| herpersvirus strigis: host spectrum and distribution in infected owls. | herpesvirus strigis, a new species of the genus herpesvirus, is a pathogen for several species of owls in the order srigiformes. natural infection has been observed in the eagle owl (bubo bubo l.), long-eared owl (asio otus l.) and snowy owl (nyctea scandiaca l.) in addition the little owl (athene noctua scopolic) and tengmalms owl (aegolius funereus l.) was experimentally infected. on the other hand the tawny owl (strix aluco l.) and barn owl (tyto albo scopoli) proved resistant to a massive ex ... | 1975 | 167204 |
| [importance of the fox (vulpes vulpes) in the transmission of sarcosporidiosis from the steinbock (capra ibex) at the gran paradiso national park]. | sarcosporidiasis is a very common infection of steinbocks (capra ibex) and chamois (rupicapra rupicapra) of gran paradiso national park, italian western alps, frequently with serious cardiac involvement. no dogs or cats are allowed inside the park, to the contrary foxes (vulpes vulpes) are present every where, near steinbocks and chamois, and eat on the bodies of dead animals. feces of vulpes vulpes were collected in the same area, where the infected capra ibex used for the following experiment ... | 1975 | 823518 |
| the species of mallophaga in wild birds in iran. | up to date 2 species of mallophaga have been reported from birds in iran. further studies in tehran area showed that the wild birds harbour more lice. the following species of mallophage are reported for the first time from birds in iran. anaticola crassicornis from anas clypeata, laemobothrion maximum from falco tinnunculus laemobothrion sp. from aquila chrysaetos alcedoecus annulatus from alcedo athis, colpocephalum pectinatum and strigiphilus sp. from streptopelia turtur, amrysidea fulvomacul ... | 1975 | 1243890 |
| use of recombinant vaccinia-rabies glycoprotein virus for oral vaccination of wildlife against rabies: innocuity to several non-target bait consuming species. | the pathogenicity of a vaccinia recombinant virus expressing the rabies glycoprotein (vvtggrab) was tested in several wild animal species which could compete with the natural rabies host, the red fox (vulpes vulpes) in consuming vaccine baits in europe. the following species were included in this study: wild boar (sus scrofa), eurasian badger (meles meles), wood mouse (apodemus sylvaticus), yellow-necked mouse (apodemus flavicollis), bank vole (clethrionomys glareolus), common vole (microtus arv ... | 1989 | 2681844 |
| activities and toxicological significance of hepatic microsomal enzymes of the kestrel (falco tinnunculus) and sparrowhawk (accipiter nisus). | activities of hepatic microsomal monooxygenase and epoxide hydrolase in sparrowhawks and kestrels were determined using organochlorine substrates. monooxygenase activities were low in the kestrel and very low in the sparrowhawk compared to those in the male rat, down to environmentally realistic substrate concentrations. epoxide hydrolase activities were very low in both species. these activities are discussed in relation to feeding ecology and susceptibility to organochlorine pollutants. | 1987 | 2882937 |
| the role of birds as definitive hosts and intermediate hosts of heteroxenous coccidians. | sarcocystis-like oocysts-sporocysts were found in four species of owls (asio otus, bubo bubo, strix aluco, and tyto alba) and in five species of predatory birds (accipiter gentilis, accipiter nisus, buteo buteo, circus aeruginosus, falco tinnunculus). in addition, the muscles of 15 of 41 (36.5%) pheasants (phasianus colchicus) and one of two jays (garrulus glandarius) were found to harbor three types of sarcocystis. three of 15 (20%) infected pheasants had type i cystozoites (6-8 x 2 microns) in ... | 1984 | 6439858 |
| [tuberculosis in raptorial birds. clinical cases and differential diagnosis]. | four cases of avian tuberculosis in two goshawks (accipiter gentilis gentilis), a lanner falcon (falco biarmicus sp.) and a kestrel (falco tinnunculus tinnunculus) are reported. all birds, except for the kestrel, were affected with generalized tuberculosis. clinically, the lanner falcon and kestrel showed lameness due to tuberculous arthritis of a knee joint. one of the goshawks died suddenly. on post-mortem examination, the bird was found to be emaciated, and there was involvement of one knee j ... | 1982 | 7135364 |
| [parasites of austrian birds of prey (falconiformes)]. | during the examination of 158 birds of prey -- buteo buteo (85), falco tinnunculus (30), accipiter gentilis (19), accipiter nisus (18), circus aeruginosus (2), circus pygargus (1), pandion haliaetus (1), pernis apivorus (1), falco subbuteo (1) and faeces samples of falco tinnunculus 4 protozoan species, 1 trematode species, 2 cestode species, 13 nematode species, 2 acanthocephalan species and 5 mallophaga species could be detected. in the buzzard, kestrel and goshawk a new species of capillaria ... | 1980 | 7212374 |
| quantification of residual virulence of the vnukovo-32/107 rabies virus vaccination strain. | the present work summarizes the results of 11 groups of experiments carried out with the aim to complexly quantify the residual virulence of a cold mutant of the vnukovo-32/107 rabies virus vaccination strain intended for the preparation of an oral rabies vaccine (kamark) for the immunization of free-living carnivores. according to who prescriptions, residual virulence was quantified in experiments on carnivores, mainly red foxes (vulpes vulpes)--the presumed target species, and farm-bred polar ... | 1995 | 7740717 |
| environmental exposure and distribution of lead in four species of raptors in southeastern spain. | the purpose of this study was to monitor exposure to lead in four species of raptors in southeastern spain (murcia region). samples of liver, kidney, brain, blood, and bone from two species of diurnal raptors (european kestrel (falco tinnunculus) and european buzzard (buteo buteo)) and two species of nocturnal raptors (eagle owl (bubo bubo) and little owl (athene noctua)) were obtained during 1994. relationships were found between size and age of the birds, the nearness to areas of human activit ... | 1997 | 9216874 |
| avian polymavirus in wild birds: genome analysis of isolates from falconiformes and psittaciformes. | avian polyomavirus (apv) infections have been reported to cause fatal disease in a wide range of psittacine species. here we demonstrate apv infections in buzzards (buteo buteo) and in a falcon (falco tinnunculus) found dead in germany, and in lovebirds (agapornis pullaria) with fatal disease, wild-caught in moçambique. apv infection in buzzards was determined by pcr amplification of parts of the viral genome followed by southern blot hybridisation. the genomes of the isolates obtained from the ... | 1998 | 9739329 |
| production of a falcon herpesvirus vaccine. | ten common kestrels (falco tinnunculus) were used for this falcon herpes vaccine experiment. four kestrels were subcutaneously given 1 ml of an attenuated falcon herpesvirus that had originally been isolated from the liver of an american prairie falcon (falco mexicanus). this virus was then passaged 100 times on chicken embryo fibroblast cells (cef-cells). another 4 kestrels were given subcutaneously an inactivated falcon herpesvirus vaccine derived from the same american field strain. this vacc ... | 1999 | 10507183 |
| p,p'-dde residues in eggs of european kestrel falco tinnunculus from tenerife, canary islands, spain. | | 2000 | 11080359 |
