bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
BIRD NOTES FROM CHRISTMAS ISLAND, PACIFIC OCEAN
Authors: GALLAGHER M. D. 
Published: April 2008

SUMMARYChristmas Island, Pacific Ocean, is described, with notes on the soil, climate and vegetation. Notes are given of 27 species of birds seen on the island during the period from June 1958 to June 1959. The total includes 17 sea‐birds, 2 resident land‐birds and 8 migrants. Breeding seasons vary greatly between species–all the year round, with or without peaks, and/or with variation between colonies; one restricted breeding season, or two restricted breeding seasons.
NEST‐SITE SELECTION AND COURTSHIP BEHAVIOUR OF THE BLUE TTT PARUS CAERULEUS
Authors: STOKES ALLEN W. 
Published: April 2008

SUMMARY(1) A hole‐inspection display by male and female precedes nest selection. It serves to maintain the pair bond rather than show the hole to the female.(2) Courtship includes moth flights and the dance. The dance has been modified from the head‐forward threat and combines attack, escape, and sex tendencies.(3) The female dominates the male when the nest site is selected. This dominance counterbalances the male's more advanced sex tendency and permits mutual acceptance by the pair.(4) Mutual wing shivering and fluffing of body feathers precedes copulation. Courtship feeding occurs from nest‐building through nestling stages.(5) Great Tits dominate Blue Tits during selection of nest sites and may eject them from boxes already occupied.(6) The bright plumage of the Blue Tit presumably evolved as enhancement of the head‐forward threat display and is only of secondary epigamic value.
TAXONOMY OF THE GENUS DUCULA
Authors: GOODWIN DEREK 
Published: April 2008

SUMMARYThis paper revises the genus Durula and discusses the affinities of some related genera. The genus Ducula is very close to Ptilinopus, D. poliocephala and its allies forming a connecting link between the two genera. The pied imperial pigeons are the most discrete group within Ducula. Ducula paulina and D. oenolhorax are treated as races of D. aena. There are indications that Lopho‐laimus and Hcmiphaga may be more closely related to each other than to Ducula. They are retained as monotypic genera. Drepanoptila and Alectroenas are offshots from Ptilinopus.
PROBLEMS OF HEAD‐SCRATCHING IN BIRDS
Authors: Simmons K. E. L. 
Published: April 2008

SummaryForms of head‐scratching are described and classified. Indirect‐scratching differs from the direct chiefly in that it involves the positive movements of lowering one wing and bringing the foot up over it. Both methods of scratching exist on two main levels: basic‐scratching is a reflex‐like response to irritation, etc., on the bill or head, while extended‐scratching functions as part of the feather‐maintenance system. Indirect‐scratching has been recorded as an apparent displacement‐activity in some species.Possible evolutionary trends in head‐scratching are discussed. The two methods may have evolved independently from a more primitive method or successively one from the other. If the two methods evolved successively, then it is argued, contrary to the classical view of Heinroth, that indirect‐scratching evolved later than direct‐scratching, probably after, or concurrently with, the development of the extended function of scratching. Support is provided for this view by the distribution of indirect‐scratching in the bird‐kingdom and by the occasional use, by species in which indirect‐scratching is the rule, of a scratching method with some characters of the direct. The latter may be explained as either a reversion to the primitive method and/or the use of incomplete or wrongly co‐ordinated indirect movements. Variation in scratching within the avian family may be similarly explained and/or is due to incorrect taxonomy (e.g. in Parulidae and Timaliidae). As the method of scratching, generally speaking, is uniform in related birds up to at least the family level (in truly monophyletic groups), head‐scratching method is a potentially useful taxonomic character.The scratching movements of a number of species are described and discussed, including the peculiar scratching of penguins, and a number of new records are given in the Appendix.
THE BIRDS OF THE COTO DOÑANA
Authors: Mountfort Guy , Ferguson‐Lees I. J. 
Published: April 2008

