Rehabilitation and release of confiscated songbirds into the wild: A pilot study.

Songbirds are currently the most prevalent animals in illegal trafficking in Brazil and other countries, so they are often confiscated, and this poses legal, ethical, and conservation challenges. Returning them to nature requires complex and expensive management, a topic that is sparingly addressed in the literature. Here, we described the processes and costs associated with an attempt to rehabilitate and release confiscated songbirds into the wild. A total of 1,721 songbirds of several species were quarantined, rehabilitated, and released, primarily on two farms located within their typical geographical distribution. Health assessments were performed on samples from 370 birds. Serology revealed no antibodies against Newcastle disease, and Salmonella spp. cultures were negative. Real-time polymerase chain reactions detected M. gallisepticum in samples from seven birds. Atoxoplasma spp. and Acuaria spp. infections, sepsis, and trauma were the top causes of bird death. About 6% of the released birds were recaptured, within an average period of 249 days after release, and at a mean distance of 2,397 meters from the release sites. The majority of these birds were found with free-living mates within or close to fragments of transitional ecoregions with native or cultivated grasslands, and native groves/forests, and shrublands. However, eucalyptus plantations with rich understory regeneration provided a suitable environment for the released forest species to settle, since they were recaptured during the defense of these sites. Over half of the recaptured birds presented behavioral profiles with both dominant and tame traits. Birds with dominant traits are more likely to settle in habitats and face the live decoys during fieldwork, whereas birds with tame characteristics tend to accept close contact with humans. Ultramarine grosbeak (Cyanoloxia brissonii), the least common species among those released, at the release sites showed an almost 2-fold recapture rate in the shortest mean distances from the release sites. This suggests less territory competition, perhaps a major factor of bird re-establishment here. The total per-bird cost was USD 57. Our findings suggested suitable survival and re-establishment of confiscated songbirds in the wild, when managed as we describe.

Fatal traumatic injuries in free-living wild Passeriformes and Psittaciformes birds in Central Brazil, 2006-2018 / Injúrias traumáticas fatais em aves Passeriformes e Psittaciformes no Brasil Central, 2006-2018

Traumatic injuries are a significant cause of death for birds worldwide, as they are at an increased risk of collisions and other injuries due to man-made environments. This study examined the frequency and morphological characteristics of fatal traumatic injuries in endemic and migratory Passeriformes and Psittaciformes from the Cerrado Biome, a biodiverse but threatened area in Brazil. Results showed that fatal traumatic injuries were found in 21.8% of birds (285/1305), mainly in spring and summer, during the birds' reproductive period. The yellow-chevroned parakeet (Brotogeris chiriri) and Passeriformes from the Thraupidae family were the most affected. Nearly 70% of the fatal injuries observed were to the thoracic, pelvic limbs, and skull, and types of fractures and affected bones were thoroughly evaluated. Blunt traumas were one of the most frequent causes of injuries. Injuries affecting the appendicular skeleton and head represented significant causes of traumatic death for Passeriformes and Psittaciformes. The frequency of these fatal injuries has been increasing in recent years, which may be related to the remarkable environmental changes in the Cerrado Biome and jeopardize the survival of many bird species.

As lesões traumáticas são uma causa significativa de morte nas aves em todo o mundo, pois apresentam um risco maior de colisões e outras lesões devido aos ambientes degradados e criados pelo homem. Este estudo examinou a frequência e as características morfológicas das lesões traumáticas fatais em Passeriformes e Psittaciformes endêmicos e migratórios do Bioma Cerrado, uma área com rica biodiversidade, mas ameaçada no Brasil. Os resultados demostraram que as lesões traumáticas fatais foram observadas em 21,8% das aves (285/1305), principalmente na primavera e verão, durante a época reprodutiva das aves. O periquito-do-encontro-amarelo (Brotogeris chiriri) e Passeriformes da família Thraupidae foram as aves mais frequentemente acometidas. Por volta de 70% das lesões fatais observadas foram nos membros torácicos e pélvicos, e crânio, e os tipos de fraturas e ossos afetados foram minuciosamente avaliados. Os traumas contudentes foram as principais causas das lesões. As injúrias que afetaram o esqueleto apendicular e a cabeça representaram as mais importantes causas de morte traumática para Passeriformes e Psittaciformes. A frequência dessas lesões fatais vem aumentando nos últimos anos, o que pode estar relacionado às mudanças ambientais marcantes no Bioma Cerrado e colocar em risco a sobrevivência de muitas espécies de aves.