| experimental transmission of caryospora kutzeri (apicomplexa: eimeriidae) by rodent hosts. | four laboratory-hatched european kestrels falco tinnunculus l. were fed on laboratory mice and common voles microtus arvalis pallas previously inoculated with different doses of sporulated oocysts of caryospora kutzeri böer, 1982. two kestrels that were fed infected mice shed c. kurtzeri oocysts 6 days after ingesting murine tissues. to compare direct and indirect transmissions, two of the kestrels were subsequently directly inoculated with 10(5) sporulated c. kutzeri oocysts and became patent o ... | 2001 | 11266130 |
| [occurrence of parasites in indigenous birds of prey and owls]. | in the present paper a general overview on parasites in birds of prey and owls is given. this part is followed by a study investigating the prevalences and species of parasites in free-ranging birds of prey and owls in berlin and brandenburg state, germany. over a one year period, 84 birds of prey and owls of the following species were examined for the presence of endo- and ectoparasites: common buzzard (buteo buteo) (n = 32), kestrel (falco tinnunculus) (n = 20), sparrowhawk (accipiter nisus) ( ... | 2002 | 11852683 |
| trypanosoma avium of raptors (falconiformes): phylogeny and identification of vectors. | avian trypanosomes are widespread parasites of birds, the transmission of which remains mostly unclear, with various blood-sucking insects mentioned as possible vectors. a search for vectors of trypanosomes of sparrowhawk (accipiter nisus), buzzard (buteo buteo), lesser-spotted eagle (aquila pomarina) and kestrel (falco tinnunculus) was performed in czech and slovak republics. black flies (eusimulium spp.), hippoboscid flies (ornithomyia avicularia), mosquitoes (culex pipiens pipiens) and biting ... | 2002 | 12358422 |
| newcastle disease virus and chlamydia psittaci in free-living raptors from eastern germany. | organ samples from free-living raptors from the federal states of berlin and brandenburg in eastern germany were tested for newcastle disease virus (ndv; n = 331) and chlamydia psittaci (n = 39) by polymerase chain reaction (pcr). in 18 individuals ndv nucleic acids were detected. these samples originated from barn owls (tyto alba; n = 15, 28%), tawny owl (strix aluco; n = 1, 5%), common buzzard (buteo buteo, n = 1, 1%), and european kestrel (falco tinnunculus; n = 1, 4%). in 29 (74%) of 39 samp ... | 2003 | 12685068 |
| experimental infection of the buzzard (buteo buteo l.) and the kestrel (falco tinnunculus l.) with tick-borne encephalitis virus. | | 1963 | 13973673 |
| identifying pollution hot spots from polychlorinated biphenyl residues in birds of prey. | techniques for determining whether patterns of points are random, clustered, or dispersed are well established; however, when the magnitude of the attribute at each location is also important, the situation is more problematic. the concentration of polychlorinated biphenyls (pcbs) in the livers of eurasian sparrowhawks accipiter nisus and common kestrels falco tinnunculus has been determined for birds from all over great britain for several decades and forms a unique database. when mapped, there ... | 2003 | 14552018 |
| helminth fauna of falconiform and strigiform birds of prey in galicia, northwest spain. | this is a survey of the helminth fauna of 285 individuals of 14 species of birds of prey (falconiformes and strigiformes) from galicia (northwest spain), namely buteo buteo, accipiter nisus, a. gentilis, milvus migrans, m. milvus, pernis apivorus, circus pygargus, falco tinnunculus, f. peregrinus, f. subbuteo, tyto alba, strix aluco, asio otus and athene noctua. a total of 15 helminth species were detected, namely 8 nematodes ( eucoleus dispar, capillaria tenuissima, synhimantus laticeps, microt ... | 2004 | 14714181 |
| helminths isolated from the digestive tract of diurnal raptors in catalonia, spain. | the prevalence of parasitic helminths in the digestive tract of 119 diurnal raptors (falconiformes), which had died in a wildlife rehabilitation centre in catalonia, was studied. the birds belonged to 13 species, with 100 of them (84 per cent) being kestrels (falco tinnunculus), buzzards (buteo buteo), sparrowhawks (accipiter nisus) and goshawks (accipiter gentilis). ninety-five of the birds (79.8 per cent) were infected with helminths. nematodes were the most frequently found helminth (75.6 per ... | 2004 | 14725424 |
| a twelve-month study of west nile virus antibodies in a resident and a migrant species of kestrels in israel. | two species of kestrel, the common and lesser, were caught each month at three geographically defined locations in israel over a 12-month period, and a total of 306 blood samples were examined for west nile virus neutralizing antibodies. the prevalences and mean antibody titers were analyzed statistically by the multiple linear regression model and were shown to be significantly affected by two of the independent variables, location and age of the bird. the season had no overall effect on preval ... | 2004 | 15018769 |
| arsenic residues in predatory birds from an area of britain with naturally and anthropogenically elevated arsenic levels. | birds of prey forage over large areas and so might be expected to accumulate contaminants which are elevated but heterogeneously distributed in the general environment. the aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that arsenic levels in raptors from a region with elevated environmental arsenic concentrations were higher than those in birds from an uncontaminated part of britain. arsenic concentrations in the liver, kidney and muscle of kestrels, falco tinnunculus, sparrowhawks, accipiter nis ... | 1999 | 15093063 |
| factors influencing liver pcb concentrations in sparrowhawks (accipiter nisus), kestrels (falco tinnunculus) and herons (ardea cinerea) in britain. | large scale temporal and spatial changes in the exposure of terrestrial vertebrates to pcbs have been monitored in the uk by measuring liver residues in sparrowhawks (accipiter nisus), kestrels (falco tinnunculus) and grey herons (ardea cinerea) from throughout the country. residues in the three species are typically characterised by large intra- and inter-specific variation. data for 306 sparrowhawks, 186 kestrels and 47 herons collected between 1992 and 1997 as part of a national predatory bir ... | 2004 | 15276272 |
| plasma b-esterase activities in european raptors. | b-esterases are serine hydrolases composed of cholinesterases, including acetylcholinesterase (ache) and butyrylcholinesterase (bche), and carboxylesterase (cbe). these esterases, found in blood plasma, are inhibited by organophosphorus (op) and carbamate (cb) insecticides and can be used as nondestructive biomarkers of exposure to anticholinesterase insecticides. furthermore, b-esterases are involved in detoxification of these insecticides. in order to establish the level of these enzymes and t ... | 2005 | 15827224 |
| environmental lead exposure in the european kestrel (falco tinnunculus) from southeastern spain: the influence of leaded gasoline regulations. | | 2005 | 15841972 |
| salmonella isolates from wild birds and mammals in the basque country (spain). | the authors investigated the prevalence of salmonella spp. in 205 wild birds and mammals belonging to 45 species during the years 2001 and 2002 in the basque country (spain). salmonella was isolated from 16 (7.8%) animals. the prevalence was 8.5% (7/82) in birds, and 7.2% (9/123) in mammals. nine serotypes, all of them belonging to the species salmonella enterica, were identified: two isolates of typhimurium (from 1/3 griffon vultures [gyps fulvus], and 1/5 sparrowhawks [accipiter nisus]); one o ... | 2004 | 15861885 |
