and sale. National Aviary partners with a Pittsburgh Sustainable eco-friendly agriculture nonprofit called New Hope to involves more than providing consumers promote and sell coffee grown in a manner with a great product — it requires that benefits birds. attention to the needs of the grower Building New Hope is a volunteer- community. Building New Hope has high school and . The community driven nonprofit based in Pittsburgh and built long-term relationships with its has also preserved 2,000 acres of native Nicaragua that partners with El Porvenir, a growers, offers them fair prices for their tropical dry forest, providing critical habitat worker-owned organic coffee cooperative crop irrespective of market prices, and for migrating birds and other species, and that promotes and sells bird-compatible gives them support for community helping to safeguard the watershed from coffee. Coffee from the cooperative is development projects. pesticides and . grown on a mountainside near Leon, At El Porvenir, they have developed arts, The National Aviary is proud to Nicaragua, where a community of 300 education and skills training programs for partner with Building New Hope to sell people collectively owns the land they young children and at-risk youth, and high coffee that promotes healthy ecosystems, and live on. They pride themselves school scholarships for students in need. and to spread awareness about how fair on their shared dedication to preserving With their support, the community has trade relationships can help to reduce the biodiversity around them. El Porvenir’s built and staffed a primary school that has poverty and social inequalities, while Arabica coffee beans are hand-picked, sent its first generation of students on to benefitting birds.n

RECENT PUBLICATIONS

Dr. Steven Latta and co-authors compared bird species and Regenerating Tropical Dry abundance of birds occurring in four young forests previously used Forest: Older is Better for Birds for pasture with birds in mature, relatively undisturbed forests. Importantly, the young forests studied spanned three decades in age, by Nathan Brouwer, Research Associate with the youngest having still been used for just two years n the bird-rich tropics, crop and lands are often abandoned prior, and the oldest not being used for pasture for almost 25 years. Ias soil fertility declines or economic demands shift. While these Only a few species of birds are seen in tropical pastures while farmlands can become rapidly covered in fast growing trees, shrubs they are in use, but our analysis showed that this changes rapidly and vines, relatively little is known about how quickly animals when the farm is abandoned. While the return of birds in newly take up residence in these regenerating forests. Do birds and other grown forests seems promising, most of the species returning wildlife benefit from these very young, actively growing forests, or to these sites proved to be primarily the more common and do they require more mature stands? widespread species. It was only at the oldest of the four Tropical dry forest has been labeled the most endangered of reforesting sites that birds of conservation concern, including the tropical forest types, in part because their fertile soil many of the unique birds found only on the island of Hispaniola, makes them an ideal place to grow cash crops, and the began to be detected. hardwood trees are prized as a source of charcoal. This study shows that it can take 25 years or more An estimated 90-95% of the world’s dry forest of forest regrowth to provide adequate habitat for has been cleared for farming, raising and some of the unique endemic species and other other human activities, reducing the amount of birds of conservation concern. Even then, habitat available for birds and other wildlife. the bird community in 25-year old forest Working in the dry forests of southern remained very different from the mature Dominican Republic, the National Aviary’s forest we used as a reference site. So, while some forest may be better than no forest, our research highlights The Greater Antillean Bullfinch is one of many the conservation importance of species dependent upon mature tropical dry forest protecting as much remaining in the Dominican Republic. mature forest as possible. n

PHOTO BY DAX ROMÁN E. 6

NOTES FROM THE FIELD A Fruitful Relationship Between Birds and Habitat Restoration by Steven Latta