Tick infestation on birds in an urban Atlantic Forest fragment in north-eastern Brazil.

Birds are important hosts for various tick species, playing a significant role in their biological life cycle and dispersion. In this study, we investigated tick infestations on birds trapped in an urban remnant of Atlantic Forest in Pernambuco state, Brazil. From February 2015 to March 2017, 541 birds belonging to 52 species were trapped with mist nets and examined for ectoparasites. Birds trapped in the late successional forest were significantly more infested than birds trapped in the early successional forest. In the same way, ectoparasite infestation varied significantly according to bird weight and collection plot. Overall, 198 birds (36.6%) belonging to 27 species were parasitized by ectoparasites (i.e., ticks, lice and/or mites). Ectoparasites were effectively collected from 111 birds, of which 99 belonging to 20 species were infested by ticks (n = 261), namely, Amblyomma longirostre (13 nymphs), Amblyomma nodosum (21 nymphs), Amblyomma varium (one nymph), and Amblyomma spp. (five nymphs and 221 larvae). Most of the ticks (> 90%) were collected from Passeriformes. This study provides the second record of A. varium in Pernambuco state and confirms that birds, especially Passeriformes, are important hosts for larvae and nymphs of Amblyomma spp. in the Atlantic Forest biome of Pernambuco.

Molecular diagnosis of avian viruses in grassland passerines and captive yellow cardinals Gubernatrix cristata in Brazil / Diagnóstico molecular de vírus aviários em passeriformes campestres e cardeais-amarelos Gubernatrix cristata cativos no Brasil

Avian influenza viruses (AIVs), Newcastle disease virus (NDV), West Nile virus (WNV), adenovirus (AV) and herpesvirus (HV) play an important role in the health of human and animal populations. However, knowledge of the prevalence of these viruses in wild birds is restricted to some groups (e.g. shorebirds) or regions worldwide. Information on grassland birds of South America, which is essential for their conservation, is scarce. The objectives of the present study were to evaluate occurrences of AIV, NDV, WNV, AV and HV for the first time in a bird community of a unique protected area in southern Brazil, which is home for the critically endangered yellow cardinal (Gubernatrix cristata), and captive yellow cardinals from fauna maintainers of the Brazilian Captive Program of the Yellow Cardinal. Passerine species of wild life were caught, identified and samples (swabs) were collected from the oropharynx and cloaca of 64 passerines of 26 species (including 3 yellow cardinals) and 30 yellow cardinals of captive, for molecular diagnosis. The samples were subjected to RNA and DNA extraction and the real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for AIV, NDV and WNV and nested PCR for AV and HV. One yellow cardinal of captive presented a positive result for AV, this result is important for planning, managing natural attributes and making decisions in relation to integrated conservation of threatened species. This is the first report of AV in yellow cardinal and epidemiological investigation of viruses in wild passerines of the Pampa biome, in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.(AU)

Os vírus da gripe aviária (VGA), vírus da doença de Newcastle (VDN), vírus do Nilo Ocidental (VNO), adenovírus (AV) e herpesvírus (HV) desempenham um papel importante na saúde das populações humana e animal. No entanto, o conhecimento da prevalência desses vírus em aves selvagens é restrito a alguns grupos (por exemplo, aves limícolas) ou regiões em todo o mundo. As informações sobre as aves campestres da América do Sul, essenciais para a sua conservação, são escassas. Os objetivos do presente estudo foram avaliar a ocorrência de VGA, VDN, VNO, AV e HV pela primeira vez em uma comunidade de aves de uma área única protegida no Sul do Brasil, que abriga o cardeal-amarelo (Gubernatrix cristata) criticamente ameaçado de extinção e em cardeais-amarelos de cativeiro dos mantenedores de fauna do Programa Brasileiro de Cativeiro do Cardeal-amarelo. Espécies de passeriformes silvestres foram capturadas, identificadas e amostras (swabs) foram coletadas da orofaringe e cloaca de 64 passeriformes de 26 espécies (incluindo 3 cardeais-amarelos) e 30 cardeais-amarelos de cativeiro, para diagnóstico molecular. As amostras foram submetidas à extração de RNA e DNA e à reação em cadeia da polimerase em tempo real (RT-PCR) para VGA, VDN e VNO e nested PCR para AV e HV. Um cardeal-amarelo de cativeiro apresentou resultado positivo para AV, este resultado é importante para o planejamento, manejo dos atributos naturais e tomada de decisões em relação à conservação integrada de espécies ameaçadas. Este é o primeiro relato de AV em cardeal-amarelo e de investigação epidemiológica de vírus em passeriformes silvestres do bioma Pampa, no Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil.(AU)