SummaryThe results obtained from three spring expeditions in 1952, 1956 and 1957 to the Coto Doñana, at the mouth of the Guadalquivir River in Spain, are described. A total of 210 species of birds was identified in the study area, including one new to Spain, the Masked Shrike Lanius nubicus, and one new to Europe, the Sand Lark Calandrella raytal. The effect of the severe drought of 1957 on the breeding of water‐dependent species is described. A number of resident and migrant species is shown to have undergone considerable changes in status in the area since the reports of Chapman (1893) and Jourdain (1936‐37). The report is divided into two sections: species found breeding or observed to be feeding regularly in the study area and those considered to be passage migrants or vagrants.
FALCO ELEONORAE
Authors: Vaughan Richard 
Published: April 2008

SummaryThe approximate totals for each part of the range may now be tabulated(a) Northwest Africa 250 pairs(b) Western Mediterranean 130(c) Central Mediterranean 150(d) Eastern Mediterranean(i) Aegean Crete 850‐1,150 pairs(ii) Cyprus 150–300This gives a grand total of 1,550‐2,000 breeding pairs. Owing to the probable existence of undiscovered colonies not allowed for in the individual estimates, this total may be too small; on the other hand, many of the estimates for Aegean colonies were made fifty or more years ago, since when, on the analogy of the only two colonies in that area about whose history anything is known, there has probably been a decline in numbers. It should be remembered, too, that the size of many colonies has only been guessed. In spite of these uncertainties, however, I would suggest that the total world population of Eleonora's Falcons is under 4,000 birds, about half of which breed in the Aegean and Crete.The most important areas where large colonies perhaps remain to be discovered are the Dodecanese and Algeria. Birds have been recorded in summer from the Tuscan Archipelago (Arrigoni degli Oddi & Damiani 1911, Moltoni 1954), the Ligurian Sea (Giglioli 1889), Pantelleria (Moltoni 1957 a), the Adriatic (Moltoni 1957 b), the Ionian Islands (Reiser 1905) and elsewhere (e.g. Provence, Leveque & Vuilleumier 1958, and even Central Spain, Lilford 1866), and, though most of these records are from the early part of the summer, it is possible that some of them represent hitherto undiscovered breeding populations. There was once a colony at Gibraltar, but this has long since ceased to exist (Bate 1928, on palaeolithic cave remains). Irby (1895) points out that the Rev. John White's “Hobbies”, which he says bred on the Rock, must have been Eleonora's Falcons and in the seventeenth century Eleonora's Falcon bred on the lies ?Hyeres (?Arcussia 1644: 60).SummaryThe known facts about Eleonora's Falcon are brought together, and contributions to existing knowledge made, under the headings Characters, General Habits, Food, Breeding, Breeding Distribution and Numbers, Migration, and Predation. It is shown that the breeding season is from mid‐July to October, that Eleonora's Falcon is a largely crepuscular feeder, that it is a summer visitor to its breeding haunts, and that it is dimorphic. The total world population is estimated to be rather less than 4,000 birds.
RECOVERIES OF RINGED GIANT PETRELS MACRONECTES GIGANTEUS
Authors: Tickell W. L. N. , Scotland C. D. 
Published: April 2008

SummaryThe ringing of Giant Petrels by F.I.D.S. parties in 1957‐58 and 1958‐59 is reviewed and the presence of a newly discovered rookery below the Antarctic Circle noted.A comparative analysis is made of the numbers of recoveries received and the difference in their distribution amongst the southern continents during 1958 and 1959.Details of 112 recoveries are given in an Appendix.
OWL VISION
Authors: Hocking B. , Mitchell B. L. 
Published: April 2008

SummaryNo evidence of important differences between the limit of red sensitivity in the Tawny Owl Strix aluco and in other birds or man could be found by measuring and observing pupil responses to change of intensity of illumination at this end of the spectrum. The gross structure of the eye and the rod/cone ratio both show extreme specialization of owl vision for a weak light. No behavioural evidence that the Tawny Owl could see mice by their own infra‐red radiation could be obtained.
SOCIAL BEHAVIOUR OF THE WHITE‐EYE ZOSTEROPS LATERALIS IN WINTER FLOCKS
Authors: KlKKAWA JlRO 
Published: April 2008

