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Bhindawas Bird Sanctuary is a Ramsar site located in Haryana, India, which falls in the Central Asian flyway zone of the migratory birds. Its diverse ecological resources sustain a rich diversity of migratory and threatened birds. The species diversity, threat status, population trend and feeding guild of the avifauna in Bhindawas Bird Sanctuary, Haryana, India, was explored from October 2021 to October 2023. The data was collected every fortnightly using the line transects method. A total of 129 bird species belonging to 98 genera, 47 families and 17 orders were recorded. Order Passeriformes, with 45 species in 20 families, dominated the avifauna, followed by Anseriformes with 16 species, Charadriformes with 12 species and the rest of 15 orders. Anatidae was the most dominant family representing 12.40% (n=16). Among the reported species, 81 were residents, 36 were winter migrants and, 10 were summer migrants and 2 were passage migrants. One species was endangered and vulnerable in the threat status, while six were classified as near threatened as per the International Union for Conservation of Nature (INUC) Red List, 2022. The bird sanctuary also supported 35 bird species with a declining population trend globally. The omnivorous and carnivorous feeding habits were equally dominant, followed by insectivorous and, nectarivorous and herbivorous birds, which were the least numerous. The presence of both resident and migrant birds of global conservation priority confirms the importance and conservation of Bhindawas Bird Sanctuary as a rich avifauna diversity habitat. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Placing wind turbines within large migration flyways, such as the North Sea basin, can contribute to the decline of vulnerable migratory bird populations by increasing mortality through collisions. Curtailment of wind turbines limited to short periods with intense migration can minimize these negative impacts, and near‐term bird migration forecasts can inform such decisions. Although near‐term forecasts are usually created with long‐term datasets, the pace of environmental alteration due to wind energy calls for the urgent development of conservation measures that rely on existing data, even when it does not have long temporal coverage.Here, we use 5 years of tracking bird radar data collected off the western Dutch coast, weather and phenological variables to develop seasonal near‐term forecasts of low‐altitude nocturnal bird migration over the southern North Sea.Overall, the models explained 71% of the variance and correctly predicted migration intensity above or below a threshold for intense hourly migration in more than 80% of hours in both seasons. However, the percentage of correctly predicted intense migration hours (top 5% of hours with the most intense migration) was low, likely due to the short‐term dataset and their rare occurrence. We, therefore, advise careful consideration of a curtailment threshold to achieve optimal results.Synthesis and applications: Near‐term forecasts of migration fluxes evaluated against measurements can be used to define curtailment thresholds for offshore wind energy. We show that to minimize collision risk for 50% of migrants, if predicted correctly, curtailments should be applied during 18 h in spring and 26 in autumn in the focal year of model assessments, resulting in an estimated annual wind energy loss of 0.12%. Drawing from the Dutch curtailment framework, which pioneered the 'international first' offshore curtailment, we argue that using forecasts developed from limited temporal datasets alongside expert insight and data‐driven policies can expedite conservation efforts in a rapidly changing world. This approach is particularly valuable in light of increasing interannual variability in weather conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The Sicilian wetlands (Italy) witness the migration of millions of birds every year. The anthropic exploitation of these wetlands, along with the exacerbation of climate variables, could soon prevent the occurrence of many waterbird species, especially in summer, and is already impacting their abundance. Our study delivers scientifically supported planning strategies to assist with preserving and restoring the avian diversity of the Sicilian wetlands and provide wetland managers with an effective methodological framework to step down their regional-scale approach to allow for the place-based planning of existing and project wetlands. In this study, we (a) formulated a general hypothesis about how wetland (functional and structural) traits influence avian diversity, (b) turned this hypothesis into a non-parametric Bayesian network, (c) disentangled the direct and indirect effects of the variables influencing waterbird species, and (d) simulated the changes expected to the levels of avian diversity as a result of numerous counterfactual and management scenarios. We applied our framework to the Sicilian wetlands as a whole; then, we downscaled simulations locally to a wetland of particular interest (Pantano Bruno). We found that (1) waterbird species are highly sensitive to wetland traits; (2) wetland traits have both direct and indirect effects upon alpha avian diversity; (3) the direct and indirect effects of wetland traits can be contrasting; (4) water level fluctuations (benefit), diversions (cost), and salinity (cost) are key factors for waterbird conservation; (5) these wetlands have the potential for hosting a level of alpha avian diversity that is double the baseline (from 19 to 38 species); (6) these wetlands are prone to ecological collapse if all traits deteriorate (from 19 to 6 species per wetland); and (7) the ecological information gained at the regional scale can be properly downscaled to the local scale to make inferences on single wetlands. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The green-up of vegetation in spring brings a pulse of food resources that many animals track during migration. However, green-up phenology is changing with climate change, posing an immense challenge for species that time their migrations to coincide with these resource pulses. We evaluated changes in green-up phenology from 2002 to 2021 in relation to the migrations of 150 Western-Hemisphere bird species using eBird citizen science data. We found that green-up phenology has changed within bird migration routes, and yet the migrations of most species align more closely with long-term averages of green-up than with current conditions. Changing green-up strongly influenced phenological mismatches, especially for longer-distance migrants. These results reveal that bird migration may have limited flexibility to adjust to changing vegetation phenology and emphasize the mounting challenge migratory animals face in following en route resources in a changing climate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

High pathogenicity avian influenza (HPAI) has impacted poultry and wild birds globally. The number of H5 HPAI virus (HPAIV) infection cases in wild birds in Hokkaido (Northern Japan) was high in the last two seasons, contributing to virus spillover to resident birds and poultry. Therefore, H5 HPAIVs in birds and mammals in Hokkaido in winter 2022–2023 and 2023–2024 were monitored and viruses were phylogenetically, antigenically, and pathogenetically characterized. Thirty HPAIV isolates were subtyped and pathotyped by sequencing the hemagglutinin (HA) gene of viruses. Phylogenetic analysis of the HA gene revealed that all isolated HPAIVs were categorized into clade 2.3.4.4b and divided into three groups (G2b, G2c, and G2d). Most isolates belonging to subgroup G2d clustered with isolates in winter 2021–2022 in Hokkaido. The other isolates were categorized into two subgroups, G2b and G2c, mainly composed of isolates in Honshu Island in winter 2021–2022 and 2022–2023, respectively. Two H5 HPAIVs isolated in Eastern Russia in spring and autumn 2022 were genetically close to most Hokkaido isolates (G2d), and a virus isolated in Hokkaido in November 2023 was also grouped in subgroup G2d. Further analysis of all eight gene segments identified six types of gene constellations. Cross-hemagglutination inhibition test indicated that the antigenicity of H5 HPAIVs isolated in the last several seasons was similar within them but slightly different from that in the 2010s. Three chicken breeds were intranasally challenged with four representative isolates to assess their pathogenicity. All chickens except one broiler chicken were dead until 5-day postchallenge with different pathogenicity of these viruses. The pathogenicity of one HPAIV strain was significantly lower in broiler chickens than in layer chickens. The mixture of multiple characteristics of HPAIVs in Hokkaido was confirmed by bird migration routes. Thus, many HPAIVs can be brought and scattered anywhere on Earth. