A histochemical and immunohistochemical study on the gastrointestinal tract of sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus) / Estudio histoquímico e inmunohistoquímico del tracto gastrointestinal del gavilán (Accipiter nisus)

SUMMARY: In the present study, we aimed to determine the localization and distribution of entero-endocrine cells in the gastrointestinal tract by immunohistochemical methods and understand the structure of the glycoproteins elaborated by the epithelium the digestive tract regions by histochemical methods. The nine sparrowhawks were euthanized, and gastrointestinal tract tissues were removed and fixed in formalin. The gastrointestinal tract sections were stained with immunohistochemical and histochemical techniques to evaluate the enteroendocrine cells and histomorphometric analysis. The results showed that the numbers of somatostatin in the ventriculus, gastrin in the proventriculus, serotonin in the duodenum and jejunum immunopositivity are higher, remaining segments of the gastrointestinal tract are detected slight positivity in the glucagon, gastrin, serotonin, and somatostatin. In conclusion, some endocrine cells localization and distribution and histomorphometry, and goblet cell counts were revealed in the gastrointestinal tract of the sparrowhawks.

RESUMEN: El objetivo del presente estudio fue determinar la localización y distribución de células enteroendocrinas en el tracto gastrointestinal de gavilán, a través de métodos inmunohistoquímicos y comprender la estructura de las glicoproteínas elaboradas por el epitelio de las regiones del tracto digestivo. Se sacrificaron nueve gavilanes y los tejidos del tracto gastrointestinal se extrajeron y se fijaron en formalina. Las secciones del tracto gastrointestinal se tiñeron con técnicas inmunohistoquímicas e histoquímicas para evaluar las células enteroendocrinas y se realizó análisis histo-morfométrico. Los re- sultados indicaron que los números de inmunopositividad de somatostatina en el ventrículo, gastrina en el proventrículo, serotonina en el duodeno y yeyuno son más altos, en los segmentos restantes del tracto gastrointestinal, se detecta además una ligera positividad de glucagón, gastrina, serotonina y somatostatina. En conclusión en el tracto gastrointestinal de gavilán se observó cierta localización y distribución de células endocrinas e histomorfometría, y recuentos de células caliciformes.

Histomorphometrical study of the tongue epithelium of the peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) / Estudo histomorfométrico do epitélio da língua do falcão peregrino (Falco peregrinus)

The aim of this study is to examine the dorsal lingual epithelium of the peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) of the family Falconidae. The tongue in its dorsal, lateral and ventral surfaces is covered with a non-keratinized multilayered stratified squamous epithelium. Lamina propria is present beneath the epithelial layers. Morphometrically, thickness of the apex tongue epithelium is more than that in the tongue body. Thickness of the ventral surface of the tongue is less than that in the dorsal one. Thickness of the lateral surface of the tongue was thicker than that in the ventral one and tongue body. Large and small conical papillae appeared on the posterior dorsal surface of the lingual body. There are lingual glands in certain areas of tongue body with numerous openings through the dorsal surface.

O objetivo deste estudo é examinar o epitélio lingual dorsal do falcão peregrino (Falco peregrinus) da família Falconidae. A língua em suas superfícies dorsal, lateral e ventral é coberta por um epitélio escamoso estratificado de múltiplas camadas não queratinizado. A lâmina própria está presente abaixo das camadas epiteliais. Morfometricamente, a espessura do epitélio do ápice da língua é maior do que a do corpo da língua. A espessura da superfície ventral da língua é menor do que a dorsal. A espessura da face lateral da língua foi mais espessa do que na ventral e no corpo da língua. Papilas cônicas grandes e pequenas apareceram na superfície posterior dorsal do corpo lingual. Existem glândulas linguais em certas áreas do corpo da língua com numerosas aberturas na superfície dorsal.