Summary1. In 1959 and 1960 observations on winter flocks of the White‐eye Zosterops lateralis were made at a feeding station and in an aviary at Dunedin, New Zealand.2. Aggressive behaviour takes different patterns according to the intensity of aggression; ritualized pecking, threat display, incipient attack, combat and chasing are distinguished. Many components of the basic threat posture are similar to those of other passerine species, but “wing fluttering”, presentation of white underwing coverts and the brown colour on the flank, and “beak clattering” seem to be characteristic of the White‐eye. “Wing fluttering” is an incipient attack and often develops into an actual attack when stimulated by identical posturing by an opponent.3. The pecking order found in the captive birds was a peck‐right hierarchy, but triangular relations were also observed when mated birds were involved. Prior residence was effective for a short period only and the despot in the prior occupants could be defeated by an aggressive intruder.4. 710 birds were colour‐ringed at the feeding station, 306 returned and 204 were observed in aggressive encounters. The analysis of these encounters showed that in natural flocks dominant birds are engaged in aggressive encounters more frequently than subordinate birds, that dominants fight more often with birds of higher ranks, and that subordinates avoid encounters with aggressive birds.5. A complex peck‐right hierarchy was found among members of different flocks visiting the feeding station. It is suggested that aggressive behaviour serves to establish and maintain the social hierarchy among individuals coming into contact over various objects. In crowded conditions severe fighting frequently takes place and the right of prior residence may be challenged constantly.6. The importance of ecological implications of flocking and aggressive behaviour in the White‐eye population in New Zealand is discussed.
AUTUMN MIGRATION IN GREECE
Authors: Bateson P. P. G. , Nisbet I. C. T. 
Published: April 2008

Summary1. Two parties studied migration in several parts of Greece between 18 August and 11 September 1960.2. Moon‐watching between 1 and 7 September revealed a large southward migration across both Northern and Southern Greece; also smaller groups of birds flying in directions centred around east, W.S.W. (only in Northern Greece) and N.N.E. (only in Southern Greece). The last two movements had not been suspected from previous observations. The species likely to be involved in these movements are discussed, but few conclusions can be drawn at present.3. Resting night‐migrants were evenly distributed in woodland and scrub in many parts of Greece, but were nowhere very numerous. Woodland species were found in a wide variety of habitats. Willow Warblers were especially numerous at high altitudes in mountains. Several open‐country species (notably Rollers and Lesser Grey Shrikes) seemed much commoner in Northern Greece than in the South.4. Some mountain birds had moved to lower altitudes by late August. Several forest species had moved up the mountain‐sides, well above the highest trees.5. Little diurnal migration was seen.6. Several waders appear to migrate through Greece much earlier than was previously recorded.
THE PECKING RESPONSE OF YOUNG WIDEAWAKE TERNSSTERNA FUSCATA
Authors: Cullen J. M. 
Published: April 2008

SUMMARYThe pecking of young Wideawake Terns was tested towards beak models of different colours (red, black, grey, white and silver) and towards a stuffed adult head with the normal black beak of the species. Of the colours, red and black received most pecks and the other colours somewhat fewer.The strong response to black fits the idea that the chick's responsiveness is adapted to the parent's beak colour. It would not explain the equally strong preference for red which, it is suggested, is a relic of the days when ancestors of the Wideawake had red beaks.It is argued that in other species, such as the Herring Gull, the evolution of the adult's beak colour may well have been guided by a pre‐existing predisposition of the chicks to peck more at certain colours, in other words the beak is adapted to the chick's colour responsiveness. Since the beak is important in social situations other than feeding the young, its colour may be a compromise between different selective forces, and this may be one reason that beak colours most effective for feeding the young are not always achieved.
THE AGGRESSIVE AND DISTRACTION BEHAVIOUR OF THE WESTERN SANDPIPER EREUNETES MAURI
Authors: Brown R. G. B. 
Published: April 2008

