Reproduction and Captive-Breeding of Threatened Wild Birds

Published: Jan. 1, 2025

Language: Английский

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A bird in the hand: Global‐scale morphological trait datasets open new frontiers of ecology, evolution and ecosystem science

Ecology Letters, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 25(3), P. 573 - 580

Published: Feb. 24, 2022

The recent prominence of functional traits in ecological analyses is based on the premise that measurable attributes an organism's phenotype can take us beyond simple lists species and closer to valid tests mechanisms processes (Cadotte et al., 2011). However, full potential trait-based ecology evolutionary biology ultimately constrained by incomplete coverage completeness, particularly case morphological (Etard 2020). Filling these gaps data has proved challenging, with even best-sampled major taxonomic groups—such as vascular plants—still lacking comprehensive measurements for well over 50% worldwide (Hietz 2021; Kattge 2020; Violle 2014). A step now been taken towards addressing this challenge completion datasets containing multiple all 11000 bird (Tobias 2022). goal special issue present wider use alongside a series studies summarising advances analyses, highlighting their application research policy. most widely used macroecological macroevolutionary are categorical variables, mainly including information habitat, life-history or diet (Jones 2009; McLean Wilman These have highly influential, yet overall progress impeded because many relatively crude uninformative, reducing utility indices function (Kohli & Jarzyna, 2021). Moreover, they offer imperfect framework some statistical models phylogenetic since assigned same values distance between categories arbitrary. An obvious solution continuous vastly improve resolution (Chira 2018) metrics community assembly (Blonder 2018; Ricklefs Travis, 1980). To date, availability complete trait largely restricted body mass (Wilman 2014), which only weakly connected (Pigot hawk duck may share size, example, but tells very little about role ecosystem. Analyses more detailed compilations not possible outside few well-studied families, leading variety problems sampling bias inaccurate (Chang Mouillot Tobias Birds best opportunity address number reasons. First, richness (~11,000 species) far lower than plants, instance, offering achievable target. Second, birds distributed across oceans terrestrial biomes, where perform range key services (Şekercioǧlu, 2006). Third, visibility appeal, best-studied clade at global scale, extensive available distribution, abundance, life history almost (Bird Callaghan Sullivan 2014; Pigot, 2019; Fourth, morphology offers classic system investigating novel questions beaks, legs wings provide insight into trophic interactions, locomotion dispersal respectively (Dehling 2016; Trisos, Sheard Indeed, unique specific combinations shown predict characteristics, dietary niche foraging behaviour, greater accuracy alone (Kennedy Pigot al. power was initially established papers communities from 1960 onwards (e.g. Miles Ricklefs, 1984). Although were small samples (see 2022, Figure 1), provided conceptual foundation field 'ecomorphology' (Bock, 1994; Wainwright Reilly, 1994) turn drove subsequent (post-2000) development avian variables. Over last two decades, several groups compiled analysed gradually increasing targeting manageable hundred suboscines: Claramunt, 2010; corvides: Kennedy 2016) local assemblages Manu National Park, Peru: Dehling, Fritz, Bregman, 2016), recently spanning thousands Cooney 2017; Phillips resources until fragmented, raw incompatible unpublished. integrated resource broad utility, managers different joined forces merge work AVONET, compendium morphological, geographical published flagship article AVONET inspired success TRY plant database, potent catalyst high-impact ecosystem science decade (Kattge maximise likelihood similar positive impact, align Open Science principles (Gallagher 2020), released individual specimens averages, without restrictions access. degree, publication marks endpoint personal journey. My fascination began 1980s schoolboy walking tidelines powerlines Northumberland search corpses dismembering. I owe belated debt thanks my mother abiding bedroom shelves skulls cabinets loaded malodorous tarsi. But story extends that, deeper time. first iteration—AVONET 1.0—is truly international effort, vital expertise contributed 115 authors 106 institutions 30 countries. important shifts momentum occurred when project colleagues managing own datasets, Santiago Claramunt (Uruguay), Matthias Schleuning Susanne Fritz (Germany), Carsten Rahbek (Denmark), Gavin Thomas (United Kingdom) Gustavo Bravo (Colombia). common denominator among reliance museum specimens. Across whole, measured Natural History Museum, London American Museum History, New York, smaller further 76 collections Fig. 4). would contributions countless curators, assistants specimen collectors mid-1800s, luminaries them, Charles Darwin, Alfred Russell Wallace, Ernest Shackleton John James Audubon, whom prepared subsequently data. Ultimately, given importance well-preserved material ecology, monument crucial service it provides scientific human society general (Suarez Tsutsui, 2004). Many sources distilled summary contained AVONET. Using resource, anyone extract traits, spatial context any taxon assemblage—indeed, entire radiation extant birds. be fit models, test hypotheses, calculate biodiversity metrics, various dimensions diversity. Comprehensive validity methods increase scale applied. For executed well-sampled clades Drury 2014) also tracts tree (Crouch Tobias, Similarly, using quantify differences no longer limited 2013) applied (Drury Freeman 2022; 2018). feature presented alignment three alternative treatments: BirdLife International, Clements BirdTree In theory, will time-saver users, facilitating integration maps IUCN Red List data, eBird citizen-science (Sullivan phylogeny (Jetz 2012). Interoperability allows array addressed ways. following sections summarise applying fields along horizon-scan emerging opportunities. current 2012) perfect urgently requires update, nonetheless valuable tool analyses. Recent combining phylogenies downloaded elsewhere explored topics, interactions McEntee 2018), Crouch 2022) Benítez-López 2021) driving phenotypic evolution. With rapid ongoing improvement associated toolkit unparalleled template future kind. particular, there scope new wave focused intraspecific variation sex differences, both