Detection of avian metapneumovirus subtype A from wild birds in the State of São Paulo, Brazil / Detecção de metapneumovirus aviário subtipo A em aves silvestres no estado de São Paulo, Brasil

The present study investigated the circulation of avian metapneumovirus (aMPV) in wild birds in Brazil. To do so, 131 samples from 366 oropharyngeal or cloacal swabs collected from 18 species of birds were tested individually or in pools by RT-PCR. Samples detected by RT-PCR were selected for DNA sequencing. Thirteen (9.9%) samples were detected by the RT-PCR targeting the N gene and four out of 13 samples were sequenced. Sequencing results showed a high identity with the aMPV subtype A. Our results confirm the circulation of the aMPV subtype A in wild birds in Brazil even five years after its last detection.(AU)

O presente estudo investigou a circulação de metapneumovírus aviário em aves silvestres no Brasil. Para tanto, 131 amostras de 366 suabes orofaringeanos ou cloacais coletados de 18 espécies de aves foram testadas individualmente ou na forma de pools por RT-PCR. As amostras detectadas por RT-PCR foram selecionadas para sequenciamento. Treze (9,9%) das amostras foram detectadas por RT-PCR tendo o gene N como alvo; destas, quatro foram sequenciadas com sucesso. Resultados do sequenciamento mostraram alta identidade com o aMPV de subtipo A. Nossos resultados confirmam a circulação de aMPV subtipo A em aves silvestres no Brasil mesmo cinco anos após sua última detecção.(AU)

Anticorpos anti-Toxoplasma gondii em carcarás (Caracara plancus) procedentes da região aeroportuária do Recife, Pernambuco, Brasil / Antibodies to Toxoplasma gondii in Crested Caracara (Caracara plancus) from Recife Airport, Pernambuco, Brazil

Objetivou-se com este estudo pesquisar a ocorrência de anticorpos anti-Toxoplasma gondii em carcarás (Caracara plancus) capturados no Aeroporto Internacional do Recife/Guararapes Gilberto Freyre, Pernambuco, Brasil. Foram analisadas 115 amostras de soros sanguíneos pelo teste de aglutinação modificada (IgG, MAT≥25) utilizando taquizoítos inativados em formalina. Do total de amostras analisadas, 5,21% (6/115) foram positivas para presença de anticorpos anti-T. gondii, 16,67% com título 1:25 (1/06) e 83,33% (5/06) com título 1:50. A ocorrência de anticorpos em carcarás procedentes de região aeroportuária fomenta a preocupação em relação a aspectos ainda pouco elucidados, relacionados principalmente à inserção de aves silvestres na cadeia epidemiológica da toxoplasmose conectada à ação antrópica, tornando próxima a interação entre animais silvestres, domésticos e o homem. Dessa forma, é notória a necessidade de estudos relacionados à dinâmica de transmissão entre os diferentes genótipos existentes nessa tríade e sua relação com o meio ambiente, a fim de determinar a influência dessa espécie animal na cadeia epidemiológica da toxoplasmose.(AU)

The objective of this study was to investigate the occurrence of antibodies against Toxoplasma gondii in carcarás (Caracara plancus) captured in the Recife/Guararapes Gilberto Freyre International Airport, in the State of Pernambuco, Brazil. 115 samples of blood sera were tested by the Modified Agglutination Test technique (IgG, MAT > 25) using tachyzoites inactivated in formalin. Of the total of the analyzed samples, 5,21% (6/115) were positive for the presence of antibodies against T. gondii, 16,67% with a titer of 1:25 (1/06) and 83,33% (5/06) with a titration of 1:50. The occurrence of antibodies in caracaras coming from airport region generate concern about aspects still poorly understood, mainly related to the inclusion of wild birds in the epidemiological chain of toxoplasmosis connected to human action, making close interaction between wild animals, domestic and man. Thus, the need for studies related to the dynamics of transmission between the different existing genotypes in this triad is evident as is its relationship with the environment to determine the influence of this animal species in the epidemiological chain of toxoplasmosis.(AU)

Caryospora peneireiroi n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) in the common kestrel, Falco tinnunculus (Falconiformes: Falconidae), in mainland Portugal / Caryospora peneireiroi n. sp. (Apicomplexa: Eimeriidae) no peneireiro, Falco tinnunculus (Falconiformes: Falconidae), em Portugal Continental