Molecular diagnosis of avian viruses in grassland passerines and captive yellow cardinals Gubernatrix cristata in Brazil

ABSTRACT: Avian influenza viruses (AIVs), Newcastle disease virus (NDV), West Nile virus (WNV), adenovirus (AV) and herpesvirus (HV) play an important role in the health of human and animal populations. However, knowledge of the prevalence of these viruses in wild birds is restricted to some groups (e.g. shorebirds) or regions worldwide. Information on grassland birds of South America, which is essential for their conservation, is scarce. The objectives of the present study were to evaluate occurrences of AIV, NDV, WNV, AV and HV for the first time in a bird community of a unique protected area in southern Brazil, which is home for the critically endangered yellow cardinal (Gubernatrix cristata), and captive yellow cardinals from fauna maintainers of the Brazilian Captive Program of the Yellow Cardinal. Passerine species of wild life were caught, identified and samples (swabs) were collected from the oropharynx and cloaca of 64 passerines of 26 species (including 3 yellow cardinals) and 30 yellow cardinals of captive, for molecular diagnosis. The samples were subjected to RNA and DNA extraction and the real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for AIV, NDV and WNV and nested PCR for AV and HV. One yellow cardinal of captive presented a positive result for AV, this result is important for planning, managing natural attributes and making decisions in relation to integrated conservation of threatened species. This is the first report of AV in yellow cardinal and epidemiological investigation of viruses in wild passerines of the Pampa biome, in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.

RESUMO: Os vírus da gripe aviária (VGA), vírus da doença de Newcastle (VDN), vírus do Nilo Ocidental (VNO), adenovírus (AV) e herpesvírus (HV) desempenham um papel importante na saúde das populações humana e animal. No entanto, o conhecimento da prevalência desses vírus em aves selvagens é restrito a alguns grupos (por exemplo, aves limícolas) ou regiões em todo o mundo. As informações sobre as aves campestres da América do Sul, essenciais para a sua conservação, são escassas. Os objetivos do presente estudo foram avaliar a ocorrência de VGA, VDN, VNO, AV e HV pela primeira vez em uma comunidade de aves de uma área única protegida no Sul do Brasil, que abriga o cardeal-amarelo (Gubernatrix cristata) criticamente ameaçado de extinção e em cardeais-amarelos de cativeiro dos mantenedores de fauna do Programa Brasileiro de Cativeiro do Cardeal-amarelo. Espécies de passeriformes silvestres foram capturadas, identificadas e amostras (swabs) foram coletadas da orofaringe e cloaca de 64 passeriformes de 26 espécies (incluindo 3 cardeais-amarelos) e 30 cardeais-amarelos de cativeiro, para diagnóstico molecular. As amostras foram submetidas à extração de RNA e DNA e à reação em cadeia da polimerase em tempo real (RT-PCR) para VGA, VDN e VNO e nested PCR para AV e HV. Um cardeal-amarelo de cativeiro apresentou resultado positivo para AV, este resultado é importante para o planejamento, manejo dos atributos naturais e tomada de decisões em relação à conservação integrada de espécies ameaçadas. Este é o primeiro relato de AV em cardeal-amarelo e de investigação epidemiológica de vírus em passeriformes silvestres do bioma Pampa, no Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil.

