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At least 55 records · Page 3Linked to original sources
PubMed2005

Three new species of Isospora schneider, 1881 (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) from the double-collared seed eater, Sporophila caerulescens (Passeriformes: Emberizidae), from Eastern Brazil.

Three isosporan species are described from the double-collared seedeater, Sporophila caerulescens from Eastern Brazil. Isospora sporophilae n. sp. oocysts spherical to subspherical; oocyst wall bi-layered, smooth, inner layer colorless to pale yellowish, 21.6 x 20.9 (19.20-23.20 x 18.40-22.60) microm, shape-index 1.03 +/- 0.02 (1-1.10), with no micropyle or oocyst residuum. Polar bodies splinter-like or comma-like. Sporocysts ovoidal, 15.2 x 10.6 (17.40-12.80 x 12.60-8.40) microm, shape-index 1.43 +/- 0.14 (1.17-1.81), with knob-like Stieda body and residuum. Large crystalloid body in the center of the sporocyst. Isospora flausinoi n. sp. oocysts spherical to subspherical, oocyst wall bi-layered, smooth, colorless, 17.30 x 16.53 (14-20 x 13.60-20) microm, shape-index 1.05 +/- 0.04 (1-1.21). Micropyle and oocyst residuum absent; presence of a large polar body. Sporocystpiriform, 14.88 x 10.70 (11.80-18 x 8-12.40) microm, shape-index 1.40 +/- 0.18 (1.07-1.77), with smooth, thin, single-layered wall. Sporocyst with rounded Stieda body with no substieda body, and residuum composed of granular material. Isospora teixeirafilhoi n. sp. oocysts spherical to subspherical, oocyst wall bi-layered, smooth, colorless, 17.41 x 16.81 (15.60 - 19.40 x 14.20-18.80) microm. Shape-index 1.04 +/- 0.08 (1-1.12). Micropyle and oocyst residuum absent; presence of a small double-lobuled polar body. Sporocyst ovoid, 11.74 x 8.12 (9-14.20 x 6.20-9.40) microm. Shape-index 1.46 +/- 0.23 (1.06-1.88). Sporocyst with knob-like Stieda body, no sub-Stieda body and residuum composed of granular material.

Animals↗
PubMed2005

Incubation and rearing-effort partitioning of wing-banded hornero Furnarius figulus (Passeriformes: Furnariidae).

We studied incubation and feeding rates in two of five broods in two oven nests of Furnarius figulus at Lagoa Rodrigo de Freitas. During incubation, the number of visits and time spent in the nest did not differ between the adults. The number of feeding visits was significantly different between members of the breeding pair of the first but not of the second nest. Nestlings received arthropods, fishes, and larvae in the first nest and, in the second, arthropods, larvae, and fruits. The nestlings stayed about 23 days in the nests.

Animals↗
PubMed2006

Urotocus rossittensis (Trematoda: Digenea: Leucochloriidae) in the scarlet-rumped tanager, Ramphocelus passerinii, and common bush tanager, Chlorospingus ophthalmicus (Passeriformes: Thraupidae), from the Area de Conservación Guanacaste, Costa Rica, with taxonomic revision of the genus and revised key to the leuchochloridiid-like Brachylaimoidea.

Urotocus rossittensis occurs in the bursa Fabricii of the scarlet-rumped tanager, Ramphocelus passerinii, and the common bush tanager, Chlorospingus ophthalmicus, from the Area de Conservación Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Morphological examination of type material of U. fusiformis and U. kenyensis and Costa Rican specimens suggests that U. fusiformis and U. kenyensis are indistinguishable from U. rossittensis. Confirmed accounts of Urotocus spp. refer to a single adult morphotype whose geographic distribution includes the Palearctic, Africa, Nearctic, and northern Neotropics.

Animals↗
PubMedDate not supplied

[Formation of passerine (Passeriformes) vocalization in ontogeny: the current state of the problem].