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Since 2020, clade 2.3.4.4b highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N8 and H5N1 viruses have swept through continents, posing serious threats to the world. Through comprehensive analyses of epidemiological, genetic, and bird migration data, we found that the dominant genotype replacement of the H5N8 viruses in 2020 contributed to the H5N1 outbreak in the 2021/2022 wave. The 2020 outbreak of the H5N8 G1 genotype instead of the G0 genotype produced reassortment opportunities and led to the emergence of a new H5N1 virus with G1's HA and MP genes. Despite extensive reassortments in the 2021/2022 wave, the H5N1 virus retained the HA and MP genes, causing a significant outbreak in Europe and North America. Furtherly, through the wild bird migration flyways investigation, we found that the temporal-spatial coincidence between the outbreak of the H5N8 G1 virus and the bird autumn migration may have expanded the H5 viral spread, which may be one of the main drivers of the emergence of the 2020-2022 H5 panzootic. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As an important migratory bird habitat along the East Asian-Australasian route, the coastal wetlands along the Yellow Sea have experienced significant human losses and threats due to the impact of wind farms. In this study, the radar data was adopted to examine and analyse the spatial and temporal changes of the human-made characteristic areas that caused the change of the migration route of birds in the Yellow Sea from 2015 to 2022. The results show that the areas of impact zones in the study area on water of the Yellow Sea, during the last 8 years, increased 14 times, from 35.7 km2 to 506.3 km2. The areas of impact zones in the study area on land, during the last 8 years, increased almost two times, from 303.4 km2 to 544.2 km2, which also has a serious impact on the number of migratory birds. Therefore, China should carefully evaluate the impact and potential threat of domestic wind farms under operation and construction on birds and other wildlife, and provide scientific solutions for the site selection of new wind farms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: West Nile virus (WNV) infection is a viral disease caused by arboviruses. It can cause epidemics of febrile diseases and meningoencephalitis, especially at the end of the summer season. In this study, we aimed to determine the risk factors of WNV encephalitis with a case–control study of the patients followed in our clinic. Materials and Methods: Among the patients who applied to our hospital with sudden onset fever, headache, myalgia, nausea, vomiting, maculopapular rash, viral meningitis, or encephalitis findings in late summer and early autumn, those diagnosed with positive WNV PCR and antibody tests were defined as WNV cases. In the same date range, patients with clinically compatible but negative serological and PCR tests for WNV in our hospital were considered as the control group. Results: WNV infection was diagnosed in 26 of 48 patients who were examined with a preliminary diagnosis of WNV infection, and the other 22 patients were considered as the control group. A statistically significant difference was found between the two groups in C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, 1-h erythrocyte sedimentation rate, alkaline phosphatase, platelet, and platelet distribution width (PDW). PDW >17.85% indicated WNV infection with 82% sensitivity and 91% specificity. PDW percentage >17.85 increased the risk of WNV infection by 6.1 times. The power of the study was calculated as 83%. Conclusion: The most common findings in WNV cases were fever and confusion. WNV infection should be considered in the differential diagnosis in patients with fever and confusion in September and October in settlements on the migration route of birds. The percentage of PDW in whole blood examination can guide the differential diagnosis of WNV cases. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: West Nile virus (WNV) outbreaks in birds, humans, and livestock have occurred in multiple areas in Europe and have had a significant impact on animal and human health. The patterns of emergence and spread of WNV in Europe are very different from those in the US and understanding these are important for guiding preparedness activities. Methods: We mapped the evolution and spread history of WNV in Europe by incorporating viral genome sequences and epidemiological data into phylodynamic models. Spatially explicit phylogeographic models were developed to explore the possible contribution of different drivers to viral dispersal direction and velocity. A "skygrid-GLM" approach was used to identify how changes in environments would predict viral genetic diversity variations over time. Findings: Among the six lineages found in Europe, WNV-2a (a sub-lineage of WNV-2) has been predominant (accounting for 73% of all sequences obtained in Europe that have been shared in the public domain) and has spread to at least 14 countries. In the past two decades, WNV-2a has evolved into two major co-circulating clusters, both originating from Central Europe, but with distinct dynamic history and transmission patterns. WNV-2a spreads at a high dispersal velocity (88km/yr–215 km/yr) which is correlated to bird movements. Notably, amongst multiple drivers that could affect the spread of WNV, factors related to land use were found to strongly influence the spread of WNV. Specifically, the intensity of agricultural activities (defined by factors related to crops and livestock production, such as coverage of cropland, pasture, cultivated and managed vegetation, livestock density) were positively associated with both spread direction and velocity. In addition, WNV spread direction was associated with high coverage of wetlands and migratory bird flyways. Conclusion: Our results suggest that—in addition to ecological conditions favouring bird- and mosquito- presence—agricultural land use may be a significant driver of WNV emergence and spread. Our study also identified significant gaps in data and the need to strengthen virological surveillance in countries of Central Europe from where WNV outbreaks are likely seeded. Enhanced monitoring for early detection of further dispersal could be targeted to areas with high agricultural activities and habitats of migratory birds. Author summary: Evidence for the drivers for West Nile virus (WNV) dispersal has been not clear in Europe. Here, we have comprehensively described the dispersal history of the currently predominant WNV lineage in Europe and estimated the contribution of key drivers of spread between and within countries. By fitting several phylodynamic and phylogeographic models, we found that 1) WNV in Europe has a greater lineage diversity than in other regions of the world. 2) Agricultural intensity had the greatest impact on both WNV spread direction and velocity. 3) WNV spread direction was specifically associated with urbanization and bird habitats. 4) Climate change and bio-diversity changes predicted viral genetic diversity over time. Our study revealed that to enhance preparedness for potential outbreaks, it is important to further define these drivers, and increase sampling for WNV in areas that appear to be a source of WNV in other countries in Europe, as well as in regions with known risk factors but where WNV has not yet been detected. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Phenological responses to climate change frequently vary among trophic levels, which can result in increasing asynchrony between the peak energy requirements of consumers and the availability of resources. Migratory birds use multiple habitats with seasonal food resources along migration flyways. Spatially heterogeneous climate change could cause the phenology of food availability along the migration flyway to become desynchronized. Such heterogeneous shifts in food phenology could pose a challenge to migratory birds by reducing their opportunity for food availability along the migration path and consequently influencing their survival and reproduction. We develop a novel graph‐based approach to quantify this problem and deploy it to evaluate the condition of the heterogeneous shifts in vegetation phenology for 16 migratory herbivorous waterfowl species in Asia. We show that climate change‐induced heterogeneous shifts in vegetation phenology could cause a 12% loss of migration network integrity on average across all study species. Species that winter at relatively lower latitudes are subjected to a higher loss of integrity in their migration network. These findings highlight the susceptibility of migratory species to climate change. Our proposed methodological framework could be applied to migratory species in general to yield an accurate assessment of the exposure under climate change and help to identify actions for biodiversity conservation in the face of climate‐related risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The tundra of the East Asian Arctic is inhabited by at least three flyway populations of the