Molecular diagnosis of avian viruses in grassland passerines and captive yellow cardinals Gubernatrix cristata in Brazil / Diagnóstico molecular de vírus aviários em passeriformes campestres e cardeais-amarelos Gubernatrix cristata cativos no Brasil

Avian influenza viruses (AIVs), Newcastle disease virus (NDV), West Nile virus (WNV), adenovirus (AV) and herpesvirus (HV) play an important role in the health of human and animal populations. However, knowledge of the prevalence of these viruses in wild birds is restricted to some groups (e.g. shorebirds) or regions worldwide. Information on grassland birds of South America, which is essential for their conservation, is scarce. The objectives of the present study were to evaluate occurrences of AIV, NDV, WNV, AV and HV for the first time in a bird community of a unique protected area in southern Brazil, which is home for the critically endangered yellow cardinal (Gubernatrix cristata), and captive yellow cardinals from fauna maintainers of the Brazilian Captive Program of the Yellow Cardinal. Passerine species of wild life were caught, identified and samples (swabs) were collected from the oropharynx and cloaca of 64 passerines of 26 species (including 3 yellow cardinals) and 30 yellow cardinals of captive, for molecular diagnosis. The samples were subjected to RNA and DNA extraction and the real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for AIV, NDV and WNV and nested PCR for AV and HV. One yellow cardinal of captive presented a positive result for AV, this result is important for planning, managing natural attributes and making decisions in relation to integrated conservation of threatened species. This is the first report of AV in yellow cardinal and epidemiological investigation of viruses in wild passerines of the Pampa biome, in Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil.(AU)

Os vírus da gripe aviária (VGA), vírus da doença de Newcastle (VDN), vírus do Nilo Ocidental (VNO), adenovírus (AV) e herpesvírus (HV) desempenham um papel importante na saúde das populações humana e animal. No entanto, o conhecimento da prevalência desses vírus em aves selvagens é restrito a alguns grupos (por exemplo, aves limícolas) ou regiões em todo o mundo. As informações sobre as aves campestres da América do Sul, essenciais para a sua conservação, são escassas. Os objetivos do presente estudo foram avaliar a ocorrência de VGA, VDN, VNO, AV e HV pela primeira vez em uma comunidade de aves de uma área única protegida no Sul do Brasil, que abriga o cardeal-amarelo (Gubernatrix cristata) criticamente ameaçado de extinção e em cardeais-amarelos de cativeiro dos mantenedores de fauna do Programa Brasileiro de Cativeiro do Cardeal-amarelo. Espécies de passeriformes silvestres foram capturadas, identificadas e amostras (swabs) foram coletadas da orofaringe e cloaca de 64 passeriformes de 26 espécies (incluindo 3 cardeais-amarelos) e 30 cardeais-amarelos de cativeiro, para diagnóstico molecular. As amostras foram submetidas à extração de RNA e DNA e à reação em cadeia da polimerase em tempo real (RT-PCR) para VGA, VDN e VNO e nested PCR para AV e HV. Um cardeal-amarelo de cativeiro apresentou resultado positivo para AV, este resultado é importante para o planejamento, manejo dos atributos naturais e tomada de decisões em relação à conservação integrada de espécies ameaçadas. Este é o primeiro relato de AV em cardeal-amarelo e de investigação epidemiológica de vírus em passeriformes silvestres do bioma Pampa, no Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil.(AU)

A Novel and Divergent Gyrovirus with Unusual Genomic Features Detected in Wild Passerine Birds from a Remote Rainforest in French Guiana.

Sequence-independent amplification techniques have become important tools for virus discovery, metagenomics, and exploration of viral diversity at the global scale, especially in remote areas. Here, we describe the detection and genetic characterization of a novel gyrovirus, named GyV11, present in cloacal, oral, and blood samples from neotropical wild birds in French Guiana. The molecular epidemiology revealed the presence of GyV11 only in passerine birds from three different species at a low prevalence (0.73%). This is the first characterization and prevalence study of a gyrovirus carried out in resident wild bird populations in a remote region, and provides evidence of the fecal-oral route transmission and local circulation of the virus. The molecular phylogeny of gyroviruses reveals the existence of two distinct gyrovirus lineages in which GyV11 is phylogenetically distinct from previously reported gyroviruses. Furthermore, GyV11 is placed basal in the gyrovirus phylogeny, likely owing to its ancestral origin and marked divergence. This study also provides important insights into the ecology, epidemiology, and genomic features of gyroviruses in a remote neotropical rainforest. The pathogenesis of this virus in avian species or whether GyV11 can infect humans and/or chickens needs to be further investigated.

Terrestrial birds in coastal environments: metabolic rate and oxidative status varies with the use of marine resources.