SUMMARYThe breeding biology and aggressive and distraction behaviour of the Western Sandpiper Ereunetes mauri are described from observations in the Hooper Bay area of Western Alaska during the summer of 1960.The motivation of the distraction displays is analysed in detail, and it is concluded that the observed behaviour is the resultant of the attack and escape tendencies; the brooding tendency is not primarily involved. The function of the distraction displays is discussed in relation to human and other predators.
MIGRATION ACROSS THE SOUTHERN NORTH SEA STUDIED BY RADAR PART 3. MOVEMENTS IN JUNE AND JULY
Authors: Lack David 
Published: April 2008

SUMMARY

The only prominent migration over the southern North Sea in June and July is one westward of Lapwings. This occurred primarily with a wind between N.E. and S.E., occasionally with a light opposed wind, but it was visible only with an opposed wind. It occurred more often in anticyclonic than disturbed weather. It was equally frequent in the morning and evening, the evening movement normally starting two or three hours before sunset.
Other movements included a small eastward emigration, chiefly with westerly winds, the species being unknown, big S.W. immigrations of Black‐headed Gulls in late July, and small N.N.W. arrivals, perhaps of Starlings, in July.
TEMPORAL RELATIONS OF BROOD PATCH DEVELOPMENT IN DOMESTICATED CANARIES
Authors: Hinde R. A. 
Published: April 2008

SUMMARY

The development of the brood patch and other aspects of reproduction in domesticated canaries was assessed. Suboptimal breeding conditions ensured a considerable spread in the speed of reproductive development, and thus permitted an examination of the extent to which different aspects of development were related.
Loss of feathers is closely related to nest‐building, but not to egg‐laying.
Vascularization usually starts while defeathering is in progress.
Moderate vascularization (stage 3) occurs somewhat before egg‐laying, but only in birds which subsequently incubate.
Oedema occurs only in birds which incubate, and is closely correlated in time with egg‐laying.
Vascularity and oedema disappear a few days after the eggs are removed from an incubating bird.
The relationship of these findings to present knowledge of the hormonal control of reproductive development is indicated briefly.
TEMPERATURE REGULATION IN THE SOOTY TERN STERNA FUSCATA
Authors: Howell T. R. , Bartholomew G. A. 
Published: April 2008

SUMMARYTemperatures of eggs, young and adults of the Sooty Tern were measured under a variety of environmental conditions on Midway Island.The mean daytime body temperature of incubating adults (40·5° C.) was significantly higher than the mean (39·4° C.) for adults on nests at night.The mean incubation patch temperature (39·‐6° C.) was significantly higher than the means for incubated eggs without visible embryos (34·8° C), incubated pipped eggs (36·6° C), or brooded, newly‐hatched chicks (38·3° C).Severe heating by solar radiation is the principal environmental problem faced by nesting Sooty Terns. Shading by adults of eggs and young chicks prevents overheating; older chicks seek natural shade. When placed in the open sun, chicks of all ages can lose heat by vigorous panting. However, body temperature may rise almost to 45° C. and usually stabilizes in the lower range of prevailing black bulb temperatures.The relationship of physiological and behavioural mechanisms of thermoregulation to environmental conditions during the terns' nesting season on Midway Island is discussed.
HEAD‐SCRATCHING IN THE PSITTACIFORMES
Authors: Brereton J. le Gay , Immelmann K. 
Published: April 2008

SUMMARYThe head‐scratching behaviour pattern is a valid taxonomic character. It supports the divisions within the Psittaciformes in the case of the Strigopinae, Nestorinae, Loriinae, and Kakatoeinae, but indicates that the Psittacinae are comprised of a number of groups. Some evolutionary problems arising out of the study of the scratching pattern are outlined.
THE ADELIE PENGUIN PYGOSCELIS ADELIAE AT CAPE ROYDS
Authors: Taylor Rowland H. 
Published: April 2008