| brominated flame retardants and organochlorine pollutants in aquatic and terrestrial predatory birds of belgium: levels, patterns, tissue distribution and condition factors. | liver and muscle samples from 7 species of aquatic and terrestrial predatory birds from flanders (belgium) were analysed for polychlorinated biphenyls (pcbs), polybrominated diphenylethers (pbdes) and organochlorine pesticides (ocps). pcbs were the predominant compounds in our samples, which showed highest concentrations in the liver of barn owl (tyto alba) and sparrowhawk (accipiter nisus) (up to 1000 microg/g lipid weight). pbdes could be determined in most samples at lower concentrations than ... | 2006 | 16005130 |
| role of birds of prey as carriers and spreaders of cryptococcus neoformans and other zoonotic yeasts. | in the last 20 years, cases of human cryptococcosis, have increased in immunocompromised patients. in several instances, the cases have been associated with the exposure of the patients to bird droppings. in order to investigate birds of prey as potential carriers and spreaders of cryptococcus neoformans and other yeasts of importance in human infections, 182 swab samples were collected from the cloacae of several species of birds of prey (group i) and 32 faecal samples from aviaries in which th ... | 2006 | 16966165 |
| ultrasonographic and computed tomographic examinations of the avian eye: physiologic appearance, pathologic findings, and comparative biometric measurement. | ultrasonography (us) and computed tomography (ct) were performed after routine ophthalmologic and ophthalmoscopic examinations in 190 eyes of six various diurnal (common buzzard [buteo buteo l., 1758], n = 20; common kestrel [tinnunculus tinnunculus l., 1758], n = 20) and nocturnal raptor species (barn owl [tyto alba l., 1758], n = 22; tawny owl [strix aluco l., 1758], n = 8; long-eared owl [asio otus l., 1758], n = 5; horned owl [bubo bubo l., 1758], n = 1); and domestic pigeons (columba livia, ... | 2006 | 17009515 |
| examination of mercury concentration in the feathers of 18 species of birds in southwest iran. | this paper presents the levels of mercury (hg) in tail feathers from different species of birds, in southwest iran (khuzestan to persian gulf). between april and october 2005, we collected tail feathers from 77 birds belonging to 18 species, mostly raptor birds. the birds were collected for the museum natural history, faculty of natural resources and marine sciences of tarbiat modares university. hg concentrations were evaluated in relation to taxonomic affiliation and trophic level. feather hg ... | 2007 | 17307157 |
| carotenoid availability does not limit the capability of nestling kestrels (falco tinnunculus) to cope with oxidative stress. | it is recognized that carotenoids are useful anti-oxidants in embryo and hatchling avian models. however, recent evidence suggests that the anti-oxidant role of carotenoids in nestling or adult birds may not be as important as previously thought. the aim of the present work was to investigate if supplemental carotenoids decreased the level of oxidative damage (by reactive oxygen metabolites, roms) and increased the serum anti-oxidant capacity (oxy) in nestling eurasian kestrels falco tinnunculus ... | 2007 | 17371922 |
| topography and arterial supply of the thyroid and the parathyroid glands in selected species of falconiformes. | birds of two suborders, accipitres and falcones were the subjects of the study. the thyroids were always located asymmetrically. in accipitridae the larger left gland was usually situated significantly more cranially than the right one. in common kestrel, the size of bilateral thyroids was similar while their mutual relationships were individually variable. the location of the parathyroid glands in common kestrel was relatively constant. seven topographical patterns of the location of the parath ... | 2007 | 17617099 |
| male-biased predation of western green lizards by eurasian kestrels. | selective predation can be an important force driving the evolution of organisms. in particular, sex-biased predation is expected to have implications for sexual selection, sex allocation and population dynamics. in this study, we analysed sex differences in the predation of the western green lizard (lacerta bilineata) by the eurasian kestrel (falco tinnunculus) during the reproductive season. in addition, we investigated whether the rate of predation differed during the 8-year study period and ... | 2007 | 17634907 |
| hematozoa in endemic subspecies of common kestrel in the cape verde islands. | we examined 130 common kestrel (falco tinnunculus) representing two endemic subspecies and nine resident island populations on the cape verde archipelago between 1996 and 1999 to study diversity, prevalence, and intensity of hematozoa. hematozoan diversity was very low; we detected only plasmodium fallax, a species that is rarely found in falconoformes, and, possibly, haemoproteus brachiatus. moreover, prevalence of plasmodium fallax was low (1.5%) with a mean intensity of infection of 0.05 prot ... | 2007 | 17984275 |
| prevalence of toxoplasma gondii in raptors from france. | little is known about the prevalence or importance of toxoplasma gondii infections in raptors. sera from eurasian buzzards (buteo buteo, n=14), tawny owls (strix aluco, n=12), barn owls (tyto alba, n=18), eurasian sparrowhawk (accipiter nisus, n=1), and common kestrels (falco tinnunculus, n=8) were examined for agglutinating antibodies using the modified agglutination test at 1:25 dilution. antibodies were not detected in common kestrels and the eurasian sparrowhawk but were detected in 11 euras ... | 2008 | 18263835 |
| characterization of chromosome structures of falconinae (falconidae, falconiformes, aves) by chromosome painting and delineation of chromosome rearrangements during their differentiation. | karyotypes of most bird species are characterized by around 2n = 80 chromosomes, comprising 7-10 pairs of large- and medium-sized macrochromosomes including sex chromosomes and numerous morphologically indistinguishable microchromosomes. the falconinae of the falconiformes has a different karyotype from the typical avian karyotype in low chromosome numbers, little size difference between macrochromosomes and a smaller number of microchromosomes. to characterize chromosome structures of falconina ... | 2008 | 18293111 |
| mechanisms of antibiotic resistance in escherichia coli isolates recovered from wild animals. | seventy-two fecal samples obtained from wild animals in portugal were sampled on levine agar plates (non-supplemented with antibiotics), and escherichia coli isolates were recovered from 56 of them (78%), obtaining a total of 112 e. coli isolates (two per sample). susceptibility to 16 antibiotics was studied in these isolates, and the following percentages of resistance were obtained: tetracycline, streptomycin, ampicillin, and trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole (sxt) (range 19-35%); nalidixic acid ( ... | 2008 | 18321208 |
| threats and control of the brown necked ravens (corvus ruficollis) in egypt. | the suez canal region is a small fertile area in egypt that is placed under enormous pressure of existing resources. in these areas, intensive agricultural practices are performed in combination with high population densities. the described problem is that together with agricultural practices and urbanization, brown necked ravens (corvus ruficollis) are in huge amounts attracted. the birds are very aggressive and showed to be a serious pest. they spread germs and diseases for human health and fo ... | 2007 | 18399444 |