made open release underlying 90,000 Avian genomics another advancing frontier research, efforts sequence genomes underway (Jarvis, 2016). At rate progress, whole-genome assemblies soon sampled genera (>2000), putting forefront comparative (Stiller Zhang, 2019). play next phase programme, terms providing genome-wide association (GWAS) predictors exploring drivers demographic patterns responses deep time (Nogués-Bravo mapped scales reduced bias. such included gradients dispersal-related (Sheard 2020) island colonisation driver predictable trajectories evolution—the so-called 'island rule' (Benítez-López Further needed explore numerous other putative ecogeographical patterns, Bergmann's Allen's rules, detail. up possibility partitioning effects components phenotype, trophic, locomotory traits. Quantification niches via help illuminate complex (McGill 2006; Trisos well-established connection suggests inferred structure communities. Until recently, approaches estimating sensitive biases Bregman This morphometric 3-d scanning beaks thousand (Hughes 2022), while sufficiently estimate sites Cannon Chapman continental Sol Stewart Movement—or dispersal—is cross-cutting theme relevance biological questions. promising hand-wing index (HWI), metric wing-shape related flight efficiency ability (Claramunt, calculations HWI linear wing (wing chord secondary length). earlier versions demonstrated shaping allopatric speciation (Claramunt build-up alpha diversity 2015). Other ideas fields, (Menezes Palaoro, Stoddard 2017) conservation (Thaxter 2017). updated prove useful model analysis testing hypotheses dispersal, wherein needs accounted for. forecasting under climate change scenarios (Stewart Zooming assemblage-level brings set opportunities focus. relationships validates divergence expansion invasion species. results previous inconclusive, suggesting similarity either constrain promote coexistence (Sol depending context. exploration warranted (HWI) extent overlaps, predictive macroecology biogeography While understanding goal, applications research. Correlative hundreds investigate whether Neate-Clegg techniques developed begun how affected (Bender urbanisation agricultural (Cannon Rurangwa approach give insights turnover states. invasive oceanic islands does offset loss through anthropogenic extinctions (Sayol Similar ripe investigation global-change contexts. impact environmental communities, awareness drive changes particular (Ryding One example idea consistent evolution, selection sizes higher temperatures (Weeks addition metadata, should allow thorough trends, tracked centuries dated Another line involves quantification trait–environment relationships. If then correlative forecast biomes (Boonman Enquist could indeed combination multi-trophic perspective. Trait-matching levels monitor (Schleuning empirical steps target local-scale plants projections (Nowak feasible scale. Assemblage-based incorporate assess impacts threats vary landscape contexts, highlight land-use management practices minimise damage reveal inverse relationship extinction risk, strategies ecosystems effective preventing Diversity plugged multi-level clarify dynamics Purves provision Díaz 2013). paves way rethink indicators. disturbed landscapes compared against undisturbed baselines intactness, calculated partitioned delivering services, seed (by frugivores) pest control invertivores). indicators habitat quality health, untapped commercial governmental policy settings, instance identify offsets (Gamarra nature-based solutions (Seddon Now we appropriate hand, implementing outputs required. Among ambitious visions those proposing fuller resolved quantitative 2013; Tilman 1997). linking metabolic allometric scaling basis theory scaled understand (Enquist objectives brought reach approaches—loosely defined biogeography—involves mapping geographic distribution animal form (Violle uses matching mediated kinds interaction networks, connecting producers plants) consumers birds). Previous assumed (Bregman Töpfer Dehling globally McFadden Finally, network improve, apply develop assessing correlations large (Albrecht Wilkes 1.0 respects, beginning. Progress 2.0 underway, behavioural nearing completion. There plenty improving Deeper area required, dates collection specimens, adaptation changing environments space iterations include spectrum correlated niches, light intensity (predicted eye size; Ausprey thermal constraints plumage colour reflectance; Medina Amassing require collective effort amateur ornithologists: everyone welcome join measurement expanding protocol Supplementary material). Two limitations worth mentioning. quantified simplistic which, capture axes beak shape (length, width depth) accounting subtle aspects like curvature. curvature perhaps irrelevant factor systems, coevolution hummingbird flower corollas (Leimberger Data parameters accessed parallel openly issue: Macrobird database beak-shape on-screen landmarks scans contains extinct species, taxa currently missing. Some gap achieved measuring Sayol bridge fossil focusing comparable tarsus skeletal characters). already unexpected ways, asking what characteristics explain cultural people (Echeverri creative doubt arise rapidly covering wide species-level information. eBird, access millions georeferenced observations worldwide, allowing fine-grained monitoring occurrence population trends (McEntee addition, interface databases demography Salguero-Gómez off horizon, enticing, vision online consisting interconnected interoperable architecture connections animals navigated quantified. fieldwork conducted decades involved collecting expeditions mist-netting surveys. ornithologists. Building efforts, ready-made teaching desk-based lab-based settings. preceding pointers breadth undergraduate post-graduate projects. During lockdowns, seasons, training courses, lab practicals in-person put hold Covid-19 pandemic, global-scale came its own, continue home. PhD projects changed tack redesigned coursework masters modules. uses, students devise conserving gives multi-purpose, lockdown-proof materials internet Major macroevolution catalysed arrival ranges (Orme 2006) near-complete 2012), together allowed identified datasets. revolutionise evolution assembly, informative response By presenting diverse radiation, takes integrative 2011; conjunction re-invigorate (Mouquet 2015), sophisticated corporate strategies, treaties frameworks (Díaz author Ben Freeman, David Nogues-Bravo, Ken Norris, Alex Rob Salguero-Gómez, Eliot Miller, Schleuning, Nathalie Seddon, Catherine feedback discussion.