It the acoustic signal system of birds, songs and calls are distinguished. Up to the late 1970s, the attention of researchers was focused primarily on studying the process of song formation; the patterns of the call system formation remained virtually unstudied. In this field, the prevailing notion was that, since all calls are hereditary, their formation in the repertoire of all birds is similar. This notion was based on non-passerine birds, for which calls constitute most of the vocal communication. Most calls can, indeed, be formed without learning, even in nestlings raised in isolation. Yet some calls remain and are transferred in populations only through learning. The stages of sound repertoire development reflect crucial reorganizations of the acoustic behaviour of nestlings and are distinctly recognizable in most of the studied birds. The first three stages coincide with the periods of postnatal development of altricial birds distinguished by researchers from other fields (based on morphological, behavioural, and physiological characters). These are the early nestling, later nestling, and post-nestling periods. Two more periods may, however, be distinguished in the formation of vocalization: the fourth, confined to the period of hormonal reorganization of the organism during the autumn moult, and the fifth, coinciding with the beginning of the first reproductive cycle of the young bird. The formation of calls in representatives of different systematic groups (to families inclusive) can follow three principal paths: independent, successive, or explosive. Data on the development of the specific repertoire of acoustic signals in ontogeny can serve as a reliable taxonomic criterion, assisting in reconstructing and specifying phylogenetic relationships between different bird lineages.

Age Factors↗
PubMed2001

Seasonal and age-related changes in blood parasite prevalence in Dark-eyed Juncos (Junco hyemalis, Aves, Passeriformes).

We determined seasonal changes in blood parasite infections in a free-living population of Dark-eyed Juncos (Junco hyemalis) breeding in interior Alaska (65 degrees N; 148 degrees W). The common parasites found in blood smears were Leucocytozoon fringillinarum (56%), Trypanosoma avium (33%), and Haemoproteus fringillae (9%). In males, parasite prevalences were relatively high at arrival on breeding grounds and increased during the breeding season. Intensity of infection with Leucocytozoon also increased between spring and summer, and then decreased at the time of migration (September). This decrease did not occur in adult females. Elevated prevalences during the breeding season probably reflected the addition of new cases via vector activity to positive status resulting from spring relapse. We observed neither an association between parasite species nor a consistent relationship between parasite intensity and body condition. To further study relationships between reproductive system activity and parasite infections, we compared prevalences in adult males that were undergoing their first cycle of gonadal development and regression (males in their second calendar year, or SY) with those of older males (males in their third or more calendar year, i.e., after-second-year males or ASY). Circulating testosterone concentrations declined in both groups between arrival on breeding grounds (end of April-early May) and the end of the reproductive period (July), and they were higher in May in ASY than in SY males. At the peak of the breeding season (June), ASY males also had a higher parasite prevalence than SY males. This difference may have resulted from immunosuppressive effects of gonadal hormones and/or from behavioral differences between SY and ASY males such that older males were exposed to more insect vectors than younger males. .

Age Factors↗
PubMed2002

Keratinization and lipogenesis in epidermal derivatives of the zebrafinch, Taeniopygia guttata castanotis (Aves, Passeriformes, Ploecidae) during embryonic development.

Little is known of the lipid content of beta-keratin-producing cells such as those of feathers, scutate scales, and beak. The sequence of epidermal layers in some apteria and in interfollicular epidermis in the zebrafinch embryo (Taeniopygia guttata castanotis) was studied. Also, the production of beta-keratin in natal down feathers and beak was ultrastructurally analyzed in embryos from 3-4 to 17-18 days postdeposition, before hatching. Two layers of periderm initially cover the embryo, but there are eventually 6-8 over the epidermis of the beak. In the beak and sheath cells of feathers, peridermal granules are numerous at 12-14 days postdeposition but they are less frequent in apteria. These granules swell and disappear during sheath or peridermal degeneration at 15-17 days postdeposition. A thin beta-keratin layer forms under the periderm among feather germs of pterylous areas but is discontinuous or disappears in apteria. In differentiating cells of barbs, barbules, and calamus cells of natal down, electron-dense beta-keratin filaments form bundles oriented along the main axis of these cells. Cells of the pulp epidermis and collar, at the base of the follicle, contain lipids and bundles of alpha-keratin filaments. Degenerating pulp cells show vacuolization and nuclear pycnosis. During beta-keratin packing, keratin bundles turn electron-pale, perhaps due to the addition of lipids to produce the final, homogenous beta-keratin matrix. In contrast to the situation in feathers, in the cells of beak beta-keratin packets are irregularly oriented. In both feather and beak epidermal cells the Golgi apparatus and smooth endoplasmic reticulum produce vesicles containing lipid-like material which is also found among forming beta-keratin. The contribution of lipids or lipoprotein to the initial aggregation of beta-keratin molecules is discussed.

