Carla Suertegaray Fontana

Bird diversity in a subtropical South-American City: effects of noise levels, arborisation and human population density.

Cities are highly modified environments in which the only areas that resemble natural landscapes are urban parks with low human population density. Attempts are frequently made to maintain high bird diversity in cities for aesthetic or educational reasons. However, it remains unclear whether local site characteristics are important in determining bird assemblage composition or whether simplification of the assemblage is an inevitable consequence of the changes associated with human population density. From May 1998 to December 1999, we undertook bird counts at 521 points in Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, southern Brazil. Our main goal was to understand the pattern of distribution of the bird species richness and density within the city and determine which variables most affect species assemblages. We recorded 132 species belonging to 43 families that are common in Rio Grande do Sul and obtained quantitative data on 121 species in survey sites. The two most abundant species (House Sparrow, Passer domesticus and Rock dove, Columba livia) were exotics. Analysis based on a reduced subset of 134 points surveyed in spring/early summer suggested that there was a North–south gradient in assemblage structure. Variation in assemblage structure was also affected by the number of trees, urban noise and human population density. However, human population density had a much smaller effect on richness and assemblage structure than variables subject to management, such as tree density and noise levels. These results suggest that complex communities may be maintained in densely populated urban areas of sub-tropical South-America given adequate urban planning.

Molecular phylogeny and biogeography of the eastern Tapaculos (Aves: Rhinocryptidae: Scytalopus, Eleoscytalopus): Cryptic diversification in Brazilian Atlantic Forest

Scytalopus and the recently erected Eleoscytalopus are among the Neotropical groups of birds whose taxonomy is most difficult to resolve given their very conservative morphology. We investigated the phylogeny and species limits of Eleoscytalopus and the eastern Scytalopus using two mitochondrial genes and two nuclear introns of multiple individuals from all species of these groups. The eastern Scytalopus are separated in three well defined clades also supported by morphological or vocal characteristics, although the relationships between these clades could not be resolved. We found several allopatric and very divergent lineages in these genera whose characteristics are consistent with species-level divergence, especially in S.speluncae. The great divergence between E. psychopompus and its sister species supports the former as a valid species. Our results corroborate the importance of the Bahia refuge as an avian center of endemism.

Revisão e atualização da lista das aves do Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil

The list of birds of the state of Rio Grande do Sul (281,749 sq. km), southern Brazil, is revised and updated. Species were included in the list according to two main criteria: (i) occurrence in the state documented with tangible evidence - study skin or complete specimen, photograph, video or vocal recording - published in the literature or available for independent verification in scientific collections or archives of public access, or (ii) at least one state record supported by non-material evidence allowing an unequivocal diagnosis of the taxon, such as a circumstantiated report, published or provided to the authors, containing a detailed description of or reference to the diagnostic features observed. Species mentioned for the state that do not conform to these criteria were not included in the main list and were regarded as probable or hypothetical, according to the evidence available and the distributional coherence of the existing records. The final list comprises 661 species, of which 649 are documented by physical evidence. Another 10 and 16 species are listed as probable and hypothetical, respectively. Compared with the previous list, 44 species were added and seven were excluded or substituted, resulting in a net increase of 37 species. Fregetta grallaria (Vieillot, 1818), Polytmus guainumbi (Pallas, 1764), Nonnula rubecula (Spix, 1824), Stymphalornis acutirostris Bornschein, Reinert & Teixeira, 1995, Fluvicola albiventer (Spix, 1825), and Xenopsaris albinucha (Burmeister, 1869) are mentioned for the state for the first time. The number of species added since the last review corresponds to an average increase of slightly more than four species per year. By examining the recent additions in retrospect, it is clear that the number of bird species known to occur in Rio Grande do Sul should continue to grow at a similar rate over the next decade or so. In view of this, some guidelines for improving future revisions of the state checklist are proposed. In order to better understand new occurrences of birds over time, the use of adequate criteria to distinguish range extensions from range expansions, and instances of vagrancy from pseudo-vagrancy, is recommended.