| effects of maternal carotenoid availability in relation to sex, parasite infection and health status of nestling kestrels (falco tinnunculus). | mothers can strongly influence the development of their offspring, and if maternal resources are limited, they may influence optimal reproductive strategies. in birds, maternally deposited carotenoids are a prominent component of egg yolk and are vital for the development of the embryo. however, results of long-lasting fitness consequences of this early nutritional environment have been scarce and inconsistent. in addition, sex-biased sensitivity to different egg components is one of the mechani ... | 2008 | 18424675 |
| pcbs in the eggs of eurasian kestrels indicate exposure to local pollution. | fail-to-hatch kestrel (falco tinnunculus) eggs collected at the end of the 1999 and 2005 breeding seasons from nest boxes in and around the city of rome, italy, were analyzed by gas chromatography with electron capture detection for their pcb content and for the presence of ddt derivatives and other organochlorines. among the various pcbs, congeners 153 and 180 were detected in all the eggs and showed the highest concentrations. eggs collected from the same nest from a polluted location in rome ... | 2008 | 18833799 |
| population fragmentation leads to isolation by distance but not genetic impoverishment in the philopatric lesser kestrel: a comparison with the widespread and sympatric eurasian kestrel. | population fragmentation is a widespread phenomenon usually associated with human activity. as a result of habitat transformation, the philopatric and steppe-specialist lesser kestrel falco naumanni underwent a severe population decline during the last century that increased population fragmentation throughout its breeding range. in contrast, the ubiquitous eurasian kestrel falco tinnunculus did not suffer such adverse effects, its breeding range still remaining rather continuous. using microsat ... | 2009 | 18854856 |
| acuaroid nematodes in the common kestrel (falco tinnunculus) in the south of spain. | the prevalence, intensity and abundance of acuaroid nematodes were determined in the common kestrel (falco tinnunculus) in andalusia, spain. acuaroid nematodes were present in 26/41 (63.4%) of birds examined. the most common species belonged to the genus synhimantus subgenus synhimantus (56%): s. (s.) laticeps (36.5%), s. (s.) robertdollfusi (24.3%) and a single specimen of a third, unknown, synhimantus (s.) spp., unlike any other described previously (2.4%). other species identified were synhim ... | 2010 | 19083246 |
| avian mycobacteriosis in free-living raptors in majorca island, spain. | avian mycobacteriosis is a chronic, infectious disease caused by different species of mycobacteria, usually belonging to the mycobacterium avium complex. from 2004 to 2007, 589 raptors brought dead or sick to a wildlife rehabilitation centre in majorca (balearic islands, spain) were necropsied. the birds belonged to 12 different species, chiefly common kestrel (falco tinnunculus) (n=297), scops owl (otus scops) (n=109), barn owl (tyto alba) (n=75), long-eared owl (asio otus) (n=58), peregrine fa ... | 2010 | 20390529 |
| parachordatortilis n. g. (nematoda: spirurida: acuariidae), with a redescription of p. mathevossianae (petrov & chertkova, 1950) n. comb., a parasite of falco tinnunculus l. (aves: falconiformes). | parachordatortilis n. g. is proposed as a monotypic genus for parachordatortilis mathevossianae (petrov & chertkova, 1950) n. comb. (spirurida, acuariidae), previously dispharynx mathevossianae petrov & chertkova, 1950. the new genus can be distinguished from all other acuariid genera by having cordons with a sinistral torsion. parachordatortilis possesses cordons consisting of two rows of delicate cuticular plates delimiting a longitudinal canal. this pattern of cordon structure suggests that p ... | 2010 | 20532850 |
| accuracy and reproducibility of the tonovet rebound tonometer in birds of prey. | to examine the accuracy and reproducibility of intraocular pressure (iop) measurements obtained by the tonovet rebound tonometer. animals studied freshly enucleated healthy eyes of 44 free-ranging birds of prey out of the species haliaeetus albicilla, accipiter gentilis, accipiter nisus, buteo buteo, falco tinnunculus, strix aluco, asio otus and tyto alba euthanized because of unrelated health problems. | 2010 | 20840094 |
| natural cross chlamydial infection between livestock and free-living bird species. | the study of cross-species pathogen transmission is essential to understanding the epizootiology and epidemiology of infectious diseases. avian chlamydiosis is a zoonotic disease whose effects have been mainly investigated in humans, poultry and pet birds. it has been suggested that wild bird species play an important role as reservoirs for this disease. during a comparative health status survey in common (falco tinnunculus) and lesser (falco naumanni) kestrel populations in spain, acute gammapa ... | 2010 | 20976071 |
| a comparative study on the histological structure of the spleen in the ostrich (struthio camelus), the kestrel (falco tinnunculus) and the osprey (pandion haliaetus). | the spleen structurally and functionally belongs to the hematopoietic organs and is also an important component of the reticuloendothelial system, which is known to play a major role in host defense. the histological structure of the spleen was investigated in the ostrich, a non-flying bird, the kestrel, a raptor, and the osprey, a fish-eating bird of prey (fish eagle). for this purpose, mallory's modified triple stain, methyl green-pyronin and silver stain were used. germinal centers were not p ... | 2011 | 21555263 |
| permanent genetic resources added to molecular ecology resources database 1 may 2009-31 july 2009. | this article documents the addition of 512 microsatellite marker loci and nine pairs of single nucleotide polymorphism (snp) sequencing primers to the molecular ecology resources database. loci were developed for the following species: alcippe morrisonia morrisonia, bashania fangiana, bashania fargesii, chaetodon vagabundus, colletes floralis, coluber constrictor flaviventris, coptotermes gestroi, crotophaga major, cyprinella lutrensis, danaus plexippus, fagus grandifolia, falco tinnunculus, fle ... | 2009 | 21564933 |
| biomagnification of higher brominated pbde congeners in an urban terrestrial food web in north china based on field observation of prey deliveries. | as an important group of brominated flame retardants, polybrominated diphenyl ethers (pbdes) persist in the wildlife food webs. however, the biomagnification of pbdes has not been adequately studied in the terrestrial food webs. in this study, a terrestrial food web composed of common kestrels, sparrows, rats, grasshoppers, and dragonflies in the urban environment from northern china was obtained. a field prey delivery study, reinforced by δ(13)c and δ(15)n analyses, indicates that sparrows are ... | 2011 | 21612266 |
| HELMINTH COMMUNITY STRUCTURE IN BIRDS OF PREY (ACCIPITRIFORMES AND FALCONIFORMES) IN SOUTHERN ITALY. | Abstract We compared helminth communities of 6 species of birds of prey from the Calabria region of southern Italy. In total, 31 helminth taxa, including 17 nematodes, 9 digeneans, 3 acanthocephalans, and 2 cestodes were found. All helminth species were found in the gastrointestinal tract, except for 3 spirurid nematodes. Most of the parasite species were detected in at least two hosts, but 13 helminth species were found in only one host. At the infracommunity level, the overall species richne ... | 2011 | 21951214 |