tundra swan: the East Asian continental migratory flyway population of C. c. bewickii; the western Pacific flyway population of C. c. bewickii, and the western (American) flyway population of C. c. columbianus. The main objective of the present paper is to assess population trends by comparing information on the historical bird aerial survey in 1993–1995 (the only one conducted in the tundra of northeastern Asia) with the data of our aerial survey held in 2020–2021. Another aim was to estimate the proportion of breeding birds in different flyway populations. The size of the zone of intergradation of C. c. bewickii and C. c. columbianus in Chukotka and the level of hybridization have so far remained poorly studied; this issue requires clarification. The aerial survey data for 2020–2021 were processed using the QuantumGIS 9.16.5 software. The system included the following layers: a vector layer of the world map; routes of aerial surveys for 2020 and 2021; and polygons of counts for 1993–1995. The system made it possible to calculate the length of the survey. Estimates for each region were calculated for the extrapolation area given in the historical survey. Between 1993–1995 and 2020–2021, an increase in the numbers of all three flyway populations of the tundra swan was revealed on the breeding grounds. The East Asian continental flyway population increased 3.86 times versus 3.05 times for the West Pacific flyway population (while the documented growth of this population was 2.1 times, according to mid-winter counts over the same period). The Western (American) flyway population grew 2.5 times. We believe that the northern border of the summer range of the tundra swan has significantly shifted to the north, following the summer climate change and the northward shift of the subarctic tundra zone. Registration of nests and broods in areas where only nonbreeding birds were recorded during the historical survey is additional evidence of a northward displacement of the range. The Kym"yneiveem River (about 175.6° W) borders the areas of dominance of C. c. bewickii and C. c. columbianus. A switch in dominance has been triggered, as there is no zone where both subspecies would occur in equal proportions. The overlapping area of both subspecies extends for 600 km along the Arctic coast. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Prescottiella sudanensis is a rare, asymmetrical desmid currently known from only a few countries in equatorial Africa. During the present study, P. sudanensis cells were found in water samples from Vogel Pan located in the far north-eastern side of Namibia, thereby expanding the known geographical distribution of the species. The location of the sampling site, which is situated in a direct line halfway between the Makgadikgadi pans and Okavango Delta towards the east (Botswana) and the Etosha pans towards the west (Namibia), suggests that migrating birds are likely vectors spreading desmids from one waterbody to another. In this paper a morphological description (including dimensions) and micrographs of P. sudanensis are presented, and the known geographical distribution of the species is discussed in relation to migration routes of birds. As the genus and species names are invalid according to ICN Art. 40.1, the names are also validated in this paper. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Tracking the flight patterns of birds and bats in three-dimensional space is central to key questions in evolutionary ecology but remains a difficult technical challenge. For example, complex aerial flight displays are common among birds breeding in open habitats, but information on flight performance is limited. Here, we demonstrate the feasibility of using a large ground-based 4-microphone planar array to track the aerial flight displays of the cryptic Jack Snipe Lymnocryptes minimus. The main element of male display flights resembles a galloping horse at a distance. Under conditions of sufficient signal-to-noise ratio and of vertical alignment with the microphone array, we successfully tracked male snipe in 3D space for up to 25 seconds with a total flight path of 280 m. The 'gallop' phase of male snipe dropped from ca. 141 to 64 m above ground at an average velocity of 77 km/h and up to 92 km/h. Our project is one of the first applications of bioacoustics to measure 3D flight paths of birds under field conditions, and our results were consistent with our visual observations. Our microphone array and post-processing workflow provides a standardised protocol that could be used to collect comparative data on birds with complex aerial flight displays. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Natural wetlands supply food and shelter for many bird species and offer stopover sites that allow waterbirds to make long migratory journeys. Human impacts and ongoing climate change are however reducing the ability of wetlands to provide such essential services to avian diversity. Therefore, scientists are now forced to consider new approaches to the proactive management of remaining marginal wetlands so as to preserve the associated biodiversity as well. Because regional planning and wetland management are often debatable issues, we argue here that in silico simulation modeling, combined with field surveys and data collection, provides an appropriate methodology to address this matter effectively. Modeling and dynamically simulating the changes expected to the levels of avian diversity as a function of plausible counterfactual and management scenarios provides an informed and scientifically defensible basis for proactive conservation strategies. Such simulations present an opportunity to test numerous different scenarios, exploring their implications for the conservation of avian diversity, thus providing a well-grounded and realistic approach to dealing with inherent uncertainties in wetland management and waterbird conservation. The Sardinian wetlands (Italy) act as stopover sites for many migratory birds along the central eastern Mediterranean bird flyway. These wetlands are now severely threatened by human activities and climate change. Accordingly, we built a simulation framework to predict the effects of several counterfactual and management scenarios on the level of avian diversity in the coastal wetlands of Sardinia. We found that the alpha avian diversity (i.e., the mean number of avian species per wetland) is destined to (a) decrease due to the most likely increase in water salinity, water discharges, and tourism pressure; and (b) halve (from 14.9 to 7.4, with 9 wetlands out of 22 predicted to host only between two and five waterbird species) in the worst possible scenario. However, the results also showed that proper management strategies could prevent and reverse such outcomes. Restrictions on tourism activities, water desalination, prevention of future saltwater intrusions, and the prohibition of water discharges could markedly favor the avian diversity in these wetlands, with an expected increase in the alpha avian diversity from 14.9 to 24.8 (and 10 wetlands out of 22 predicted to host from 29 to 32 waterbird species) in the best possible scenario. The importance of our results could be emphasized in the management plans of these important wetlands, most of which belong to the Natura 2000 network. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

We report 4 highly pathogenic avian influenza A(H5N1) clade 2.3.4.4.b viruses in samples collected during June 2023 from Royal terns and Cabot's terns in Brazil. Phylodynamic analysis revealed viral movement from Peru to Brazil, indicating a concerning spread of this clade along the Atlantic Americas migratory bird flyway. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Long‐distance dispersal (LDD) is a critical process in the distribution of less‐migratory organisms. Migratory birds are considered the principal vector of LDD, especially over extremely long distances such as between continents. However, there has been no evidence of LDD spanning thousands of kilometers, even via birds. In this study, we collected a freshwater snail attached to a Latham's snipe. This snail was identified as the genus Glyptophysa through morphological and molecular identification based on four genetic regions. Considering the migration route of the bird and the distribution of the molluscan genus, we conclude that the snail was attached to a bird which migrated over 4000 km across the ocean. This finding demonstrates the LDD on an intercontinental scale of an organism via a migratory bird, which many biologists have long presumed to occur. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article focuses on the study of migratory birds and the role they play in transporting various pathogens, including viruses and bacteria, across the world. Topics discussed include the impact of climate change on bird migration patterns, the potential risks to human health, and efforts to monitor and predict disease outbreaks associated with these avian journeys.