Life in saline environments represents a major physiological challenge for birds, particularly for passerines that lack nasal salt glands and hence are forced to live in environments that do not contain salty resources. Increased energy costs associated with increased salt intake, which in turn increases the production of reactive oxygen species, is likely a major selection pressure for why passerines are largely absent from brackish and marine environments. Here we measured basal metabolic rates (BMR) and oxidative status of free-ranging individuals of three species of Cinclodes, a group of passerine birds that inhabit marine and freshwater habitats in Chile. We used a combination of carbon, nitrogen, and hydrogen isotope data from metabolically active (blood) and inert (feathers) tissues to estimate seasonal changes in marine resource use and infer altitudinal migration. Contrary to our expectations, the consumption of marine resources did not result in higher BMR values and higher oxidative stress. Specifically, the marine specialist C. nigrofumosus had lower BMR than the other two species (C. fuscus and C. oustaleti), which seasonally switch between terrestrial and marine resources. C. fuscus had significantly higher total antioxidant capacity than the other two species (C. nigrofumosus and C. oustaleti) that consumed a relatively high proportion of marine resources. Nearly all studies examining the effects of salt consumption have focused on intraspecific acclimation via controlled experiments in the laboratory. The mixed results obtained from field- and lab-based studies reflect our poor understanding of the mechanistic link among hydric-salt balance, BMR, and oxidative stress in birds.

Testing the niche variation hypothesis in a community of passerine birds.

The niche variation hypothesis (NVH) predicts that populations with broader niches should exhibit greater between-individual diet variation or individual specialization (IS) relative to populations with narrower niches. Most studies that quantify population niche widths and associated levels of IS typically focus on a single or few species, but studies examining NVH in a phylogenetically informed comparative analysis among species are lacking. Here we use nitrogen isotope (δ15 N) analysis to measure population niche widths and IS in a single bird community composed of 12 passerine species representing different foraging guilds. We found support for the NVH at the interspecific level; species with broader population niche widths were comprised of more individual specialists. Moreover, our results suggest that this relationship is influenced by foraging guild; specifically, omnivores have higher degrees of IS for a given population niche width than insectivores. Finally, the levels of IS among passerine species, in contrast to population niche width, were associated with their relatedness, suggesting that the potential phylogenetic effect on the prevalence of IS is higher than previously recognized.

A new coccidian, Isospora parnaitatiaiensis n. sp. (Apicomplexa, Eimeriidae), from the white-shouldered fire-eye Pyriglena leucoptera (Passeriformes, Thamnophilidae) from South America.

A new coccidian species (Protozoa: Apicomplexa: Isospora) parasitizing the white-shouldered fire-eye Pyriglena leucoptera (Vieillot, 1818) is described in the Parque Nacional do Itatiaia. This park is a protected area in southeastern Brazil with a high degree of vulnerability, representing a "conservation island" of biodiversity. Isospora parnaitatiaiensis n. sp. has oocysts that are ellipsoidal, 23.8 × 19.4 µm, with smooth, bilayered wall, ~1.1 µm thick. Micropyle and oocyst residuum are absent, but one or two polar granules are present. Sporocysts are ellipsoidal, 14.6 × 9.3 µm. The Stieda body is nipple- to knob-like and sub-Stieda body rounded to rectangular. Sporocyst residuum is present, usually as a cluster of numerous granules. Sporozoites are vermiform with two refractile bodies and a nucleus. This is the second isosporoid coccidian described from antbirds (Thamnophilidae).

Detection of bacteria and fungi and assessment of the molecular aspects and resistance of Escherichia coli isolated from confiscated passerines intended for reintroduction programs.