| reference intervals for intraocular pressure measured by rebound tonometry in ten raptor species and factors affecting the intraocular pressure. | intraocular pressure (iop) was measured with the tonovet rebound tonometer in 10 raptor species, and possible factors affecting iop were investigated. a complete ophthalmic examination was performed, and iop was assessed in 2 positions, upright and dorsal recumbency, in 237 birds belonging to the families accipitridae, falconidae, strigidae, and tytonidae. mean iop values of healthy eyes were calculated for each species, and differences between families, species, age, sex, left and right eye, as ... | 2011 | 22216716 |
| intraspecific allometry of basal metabolic rate: relations with body size, temperature, composition, and circadian phase in the kestrel, falco tinnunculus. | the relationship between body size and basal metabolic rate (bmr) in homeotherms has been treated in the literature primarily by comparison between species of mammals or birds. this paper focuses on the intraindividual changes in bmr when body mass (w) varies with different maintenance regimens. bmr varied in individual kestrels in proportion to w1.67, which is considerably steeper than the mass exponents for homomorphic change (0.667; heusner, 1984) for interspecific comparison among all birds ... | 2008 | 2519593 |
| synanthropic birds and parasites. | this paper describes the parasitologic findings for 60 synanthropic bird carcasses recovered in the campania region of southern italy. birds consisted of 20 yellow-legged gulls (larus michahellis), 15 rock pigeons (columba livia), 15 common kestrels (falco tinnunculus), and 10 carrion crows (corvus corone). each carcass was examined to detect the presence of ectoparasites and then necropsied to detect helminths. ectoparasites occurred in 100% of the birds examined. in particular, chewing lice we ... | 2013 | 24597118 |
| occurrence of giardia and cryptosporidium in wild birds in galicia (northwest spain). | faecal samples were obtained from 433 wild birds being treated in wildlife recovery centres in galicia (northwest spain), between february 2007 and september 2009. the birds belonged to 64 species representing 17 different orders. giardia cysts and cryptosporidium oocysts were detected by an immunofluorescence antibody test and identified at the molecular level by established pcr-sequencing methods. the overall prevalence of giardia was 2·1% and that of cryptosporidium, 8·3%. to our knowledge, t ... | 2015 | 25669618 |
| host-specific exposure and fatal neurologic disease in wild raptors from highly pathogenic avian influenza virus h5n1 during the 2006 outbreak in germany. | raptors may contract highly pathogenic avian influenza virus h5n1 by hunting or scavenging infected prey. however, natural h5n1 infection in raptors is rarely reported. therefore, we tested raptors found dead during an h5n1 outbreak in wild waterbirds in mecklenburg-western pomerania, germany, in 2006 for h5n1-associated disease. we tested 624 raptors of nine species-common buzzard (385), eurasian sparrowhawk (111), common kestrel (38), undetermined species of buzzard (36), white-tailed sea eagl ... | 2015 | 25879698 |
| divergent hepatitis e virus in birds of prey, common kestrel (falco tinnunculus) and red-footed falcon (f. vespertinus), hungary. | hepatitis e virus (hev), family hepeviridae, has raised considerable public health concerns because of its zoonotic potential; however, the animal to animal transmissions and the natural chain of hepevirus infections in wildlife are less known. using random amplification and next generation sequencing technology a novel hev in birds of prey was serendipitously identified in hungary. hev rna was detected in total of 2 (18%) of the 11 and 1 (14%) of the 7 faecal samples from common kestrels and re ... | 2016 | 27282471 |
| genome analysis of a novel, highly divergent picornavirus from common kestrel (falco tinnunculus): the first non-enteroviral picornavirus with type-i-like ires. | although the number of identified avian-borne picornaviruses (family picornaviridae) is continuously increasing there remains several species-rich avian host groups, such as the order falconiformes (with 290 bird species) from which picornaviruses have not been identified. this study reports the first complete genome of a novel, highly divergent picornavirus, named as falcovirus a1 (kp230449), from the carnivorous bird, the common kestrel (falco tinnunculus, order falconiformes). falcovirus a1 h ... | 2015 | 25864424 |
| molecular identification of nematode larvae different from those of the trichinella genus detected by muscle digestion. | although larvae of the genus trichinella are the most common parasite species detected in vertebrate muscles using artificial digestion, nematode larvae belonging to other genera are sometimes detected and incorrectly identified as trichinella. however, it is often very difficult to identify these larvae at the species, genus or family level using microscopy because of the absence of specific morphological characters or cuticle damage, and the only means of identification is pcr and sequencing o ... | 2013 | 23433986 |
| semen evaluation in four autochthonous wild raptor species using computer-aided sperm analyzer. | at least 10 percent of the approximately 300 species of the order falconiformes are listed as being globally threatened. the present work describes the seminal characteristics of three diurnal and one nocturnal raptor species. semen was collected from clinically healthy accipiter nisus (n = 1), falco subbuteo (n = 6), and falco tinnunculus (n = 5) adult males that were housed at the 'centro animali non convenzionali' of the department of veterinary sciences of the university of turin. the semen ... | 2016 | 26725000 |
| feather corticosterone content in predatory birds in relation to body condition and hepatic metal concentration. | this study investigated the feasibility of measuring corticosterone in feathers from cryo-archived raptor specimens, in order to provide a retrospective assessment of the activity of the stress axis in relation to contaminant burden. feather samples were taken from sparrowhawk accipiter nisus, kestrel falco tinnunculus, buzzard buteo buteo, barn owl tyto alba, and tawny owl strix aluco and the variation in feather cort concentrations with respect to species, age, sex, feather position, and body ... | 2015 | 25776461 |
| morphological properties of the last primaries, the tail feathers, and the alulae of accipiter nisus, columba livia, falco peregrinus, and falco tinnunculus. | we investigated the mechanical properties (young's modulus, bending stiffness, barb separation forces) of the tenth primary of the wings, of the alulae and of the middle tail feathers of falco peregrinus. for comparison, we also investigated the corresponding feathers in pigeons (columba livia), kestrels (falco tinnunculus), and sparrowhawks (accipiter nisus). in all four species, the young's moduli of the feathers ranged from 5.9 to 8.4 gpa. the feather shafts of f. peregrinus had the largest c ... | 2015 | 25130288 |
| assessment of anticoagulant rodenticide exposure in six raptor species from the canary islands (spain). | anticoagulant rodenticides are highly toxic compounds that are widely used for pest control of rodents, but that also may threaten the wildlife's health. this work aimed to assess the exposure to first- and second-generation anticoagulant rodenticides (ars) in six birds of prey species from the canary islands (spain). the concentrations of seven widely used ars were determined by lc-ms/ms in 104 liver samples of six species of birds of prey (buteo buteo, accipiter nisus, falco pelegrinoides, fal ... | 2014 | 24742545 |