SUMMARYThe Adelie Penguin rookery at Cape Royds, Ross Island, Antarctica, was kept under daily observation from 23 October 1959 to 26 February 1960.The rookery is described and its history given. The total area used for nesting has remained much the same over the last 50 years, but there has been a marked shift of nesting colonies into more sheltered positions.The adult population was counted every one or two days, and daily observations were made on 44 pairs of marked birds and 122 marked nests in which all eggs and chicks were individually marked.Considerable fluctuations occur in the numbers of adults and nests at the rookery during the breeding season, and their effect on methods used for assessing rookery size from counts made at odd times is discussed.Birds began to arrive at the rookery in mid‐October. The males usually arrived first and almost immediately began constructing nests. Eggs were laid during four weeks, from 4 November to 4 December; the usual clutch was two eggs, but in 65% of nests in which the first egg was lost soon after laying, a third was laid.Measurements and weights are given for 75 eggs. There is a decrease in size of successive eggs laid. The average interval between the laying of eggs in any one clutch was just over three days.The incubation period (day of laying to the day the chick finally emerged from the shell) of 150 eggs gave a mean period for first eggs of 34·8 (33–39) days, and for second eggs of 33·3 (30–37) days.Parental routine during incubation in 35 pairs of known sex is described; very few females took first turn at incubating the eggs. The fasting periods for Cape Royds birds are compared with those at the South Orkney Islands.The hatching, plumage, care and development of the chicks are described. The average length of the guard stage in 122 marked chicks was 22·4 days. The mean age of chicks when they left the rookery was 50·6 days; many chicks entered the water for short swims a day or so before they departed.Of 600 adults that returned to moult at the rookery during February, probably two‐thirds were non‐breeding birds.Mortality of adults at the breeding grounds was slight. Most egg losses were due to eggs being displaced from nests, or the abandoning of nests and eggs. A study of marked nests showed that 67% of all chick losses were directly due to Antarctic Skua predation, other mortality factors being desertion and exposure. Of the eggs 66% hatched and 75% of the chicks survived to leave for sea.The breeding season at Cape Royds (77° 30′S.) is compared with that in the South Orkney Islands (61° S.). The availability of food is probably the most important factor determining the length of the breeding seasons at different rookeries.
VIVIPARITY AND AVIAN REPRODUCTION
Authors: Simkiss K. 
Published: April 2008

SUMMARYA number of theories have been proposed to explain the absence of viviparity in birds, based upon considerations of weight and hormonal control in reproduction. It is here suggested that viviparity has not developed in birds owing to the unusual pattern of ovulation which they possess, and which would lead to a graduated series of developing embryos. To achieve viviparity it is suggested that birds would need to change their pattern of ovulation or be confined to producing only one offspring at a time.
MORTALITY AND FERTILITY OF EUROPEAN CHARADRII
Authors: Boyd Hugh 
Published: April 2008

SUMMARYA review of published data on the mortality and fertility of 23 species of wading birds (Charadrii) breeding in or visiting western Europe.Recoveries of ringed birds are the main source of estimates of mortality. In some cases recaptures of marked birds can also be employed. Apparent mortality in the first year after fledging is usually higher than in later years, though most estimates are probably biased by the preponderance of recoveries due to shooting. Adult mortality‐rates in stable populations vary from about 15·7% (Oystercatcher) to 51·9% (Common Snipe) with most in the range 30–45%. Closely related species tend to have similar mortality‐rates. There is a strong inverse correlation between death‐rate and body‐size, using wing‐length and weight as indices of size.Studies of fertility are scarce and meagre, though. clutch‐sizes are adequately known. Few waders are double‐brooded, though many re‐nest if their first nest is destroyed. In most thriving breeding colonies, 66–96% of the eggs laid hatch. Survival of chicks from hatching to fledging, which is hard to measure, typically averages 40–80%, though success often varies widely from year to year.Intensive long‐term studies of breeding groups make the most effective contribution to knowledge of population dynamics. For the many species for which breeding studies are likely to remain impracticable, studies of population composition in winter or on passage may provide useful substitutes, but only if techniques of sampling and of age‐ and sex‐classification can be improved.