hile ornithologists frequently commonly springs up in disturbed areas Sitting quietly and watching nature Wspend many hours catching birds, attracted birds and, if so, which species? unfold has its own rewards. One becomes harnessing the latest , and diving Globally, habitat disturbance by humans hyper-attuned to movements: the rustle deep into DNA, we sometimes still sit back is nearly ubiquitous and very frequently of wind in the leaves, flies alighting, the and observe and record bird behavior, such related to agriculture. Knowing what trees glimmering wings of a dragonfly. Birds as what they are eating. naturally grow in disturbed areas, and came and went, sallied or hawked for A bird’s diet can have profound determining if birds are attracted to those insects, hung upside down or hovered impacts not only on its health, but also trees, can help us ways to quickly to glean the tiny Trema . Small but on the habitats it uses. In this case, I was restore degraded habitats in a way that is significant dramas developed among the interested in whether a fruiting tree which beneficial to birds and other wildlife. birds: there were continual evictions and displacements from the most productive foraging sites on the trees. Personalities emerged: some birds were skulkers, some sneakers, some bullies, and some thieves. In all, I recorded 513 bird visits to the Trema trees under my observation. The most frequent consumer of Trema fruits was the migratory Cape May Warbler (Setophaga tigrina), but other visitors included the Black-throated Blue Warbler (S. caerulescens), and the endemic Palmchat (Dulus dominicus) and Hispaniolan Highland-Tanager (Xenoligea montana). I recorded a total of 85 aggressive interactions, with female Cape May Warblers involved in most of these, suggesting that Trema fruits are an important and defensible source of food for them. PHOTO BY KENNETH COLE SCHNEIDER KENNETH COLE BY PHOTO I found that Trema trees not only benefit many bird species as a food resource, but that they also function as a landing target Trema trees, which frequently grow in -eating birds (called frugivores) play for as many as two dozen species moving abandoned farmland in the tropics, will an important role in habitat restoration, across the landscape. By attracting birds, attract many birds like this Northern because when they perch they will often Trema actually facilitates the dispersal of Mockingbird with their abundant fruit defecate and drop seeds from fruiting trees a wide variety of native seeds — a clear and long fruiting season. they visited earlier, in the process helping benefit to restoration of deforested sites. n to diversify the recovering habitat. I wanted to explore relationships between Trema micrantha, sometimes known as the Jamaican nettletree, which produces superabundant fruit, and the birds that feed on its fruits in the Dominican Republic. To do this, I spent about 175 hours observing the trees, their fruits, and the birds that fed on them. FALL 2018 | 7

RECENT PUBLICATIONS

Results of my genetic analysis of fecal Decoding DNA in Droppings to Diagnose samples showed that waterthrushes Dietary Shifts in a Riparian Bird consumed significantly less of their preferred prey (e.g., acid-sensitive mayflies), on by Brian Trevelline, Research Associate streams with low pH. Results showed further that waterthrushes did, in fact, consume hanges in land use, urban and agricultural in fecal samples, so instead I relied on a greater quantities of terrestrial prey, such Crun-off, and diversion efforts can novel approach, known as DNA meta- as crickets, moths and spiders. Together, all have profound and unexpected impacts on barcoding. This enabled me to obtain a these results suggest that commuting to birds dependent on riparian systems. very detailed description of the diets of non-acidified aquatic habitats may not be Early studies by National Aviary waterthrushes from “crumbs” of genetic as frequent a strategy as shifting to a more ornithologist Bob Mulvihill and colleagues information in their feces. terrestrial diet for waterthrushes nesting on showed that acid from abandoned acidified streams. mine drainage or episodic atmospheric Although our findings confirmed that deposition (i.e., acid rain) negatively impacts waterthrushes can adjust to some levels of productivity of an obligate riparian migratory environmental degradation, such behavioral , the Louisiana Waterthrush. With shifts may well carry additional costs. For many of their preferred aquatic invertebrate example, having to fly farther away from the prey unable to survive in the low pH water, it nest to find prey might expose the birds or was hypothesized that waterthrushes nesting their nestlings to higher rates of predation. on acidified streams mitigated the absence Also, the nutritional value of these alternate of their preferred prey by commuting to MEJÍA. DANILO BY PHOTO foods may be lower, a possibility suggested peripheral non-acidified aquatic sites for by the earlier finding of smaller clutch sizes foraging, or by feeding more frequently on and lower nestling weights of waterthrushes non-aquatic prey. nesting along acidified streams. New studies Consequently, as part of my Ph.D. by our research team are seeking to more fully research, I took on the challenge of assess the nature and impacts of these costs. n testing this hypothesis by using advanced molecular techniques. Bird diets are Dr. Brian Trevelline prepares a Louisiana notoriously difficult to study, often requiring Waterthrush fecal sample for analysis to invasive collection methods or tedious better understand how microscopic identification of prey fragments changes the bird’s diet.