Many native bird species are currently considered rare in Brazil because they have been indiscriminately collected by animal traffickers and commercialized, leading to dwindling numbers in their natural habitats. Confiscated animals are at times destined for reintroduction programs that must ensure these animals do not pose a risk to native populations. Healthy or sick wild passerines may carry a great diversity of microorganisms. Therefore, knowledge of the sanitary status of confiscated animals destined for reintroduction is critical to assess whether these animals act as microorganism carriers and to investigate the epidemiology of transmissible diseases, a crucial aspect for animal and human health preservation. This study examined the occurrence of aerobic and facultative anaerobic bacteria and fungi in cloacal swabs collected from wild confiscated passerines intended for reintroduction programs. In vitro susceptibility tests of the most frequent isolates as well as studies of the molecular aspects of Escherichia coli isolates were also performed. There was microorganism growth in 62.5% of 253 samples. The microorganisms that were most frequently isolated were Staphylococcus spp. (15.0%), Micrococcus spp. (11.5%), E. coli (10.7%) and Klebsiella spp. (10.7%). Fifteen bacteria genera and seven fungi genera were isolated. Multidrug-resistance to antimicrobials was observed in Staphylococcus spp., Micrococcus spp., E. coli and Klebsiella spp. isolates. The high occurrence of Enterobacteria observed is possibly related to the sanitary conditions in which confiscated animals are usually kept. One E. coli sample (out of 27 isolates) was positive for the S-fimbrial adhesion encoding gene (sfa). Considering the low occurrence of genes that encode virulence factors, confiscated passerines may represent a low risk for the potential transmission of EPEC, APEC, UPEC and NMEC isolates to other animals or humans. The potential risk of intra- or inter-specific transmission of multidrug-resistant isolates and the introduction of these microorganisms into the environment must be considered, although there are still therapeutic alternatives for treatment of these animals among the antimicrobials which were tested. The stress and poor hygiene conditions imposed on animals during trafficking may have caused their contamination by multidrug-resistant agents transmitted by humans or by the precarious environment to which they were subjected. Risks related to the dissemination of Salmonella spp., Cryptococcus spp. and Candida spp. are low when reintroduction programs are considered.

Rickettsial infection in ticks from wild birds from Cerrado and the Pantanal region of Mato Grosso, midwestern Brazil.

The involvement of different species of ticks and wild animals, such as birds, play an important role in the epidemiology of tick-borne diseases. Birds may serve as reservoirs for some tick-borne diseases, and may carry and spread hematophagous ectoparasites mechanically. This study aimed to show the diversity of ticks on birds and molecular detection of rickettsial infection in ticks from Pantanal and Cerrado, two similar Brazilian biomes characterized by hydrological seasons. During two years, August 2012 to May 2014, ticks were collected from birds and from the environment in total of 14 visits for collecting samples, distributed in all hydrological seasons. A total of 674 birds were captured representing 113 species from 26 families. In total, 71 birds were parasitized (10.5%), and 155 ticks of the following 7 tick species (in decreasing order of prevalence) were identified: Amblyomma longirostre Koch, Amblyomma nodosum Neumann, Amblyomma cajennense Fabricius sensu lato (s.l.), Amblyomma calcaratum Neumann, Ornithodoros mimon Kohls, Clifford & Jones, Amblyomma ovale Koch, and Amblyomma triste Koch. Among free-living ticks collected in the environment, A. cajennense s.l. was the most common. This is the first occurrence of O. mimon on birds, and of A. triste on Passeriformes in Brazil. Molecular analyses revealed that 6 A. longirostre ticks were infected by 'Candidatus Rickettsia amblyommii', whereas 1 A. nodosum was infected by a Rickettsia parkeri-like agent, previously reported as Rickettsia sp. strain NOD. Spotted fever group (SFG) agents were, for the first time, reported in ticks from birds captured in Pantanal biome, and the potential involvement of these agents as human pathogens should be considered in further studies.

Barcoding Neotropical birds: assessing the impact of nonmonophyly in a highly diverse group.

In this study, we verified the power of DNA barcodes to discriminate Neotropical birds using Bayesian tree reconstructions of a total of 7404 COI sequences from 1521 species, including 55 Brazilian species with no previous barcode data. We found that 10.4% of species were nonmonophyletic, most likely due to inaccurate taxonomy, incomplete lineage sorting or hybridization. At least 0.5% of the sequences (2.5% of the sampled species) retrieved from GenBank were associated with database errors (poor-quality sequences, NuMTs, misidentification or unnoticed hybridization). Paraphyletic species (5.8% of the total) can be related to rapid speciation events leading to nonreciprocal monophyly between recently diverged sister species, or to absence of synapomorphies in the small COI region analysed. We also performed two series of genetic distance calculations under the K2P model for intraspecific and interspecific comparisons: the first included all COI sequences, and the second included only monophyletic taxa observed in the Bayesian trees. As expected, the mean and median pairwise distances were smaller for intraspecific than for interspecific comparisons. However, there was no precise 'barcode gap', which was shown to be larger in the monophyletic taxon data set than for the data from all species, as expected. Our results indicated that although database errors may explain some of the difficulties in the species discrimination of Neotropical birds, distance-based barcode assignment may also be compromised because of the high diversity of bird species and more complex speciation events in the Neotropics.