Language: Английский

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Citizen science data reveal altitudinal movement and seasonal ecosystem use by hummingbirds in the Andes Mountains

Ecography, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 2024(3)

Published: Dec. 12, 2023

Ensuring connectivity is crucial to protect landscapes but it requires knowledge about how animals use ecosystems throughout the year. However, animal movements remain largely unknown in biodiversity hotspots, even for species that fulfill key ecological roles, as case of hummingbirds Andes. In complex topography mountain slopes, movement these avian pollinators may occur either between habitat patches with asynchronous plant blooms or across are located within same elevation bands along altitudinal gradients. Here, we used two decades (2000–2020) records from citizen science data and boosted regression trees predict monthly distributions 55 hummingbird We identified shifts distribution contiguous months calculated changes proportion predicted occupied by ecosystem types. Our findings reveal substantial differences types utilized year had not been previously reported several species. Yet magnitude varies clades, some cases estimated occurs little variation altitude. All Andes show temporal occurrence, higher natural compared croplands urban areas. Finally, phylogenetic logistic test whether affect population trends. found seasonality more strongly associated decreasing populations comparison shifts. Altogether, our study reveals patterns highlights importance different More generally, demonstrates opportunity using increase understanding species' seasonal occurrences, so can be better managed movement. Keywords: trees, eBird, connectivity, models

Language: Английский

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Species morphology better predicts plant–hummingbird interactions across elevations than nectar traits

Proceedings of the Royal Society B Biological Sciences, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 291(2031)

Published: Sept. 1, 2024

Species traits greatly influence interactions between plants and pollinators where floral nectar is the primary energy source fostering this mutualism. However, very little known about how mediate in pollination networks compared with morphological traits. Here, we evaluated role of shaping plant–hummingbird interaction along an elevation gradient. For this, assessed patterns phenotypic network properties plant species across elevations Costa Rica. We also analysed whether generalized flower are ecological generalists trait matching versus affect interactions. found marked variation abundance hummingbird-visited 10 sites did not find evidence for a relationship morphology or generalization species. Plant–hummingbird frequency increased when lengths hummingbird bill corolla were similar, indicating matching, whereas unrelated to While may play difficult-to-detect secondary within networks, our results reinforce idea that important factor structuring communities.