Repeated divergent selection on pigmentation genes in a rapid finch radiation

Selection acted repeatedly on regions that may regulate the expression of genes underlying coloration differences in seedeaters. Instances of recent and rapid speciation are suitable for associating phenotypes with their causal genotypes, especially if gene flow homogenizes areas of the genome that are not under divergent selection. We study a rapid radiation of nine sympatric bird species known as capuchino seedeaters, which are differentiated in sexually selected characters of male plumage and song. We sequenced the genomes of a phenotypically diverse set of species to search for differentiated genomic regions. Capuchinos show differences in a small proportion of their genomes, yet selection has acted independently on the same targets in different members of this radiation. Many divergent regions contain genes involved in the melanogenesis pathway, with the strongest signal originating from putative regulatory regions. Selection has acted on these same genomic regions in different lineages, likely shaping the evolution of cis-regulatory elements, which control how more conserved genes are expressed and thereby generate diversity in classically sexually selected traits.

Seasonality of breeding, moult and fat deposition of birds in subtropical lowlands of southern Brazil

Abstract The circannual timing of migration, breeding and moult is fundamental for understanding avian life histories. However, much of our knowledge of such processes is derived from studies of bird of temperate regions, with few studies on subtropical or tropical birds. We studied the annual patterns of moult, development of brood patches and fat deposition in a subtropical lowland bird community in southern Brazil and examined the relationship between these patterns and temperature, precipitation and day length. We made 1702 captures of 97 species of birds. Moult and breeding overlap partially in the overall community. Moult of contour feathers occurred year-round, whereas moult of flight feathers occurred from the end of October to the end of May. Migratory species had a shorter moult period than resident species. Breeding peaked in spring (September-December). Fat was deposited seasonally, and the fattest individuals were observed between the end of the moult period and the beginning of breeding. Our data showed that ultimate factors (photoperiod and temperature) influenced vital processes of the life cycles of birds studied. The patterns detected in the seasonality and duration of breeding, moult and fat deposition in this community are generally similar to those of birds in temperate zones.

Nest, Eggs, and Nest Placement of the Brazilian Endemic Black-bellied Seedeater (Sporophila melanogaster)

Abstract We present the first detailed description of the nest and eggs of the Black-bellied Seedeater (Sporophila melanogaster) based on observation of 64 nests in three areas of grassland in southeastern Santa Catarina and northeastern Rio Grande do Sul states, Brazil. The nests were found from November through March. The nest has the shape of a shallow basket, constructed with portions of dried grasses and strung with spider webs. Half of the nests were constructed in Ludwigia sericea (Onagraceae), and the other half were in 15 other plant species. Of these, the most important were Eupatorium polystachyum (10%) and Achyrocline vauthieriana (6%) (Asteraceae). Only the female constructs the nest. The eggs are ovoid and colored whitish with brownish-purple spots near the wider portion. Clutch size was two eggs, rarely three.

Structure of avian assemblages in grasslands associated with cattle ranching and soybean agriculture in the Uruguayan savanna ecoregion of Brazil and Uruguay

ABSTRACT Conversion of grasslands into crops is a major factor leading to the decline of grassland birds. Cattle ranching represents another disturbance to natural grasslands, but may be less detrimental to grassland birds. We studied the diversity, density, and composition of bird species in Brazilian and Uruguayan grasslands under two different land use types: cattle ranching on seminatural grasslands, and soybean fields with interspersed patches of grassland. Cattle sites had higher species richness (n = 75 species) than soybean sites (n = 57 species). Most birds showed higher densities in cattle sites, but some common and habitat-generalist species were more abundant in soybean sites. Species composition did not differ significantly with land use. The generalist Eared Dove (Zenaida auriculata), however, was strongly associated with soybean sites. Among species of conservation interest, either regionally or globally, all had higher densities in cattle sites, highlighting the importance of maintaining these ranching areas. The persistence of grassland birds in soybean fields may be related to the presence of seminatural grassland patches within soybean crops.