Animals↗
PubMed1997

Rhodinocichla rosea is an emberizid (Aves; Passeriformes) based on mitochondrial DNA analyses.

The systematic position of the avian species Rhodinocichla rosea is unclear. Recent opinions are that it is either a mockingbird (family Mimidae) or a tanager (Thraupinae; Emberizidae). In either case, it would be an atypical member of the family. We sequenced approximately 600 bases of the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase I (COI) gene of Rhodinocichla, several mimids, tanagers, and other passerines. We used maximum likelihood (ML), distance and parsimony approaches to analyze the sequences and concluded that Rhodinocichla belongs to the family Emberizidae. Phenotypic characteristics that suggested its relationship with mimids are the product of convergent evolution. The precise relationships of Rhodinocichla within the Emberizidae could not be resolved. Short internal branches in ML and distance trees suggested, as did earlier genetic studies, that the radiation of that family was explosive. Apparently, the extent of the tanagers as a higher taxon needs to be clarified. Our analysis of the evolutionary dynamics of avian COI suggested that its usefulness for phylogenetic studies is limited because silent positions saturate rapidly and replacement substitutions are rare. Thus, our data indicate that COI nucleotide data will be most useful in intraspecific investigations, while other data suggested its usefulness at the interordinal level.

Amino Acid Sequence↗
PubMed1975

The fine structure of the hypothalamic secretory neurons of the white-crowned sparrow, Zonotrichia leucophrys gambelii (Passeriformes: Fringillidae). I. Parvocellular tuberal nuclei.

The fine structure of the parvocellular tuberal nuclei and that of the ependyma bordering the third ventricle in the basal hypothalamus of the White-crowned Sparrow, Zonotrichia leucophrys gambelii, have been investigated. Photoperiodically stimulated birds have been compared with birds held on short days. The perikarya of the neurons of the basal infundibular (tuberal) nucleus, and in part, of the more dorsal layers, contain dense-cored granules (1000-1500 A). The granules in the anterior part of the nucleus are somewhat larger than those of the posterior part. The synapses and the synaptic relationships of these cells are described. The single-layered ependyma of the third ventricle in the basal hypothalamus may be divided into the dorsal typical ependyma, the ventrolateral "glandular" ependyma, and the ventral "glandular" ependyma. Cells of the ventral ependyma lack apical cilia but bear a few microvillous processes. They have well-developed Golgi apparatus, conspicuous polysomes, and frequently dense, irregularly-shaped granules. Basal cytoplasmic processes extend ventrally to the outer surface of the median eminence. Photoperiodic stimulation appears to increase the numbers of apical protrusions of the cells in the ventral glandular ependyma and to cause an increase in size of the nerve cells of the basal infundibular nucleus.

Animals↗
PubMed1976

The fine structure of the hypothalamic secretory neurons of the white-crowned sparrow, Zonotrichia leucophrys gambelii (Passeriformes: Fringillidae). II. Magnocellular and parvocellular nuclei of the rostral hypothalamus.