| assessment of the exposure to organochlorine pesticides, pcbs and pahs in six species of predatory birds of the canary islands, spain. | in the present study, we investigated the concentrations and distributions of 57 anthropogenic pollutants, including 23 organochlorine pesticides (ocs), 18 polychlorinated biphenyls (pcbs) and 16 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (pahs) in liver samples from 102 birds of prey of six species that were found dead or that had died during their stay in the wildlife recovery centers of the canary islands (spain) between 2009 and 2012. the dual goal of this work was to determine the occurrence of these ... | 2014 | 24291140 |
| ultraviolet sensitivity and colour vision in raptor foraging. | raptors have excellent vision, yet it is unclear how they use colour information. it has been suggested that raptors use ultraviolet (uv) reflections from vole urine to find good hunting grounds. in contrast, uv plumage colours in songbirds such as blue tits are assumed to be 'hidden' communication signals, inconspicuous to raptors. this ambiguity results from a lack of knowledge about raptor ocular media transmittance, which sets the limit for uv sensitivity. we measured ocular media transmitta ... | 2013 | 23785106 |
| color plumage polymorphism and predator mimicry in brood parasites. | plumage polymorphism may evolve during coevolution between brood parasites and their hosts if rare morph(s), by contravening host search image, evade host recognition systems better than common variant(s). females of the parasitic common cuckoo (cuculus canorus) are a classic example of discrete color polymorphism: gray females supposedly mimic the sparrowhawk (accipiter nisus), while rufous females are believed to mimic the kestrel (falco tinnunculus). despite many studies on host responses to ... | 2013 | 23663311 |
| effects of predator removal on vertebrate prey populations: birds of prey and small mammals. | we studied the effects of removal of breeding nomadic avian predators (the kestrel, falco tinnunculus and tengmalm's owl, aegolius funereus) on small mammals (voles of the genera microtus and clethrionomys and the common shrew, sorex araneus) during 1989-1992 in western finland to find out if these predators have a regulating or limiting impact on their prey populations. we removed potential breeding sites of raptors from five manipulation areas (c. 3 km(2) each), whereas control areas had nest- ... | 1995 | 28306779 |
| assessment of trace element concentrations in birds of prey in korea. | this study presents liver concentrations of trace elements of cinereous vultures (aegypius monachus), common buzzards (buteo buteo), common kestrels (falco tinnunculus), and eurasian eagle owls (bubo bubo) collected in korea from 2007 to 2008. iron (fe), manganese (mn), copper (cu), lead (pb), and cadmium (cd) concentrations in common kestrel juveniles were greater than in other juveniles of birds of prey. adult cinereous vultures had greater fe, pb, and cd concentrations than in those of other ... | 2016 | 26662578 |
| fear in grasslands: the effect of eurasian kestrels on skylark abundances. | predation has received considerable theoretical and empirical support in population regulation. the effect of predators, however, could be achieved in direct (killing) or indirect effects (such as displacement). in this paper, we explored the relationship between eurasian kestrels falco tinnunculus and skylarks alauda arvensis in mediterranean grasslands. first, we analysed the presence of skylarks in the kestrel diet over 9 years. we also compared a grassland area of experimentally increased ke ... | 2008 | 18189123 |
| an overview of existing raptor contaminant monitoring activities in europe. | biomonitoring using raptors as sentinels can provide early warning of the potential impacts of contaminants on humans and the environment and also a means of tracking the success of associated mitigation measures. examples include detection of heavy metal-induced immune system impairment, pcb-induced altered reproductive impacts, and toxicity associated with lead in shot game. authorisation of such releases and implementation of mitigation is now increasingly delivered through eu-wide directives ... | 2014 | 24632328 |
| anatomical study of the musculus deltoideus and musculus flexor carpi ulnaris in 3 species of wild birds. | given the limited information regarding the anatomy of the thoracic limb in european avian species, we decided to investigate the related muscles in the grey heron (ardea cinerea), in the eurasian buzzard (buteo buteo), and in the common kestrel (falco tinnunculus). therefore we performed a stratigraphic dissection of the wing in 3 subjects. the pars major and minor of the musculus deltoideus, despite being roughly in line with those reported by other authors in other species, displayed unique f ... | 2017 | 26681506 |
| focal bird species and risk assessment approach for nonagricultural grassland scenarios in central europe. | the european food safety authority (efsa) guideline on risk assessment identifies pesticide exposure scenarios for nontarget wildlife; however, this scheme is not applicable to nonagricultural grassland. for example, different habitats and human utilization on golf courses attract bird communities that differ from those found in agricultural fields with annual crop cycles. the present study determined focal bird species for amenity grasslands such as golf courses following the efsa guideline. ba ... | 2014 | 24889926 |
| causes of admission for raptors to the tafira wildlife rehabilitation center, gran canaria island, spain: 2003-13. | we report the causes of morbidity of 2,458 free-living raptors admitted to the tafira wildlife rehabilitation center on gran canaria island, spain, during 2003-13. the seasonal cumulative incidences were investigated while considering estimates of the wild populations in the region. these methods were used as a more accurate approach to assess the potential ecologic impact of different causes of morbidity. the most frequently admitted species were the eurasian kestrel ( falco tinnunculus ; 53.0% ... | 2016 | 27243151 |
| acanthocephalans of the genus centrorhynchus (palaeacanthocephala: centrorhynchidae) of birds of prey (falconiformes) and owls (strigiformes) in slovakia. | three species of thorny-headed worms of the genus centrorhynchus were found to parasitize birds of prey and owls in the territory of the slovakia during the years 2012-2014. out of 286 examined bird individuals belonging to 23 species, only buteo buteo, buteo rufinus, falco tinnunculus (falconiformes), asio otus, strix aluco, strix uralensis and tyto alba (strigiformes) were infected by acanthocephalans. all the bird species except for s. aluco represent new host records for slovakia. the most p ... | 2015 | 25786606 |
| high exposure rates of anticoagulant rodenticides in predatory bird species in intensively managed landscapes in denmark. | the extensive use of anticoagulant rodenticides (ars) for rodent control has led to widespread secondary exposure in nontarget predatory wildlife species. we investigated exposure rates and concentrations of five ars in liver samples from five raptors and six owls from denmark. a total of 430 birds were analysed. ars were detected in 84-100 % of individual birds within each species. multiple ar exposure was detected in 73 % of all birds. average number of substances detected in individual birds ... | 2012 | 22588365 |