Breeding Biology of the Tawny-Bellied Seedeater (Sporophila hypoxantha) In Southern Brazilian Upland Grasslands

Abstract We present detailed information on the breeding biology of a migratory population of the Tawny-bellied Seedeater (Sporophila hypoxantha), a typical member of the “capuchinos” group. Data were collected for 69 nests from 2007–2010 in areas of hilly dry grasslands in southern Brazil. Breeding begins in early November, a week after the seedeaters arrive, peaks in late November, and lasts until late February, when individuals migrate north. Females build small open-cup nests in small shrubs (mainly Vernonia chamaedrys and Eupatorium polystachyum), 41.9 ± 0.8 cm (range 27–60 cm, n  =  38) above the ground. Clutch size is two (91%) or three eggs (n  =  43), which measure 16.22 ± 0.51 mm by 11.93 ± 0.28 mm (n  =  10), and incubation, which is performed by the female, lasts 12 days. Average nest attentiveness during incubation was 60 ± 5% (n  =  5) with 20–31 min on-bouts. Males help feed the nestlings beginning on the fifth day after hatching. Provisioning visits/hr averaged 4.6 ± 0.7 (n  =  6) and females brooded after feeding the young in 48% of the visits when nestlings were 1–4 days old. When nestlings were 6–9 days old, the average visits/hr increased (8.95 ± 1.8, n  =  11; z  =  −2.5, P  =  0.012), with brooding after feeding in 14% of the visits. Nestlings fledged after 9–10 days. The basic reproductive characteristics of the migratory population are very similar to those found in the resident population in the Formosa region, Argentina, but the breeding season, time spent building the nest, and length of visits to the nest during the nestling stage were shorter.

Epiduroscopy in treatment of degenerative chronic low back pain: A prospective analysis and follow-up at 60 months

The aim of this prospective study was to evaluate the efficacy of endoscopic epidurolysis in the treatment of degenerative chronic low back pain. Three-hundred and fifty patients with Visual analog scale (VAS) and Oswestry Low Back Pain Disability Index (ODI) from 0–60% (0–20%, group A; 20–40%, group B; 40–60%, group C) were enrolled and treated prospectively with endoscopic epidurolysis by means of a Myelotec endoscope and by the intermittent instillation of saline solution added with hyaluronidase. Targeted application of ozone and ciprofloxacin close to the abnormal areas was also performed. Short- and long-term efficacy was prospectively evaluated. A VAS score < 5 and ODI < 40% were considered as a positive outcome. The treatment significantly reduces the VAS in all three groups of patients, starting from the first week and throughout the entire follow-up period (p < 0.001), also the Disability Index (ODI) showed a statistically significant decrease of the score (p < 0.001), that was particularly evident at 3 months and maintained up to long-term follow-up intervals. In conclusion, epiduroscopy by mechanical adhesiolysis and administration on targeted areas of ciprofloxacina and ozone seems to be, in this prospective study, an effective technique to provide sensible and persisting pain relief and act of improving ODI in chronic low back pain.

Análise comparativa da dieta de quatro espécies de cucos (Aves: Cuculidae), no sul do Brasil

We studied stomachs contents of 50 specimens of four common cuckoo species (Cuculidae) from southern Brazil: Guira guira (Gmelin, 1788) (n = 21), Coccyzus melacoryphus (Vieillot, 1817) (n = 8), Crotophaga ani (Linnaeus, 1758) (n = 11), and Piaya cayana (Linnaeus, 1766) (n = 10). We measured stomach volume and prey were identified and quantified based in their dimensions. The size of the prey was associated with bill width and body mass. Diet items were analyzed and identified to the lowest possible taxonomic level, based on literature, scientific collection data, and specialists. The diet of the four species was composed by 100% animal species, with invertebrate dominance. Only in G. guira stomachs the presence of vertebrates was observed more than once (amphibian, reptile, and bird). C. ani, which had similar diet, ingested a large number of Arachnida and Orthoptera. Piaya cayana ate mostly Hemiptera. The predominance of caterpillars (Lepidoptera), suggested in the literature was not observed in the diet of C. melacoryphus. There was a statistically significant difference in bill width and body mass among the bird species, and there was no correlation between bill width and the proportion of medium and large-sized prey.