Abstract The common kestrel Falco tinnunculus Linnaeus, 1758, is a widespread raptor, native in Europe, Asia and Africa, and vagrant in the Americas. In the current work, 27 fecal samples were collected from common kestrels kept in the Lisbon Center for Wild Animal Recovery, located at Monsanto Forest Park, Lisbon, Portugal. Five (19%) of them were found to be passing an undescribed species of Caryospora in their feces. The oocysts of Caryospora peneireiroi n. sp. were ellipsoidal with a bilayered wall and measured 47.1 × 37.6 µm with a shape index of 1.25. No micropyle, oocyst residuum or polar granule was present. The sporocysts were subspherical, measuring 25.1 × 24.3 µm. Stieda, sub-Stieda and para-Stieda bodies were absent. The sporocyst residuum was composed of many homogenous globules scattered throughout the periphery of the sporocyst. This is the fourth caryosporan species reported from F. tinnunculus.

Resumo O peneireiro Falco tinnunculus Linnaeus, 1758, é uma ave de rapina com vasta distribuição geográfica, nativa da Europa, Ásia e África, e errante nas Américas. No presente trabalho, 27 amostras de fezes foram coletadas de peneireiros mantidos no Centro de Recuperação de Animais Silvestres de Lisboa, localizado no Parque Florestal de Monsanto, Lisboa, Portugal. Cinco (19%) deles eliminaram uma espécie não descrita de Caryospora em suas fezes. Os oocistos de Caryospora peneireiroi n. sp. foram elipsoides, com parede de dupla camada, medindo 47,1 × 37,6 µm, e índice morfométrico de 1,25. A micrópila, resíduo do oocisto e grânulo polar não foram evidenciados. Os esporocistos foram subesféricos, medindo 25,1 × 24,3 µm. Corpos de Stieda, substieda e parastieda não se manifestaram. Resíduo do esporocisto foi composto de muitos glóbulos homogêneos espalhados por toda a periferia do esporocisto. Essa é a quarta espécie Caryospora descrita de F. tinnunculus.

The arteries root from the aortic arch in the sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus, Falconiformes: Accipitridae) / La raíz de las arterias desde el arco aórtico en el gavilán (Accipiter nisus, Falconiformes: Accipitridae)

This study was aimed at determining the morphology of the aortic arch in the sparrowhawk. For this purpose, arteries near the heart of six sparrowhawks were assessed. Latex injection method was applied to the three materials and barium sulphate solution was injected into the aorta for angiography in three other materials. It was observed that two major arteries arose from aortic arch in the sparrowhawk: the left brachiocephalic trunk and the right brachiocephalic trunk. These trunks were contiguous arteries but separately originated from the aorta. The brachiocephalic trunks were divided into the common carotid and subclavian arteries after their origins. First, the common carotid arteries are given off by the brachiocephalic trunks. The common carotid artery was giving off esophagotracheobronchial artery and vertebral trunk. Vertebral trunk was locating under the brachial plexus. The subclavian artery was continuations of the brachiocephalic trunk and it was bifurcating to the axillar artery and the pectoral trunk just from its own beginning. The axillary artery passed the brachial plexus crosswise from above, and reached to the wing. The sternoclavicular artery stemmed from ventral aspect of the begining of the axillary artery. The thickest branch of the subclavian artery was the pectoral trunk, which was branched the cranial external thoracic artery, the caudal external thoracic artery, the dorsal thoracic artery, and the internal thoracic artery. It is hoped that the results of this morphological study will contribute to the species specific anatomical data in the birds.