Language: Английский

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Nectar feeding beyond the tongue: hummingbirds drink using phase-shifted bill opening, flexible tongue flaps and wringing at the tips

Journal of Experimental Biology, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 226(Suppl_1)

Published: April 3, 2023

ABSTRACT Hummingbirds are the most speciose group of vertebrate nectarivores and exhibit striking bill variation in association with their floral food sources. To explicitly link comparative feeding biomechanics to hummingbird ecology, deciphering how they move nectar from tongue throat is as important understanding this liquid collected. We employed synced, orthogonally positioned, high-speed cameras describe movements, backlight filming track displacements intraorally. reveal that base plays a central role fluid handling, neither just passive vehicle taking inside flower nor static tube for flow into throat. Instead, we show actually dynamic device an unexpected pattern opening closing its tip base. three complementary mechanisms: (1) distal wringing: wrung out soon it retracted upon protrusion, near where intraoral capacity decreased when tips closed; (2) raking: filling cavity moved mouthwards by base, leveraging flexible flaps, retraction; (3) basal expansion: more released oral cavity, open (phase-shifted opening), increasing facilitate towards

Language: Английский

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Variable evidence for convergence in morphology and function across avian nectarivores

Journal of Morphology, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 283(12), P. 1483 - 1504

Published: Sept. 5, 2022

Abstract Nectar‐feeding birds provide an excellent system in which to examine form‐function relationships over evolutionary time. There are many independent origins of nectarivory birds, and nectar feeding is a lifestyle with inherent biophysical constraints. We review the morphology function apparatus, locomotor digestive renal systems across avian nectarivores goals synthesizing available information identifying extent different aspects anatomy have morphologically functionally converged. In doing so, we systematically tabulated occurrence putative adaptations created what is, our knowledge, first comprehensive summary body taxa. also phylogenetically informed estimate number times has evolved within Aves. Based on this synthesis existing identify current knowledge gaps suggestions for future research questions methods data collection that will increase understanding distribution bodily taxa, relationship between those ecological factors. hope serve as landmark state field, prompting investigators begin collecting new addressing heretofore been impossible answer about ecology, evolution, functional nectarivory.

Language: Английский

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Plantation forestry of Alder-leaf Birch (Betula alnoides) affects composition but not interactions of mixed-species bird flocks in southwestern China

Biological Conservation, Journal Year: 2024, Volume and Issue: 293, P. 110595 - 110595

Published: April 25, 2024

Human disturbance impacts mixed-species bird flocks ("flocks"). Unfortunately, the impact on by one large-scale disturbance, plantation forestry, has remained little explored. We examined how forestry of a widespread yet understudied timber species, Alder-leaf Birch (Betula alnoides, "birch"), affects composition and interactions in Indo-Burma biodiversity hotspot southwestern China. conducted transect surveys to sample birch plantations natural forests two age classes (mature young). While flock size species richness per were similar across land-use types, rarefied accounting for unequal sampling effort was noticeably higher mature forests. Furthermore, differed with differences related species' morphological characteristics, dietary preferences, foraging substrates. Specifically, supported participants large bodies, poor dispersal ability, fruit-eating diet. offered equal support invertivores as both forests, additional bark foragers. Lastly, among flocking quantified social network metrics suggesting that perserved behavior itself. Our study reveals conservation potential supporting invertivorous birds preserving flocks. More importantly, it highlights irreplaceability because their unique composition. recommend promoting planting without compromising local economies protecting remnant through education programs continued research.