Phylogeographical studies combined with species distribution modelling can provide evidence for past climate refugia. During the Pleistocene, the Chaco phytogeographical province (ChPP) underwent changes in the distribution range, and the flora might have found refugia in different habitats according to their climatic requirements. This contribution aims to infer the effects of historical geoclimatic changes on the evolutionary history of Capsicum chacoense , the southernmost chilli pepper growing in the ChPP. We analysed 27 localities with plastid markers and 23 with nuclear markers, covering the geographical range of the species. We performed statistical phylogeography, in addition to current and past species distribution modelling. We found three haploclades, diverging 2.3–1 Mya, intermingled throughout the mountain ranges of the ChPP as a consequence of glacial cycles. According to the species distribution modelling, the expansion of the species distribution occurred during interglacial periods. We found two dispersal routes from south to north of the species distribution, concomitant with the migration routes of birds that disperse their fruits. The spatial distribution of genetic diversity showed the highest genetic diversity values at higher elevations. The main orographic systems of the study area were identified as areas of presumed population stability. Consequently, mountains are priority regions for conservation because they contain areas with high genetic diversity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Migratory divides separate populations of migratory animals, facilitating the evolution of intraspecific differences in migration strategies. Migration strategies are expected to be different for birds using different flyways and environments, but the knowledge regarding the impact of the flyway on individual migration strategies is scarce. By using satellite tracking and neckband resightings, we reveal the existence and structure of a gradual migratory divide between two European flyway populations of greylag geese Anser anser. Birds breeding at the far end of the Gulf of Bothnia in the Baltic Sea coast use the Western Flyway, those breeding in the Gulf of Finland the Central Flyway and those breeding between these extremes scatter to the two flyways. By using Gaussian process modelling, we show that migration strategies differed between the flyways. The birds using the Western Flyway migrated earlier in autumn, performed longer annual migration and made a clear stopover during migration, whereas the birds using the Central Flyway flew directly to their wintering sites. The gradual migratory divide that also divides migration strategies provides insights into migratory divides on birds with learned migration. Distinct migration strategies in different flyways provide exciting possibilities to further study the factors driving migration strategies. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: The European Turtle Dove (Streptopelia turtur) is a declining migratory species that overwinters in sub-Saharan Africa and migrates to Europe each spring to breed. Most of the knowledge regarding its wintering grounds, the routes it follows and the sites where it rests and regains mass between migration flights has been obtained from the west and central European populations. In this study, we combined long-term bird ringing data, tracking data and citizen science data to estimate the numbers of Turtle Doves that migrate through Greece every spring and increase our knowledge of how the species uses resting sites after crossing the Mediterranean Sea. Approximately 16% of the European population migrates through Greece every spring, between the end of March and the end of May. On average, Turtle Doves arrive with very low body mass, and some stay on the resting sites for as long as three weeks to regain the mass loss. The extensive use of resting sites after the Mediterranean Sea indicates the probable importance of such sites for the species. Migratory routes, important stopover sites and wintering grounds for the Turtle Dove, a declining trans-Saharan migratory bird, are known mainly for populations in western and central Europe, but very little is known about birds using the eastern migration flyway. By combining long-term ringing data, tracking data and citizen science data, a comprehensive picture of the stopover ecology of the Turtle Dove's spring migration in the eastern Mediterranean is presented. Furthermore, a quantitative estimate of the number of birds that migrate over Greece during the spring migration is given. Approximately 16% of the European population migrates through Greece, passing through as early as the end of March, with the passage lasting up to the end of May. On average, the species arrives depleted after the crossing of the Sahara Desert and the Mediterranean Sea, with no systematic refuelling event taking place in North Africa. Both tracking and ringing data indicate that the birds undergo an extensive stopover after the barrier crossing (as much as close to three weeks). Turtle Doves additionally show significant body mass gain during their stay, indicating the potential importance of stopover sites after the Mediterranean Sea for the conservation of the species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article discusses the importance of stopover locations for migratory birds and the need for conservation efforts to protect these habitats. It focuses on the East Asian-Australasian Flyway (EAAF), which is one of the most threatened migratory bird flyways in the world. The Yellow Sea and Bohai Gulf region, located along the EAAF, are crucial stopover sites for many shorebird species, but they are experiencing habitat loss and degradation. The article emphasizes the need to understand and protect these stopover locations to ensure the survival of migratory bird populations. [Extracted from the article]

The Sardinian wetlands belong to the Sardinia‐Corsica corridor of the central eastern Mediterranean bird flyway. They supply the food and shelter for many waterbird species and act as stopover sites during migratory journeys. Despite policies and laws of the European Union, the Sardinian wetlands are severely threatened by anthropic activities and ongoing climate change, making the condition of the associated avifauna critical.We (a) inventoried the avian metacommunity of the largest coastal wetlands in Sardinia during the summer period, (b) investigated the metacommunity structure, (c) quantified the effects of wetland attributes on avian diversity at species and guild level and (d) predicted future changes in species composition of this metacommunity.We recorded 60 bird species (of which 21 belonged to Annex I of the Birds Directive). The metacommunity structure resulted was significantly nested and non‐modular. Salinity negatively affected the presence of 48 species out of 60, followed by tourism pressure (44 species), wetland isolation (42 species) and water discharges (36 species). The mean water level resulting from artificial regulation for anthropic activities was too high for 63% of the species, which disadvantaged primarily small waders, species feeding on invertebrates and trans‐Saharan migrants. In addition, water‐level fluctuations (that would favour avian diversity) were prevented by artificial regulation during the summer period in many wetlands, producing further negative effects on the avifauna. We found 45% of the recorded bird species at risk of disappearance from this avian metacommunity.Synthesis and applications. Our study indicates that, as things stand, the avian metacommunity of the Sardinian wetlands is destined to experience reductions in the short term and mid‐term. This decline will be accelerated by increased saltwater intrusions due to sea‐level rise. Nevertheless, the nested and non‐modular structure of this avian metacommunity would allow for pro‐active conservation measures (e.g. restriction for tourism activities, construction of artificial dune cordons to minimize saltwater intrusions, water‐level regulation that keeps into account also the ecological requirements of waterbird species) to counteract the effects of current and future threats. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