El objetivo fue determinar la morfología del arco aórtico en el gavilán. Para este fin, se evaluaron las arterias próximas al corazón de seis gavilanes. En tres aves se inyectó una solución de látex, mientras que en las tres restantes se inyectó a través de la aorta sulfato de bario para someterlas luego a un estudio por angiografía. Se observó el origen de dos arterias principales del arco aórtico del gavilán: el tronco braquiocefálico izquierdo y el tronco braquiocefálico derecho. Estos troncos se presentaron como arterias contiguas, pero que se originaron por separado de la aorta. Los troncos supraaórticos se dividieron después de su origen en las arterias carótida común y subclavia. Las arterias carótidas comunes se emiten a partir de los troncos supraaórticos. La arteria carótida común emitió una arteria esófago-traqueobronquial y el tronco vertebral. El tronco vertebral se localizó por debajo del plexo braquial. La arteria subclavia se continuó a partir del tronco braquiocefálico y se bifurcó en arteria axilar y tronco de las arterias pectorales justo desde su propio inicio. La arteria axilar cruzó el plexo braquial transversalmente desde arriba, y llegó al ala. La arteria esternoclavicular derivó de la cara ventral del inicio de la arteria axilar. La rama más gruesa de la arteria subclavia fue el tronco de las arterias pectorales, que se ramificó en arteria torácica externa craneal, arteria torácica externa caudal, arteria torácica dorsal, y la arteria torácica interna. Se espera que los resultados de este estudio morfológico sean una contribución para aportar datos anatómicos específicos en esta especie de aves.

Plasmodium spp. and Haemoproteus spp. infection in birds of the Brazilian Atlantic Forest detected by microscopy and polymerase chain reaction / Infecção por Plasmodium spp. e Haemoproteus spp. em aves da Mata Atlântica brasileira detectada por microscopia e reação em cadeia da polimerase

In recent years haemosporidian infection by protozoa of the genus Plasmodium and Haemoproteus, has been considered one of the most important factors related to the extinction and/or population decline of several species of birds worldwide. In Brazil, despite the large avian biodiversity, few studies have been designed to detect this infection, especially among wild birds in captivity. Thus, the objective of this study was to analyze the prevalence of Plasmodium spp. and Haemoproteus spp. infection in wild birds in captivity in the Atlantic Forest of southeastern Brazil using microscopy and the polymerase chain reaction. Blood samples of 119 different species of birds kept in captivity at IBAMA during the period of July 2011 to July 2012 were collected. The parasite density was determined based only on readings of blood smears by light microscopy. The mean prevalence of Plasmodium spp. and Haemoproteus spp. infection obtained through the microscopic examination of blood smears and PCR were similar (83.19% and 81.3%, respectively), with Caracara plancus and Saltator similis being the most parasitized. The mean parasitemia determined by the microscopic counting of evolutionary forms of Plasmodium spp. and Haemoproteus spp. was 1.51%. The results obtained from this study reinforce the importance of the handling of captive birds, especially when they will be reintroduced into the wild...

Nos últimos anos infecção por protozoários hemosporídeos dos gêneros Plasmodium e Haemoproteus, tem sido considerada um dos fatores mais importantes relacionados com a extinção e / ou declínio da população de várias espécies de aves em todo o mundo. No Brasil, apesar da grande biodiversidade aviária, poucos estudos foram desenvolvidos para detectar a infecção, especialmente entre as aves silvestres mantidas em cativeiro. Assim, o objetivo deste estudo foi analisar a prevalência de infecção por Plasmodium spp. e Haemoproteus spp. em aves silvestres em cativeiro na Mata Atlântica do sudeste do Brasil, utilizando microscopia convencional e reação em cadeia da polimerase. Amostras de sangue de 119 aves mantidas em cativeiro no Ibama durante o período de julho de 2011 a julho de 2012, foram coletadas. A densidade parasitária foi determinada com base apenas em leituras de esfregaços de sangue por microscopia fotônica. A prevalência média de infecção por Plasmodium spp. e Haemoproteus spp. obtida por exame microscópico de esfregaços sanguíneos e PCR foi semelhante (83,19% e 81,3%, respectivamente), com Caracara plancus e Saltator similis sendo as espécies mais parasitadas. A parasitemia média determinada pela contagem microscópica de formas evolutivas de Plasmodium spp. e Haemoproteus spp. foi de 1,51%. Os resultados obtidos neste estudo reforçam a importância do manejo de aves em cativeiro, especialmente quando serão reintroduzidas na natureza...