| dietary shifts, niche relationships and reproductive output of coexisting kestrels and long-eared owls. | food samples of breeding kestrels (falco tinnunculus) and long-eared owls (asio otus) were collected in the peak and low phase of their preferred prey (microtus voles) in western finland. diets of pairs that bred as neighbours (≤1 km) with interspecifics were compared with those of non-neighbours. in both species, neighbouring pairs fed less on microtus voles and more on alternative prey than did non-neighbours. competition theory predicts that diet overlap should be lower during prey shortage a ... | 1987 | 28312002 |
| prognostic indicators associated with early mortality of wild raptors admitted to a wildlife rehabilitation centre in spain. | assessment of the prognostic indicators of wildlife casualties is critical in wildlife rehabilitation practice, to optimize the use of economical resources, and to protect animal welfare. few studies have been conducted in this field. | 2015 | 25443779 |
| occurrence and biomagnification of organohalogen pollutants in two terrestrial predatory food chains. | organohalogen pollutants (ohps), including dichlorodiphenyl trichloroethane and its metabolites (ddts), polychlorinated biphenyls (pcbs), polybrominated diphenyl ethers (pbdes), hexabromocyclododecanes (hbcds), and dechlorane plus (dp), were determined in three raptor species, namely, the common kestrel (falco tinnunculus), eagle owl (bubo bubo), and little owl (athene noctua), as well as in their primary prey items: eurasian tree sparrow (passer montanus) and brown rat (rattus norvegicus). ddts ... | 2013 | 23830888 |
| a comparative study of corneal sensitivity in birds of prey. | to determine and compare the corneal sensitivity in healthy wild diurnal and nocturnal birds of prey (bp) indigenous to catalonia (spain), and to establish if age is a determining factor in corneal sensitivity in those species. | 2014 | 23750555 |
| schirmer tear test type i readings and intraocular pressure values assessed by applanation tonometry (tonopen® xl) in normal eyes of four european species of birds of prey. | to determine normal values for schirmer tear test i and intraocular pressure in four european species of birds of prey. | 2013 | 23173951 |
| multidrug-resistant salmonella enterica serovar typhimurium monophasic variant 4,12:i:- isolated from asymptomatic wildlife in a catalonian wildlife rehabilitation center, spain. | wildlife can act as long-term asymptomatic reservoirs for zoonotic bacteria, such as salmonella. the prevalence and antimicrobial-susceptibility profiles of salmonella spp. were assessed in 263 cases in wildlife from 22 animal orders from a wildlife rehabilitation center in catalonia (ne spain), september 2013-may 2014. eleven of 263 tested animals were positive for salmonella spp., representing an overall prevalence of 4.2%. prevalences by taxonomic categories were 2% in mammals, 4.7% in birds, ... | 2015 | 25973627 |
| causes of morbidity in wild raptor populations admitted at a wildlife rehabilitation centre in spain from 1995-2007: a long term retrospective study. | morbidity studies complement the understanding of hazards to raptors by identifying natural or anthropogenic factors. descriptive epidemiological studies of wildlife have become an important source of information about hazards to wildlife populations. on the other hand, data referenced to the overall wild population could provide a more accurate assessment of the potential impact of the morbidity/mortality causes in populations of wild birds. | 2011 | 21966362 |
| [monitoring the success of veterinary treatment in rehabilitated and released birds of prey using radiotelemetry]. | free-ranging birds of prey brought to veterinary practice should only be treated after thorough diagnostics. before their release back into the wild, specific training - including falconry techniques - may be necessary, depending on raptor species and age. rehabilitated birds of prey were monitored using radiotelemetry after release back into the wild. the success of veterinary therapy and the prognosis of treated diseases/injuries in free-ranging birds were evaluated. in addition, the use of ra ... | 2014 | 24518945 |
| [blood chemical parameters for wild raptor patients and their changes after liver biopsy]. | the present paper tried to find relations between specific anamnesis of wild raptors and blood chemistry values at their day of presentation. 60 (88%) of 68 presented birds of prey showed changes in their blood values. in most birds an increase of got, gpt and ap was seen. some birds showed increases of uric acid, urea and changes in the relation of ca and p as well. a comparison between eurasian buzzards with fractures and some without clinical signs showed a significant increase of uric acid, ... | 2006 | 9741187 |
| kestrel-prey dynamic in a mediterranean region: the effect of generalist predation and climatic factors. | most hypotheses on population limitation of small mammals and their predators come from studies carried out in northern latitudes, mainly in boreal ecosystems. in such regions, many predators specialize on voles and predator-prey systems are simpler compared to southern ecosystems where predator communities are made up mostly of generalists and predator-prey systems are more complex. determining food limitation in generalist predators is difficult due to their capacity to switch to alternative p ... | 2009 | 19234618 |
| mhc diversity and differential exposure to pathogens in kestrels (aves: falconidae). | pathogen diversity is thought to drive major histocompatibility complex (mhc) polymorphism given that host's immune repertories are dependent on antigen recognition capabilities. here, we surveyed an extensive community of pathogens (n = 35 taxa) and mhc diversity in mainland versus island subspecies of the eurasian kestrel falco tinnunculus and in a sympatric mainland population of the phylogenetically related lesser kestrel falco naumanni. insular subspecies are commonly exposed to impoverishe ... | 2010 | 20074317 |
| scanning electron microscopic study of the tongue in the peregrine falcon and common kestrel. | the dorsal lingual surfaces of an adult peregrine falcon (falco peregrinus) and common kestrel (falco tinnunculus) were examined by scanning electron microscopy. the length of the tongue in the peregrine falcon was about 2.5 cm. the length of the tongue in the common kestrel was about 1.5 cm. the tips of the tongues of the peregrine falcon and common kestrel were bifid. three parts were distinguished in the tongues of the peregrine falcon and common kestrel: the apex, the body and the root of th ... | 2008 | 18833907 |
| evaluation of cardiac size in the common kestrel ( falco tinnunculus ) based on radiographic measurements. | the common kestrel ( falco tinnunculus ) is a common raptor found worldwide. to establish reference intervals for cardiac size by radiography, 14 adult common kestrels were evaluated clinically and with radiographs (lateral and ventrodorsal views). the cardiac width, thoracic width, distance between third and fourth ribs, synsacrum width, coracoid width, and distance between clavicle bones were measured on ventrodorsal radiographs. the ratio between cardiac width and the other 5 indices was calc ... | 2016 | 28107077 |