For young greater spotted eagles (Clanga clanga) tagged in the center of European Russia (four individuals) and in the Republic of Tatarstan (one individual), fall (2019) and spring (2020) migration routes and summer vagrancy routes, as well as stops during migration and vagrancy, were traced using GPS–GSM trackers. In contrast to birds from more western populations, e.g. Polish, Baltic, or Belarusian, some of which winter in Southern Europe, all the five spotted eagles studied were found to have migrated to wintering grounds in the Middle East. For the first time, the greater spotted eagle of the Volga population was recorded to have wintered near the southwestern coast of the Caspian Sea, and its migration route was found to be noticeably shorter than the routes of the other four individuals. The migration routes of two birds were revealed to have been circular: the fall route was along the eastern coast of the Black Sea, whereas the spring route, through the Bosporus and Dardanelles straits and then to the west of the Black Sea coast. Long stops during the fall migration were shown to be mainly determined by the presence of places with abundant potential prey along the migration track, which not all birds could find. Two individuals had long stops during the spring migration before crossing the Bosporus and Dardanelles straits, probably because of the absence of imprinting of migration route in young spotted eagles. The long stopover sites of the two birds during their summer vagrancies were located in the areas of extensive agriculture, this probably being due to readily available prey during harvesting. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Egypt is characterized by many deserts associated with cities. The desert raven is considered an ancient one of the most abundant birds in the Egyptian desert and is susceptible to a wide range of ectoparasites. therefore, the present study was to identify the ectoparasites that infect brown-necked raven Corvus ruficollis in Wadi Dara, Eastern Desert, Red Sea Governorate, Egypt. During the two years from 2020 to 2022, several parasites were collected from a brown-necked raven. Sixteen live brown-necked ravens and nine nests in the Red Sea governorate were investigated. The collected ectoparasites were thirteen lice species belonging to two suborders, four dipteran species belonging to two families, ten mite species belonging to two families, also nine tick species belonging to two families. Generally, ectoparasites are considered the primary cause of many dangerous effects for many domestic and migratory bird species, the presence of the brown-necked ravens in the bird migration route in the eastern desert increases the chance of ectoparasites transmission between different species in the same area. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The Xianghai National Nature Reserve of Jilin is located on the East Asian-Australian migration route of birds and plays an important role for migratory waterbirds. To explore the influence of restoration measures on migratory waterbird communities in Xianghai Reserve, we conducted a waterbird survey in the spring and autumn during waterbird migration from 2010 to 2020. The composition and spatial and temporal changes in waterbird communities were identified in the reserve and the diversity changes in waterbird communities were analyzed. The results showed that (1) the number of waterbirds increased significantly since restoration measures in 2012. Restoration measures has clearly promoted an improvement in the species and number of waterbirds. The number of waterbirds was approximately seven-times higher than that before restoration measures. (2) The number of rare waterbirds increased in the reserve, and the number of Anseriform waterbirds on the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species rapidly increased. (3) The diversity of the waterbird community has shown some recovery in the reserve, but the variation in water level during some periods led to a regular fluctuation in waterbird diversity. Restoration measures directly changed the water surface area and the water depth in the reserve, which are important variables that influence waterbird selection of wetlands as habitats. To effectively protect and manage important stopover sites on the migratory routes of waterbirds, we suggest to rationally regulate the supplementary water level of wetlands, optimize the hydrological pattern of wetlands, and strengthen the regulation of wetland water levels. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Simple Summary: Aspects of the vision of birds pertinent to the design and deployment of power line bird diverters are described. Their application is illustrated using Canada Geese as a putative worst-case example of a species prone to power line collision. The design of bird diverters should be based upon the perception of birds, not the perception of humans, but until now it is human vision that has guided diverter design. Aspects of bird vision pertinent to diverter design are reviewed. These are applied in an example that uses Canada Geese Branta canadensis as a putative worst-case example of a collision-prone species. The proposed design uses an achromatic checkerboard pattern of high contrast whose elements match the low spatial resolution of these birds when they are active under twilight light levels. The detectability of the device will be increased by movement, and this is best achieved with a device that rotates on its own axis driven by the wind. The recommended spacing of diverters along a power line is based upon the maximum width of the bird's binocular field and the linear distance that it subtends at a distance sufficient to allow a bird to alter its flight path before possible impact. Given the worst-case nature of this example, other bird species should detect and avoid such a device. The basic design can be modified for use with specific target species if sufficient is known about their vision. Field trials of devices based on these design criteria are now required. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Measuring avian migration can prove challenging given the spatial scope and the diversity of species involved. No one monitoring technique provides all the pertinent measures needed to capture this macroscale phenomenon – emphasizing the need for data integration. Migration phenology is a key metric characterizing large‐scale migration dynamics and has been successfully quantified using weather surveillance radar (WSR) data and community science observations. Separately, both platforms have their limitations and measure different aspects of bird migration. We sought to make a formal comparison of the migration phenology estimates derived from WSR and eBird data – of which we predict a positive correlation. Location: Contiguous United States. Time period: 2002–2018. Major taxa studied: Migratory birds. Methods: We estimated spring and autumn migration phenology at 143 WSR stations aggregated over a 17‐year period (2002–2018), which we contrast with eBird‐based estimates of spring and autumn migration phenology for 293 nocturnally migrating bird species at the 143 WSR stations. We compared phenology metrics derived from all species and WSR stations combined, for species in three taxonomic orders (Anseriformes, Charadriiformes and Passeriformes), and for WSR stations in three North American migration flyways (western, central and eastern). Results: We found positive correlations between WSR and eBird‐based estimates of migration phenology and differences in the strength of correlations among taxonomic orders and migration flyways. The correlations were stronger during spring migration, for Passeriformes, and generally for WSR stations in the eastern flyway. Autumn migration showed weaker correlation, and in Anseriformes correlations were weakest overall. Lastly, eBird‐based estimates slightly preceded those derived from WSR in the spring, but trailed WSR in the autumn, suggesting that the two data sources measure different components of migration phenology. Main conclusions We highlight the complementarity of these two approaches, but also reveal strong taxonomic and geographic differences in the relationships between the platforms. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Migratory insects are a key component of terrestrial ecosystems, but understanding their full contribution is challenging as they are difficult to track, and migration often takes place at high altitude. Migration hotspots offer an exceptional opportunity to study these otherwise indiscernible movements as migration can be visible at ground level; however these events are often also ephemeral and reported only from chance encounters. It is therefore often difficult to fully characterise the range and number of species involved, the drivers of migration or to appreciate the potential interactions and ecological roles of the migrants. Here we pursue field evidence suggesting that the Karpaz peninsula in northeast Cyprus is a suitable location to systematically collect data on migratory insects. In the spring of 2019, using a combination of timed‐counts, migration‐camera traps and netting we documented over 39 million day‐flying insects from eight orders arriving on Cyprus at rates of up to 5900 insects m‐1 min‐1. Mass arrivals were correlated with higher temperatures and easterly winds. Wind direction and normalised vegetation difference index (NDVI) data suggest that these insects had their natal origins in locations including Syria, Iraq and Saudi Arabia. It is estimated that many billions of insects left the coast of the Middle East heading west into Europe during the study period. While the migrant assemblage was diverse, Diptera were by far the most numerous insect order (86%) followed by Lepidoptera (10%). These migrating insects play a range of vital ecological roles including cross‐continental pollination and the transfer of important nutrients. We believe that the very infrequently explored processes described in this manuscript have important consequences for ecosystems in the destinations of these migratory insects across Europe. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The impact of piscivorous predatory species is an important factor negatively influencing the prosperity of inland aquacultural facilities. In this regard, carp (Cyprinus carpio) pond stocks suffer predation pressure from both migrating and nesting great cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo sinensis) populations, which utilise easily available fish prey cultured in carp ponds at densities incomparably higher than found in natural water bodies. Previous studies dealing with conflicts between cormorants and inland fisheries have usually focused on direct and/or indirect effects of cormorant predation, or descriptions of total size, long-term trends, and movements/dispersal of European populations. Though the results gained through comprehensive pan-European projects are valuable and usually applicable at larger scales, more detailed case studies from carp pond regions can provide a different viewpoint on such issues. In this case study from the Třeboň pond region in the Czech Republic, we examine cormorant count data from 2019 (whole year), performed by fish farmers as a requirement for compensation of losses caused by cormorant predation, and examine them in relation to variables such as pond size and distance from breeding colony, along with economic (financial) aspects of cormorant predation. The total whole-year count was the highest at larger ponds (> 50 ha), where more than 5,000 cormorants per day (corm/day) were recorded, with highest figures exceeding 7–9,000 corm/day at ponds > 150 ha. Maximum daily cormorant counts during the spring and autumn peaks reached up to 450 birds at the largest ponds (≥ 200 ha), though the highest daily per ha abundance was recorded at smaller ponds (< 20 ha), with maxima exceeding 20 corm/ha. The highest counts were recorded during the spring and autumn flyway migrations, with a smaller summer peak also noticeable as young birds left the nests. This "young-bird" peak was most pronounced at < 50 ha ponds situated ≤ 10 km from the colony. Predation pressure per ha of pond was clearly highest at < 5 ha ponds, with levels decreasing with increasing pond size. Financial losses at smaller ponds were further increased due to the higher price of young fish cultured in small (< 5 ha) nursing ponds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Planting forests is a commonly suggested measure to mitigate climate change. The resulting changes in habitat structure can greatly influence the diversity and abundance of pre‐existing wildlife. Understanding these consequences is key for avoiding unintended impacts of afforestation on habitats and populations of conservation concern.Afforestation in lowland Iceland has been gaining momentum in recent years and further increases are planned. Iceland supports internationally important breeding populations of several ground‐nesting, migratory bird species that mostly breed in open habitats. If afforestation impacts the distribution and abundance of these species, the consequences may be apparent throughout their non‐breeding ranges across Europe and Africa.To quantify the effects of plantation forests on the abundance and distribution of ground‐nesting birds (in particular waders, Charadriiformes), surveys were conducted on 161 transects (surrounding 118 plantations) perpendicular to forest edges throughout Iceland. The resulting variation in density with distance from plantation was used to estimate the likely changes in bird numbers resulting from future afforestation plans, and to explore the potential effects of different planting configuration (size and number of forest patches) scenarios.Of seven wader species, densities of five (golden plover Pluvialis apricaria, whimbrel Numenius phaeopus, oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus, dunlin Calidris alpina and black‐tailed godwit Limosa limosa) in the 200 m surrounding plantations were just under half of those further away (up to 700 m). Redshank Tringa totanus densities were lowest ≤150 m from the plantation edge while snipe Gallinago gallinago densities were 50% higher close to plantations (0–50 m) than further away (51–700 m), and no consistent effects of plantation height, diameter, density or type were identified. Plantations are typically small and widespread, and simulated scenarios indicated that total declines in bird abundance resulting from planting trees in one large block (1,000 ha) could result in only ~11% of the declines predicted from planting multiple small blocks (1 ha) in similar habitats.Synthesis and application. Planting forests in open landscapes can have severe impacts on populations of ground‐nesting birds, which emphasizes the need for strategic planning of tree‐planting schemes. Given Iceland's statutory commitments to species protection and the huge contribution of Iceland to global migratory bird flyways, these are challenges that must be addressed quickly, before population‐level impacts are observed across migratory ranges. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Our study shows that the current levels of anthropogenic exploitation of the Sicilian wetlands (Italy), combined with the likely exacerbation of climate-driven variables, are unsustainable and could soon exclude many bird species from this metacommunity. Sicily is the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea, and its wetlands represent a network of unreplaceable stopover sites that allow waterbirds to rest and refuel during migratory journeys along the central-eastern Mediterranean bird flyway. During the summer period, these species experience higher levels of environmental stress as water scarcity and anthropogenic pressure are at their peak. Through field surveys, geoprocessing and statistical analyses, we investigated: (a) the structure of the avian metacommunity of the largest Sicilian wetlands during July–September and (b) the effects of 10 (geographic, hydrological and anthropogenic) wetland attributes on avian diversity. We sampled 73 bird species, of which 30 are listed in annex I of the Birds Directive. The avian metacommunity was significantly nested and non-modular; in addition, it presented elevated beta diversity and random species assemblage. Environmental filtering superseded biotic interactions in determining species composition. Avian diversity was significantly favored by higher water levels, water-level fluctuations and water discharges, and disfavored by water diversion, salinity and tourism pressure. The knowledge concerning the particular structure of the avian metacommunity of the Sicilian wetlands can facilitate the implementation of conservation policies that could mitigate and compensate the effects of short- and mid-term risks. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Human-induced direct mortality affects huge numbers of birds each year, threatening hundreds of species worldwide. Tracking technologies can be an important tool to investigate temporal and spatial patterns of bird mortality as well as their drivers. We compiled 1704 mortality records from tracking studies across the African-Eurasian flyway for 45 species, including raptors, storks, and cranes, covering the period from 2003 to 2021. Our results show a higher frequency of human-induced causes of mortality than natural causes across taxonomic groups, geographical areas, and age classes. Moreover, we found that the frequency of human-induced mortality remained stable over the study period. From the human-induced mortality events with a known cause (n = 637), three main causes were identified: electrocution (40.5 %), illegal killing (21.7 %), and poisoning (16.3 %). Additionally, combined energy infrastructure-related mortality (i.e., electrocution, power line collision, and wind-farm collision) represented 49 % of all human-induced mortality events. Using a random forest model, the main predictors of human-induced mortality were found to be taxonomic group, geographic location (latitude and longitude), and human footprint index value at the location of mortality. Despite conservation efforts, human drivers of bird mortality in the African-Eurasian flyway do not appear to have declined over the last 15 years for the studied group of species. Results suggest that stronger conservation actions to address these threats across the flyway can reduce their impacts on species. In particular, projected future development of energy infrastructure is a representative example where application of planning, operation, and mitigation measures can enhance bird conservation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article presents a study on optimization of dynamic soaring in a flap-gliding seabird affects its large-scale distribution at sea. It mentions that dynamic soaring harvests energy from a spatiotemporal wind gradient, allowing albatrosses to glide over vast distances. It reports how small-scale dynamic soaring affects large-scale Manx shearwater distribution at sea.

The article presents the discussion on temperate-zone passerines undergoing a preformative molt during the first cycle. Topics include researchers capturing and band wild birds distinguishing individuals in the first plumage cycle; and primary coverts uniformly dull brown, matching the apparently older flight feathers ruling out the possibility of a suspended pre-basic molt.