Foraging activity of the snail kite, Rostrhamus sociabilis (Aves: Accipitridae) in wetlands of southern Brazil / Atividade de forrageio de gavião-caramujeiro, Rostrhamus sociabilis (Aves: Accipitridae) em áreas úmidas do sul do Brasil

The snail kite (Rostrhamus sociabilis) is widely distributed in the American continent. Its specialised diet consists mostly of the gastropod mollusk Pomacea sp and its foraging strategy probably varies depending on the season, prey availability, and climate factors, which can be reflected in its semi-nomad behaviour. This study was aimed at examining the hunting strategy of the snail kite, and its association with climate factors and habitat heterogeneity. Direct observations of birds between January 2010 and March 2011 in southernmost Brazil revealed that hunting was still the predominant foraging strategy (79% of records) to capture mollusks. Despite morphological specialisations to extract mollusks from the shells, the handling time (average = 92.4 s) was twice as much the time between prey search and capture (average = 55 s). The increase in the number of mollusks ingested apparently occurs when the resting time on perches or any other substrates near the hunting sites decreases between successive unsuccessful attempts. The correlation between the number of consumed preys and the climatic variables examined was low. Regarding habitat heterogeneity, our findings suggest that birds forage preferentially in marshes with low vegetation, which may increase the access to mollusks. The hunting efficiency of the snail kite was high (76 % successful attempts) compared to those of other birds of prey.

O gavião-caramujeiro (Rostrhamus sociabilis) possui ampla distribuição no continente americano e apresenta dieta especializada no molusco gastrópode Pomacea sp. Possivelmente, a estratégia de forrageio da espécie responde às variações sazonais na disponibilidade de presas, bem como aos fatores climáticos, o que pode refletir em seu comportamento seminômade. O objetivo desse estudo foi avaliar a estratégia de caça do gavião-caramujeiro, buscando suas associações quanto aos aspectos climáticos e à heterogeneidade do habitat. Observações diretas das aves, feitas entre janeiro de 2010 e março de 2011 no extremo sul brasileiro, revelaram que, para a captura dos moluscos, as aves usaram predominantemente a estratégia de caça do tipo still hunting (79% dos registros). Apesar de apresentar especializações morfológicas para a extração dos moluscos da concha, a avaliação do tempo empregado na manipulação (média = 92,4 s) foi quase o dobro do desprendido entre a procura e a captura (média = 55 s) das presas. Aparentemente, o aumento no número de moluscos ingeridos ocorre por meio de redução no tempo de repouso entre sucessivas investidas de captura mal sucedidas, tal como pelo uso de poleiros ou quaisquer outros substratos próximos aos locais de captura. O número de presas consumidas apresenta baixa relação com as variáveis climáticas testadas. Quanto à heterogeneidade do habitat, os dados sugerem que as aves forrageiam preferencialmente em banhados com cobertura vegetal rasteira, o que poderia aumentar a acessibilidade aos moluscos. O gavião-caramujeiro apresentou alta taxa de eficiência de caça (76% das investidas tiveram êxito), revelando a eficiência da estratégia de caça desta ave quando comparada a outras aves de rapina.

Temporal influence on foraging strategies, territoriality and nomadic tendencies of Snail Kite, Rosthramus sociabilis (Viellot, 1817) in an urban Neotropical wetland / Temporalidade e estratégias de forrageamento, territorialidade e deslocamento do gavião-caramujeiro Rosthramus sociabilis (Viellot, 1817) em uma área urbana úmida Neotropical

The foraging, territoriality and displacement of the Snail Kite were studied over 232 hours of observations in an urban lake during the dry and wet seasons. The temperature and rainfall variations were used to correlate with predation rates and the correlation coefficients were 0,39 and 0,34, respectively. Snail Kites spent more time foraging during the wet than the dry season when perching is more frequently recorded. The higher predation in the wet season can be explained by the higher abundance of apple snails and the energy demand for reproduction. In the wet season, the territories were smaller and the conspecific conflicts decreased as prey were more available. However, due to the lack of food in the dry season, intra-specific conflicts and expansion of male territories were observed and the female and immatures were expelled from their foraging area to another location. In this way, site tenacity of Snail Kites should be interpreted in relation to the variations on food and dominance gradients according to the temporal changes (time) and foraging sites (space).