| a negative association between bromadiolone exposure and nestling body condition in common kestrels: management implications for vole outbreaks. | vole outbreaks have been extensively described, along with their impacts on humans, particularly in agricultural areas. the use of rodenticides is a common legal practice to minimise crop damage induced by high vole density for biocidal use. however, rodenticides can have negative direct and indirect impacts on non-target species that feed on voles. we studied whether the use of a second-generation anticoagulant rodenticide (sgar), bromadiolone, can be detected in the blood of fledglings of wild ... | 2017 | 27616006 |
| facing a clever predator demands clever responses - red-backed shrikes (lanius collurio) vs. eurasian magpies (pica pica). | red-backed shrikes (lanius collurio) behave quite differently towards two common nest predators. while the european jay (garrulus glandarius) is commonly attacked, in the presence of the eurasian magpie (pica pica), shrikes stay fully passive. we tested the hypotheses that this passive response to the magpie is an alternative defense strategy. nesting shrikes were exposed to the commonly attacked european kestrel (falco tinnunculus) in a situation in which i) a harmless domestic pigeon, ii) a co ... | 2016 | 27454122 |
| caryospora peneireiroi n. sp. (apicomplexa: eimeriidae) in the common kestrel, falco tinnunculus (falconiformes: falconidae), in mainland portugal. | the common kestrel falco tinnunculus linnaeus, 1758, is a widespread raptor, native in europe, asia and africa, and vagrant in the americas. in the current work, 27 fecal samples were collected from common kestrels kept in the lisbon center for wild animal recovery, located at monsanto forest park, lisbon, portugal. five (19%) of them were found to be passing an undescribed species of caryospora in their feces. the oocysts of caryospora peneireiroi n. sp. were ellipsoidal with a bilayered wall a ... | 2016 | 27334821 |
| caryospora peneireiroi n. sp. (apicomplexa: eimeriidae) in the common kestrel, falco tinnunculus (falconiformes: falconidae), in mainland portugal. | the common kestrel falco tinnunculus linnaeus, 1758, is a widespread raptor, native in europe, asia and africa, and vagrant in the americas. in the current work, 27 fecal samples were collected from common kestrels kept in the lisbon center for wild animal recovery, located at monsanto forest park, lisbon, portugal. five (19%) of them were found to be passing an undescribed species of caryospora in their feces. the oocysts of caryospora peneireiroi n. sp. were ellipsoidal with a bilayered wall a ... | 2016 | 27276668 |
| comparison of pfass contamination in the freshwater and terrestrial environments by analysis of eggs from osprey (pandion haliaetus), tawny owl (strix aluco), and common kestrel (falco tinnunculus). | the level of pfas (per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances) contamination in freshwater and terrestrial swedish environments in 2013/2014 was assessed by analyzing a range of perfluorinated alkyl acids, fluorotelomer acids, sulfonamides, sulfonamidoethanols and polyfluoralkyl phosphate diesters (dipaps) in predator bird eggs. stable isotopes ((13)c and (15)n) were analyzed to elucidate the dietary source. the tawny owl (strix aluco, n=10) and common kestrel (falco tinnunculus, n=40), two terre ... | 2016 | 27174782 |
| morphological features of the tongue and laryngeal entrance in two predatory birds with similar feeding preferences: common kestrel (falco tinnunculus) and hume's tawny owl (strix butleri). | the aim of this investigation was to describe the morphological characters of the tongue of two predatory birds with similar feeding preferences, i.e. the common kestrel and hume's tawny owl. descriptive information on the lingual morphology of these two birds, particularly hume's tawny owl, is incomplete. we found that the lingual apex of the owl has an oval, concave, shovel-like form with a bifid lingual tip, while that of the kestrel has the shape of a horny tip-like spoon with a central proc ... | 2016 | 27084364 |
| old males reduce melanin-pigmented traits and increase reproductive outcome under worse environmental conditions in common kestrels. | secondary sexual traits displayed by males and females may have evolved as a signal of individual quality. however, both individual quality and investment on producing or maintaining enhanced sexual traits change as individuals age. at the same time, the costs associated to produce sexual traits might be attenuated or increased if environmental conditions are benign or worse respectively. accordingly, environmental conditions are expected to shape the association between the expression of sexual ... | 2016 | 26941948 |
| polyostotic chondroblastic osteosarcoma in a kestrel ( falco tinnunculus ). | we report a case of polyostotic chondroblastic osteosarcoma in a kestrel ( falco tinnunculus ) admitted to the wildlife rehabilitation and rescue center (naples, italy). a consolidated fracture of the left tibiotarsus bone and a deviation of the limb were evident. after radiographic, cytologic, and histopathologic examinations, a diagnosis of polyostotic chondroblastic osteosarcoma was made. to our knowledge, this is the first report on polyostotic chondroblastic osteosarcoma in a kestrel. | 2015 | 26771323 |
| early constraints in sexual dimorphism: survival benefits of feminized phenotypes. | sexual dimorphism (sd) has evolved in response to selection pressures that differ between sexes. since such pressures change across an individual's life, sd may vary within age classes. yet, little is known about how selection on early phenotypes may drive the final sd observed in adults. in many dimorphic species, juveniles resemble adult females rather than adult males, meaning that out of the selective pressures established by sexual selection feminized phenotypes may be adaptive. if true, fi ... | 2016 | 26494322 |
| trophic niche in a raptor species: the relationship between diet diversity, habitat diversity and territory quality. | recent research reports that many populations of species showing a wide trophic niche (generalists) are made up of both generalist individuals and individuals with a narrow trophic niche (specialists), suggesting trophic specializations at an individual level. if true, foraging strategies should be associated with individual quality and fitness. optimal foraging theory predicts that individuals will select the most favourable habitats for feeding. in addition, the "landscape heterogeneity hypoth ... | 2015 | 26047025 |
| genetic basis and fitness correlates of dynamic carotenoid-based ornamental coloration in male and female common kestrels falco tinnunculus. | knowledge of the genetic basis of sexual ornaments is essential to understand their evolution through sexual selection. although carotenoid-based ornaments have been instrumental in the study of sexual selection, given the inability of animals to synthesize carotenoids de novo, they are generally assumed to be influenced solely by environmental variation. however, very few studies have directly estimated the role of genes and the environment in shaping variation in carotenoid-based traits. using ... | 2015 | 25404009 |
| hard times in the city - attractive nest sites but insufficient food supply lead to low reproduction rates in a bird of prey. | urbanization is a global phenomenon that is encroaching on natural habitats and decreasing biodiversity, although it is creating new habitats for some species. the eurasian kestrel (falco tinnunculus) is frequently associated with urbanized landscapes but it is unclear what lies behind the high densities of kestrels in the urban environment. | 2014 | 24872836 |