Language: Английский

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Behavioural and morphological traits influence sex‐specific floral resource use by hummingbirds

Journal of Animal Ecology, Journal Year: 2022, Volume and Issue: 91(11), P. 2171 - 2180

Published: May 21, 2022

Research on resource partitioning in plant-pollinator mutualistic systems is mainly concentrated at the levels of species and communities, whereas differences between males females are typically ignored. Nevertheless, pollinators often show large sexual behaviour morphology, which may lead to sex-specific patterns use with potential differentially affect plant reproduction diversification. We investigated variation behavioural morphological traits sexes hummingbird as mechanisms underlying flower ecological communities. To do so, we compiled a dataset plant-hummingbird interactions based pollen loads for 31 from 13 localities across Americas, complemented by data territorial (territorial or non-territorial) (bill length, bill curvature, wing length body mass). assessed extent intersexual niche breadth overlap floral species. Then, tested whether associated dimorphism while accounting evolutionary relatedness among found striking sex. Females had broader were more dissimilar visited respect same species, resulting high level sexes. that both territoriality related Notably, was greater than non-territorial moreover, negatively curvature These results reveal importance sex likely be an important mechanism reduce competition hummingbirds. findings highlight need better understanding putative role shaping communities.La investigación sobre la partición de recursos en los sistemas mutualistas planta-polinizador se concentra principalmente niveles especies y comunidades, mientras que las diferencias entre machos hembras suelen ser ignoradas. Sin embargo, polinizadores mostrar grandes sexuales su comportamiento morfología, lo puede dar lugar patrones específicos uso para cada sexo con el potencial afectar forma diferencial reproducción diversificación plantas. Se estudió variación rasgos morfológicos sexos colibríes como posibles mecanismos explican florales comunidades ecológicas. Para ello, recopiló un conjunto datos interacciones planta-colibrí base cargas polen localidades Américas, además o no territorial) (longitud curvatura del pico, longitud ala masa corporal). evaluaron intersexuales amplitud solapamiento nicho distintas colibríes. Posteriormente, comprobó si están asociados dimorfismo colibríes, teniendo cuenta parentesco evolutivo especies. encontraron notables sexos. Las presentaron una mayor fueron más disímiles plantas visitadas respecto misma especie, resultó alto nivel encontró tanto territorialidad relacionados por En particular, fue territoriales y, además, asoció negativamente pico Estos resultados revelan importancia conductuales según es probablemente mecanismo importante reducir competencia ponen manifiesto necesidad comprender mejor rol tiene interacción

Language: Английский

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Comparative nectar dynamics in four ornithophilous Melocactus (Cactaceae) species in a seasonally dry tropical forest

Plant Species Biology, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 38(3), P. 144 - 153

Published: Jan. 12, 2023

Abstract Nectar is an important floral resource, often representing the only source of water for pollinators in arid environments. We investigated whether successive nectar removal would affect production dynamics four Melocactus species growing Caatinga domain. was serially extracted from flowers times per day at regular 60‐min intervals after anthesis. The cactus showed a consistent pattern secretion linked to ornithophily, with no significant responses and reabsorption. covered entire period anthesis, starting 2:30 p.m. continuing 5:30 p.m., 11–38 μl flower, sugar concentrations 10%–32% (3–16 mg sugar). Individual produced average amounts 16.9–3.43 day, corresponding energy values 0.06–0.28 kJ. Sympatric populations 150–200 day. by can therefore meet daily needs hummingbirds, which special importance during dry season, when resources are scarce Caatinga.

Language: Английский

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Local adaptation to hummingbirds and bees in Salvia stachydifolia: insights into pollinator shifts in a Southern Andean sage

Annals of Botany, Journal Year: 2023, Volume and Issue: 132(6), P. 1119 - 1130

Published: Aug. 24, 2023

Abstract Background and Aims Differences among populations in pollinator assemblages can lead to local adaptation mosaics which plants evolve different floral morphologies attractive traits. Mountain habitats may promote because of differences environmental conditions with altitude, causing changes pollinators, mountaintops act as isolated habitats. We studied if the shape, size nectar traits Salvia stachydifolia be attributed variations relative contribution hummingbirds insects. Methods eight S. natural under common garden conditions, assess whether population have a genetic component. recorded their behaviour visitation rates, characterized assemblages. In addition, we measured volume concentration, collected flowers describe shape variation using geometric morphometric methods. then applied an unsupervised learning algorithm identify ecotypes based on Finally, explored had climatic and/or elevation preferences. Key Results found that identity main pollinators was associated all traits, expected scenario. These persisted garden, suggesting they were not due phenotypic plasticity. pollinated either by bees, or mixed pollination. identified two correspond guilds, irrespective climate altitude. Conclusions Variation did follow any evident association bioclimatic factors, diverged product historical isolation mountaintops. suggest point incipient speciation ongoing shift.

Language: Английский

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