Industrial Agriculture: A Growing Problem for Birds continued from page 1

While drugs in agriculture may be leading cause of the decline in grassland surprising, consider for example the use bird numbers in the U.S. Evidence also organizations that of pharmaceuticals in the industry. suggests that widespread use of toxic advocate for the As just one example, the decimation of pesticides has so impacted insect numbers rights of people vulture populations across much of that populations of aerial insectivores — to have healthy and can be traced to the widespread birds that capture insects while flying and culturally use of diclofenac, a potent non-steroidal — are falling precipitously. Among these appropriate food anti-inflammatory drug used to treat species is the Common Nighthawk, which is that is produced joint inflammation in cattle. Diclofenac the subject of ongoing research by National using ecologically remains persistent in the tissues of cattle Aviary ornithologists. sound and sustainable methods. that have died, and it enters the food chain Luckily, it is possible to farm in a way that Our colleagues at National Geographic of scavengers like vultures, for which is sustainable and compatible with nature, summarized it very well in their special diclofenac is almost always fatal, even in while still providing a prosperous livelihood. “2018: Year of the Bird” issue: Agriculture small amounts. Examples can be found among the millions must be remade in nature’s image: less Chemical inputs from industrial of farmers who struggle around the world dependent on the addition of chemicals, agriculture can also be poisonous to to pursue traditional-style agriculture, more diverse in its flora, and more birds. Toxicology studies have identified free of the pressures of industrialization. hospitable to local fauna. n pesticides, such as neonicotinoids, as the These farmers need our support, as do NON- ORG. U.S. POSTAGE CONSERVATION & RESEARCH UPDATES FROM THE NATIONAL AVIARY PAID PITTSBURGH, PA PERMIT NO. 3316 PITTSBURGH, PA National Aviary in Pittsburgh, Inc. Allegheny Commons West 700 Arch Street Pittsburgh, PA 15212-5201

In this issue: • A Growing Problem for Birds • Everyday Choices Have Global Effects • Fine Fare for Our Feathered Friends • Promoting Chocolate that Supports Birds • Building New Hope • Regenerating Forest: Older is Better • A Fruitful Bird-Habitat Relationship • DNA Confirms Dietary Shifts in a Riparian Bird

4 Drink only certified 7 Reduce my family’s use 9 NOT use chemical 10 Bird-Friendly shade-grown and bird- of and reliance on fossil pesticides or herbicides New Year’s friendly coffee, and fuels by turning out lights, in my home or yard. encourage local coffee adjusting thermostats Numerous negative health Resolutions! shops and establishments seasonally, switching to effects associated with In 2019, I will... to provide it, too. Nearly renewable energy, and these products exist. 150 species of birds were using public transportation. Levels deemed “safe” 1 ALWAYS keep my pet cat found in shade coffee farms Per person, average underestimate real- indoors and encourage compared to fewer than Americans require world health effects due others to do that, too. 10 in sun-coffee farms. 8.2 Global Hectares (GHa) to exposure to multiple of the planet’s resources chemical substances. 1.4 - 3.7 billion birds are killed 5 Increase my patronage of (land required to produce a each year by domestic cats local food producers. Eating 10 Contribute to or become person’s needs and dispose allowed outdoors. only locally grown food for a member of one or more of the waste they create), one year would save the organizations devoted 2 Reduce my lawn by at whereas, in some other greenhouse gas equivalent of to bird conservation or least 25%, replacing it developed countries people driving 1,000 miles! environmental protection. with native trees, shrubs, use three or fewer GHa. The National Aviary and flowers. Native plants 6 Eat more plant-based foods 8 Eschew single-use plastic supports programs to support a great diversity and A LOT LESS red meat. containers, plastic bags preserve endangered of birds, because they are About 60% of tropical and straws. Billions of birds in the wild all around natural links in food webs. forest is removed in Central pounds of plastic converge the world — through and for 3 Protect birds from striking in “gyres” that cover 40% breeding and education cattle pasture with much my windows by applying of ocean surfaces and are programming. Your of the meat sent to U.S. UV-reflective bird tape or expected to outweigh all membership and extra markets. Eating a vegetarian hanging strings outside fish in the sea by 2050. donations help the meal one day a week would of windows where strikes Hundreds of thousands of National Aviary save birds save the greenhouse gas have occurred. 1 billion + seabirds ingest plastic and protect their habitats. n equivalent of driving birds are killed by striking every year. windows each year. 1,160 miles!