Foram estudados os comportamentos territoriais e de forrageio do gavião-caramujeiro em uma lagoa urbana durante as estações seca e chuvosa. Observaram-se esses comportamentos durante 232 horas, sendo a amostragem divida em períodos matutino e vespertino. A maior atividade de forrageio foi observada durante o período matutino. Os principais itens predados foram espécimes do gênero Pomacea spp. No entanto, durante o período de seca, os gaviões-caramujeiros também predaram caranguejos. Essas aves exibiram diferentes estratégias de forrageamento e territorialidade durante as diferentes estações. Os gaviões-caramujeiros dispenderam maior tempo de forrageamento durante a estação chuvosa e maior tempo pousados, durante a estação seca. A expansão/contração dos territórios realizados pelos machos é dependente da disponibilidade de alimento, que varia durante as estações: a) estação seca (pouco alimento): conflitos agonísticos intraespecíficos, seguidos de expansão dos territórios; b) estação chuvosa: conflitos agonísticos decresceram à medida que a oferta de alimento aumentou e, consequentemente, houve redução do tamanho dos territórios. Desse modo, conclui-se que os padrões de movimentação para forragear e estabelecer territórios são altamente dependentes da distribuição de recursos no espaço e no tempo, e estão também associados ao comportamento social, por meio de dominância dos machos.

External parasites of raptors (Falconiformes and Strigiformes): identification in an ex situ population from Mexico

Raptorial birds harbor a variety of ectoparasites and the mayority of them are host specific. The aim of this study was to identify the ectoparasites of captive birds of prey from Mexico, as well as to verify their impact in the health of infested birds. Raptorial birds were confiscated and kept in captivity at the Centro de Investigación y Conservación de Vida Silvestre (CIVS) in Los Reyes La Paz, Mexico State. Seventy-four birds of prey (66 Falconiformes and eigth Strigiformes) of 15 species were examined for the presence of ectoparasites. We examined both juvenile and adult birds from both sexes. The overall prevalence was 16.2%; 66.7% of raptors were infested with a single type of external parasite. Lice were the most prevalent ectoparasites (91.7%), followed by feather mites and fleas (8.3%). Degeeriella fulva (72.7%), Craspedorrhynchus sp. (45.4%) and Strigiphilus aitkeni (9.1%) (Ischnocera, Philopteridae) were recovered from wings, head and neck regions of red-tailed hawk (Buteo jamaicensis), Swainson’s hawk (B. swainsoni), Harris’s hawk (Parabuteo unicinctus) and Barn owl (Tyto alba). Low lice infestation level was observed. Nymphs and females of feather mites Kramerella sp. (Pterolichoidea, Kramerellidae) were recovered solely from Barn owl (T. alba); while one Caracara (Caracara cheriway) was infested by the sticktight flea Echidnophaga gallinacea (Siphonaptera, Pulicidae). No clinical signs were observed in any infested bird. Probably the periodic use of organophosphorates was responsible of the low prevalence and lice infestation levels. The diversity of external parasites illustrates the importance of detailed revision of incoming and long-term captive raptors as part of responsible captive management. Five new hosts and geographic records are presented. Rev. Biol. Trop. 59 (3): 1257-1264. Epub 2011 September 01.