The fine structures of the neurons and neuropils of the magnocellular supraoptic nucleus and the parvocellular nuclei of the rostral hypothalamus, including the suprachiasmatic and medial, lateral and periventricular preoptic nuclei, and the neuronal apparatus of the organum vasculosum laminae terminalis, have been examined in the male White-crowned Sparrow, Zonotrichia leucophrys gambelii, by correlated light and electron microscopy. The magnocellular supraoptic nucleus is characterized by large neurosecretory perikarya which contain a well developed Golgi complex and dense-cored granules 1,500-2,200 A in diameter. The neuropil displays axons, dendrites and glial fibers. Some axonal profiles contain dense-cored vesicles 800-1,000 A in diameter and clear vesicles 500 A in diameter. Axo-somatic and axo-dendritic synapses are conspicuous in this nuclear region. The suprachiasmatic nucleus is characterized by an accumulation of small neurons with moderately developed cellular organelles and some dense-cored granules, approximately 1,000 A in diameter. The profiles of axons within the neuropil contain dense-cored granules 800-1,000 A in diameter and clear vesicles 500 A in diameter. The neurons of the medial preoptic nucleus are relatively large and exhibit well developed cellular organelles and dense-cored granules 1,300 to 1,500 A in diameter. Granular materials are formed within the Golgi complex. The medial preoptic nucleus is rich in secretory perikarya. Occasionally, neurons with granules 1,500-2,200 A in diameter are encountered in the lateral preoptic and periventricular preoptic nuclei. They may be considered as scattered elements of the magnocellular (supraoptic and paraventricular) system. The organum vasculosum laminae terminalis consists of three layers, i.e., ependymal, internal and external zones, and exhibits a vascular arrangement similar to that of the median eminence. The perikarya of the parvocellular neurons and their axons in the internal zone contain numerous secretory granules ranging from 1,300 to 1,500 A in diameter.

Animals↗
PubMed1988

The ACTH-immunoreactive system in the brain of the white-crowned sparrow, Zonotrichia leucophrys gambelii (Passeriformes, Emberizidae).

The ACTH-immunoreactive (ir) system of the avian brain is particularly conspicuous in the male white-crowned sparrow (Zonotrichia leucophrys gambelii). The irperikaryal population is concentrated mainly within the tuberal region, projecting primarily in a dorsal direction: (i) into the striatum; (ii) into rostral diencephalic, septal, hyperstriatal, and thalamic areas; and (iii) into dorsal and ventral areas of the brain stem. Ir-fibers seemingly contact local non-immunoreactive neurons mainly in the accumbens nucleus, septum, dorsal thalamic nuclei, infundibular and interpeduncular nuclei, and in the rostral diencephalon. Neurohemal zones are not supplied by ACTH-ir terminals. Immunocytochemical problems arising from the complexity of the proopiomelanocortin molecule and its derived peptide components are discussed in relation to phylogenetically directed studies, and contradictory results.

Adrenocorticotropic Hormone↗
PubMed2005

Community-level physiological profiles of cloacal microbes in songbirds (order: Passeriformes): variation due to host species, host diet, and habitat.

The relationship between microorganisms and birds has received increased attention recently. The state of knowledge of this relationship, however, is based largely on examination of sick or dead birds, and knowledge of the prevalence and community structure and function of microbes in healthy wild populations is limited. Using carbon substrate utilization profiles, microbial communities were examined in 91 cloacal samples from 14 species within apparently healthy summer and winter passerine populations. Within each season, gradient lengths and eigenvalues from ordination analyses suggested that many samples differed in their carbon substrate utilization and several had very different communities. Cloacal microbe carbon utilization profiles were distinguishable among host species, season-specific diet, and study site in the ordination analyses. However, these patterns were only observed for the analysis of the summer data set. The results of this study support the idea that the avian host's microbial community, relative to carbon substrate utilization, is related to host diet. Previously, this pattern had only been reported for potential pathogens isolated from the avian cloaca. Study site-specific patterns in the ordination analysis suggest that environmental conditions at a particular study site may influence cloacal microbial communities in birds. Results of this study indicate that examination of community-level physiological profiles may be a useful technique for distinguishing among avian cloacal samples, similar to that already established for discriminating aqueous and soil samples. Future studies that correlate microbe physiological profiles to condition-based indices of avian hosts may be most useful for eventually using the profile as an indicator of environmental conditions experienced by hosts.