The article presents the first data on the genetic structure of the White-naped crane Antigone vipio, a rare migratory bird species of Northeast Asia. Based on the analysis of seven polymorphic microsatellite loci and full-lengh mitochondrial DNA Control Region sequencing (1132 bp), the genetic homogeneity of spatially separated western and eastern populations was established. The found high levels of observed (HO = 0.696 ± 0.033) and expected (HE = 0.707 ± 0.037) heterozygosity and haplotype diversity (Hd = 0.973) of the White-naped crane were comparable to these parameters in wide-range crane species with a large population sizes. Lack of genetic differentiation by microsatellite loci (FST = 0.013, P = 0.369), the low level of genetic differences by the Control Region (FST = 0.041, P = 0.05), and generally low level of intraspecific spatial structuring in the White-naped crane by haplotypes and individual multilocus genotypes may be due to the absence of reproductive isolation between individuals from different populations and changes in the migration routes of immature birds. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Aim: Two important environmental hazards for nocturnally migrating birds are artificial light at night (ALAN) and air pollution, with ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) considered to be especially harmful. Nocturnally migrating birds are attracted to ALAN during seasonal migration, which could increase exposure to PM2.5. Here, we examine PM2.5 concentrations and PM2.5 trends and the spatial correlation between ALAN and PM2.5 within the geographical ranges of the world's nocturnally migrating birds. Location: Global. Time period: 1998–2018. Major taxa studied: Nocturnally migrating birds. Methods: We intersected a global database of annual mean PM2.5 concentrations over a 21‐year period (1998–2018) with the geographical ranges (breeding, non‐breeding and regions of passage) of 225 nocturnally migrating bird species in three migration flyways (Americas, n = 143; Africa–Europe, n = 36; and East Asia–Australia, n = 46). For each species, we estimated PM2.5 concentrations and trends and measured the correlation between ALAN and PM2.5, which we summarized by season and flyway. Results: Correlations between ALAN and PM2.5 were significantly positive across all seasons and flyways. The East Asia–Australia flyway had the strongest ALAN–PM2.5 correlations within regions of passage, the highest PM2.5 concentrations across all three seasons and the strongest positive PM2.5 trends on the non‐breeding grounds and within regions of passage. The Americas flyway had the strongest negative air pollution trends on the non‐breeding grounds and within regions of passage. The breeding grounds had similarly negative air pollution trends within the three flyways. Main conclusions: The combined threats of ALAN and air pollution are greatest and likely to be increasing within the East Asia–Australia flyway and lowest and likely to be decreasing within the Americas and Africa–Europe flyways. Reversing PM2.5 trends in the East Asia–Australia flyway and maintaining negative PM2.5 trends in the Americas and Africa–Europe flyways while reducing ALAN levels would likely be beneficial for the nocturnally migrating bird populations in each region. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The article explores Diurnal raptors were counted during their southward migration in autumn of 2019 at Kenting National Park, southern Taiwan, an important hawkwatch site along the East-Asian Oceanic Flyway. Observations were conducted from 1 September to 31 October 2019 in the morning hours, but the observation period was extended to 1400 H whenever large numbers of raptors passed the site before noon.

100 pressing scientific questions on global fish migration "Failure to understand how, why, when, and where different fishes migrate limits our understanding of migratory fish and their roles in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems", state Robert Lennox of the NORCE Norwegian Research Center AS in Bergen, Norway, and coauthors in a 2019 paper in Frontiers in Ecology and Evolution. MAP: Scientists are creating global maps of fish migration routes, or swimways. "The management of fish migration was developed primarily to restore the free movement of fishes in systems fragmented by dams and other in-stream infrastructure", Lennox and colleagues report. [Extracted from the article]

• Discuss the ideal focal species from the perspective of habitat preference. • Explore wading birds' substitute potential to represent broader bird biodiversity. • Consider habitat preference in both ecological source selection and resistance surface design. • The EN4 for wading birds is the most cost-effective and potentially fits all birds. • The ES4 exhibits a remarkable overlap with the ECR and PBF. Focal species play a crucial role in planning ecological networks (ENs). Despite the finding that ENs designed for a specific focal species can yield benefits for associated communities, current practices of applying individual focal species have faced criticism for oversimplifying intricate ecosystems. Besides, the aggregation of ENs for individual species has been demonstrated as ineffective and costly. To improve cost-effectiveness, species with similar habitat preferences are typically conserved using shared strategies. Thus, drawing from the habitat preference of wading birds for blue and green spaces, we hypothesized that an EN for wading birds may benefit co-existing water and forest birds that prefer blue or green spaces. To validate this hypothesis, we conducted our study in the Yangtze River Delta's Ecological Green Integration Demonstration Zone. We simulated six scenarios S1-S6 to compare the cost-effectiveness of focal species networks, respectively for water, forest, and wading birds in the S2-S4, with the aggregate networks in the S5-S6. During ENs' construction, we employed the InVEST Habitat Quality model, MSPA, MCR model, and Linkage Mapper Tools. Furthermore, we selected the most cost-effective EN by calculating six ENs' connectivity-cost ratio (CCr index) and ranked the conservation priority for its sources and corridors. The results showed that the EN4 ranked highest in the CCr index and displayed a high conservation efficiency for all bird species. 93.41% of primary ES4 and 42.46% of secondary ES4 overlapped with the ecological conservation redline and the permanent basic farmland and could be well protected under current statutory planning. Our findings confirm that wading birds are the ideal focal species in EN planning for broader bird conservation in the context of the Yangtze River Delta. The constructed regional EN could contribute to establishing a linkage with the supra-regional EN and the world's major bird migration flyway. Moreover, our cost-effective approach to bird conservation could provide new insights for targeting focal species from the perspective of habitat preference in multi-species EN planning. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

• High genetic diversity and differentiation were observed in populations of Artemia urmiana species complex. • Asymmetrical gene flow and an evolutionary source-sink dynamics were founded among populations. • Dispersal of Artemia seems to be biased towards from north to south and/or from higher altitude to lower altitude. Bird-mediated dispersal of resting eggs is the main mechanism for Artemia dispersal among catchments. The bisexual populations of Artemia urmiana species complex, which is here considered to be a collection of Artemia genetically close to the so-called "Western Asian Lineage", are mostly distributed in central and western Asia (i.e., in regions falling into the Central Asian Flyway of migratory birds) and live in diversified habitats. Little is known about the genetic relationships among these populations. Aiming to understand the population genetic characteristics and the roles of migratory birds on the dispersal and gene flow of this Artemia group, we evaluated the genetic diversity, genetic differentiation, and gene flow among 14 populations, with their altitudes ranging from 540 to 4870 m above sea level, using 13 microsatellite markers. Almost all populations exhibited high genetic diversity and heterozygote excess, which may be a consequence of combined effects of dispersal and hybridization. The global genetic differentiation (F ST) value was 0.092, the pairwise F ST values were 0.003–0.246. Discriminant analysis of principal components identified three genetic clusters, consisting of Urmia Lake (Iran), Zhundong (Xinjiang, China), and 12 Qinghai-Tibet Plateau populations, respectively. The among-population genetic differentiation seems to be a consequence of isolation by distance and adaptation to diversified habitats induced by altitudinal gradient. Historical gene flows are asymmetrical, and show an evolutionary source-sink dynamics, with Jingyu Lake (Xinjiang, China) population being the major source. These results support our hypothesis that in Qinghai-Tibet Plateau and surrounding areas the bird-mediated dispersal of Artemia may be biased towards from north to south and/or from higher altitude to lower altitude. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Background: The Swan Goose (Anser cygnoides) breeds across Mongolia and adjacent China and Russia and winters exclusively in China. It is globally threatened, showing long-term major range contractions and declining abundance, linked to habitat loss and degradation. We remain ignorant about the biogeographical subpopulation structure of the species and potential differences in their migration timing, stopovers and schedules, information that could be vital to effective conservation of different elements of the species population, which we address here with results from a telemetry study. Methods: In 2017–2018, we attached GPS/GSM telemetry devices to 238 Swan Geese on moulting sites in three discrete parts of their summering area (Dauria International Protected Area, Central Mongolia and Western Mongolia), generating 104 complete spring and autumn migration episodes to compare migration speed and nature between birds of different summer provenances. Results: Birds from all three breeding areas used almost completely separate migration routes to winter sympatrically in the Yangtze River floodplain. Although many features of the spring and autumn migrations of the three groups were similar, despite the significantly longer migration routes taken by Western Mongolian tagged birds, birds from Dauria Region arrived significantly later in winter due to prolonged staging in coastal areas and took longer to reach their breeding areas in spring. Among birds of all breeding provenances, spring migration was approximately twice as fast as autumn migration. Areas used by staging Swan Geese (mainly wetlands) in autumn and spring almost never fell within national level protected areas, suggesting major site safeguard is necessary to protect these critical areas. Conclusions: This study showed the discreteness of migration routes taken by birds of different summer provenances and differences in their migratory patterns, highlighting key staging areas (Yalu River Estuary in China/North Korea for Dauria Region breeding birds, Daihai Lake for Central Mongolian and Ordos Basin for Western Mongolian birds). Based on this new knowledge of the biogeographical subpopulation structure of the Swan Goose, we need to combine data on subpopulation size, their distribution throughout the annual life cycle and conservation status, to develop more effective conservation strategies and measures to reverse population decline throughout the range. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Most long-distance migrating passerines that breed in Europe spend their winters in Africa, with only a few species migrating eastward to spend the non-breeding period in South Asia. The use of the Indo-European flyway is rare and has been poorly studied so far. However, it is extremely interesting as within that system we are currently witnessing a recent range expansion of European breeding long distance migrants and thus the lengthening of migration routes. It may therefore conceal a unique migratory strategies and behaviour that can help us to understand the underlying factors and mechanisms determining the evolution of migration routes, strategies and breeding range extinction. Based on light-level geolocator we reveal a first track of the Citrine Wagtail (Motacilla citreola) migration, providing insight into the migration pattern, timing and behaviour of the species that recently has extended its migration routes. Unexpectedly, the studied individual did not retrace a recent range expansion that runs north and east from the Caspian Sea but followed a migration route running south form the Caspian sea, suggesting possible presence of an alternative species range expansion. The overall migration distance between the breeding site in Poland and the non-breeding site in Pakistan was about 10,420 km and included two endurance movement phases (920 and 2240 km) covering 30% of the whole journey length, with an average movement speed of 574 km/day. We explain this migration behaviour as an adaptation for crossing the ecological barriers imposed by arid environments. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses (HPAIV) can be carried long distances by migratory wild birds and by poultry trade. Highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) is often lethal in domestic poultry and can sporadically infect and cause severe respiratory or systemic disease in other species including humans. Since 2003, the H5 subtype of HPAIV have spread from epicenters in China to neighboring regions in East and Southeast Asia, and across Central Asia to the Indian subcontinent, Europe, Africa, and North America. Outbreaks of H5N1 HPAIV struck poultry in Ukraine in 2005. In 2016, A H5N8 clade 2.3.4.4b HPAIV outbreaks occurred in wild and domestic birds in Ukraine concurrently with outbreaks in Central Europe, Russia, and the Middle East. We report outbreaks of HPAI in domestic backyard poultry in (2016–2017) in the southern region of Ukraine, in proximity to mass gathering sites for migratory waterfowl including mute swans (Cygnus olor). All eight genome segments of three novel H5N8 HPAIV isolated in November 2016 from two domestic backyard chickens (Gallus gallus) and one backyard mallard duck (Anas platyrhynchos) found dead of HPAI in Azov-Black Sea region of Ukraine were cladistically related to H5N8 2.3.4.4b HPAI viruses isolated from wild shelduck (Tadorna tadorna) and white-fronted goose (Anser albifrons) in Askania Nova Biopreserve (Kherson district, Ukraine) in 2016–2017 and to other contemporary H5N8 HPAIV strains sequenced from wild birds and poultry in Eurasia. Amino acid variations in hemagglutinin were outside of the polybasic cleavage site (PLREKRRKR/GLF), and D224G suggested avian-like receptor binding specificity; neuraminidase did not have mutations characteristic of oseltamivir drug resistance. Outbreaks of HPAI in Ukraine highlight the continual need for biosurveillance and genomic sequencing of avian influenza viruses along wild bird flyways and interfaces with domestic poultry in Eurasia. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Recent avian influenza infection outbreaks have resulted in global biosecurity and economic concerns. Mallards are asymptomatic for the disease and can potentially spread AI along migratory bird flyways. In a previous study, trained mice correctly discriminated the health status of individual ducks on the basis of fecal odors when feces from post-infection periods were paired with feces from pre-infection periods. Chemical analyses indicated that avian influenza infection was associated with a marked increase of acetoin (3-hydroxy-2-butanone) in feces. In the current study, domesticated male ferrets (Mustela putorius furo) were trained to display a specific conditioned response (i.e. active scratch alert) in response to a marked increase of acetoin in a presentation of an acetoin:1-octen-3-ol solution. Ferrets rapidly generalized this learned response to the odor of irradiated feces from avian influenza infected mallards. These results suggest that a trained mammalian biosensor could be employed in an avian influenza surveillance program. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Because management practices that promote the production of plant foods may differ from management practices that promote the production of aquatic invertebrates, a thorough understanding of the diet is needed to develop management strategies for various stages of the annual cycle for dabbling and diving ducks. Diet of dabbling (tribe Anatini) and diving (tribe Aythyini) ducks during breeding, autumn migration, and winter has been documented. Our goal was to estimate and compare the diet of blue‐winged teal (Spatula discors), gadwall (Mareca strepera), mallard (Anas platyrhyncos), lesser scaup (Aythya affinis), and ring‐necked duck (Aythya collaris) during spring migration in the Mississippi Flyway in the United States and evaluate variation among species. We collected 919 ducks for diet analysis from multiple wetlands at 6 sites across 4 states during the spring migration of 2006 and 2007. We collected ≥10 individuals of each species at each of the 6 study sites except we collected only 1 gadwall at the Scioto River site and 2 lesser scaup at the Cache River site. We detected that the proportion of plant and animal material in foods of each spring migrating duck species was in general intermediate of that found in wintering and breeding birds. Furthermore, the proportion of plant and animal material in the diet of species varied even among closely related species, indicating species are partitioning food sources along a protein‐carbohydrate gradient during spring migration. We recommend that resources for ducks be managed to provide diverse wetlands to support the varied diets of even closely related species. © 2021 The Wildlife Society. During spring migration, the proportion of carbohydrate‐rich and protein‐rich food sources in the diet of dabbling and diving ducks in the upper midwestern United States differs from other periods of the annual cycle, differs among closely related species, and differs among locations and cover types within some species. These results indicate wetland mangers should mange for wetland diversity and mange wetlands differently for spring migrants than for other periods of the annual cycle. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]