Las aves rapaces albergan una gran variedad de ectoparásitos y la mayoría de ellos son específicos de acogida. El objetivo de este estudio fue identificar los ectoparásitos de aves de presa en cautiverio en México y verificar su impacto en la salud de las aves. Se estudiaron 74 rapaces (66 Falconiformes y ocho Strigiformes) de 15 especies, juveniles y adultos de ambos sexos que fueron confiscadas y mantenidas en el Centro de Investigación y Conservación de Vida Silvestre (CIVS) en Los Reyes La Paz (20º22’ N, 98º59’ W), estado de México. La prevalencia fue de 16.2%; 66.7% de las rapaces estaban infestadas por un único tipo de ectoparásito. Los piojos fueron los más prevalentes (91.7%), seguidos por los ácaros y las pulgas (8.3%). Los piojos Degeeriela fulva (72.7%), Craspedorhynchus sp. (45.4%) y Strigiphilus aitkeni (9.1%) fueron extraídos de las alas, cabeza y cuello de aguililla cola-roja (Buteo jamaicensis), aguililla migratoria (B. swainsoni), aguililla de Harris (Parabuteo unicinctus) y lechuza de campanario (Tyto alba). El ácaro Kramerella sp. fue extaído de T. alba; mientras que un Caracara (Caracara cheriway) estaba infestado por la pulga Echidnophaga gallinacea. No se observaron signos clínicos en ninguna de las aves infestadas. Probablemente el uso periódico de organofosforatos fue el responsable de la baja prevalencia y de los niveles de ingesta de piojos. La diversidad de ectoparásitos identificados ilustra la importancia de una detallada revisión de las rapaces en cautiverio. Cinco nuevos hospederos y registros geográficos son presentados.

Health of an ex situ population of raptors (Falconiformes and Strigiformes) in Mexico: diagnosis of internal parasites

Successful programs for ex situ and in situ conservation and management of raptors require detailed knowledge about their pathogens. The purpose of this study was to identify the internal parasites of some captive raptors in Mexico, as well as to verify their impact in the health status of infected birds. Birds of prey were confiscated and kept in captivity at the Centro de Investigación y Conservación de Vida Silvestre (CIVS) in Los Reyes La Paz, Mexico State. For this, fecal and blood samples from 74 birds of prey (66 Falconiformes and eight Strigiformes) of 15 species, juveniles and adults from both sexes (39 males and 35 female), were examined for the presence of gastrointestinal and blood parasites. Besides, the oropharyngeal cavity was macroscopically examined for the presence of lesions compatible with trichomoniasis. Among our results we found that lesions compatible with Trichomonas gallinae infection were detected only in two Red-tailed hawks (Buteo jamaicensis) (2.7%); nevertheless, infected birds were in good physical condition. Overall, gastrointestinal parasites were found in 10 (13.5%) raptors: nine falconiforms (13.6%) and one strigiform (12.5%), which mainly presented a single type of gastrointestinal parasite (90%). Eimeria spp. was detected in Harris’s hawk (Parabuteo unicinctus), Swainson’s hawk (Buteo swainsoni), Red-tailed hawk (B. jamaicensis) and Great horned owl (Bubo virginianus); whereas trematodes eggs were found in Peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) and Swainson’s hawk (B. swainsoni). Furthermore, eggs of Capillaria spp. were found in one Swainson’s hawk (B. swainsoni), which was also infected by trematodes. Hemoprotozoarian were detected in five (6.7%) falconiforms: Haemoproteus spp. in American kestrel (F. sparverius) and Leucocytozoon spp. in Red-tailed hawk (B. jamaicencis). Despite this, no clinical signs referable to gastrointestinal or blood parasite infection were observed in any birds. All parasites identified were recorded for the first time in raptors from Mexico. Furthermore, this represents the first report for T. gallinae, trematodes, Haemoproteus spp. and Leucocytozoon spp. in raptors from Latin America. Diagnosis and control of parasitic infections should be a part of the routine in health care evaluations for ex situ raptor populations. Finally, this information is also valuable for in situ conservation actions on these birds. Rev. Biol. Trop. 59 (3): 1265-1274. Epub 2011 September 01.