Fungal contamination and determination of fumonisins and aflatoxins in commercial feeds intended for ornamental birds in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

The purposes of this study were to determine the distribution of total mycobiota, to determine the occurrence of Aspergillus spp., Penicillium spp. and Fusarium spp. and to detect and quantify fumonisin B1 and aflatoxin B1 in birds' feedstuffs. Sixty samples from different commercial feeds were collected. Analysis of the total mycobiota was performed and total fungal counts were expressed as CFU g(-1). The isolation frequency (%) and relative density (%) of fungal genera and species were determined. Mycotoxins determination was carried out using commercial ELISA kits. The 48% of standard, 31% of premium and only 9% of super premium feed samples were found above of recommended limit (1 × 10(4) CFU g(-1)). Aspergillus (82%), Cladosporium (50%) and Penicillium (42%) were the most frequently isolated genera. Aspergillus niger aggregate (35%), Aspergillus fumigatus (28%) and Aspergillus flavus (18%) had the highest relative densities. Contamination with fumonisins was detected in 95% of total samples with levels from 0·92 to 6·68 µg g(-1), and the aflatoxins contamination was found in 40% of total samples with levels between 1·2 and 9·02 µg kg(-1). Feed samples contaminated with fumonisins and aflatoxins are potentially toxic to birds.

Population structuring of the endemic black-cheeked gnateater, Conopophaga melanops melanops (Vieillot, 1818) (Aves, Conopophagidae), in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest

Randomly amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers were used to analyze genetic differentiation among three populations of the endemic Black-cheeked Gnateater (Conopophaga melanops melanops) within a larger pristine reminiscent of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Analyses of molecular variance (AMOVA) (phiST = 0.13149, P < 0.0001) and the nonparametric test for homogeneity of the molecular variance (HOMOVA) (B = 0.32337; P = 0.0019) showed a statistically significant genetic divergence among the three Black-cheeked Gnateater populations in a continuous transect of 250 km. Some hypothetic explanations for these results are the sedentary nature of the species and the historical isolation of the populations in refuges during the Pleistocene. The present results suggest that the local populations were naturally differentiated along the entire original range before the recent process of massive deforestation.

Marcadores polimórficos de DNA amplificados ao acaso (RAPD) foram utilizados para analisar a diferenciação genética entre três populações do endêmico cuspidor-de-máscara preta (Conopophaga melanops melanops) de um amplo remanescente preservado da floresta Atlântica brasileira. Análises de Variância Molecular (AMOVA) (fiST = 0,13149, P < 0,0001) e o teste não paramétrico para a homogeneidade da variância molecular (HOMOVA) (B = 0,32337; P = 0,0019) comprovaram uma divergência genética significativa entre as três populações em um transecto contínuo de 250 km. Algumas explicações hipotéticas para estes resultados são a natureza sedentária da espécie e o isolamento histórico das populações em refúgios durante o Pleistoceno. Os presentes resultados sugerem que as populações locais foram diferenciadas naturalmente ao longo da distribuição original antes do recente processo de intenso desmatamento.

Terrestrial passerines in an Atlantic forest remnant of Southern Brazil

Microhabitats of four terrestrial passerines were studied in an Atlantic forest remnant of southern Brazil, in two areas (northern and southern) of the Mata dos Godoy State Park (PG). Grallaria varia and Hylopezus nattereri showed low abundance and occurred in only one PG area, while Chamaeza campanisona and Corythopis delalandi were recorded in two. The microhabitats of C. campanisona, G. varia, and H. nattereri had many large trees and a dense understory. Corythopis delalandi was in areas having few large trees.

Os microhábitats de quatro passeriformes de solo foram estudados no Parque Estadual Mata dos Godoy, um fragmento de floresta Atlântica no Sul do Brasil. Grallaria varia e Hylopezus nattereri apresentaram baixa abundância e ocorrência em apenas uma área do PG, enquanto Chamaeza campanisona e Corythopis delalandi foram registrados nas duas áreas. Os microhábitats de C. campanisona, G. varia e H. nattereri apresentaram muitas árvores de grande porte e um estrato inferior denso. O microhábitat de C. delalandi apresentou poucas árvores de grande porte.