Animals↗
PubMed2004

Phylogeny and evolution of the Australo-Papuan honeyeaters (Passeriformes, Meliphagidae).

We analyzed nucleotide variation at four loci for 75 species to produce a phylogenetic hypothesis for the Meliphagidae, and to examine the evolution and biogeographic history of the Meliphagidae. Both maximum parsimony and Bayesian methods of phylogenetic analysis were employed. The family was found to be monophyletic, though the genera Certhionyx, Anthochaera, and Phylidonyris were not. Four major clades were recovered and the spinebills (Acanthorhynchus) formed the sister clade to the remainder of the family in most analyses. The Australian endemic arid-adapted chats (Epthianura, Ashbyia) were found to be nested deeply within the family Meliphagidae. No evidence was found to support the hypothesis of separate New Guinean and Australian endemic radiations, nor of a close phylogenetic relationship between taxa from the New Guinea highlands and those from Australian northern rainforests.

Animals↗
PubMed2002

Molecular phylogenetic analysis of Fringillidae, "New World nine-primaried oscines" (Aves: Passeriformes).

Systematic studies of Fringillidae have long been problematic due to their apparent recent and explosive diversification. We present phylogenetic hypotheses of 44 fringillids that represent the overall diversity of the family, based on 3.2 kb of mitochondrial DNA sequences, and phylogenetic analyses for a subset of fringillids based on new and published mitochondrial cytochrome b sequences. Monophyly of Fringillidae and its two constituent subfamilies, Fringillinae and Emberizinae, was consistently supported with the exceptions of Peucedramus being placed outside of Fringillinae and Euphonia being placed within Fringillinae instead of within Emberizinae. Within Emberizinae, Thraupini (tanagers), Cardinalini (cardinals and grosbeaks), and Emberizini (New World sparrows) did not form separate monophyletic groups. Our results indicate that Emberizinae consists of three clades, each with a different overall geographical distribution. Several taxa traditionally considered members of Thraupini fall outside of the thraupine clade, including the only North American genus, Piranga. Consequently, the thraupine clade includes only Neotropical species. Increasing evidence suggests that Fringillidae, often called "New World nine-primaried oscines," does not in fact have a New World origin.

Adenosine Triphosphatases↗
PubMed2002

Systematic relationships and biogeography of the tracheophone suboscines (Aves: Passeriformes).

Based on their highly specialized "tracheophone" syrinx, the avian families Furnariidae (ovenbirds), Dendrocolaptidae (woodcreepers), Formicariidae (ground antbirds), Thamnophilidae (typical antbirds), Rhinocryptidae (tapaculos), and Conopophagidae (gnateaters) have long been recognized to constitute a monophyletic group of suboscine passerines. However, the monophyly of these families have been contested and their interrelationships are poorly understood, and this constrains the possibilities for interpreting adaptive tendencies in this very diverse group. In this study we present a higher-level phylogeny and classification for the tracheophone birds based on phylogenetic analyses of sequence data obtained from 32 ingroup taxa. Both mitochondrial (cytochrome b) and nuclear genes (c-myc, RAG-1, and myoglobin) have been sequenced, and more than 3000 bp were subjected to parsimony and maximum-likelihood analyses. The phylogenetic signals in the mitochondrial and nuclear genes were compared and found to be very similar. The results from the analysis of the combined dataset (all genes, but with transitions at third codon positions in the cytochrome b excluded) partly corroborate previous phylogenetic hypotheses, but several novel arrangements were also suggested. Especially interesting is the result that the genus Melanopareia represents a basal branch within the tracheophone group, positioned in the phylogenetic tree well away from the typical tapaculos with which it has been supposed to group. Other novel results include the observation that the ground antbirds are paraphyletic and that Sclerurus is the sister taxon to an ovenbird-woodcreeper clade. Patterns of generic richness within each clade suggest that the early differentiation of feeble-winged forest groups took place south of the Amazon Basin, while the more recent diversification was near the equator and (in tapaculos and ovenbirds) in the south of the continent.

Animals↗