El éxito de los programas de conservación de rapaces (ex situ and in situ) requiere de un conocimiento detallado de sus patógenos. El objetivo de este estudio fue identificar los parásitos internos de rapaces en cautiverio en México, así como verificar su repercusión en el estado de salud de las aves. Las mismas fueron estudiadas, decomisadas y mantenidas en el Centro de Investigación y Conservación de Vida Silvestre (CIVS) en Los Reyes La Paz, estado de México. Las muestras de heces y sangre de 74 rapaces (66 Falconiformes y ocho Strigiformes) de 15 especies, juveniles y adultos de ambos sexos (39 machos y 35 hembras), fueron examinadas para analizar la presencia de parásitos gastrointestinales y sanguíneos. Asimismo, la cavidad orofaríngea fue evaluada macroscópicamente para verificar la presencia de lesiones compatibles con trichomoniasis. Lesiones compatibles con la infección por Trichomonas gallinae fueron detectadas en dos (2.7%) Buteo jamaicensis; no obstante, las aves infectadas estaban en buena condición física. En general, los parásitos gastrointestinales fueron encontrados en 10 (13.5%) rapaces: nueve (13.6%) Falconiformes y uno (12.5%) Strigiformes; los cuales presentaron un único tipo de parásito gastrointestinal (90%). Eimeria spp. fue detectada en Parabuteo unicinctus, B. swainsoni, B. jamaicensis y Bubo virginianus; mientras que los tremátodos lo fueron en Falco peregrinus y B. swainsoni. Capillaria spp. fue diagnosticada únicamente en B. swainsoni. Los hemoparásitos fueron encontrados en 6.7% de los Falconiformes: Haemoproteus spp. en F. sparverius y Leucocytozoon spp. en B. jamaicencis. No fueron observados signos clínicos relacionados con la infección por los parásitos internos. Todos los parásitos identificados son reportados por primera vez en rapaces de México. De tal manera que, T. gallinae, y los trematódos: Haemoproteus spp. y Leucocytozoon spp. son reportados en rapaces en Latinoamérica por primera vez. El diagnóstico y control de las infecciones parasitarias deberían ser parte de la rutina de los cuidados de salud de poblaciones de rapaces ex situ. Además, la información obtenida es de gran valor para la conservación in situ de estas aves.

Eimeria falconensis sp. n. [Apicomplexa: eimeriidae] from the lanner falcon, Falco Biarmicus [Falconi-Formes: Falconidae] in Saudi Arabia

The oocysts of Eimeria falconensis sp. n. is described from the feces of the lanner falcon, Falco biarmicus, from the falcon market in Riyadh city, Saudi Arabia. Sporulated oocysts are ellipsoid in shape, measuring 27.2x18.1 [25.4-29.5x 16.3-20.4] micro m; shape index [length/width ratio] is 1.5 [1.35-1.68 micro m. The oocyst wall is smooth and bi-layered. Mmicropyle and polar granule are present, but an oocyst residuum is absent. Sporocysts are ellipsoid, 11.0 x6.9 [10.1-12.6 x 5.8-7.9] micro m; with shape index of 1.59 [1.43-1.68] micro m, with a smooth single-layered wall and a prominent Stieda body, but there is no substieda body. The sporocyst residuum consists of numerous small granules. Sporozoites are comma-shaped, each contains two refractile bodies

New association between Philornis Meinert (Diptera: Muscidae) and Falconidae (Aves: Falconiformes) / Nova associação entre Philornis Meinert (Diptera: Muscidae) e Falconidae (Aves: Falconiformes)

This is the first record of Philornis falsificus Dodge & Aitken parasitizing a species of Falconidae.

Este é o primeiro registro de Philornis falsificus Dodge & Aitken parasitando uma espécie de Falconidae.

A mechanical model of wing and theoretical estimate of taper factor for three gliding birds.

We tested a mechanical model of wing,which was constructed using the measurements of wingspan and wing area taken from three species of gliding birds.In this model,we estimated the taper factors of the wings for jackdaw (Corrus monedula), Harris' hawk (Parabuteo unicinctas) and Lagger falcon (Falco jugger) as 1.8, 1.5 and 1.8,respectively. Likewise, by using the data linear regression and curve estimation method,as well as estimating the taper factors and the angle between the humerus and the body, we calculated the relationship between wingspan,wing area and the speed necessary to meet the aerodynamic requirements of sustained flight.In addition,we calculated the relationship between the speed,wing area and wingspan for a specific angle between the humerus and the body over the range of stall speed to maximum speed of gliding flight.We then compared the results for these three species of gliding birds. These comparisons suggest that the aerodynamic characteristics of Harris' hawk wings are similar to those of the falcon but different from those of the jackdaw.This paper also presents two simple equations to estimate the minimum angle between the humerus and the body as well as the minimum span ratio of a bird in gliding flight.