Terrestrial passerines in an Atlantic forest remnant of Southern Brazil

Microhabitats of four terrestrial passerines were studied in an Atlantic forest remnant of southern Brazil, in two areas (northern and southern) of the Mata dos Godoy State Park (PG). Grallaria varia and Hylopezus nattereri showed low abundance and occurred in only one PG area, while Chamaeza campanisona and Corythopis delalandi were recorded in two. The microhabitats of C. campanisona, G. varia, and H. nattereri had many large trees and a dense understory. Corythopis delalandi was in areas having few large trees.

Os microhábitats de quatro passeriformes de solo foram estudados no Parque Estadual Mata dos Godoy, um fragmento de floresta Atlântica no Sul do Brasil. Grallaria varia e Hylopezus nattereri apresentaram baixa abundância e ocorrência em apenas uma área do PG, enquanto Chamaeza campanisona e Corythopis delalandi foram registrados nas duas áreas. Os microhábitats de C. campanisona, G. varia e H. nattereri apresentaram muitas árvores de grande porte e um estrato inferior denso. O microhábitat de C. delalandi apresentou poucas árvores de grande porte.

Colibacillosis in wild birds / Colibacilose em aves silvestres

Escherichia coli is a Gram-negative microorganism, belonging to the Enterobacteriaceae family, being ubiquitous in the environment and as part of the autochtonous intestinal flora in several mammals and some bird species. The term colibacillosis refers to any systemic or localized infection caused by avian pathogenic E.coli (APEC). In exotic and wild birds, the E. coli is considered as a secondary pathogen and the manifestations depend on the infection route and the cronicily of the infectious process, being mainly characterized by enteritis, colisepticaemia, chronic respiratory disease, salpingitis and coligranuloma. The isolation of Gram-negative bacteria in psittacines and frugivorous/granivorous passerines remains a question of great controversy in avian medicine, and there is not a common sense about the actual necessity of therapy with antibiotics.

A Escherichia coli e um microrganismo Gram-negativo pertencente a família Enterobacteriaceae, sendo onipresente no ambiente e parte da microbiota autóctone intestinal em muitos mamíferos e em algumas espécies de aves. O termo colibacilose aviaria refere-se a qualquer infecção sistêmica ou localizada causada par E.coli patogênicas para aves (APEC). Em aves ornamentais e silvestres a E. coli e considerada um pat6geno secundário e as manifestações dependem da porta de entrada do agente e cronicidade do processo infeccioso, podendo causar enterite, colisepticemia, doença respiratória crônica, salpingites e coligranulomas. O isolamento de E. coli em psitacídeos e passeriformes frugívoros/granívoros continua sendo uma questão de grande controvérsia na medicina aviaria, não havendo consenso sobre a necessidade de antibioticoterapia.

Colibacillosis in wild birds / Colibacilose em aves silvestres

Escherichia coli is a Gram-negative microorganism, belonging to the Enterobacteriaceae family, being ubiquitous in the environment and as part of the autochtonous intestinal flora in several mammals and some bird species. The term colibacillosis refers to any systemic or localized infection caused by avian pathogenic E.coli (APEC). In exotic and wild birds, the E. coli is considered as a secondary pathogen and the manifestations depend on the infection route and the cronicily of the infectious process, being mainly characterized by enteritis, colisepticaemia, chronic respiratory disease, salpingitis and coligranuloma. The isolation of Gram-negative bacteria in psittacines and frugivorous/granivorous passerines remains a question of great controversy in avian medicine, and there is not a common sense about the actual necessity of therapy with antibiotics.

A Escherichia coli e um microrganismo Gram-negativo pertencente a família Enterobacteriaceae, sendo onipresente no ambiente e parte da microbiota autóctone intestinal em muitos mamíferos e em algumas espécies de aves. O termo colibacilose aviaria refere-se a qualquer infecção sistêmica ou localizada causada par E.coli patogênicas para aves (APEC). Em aves ornamentais e silvestres a E. coli e considerada um pat6geno secundário e as manifestações dependem da porta de entrada do agente e cronicidade do processo infeccioso, podendo causar enterite, colisepticemia, doença respiratória crônica, salpingites e coligranulomas. O isolamento de E. coli em psitacídeos e passeriformes frugívoros/granívoros continua sendo uma questão de grande controvérsia na medicina aviaria, não havendo consenso sobre a necessidade de antibioticoterapia.