Articles tagged with Wild Birds
A novel picornavirus has been found to be a key suspect in the development of Avian Keratin Disorder, a debilitating condition causing beak overgrowth and impairing feeding and preening behaviors. The discovery provides a critical lead in understanding the emergence of this disease in wild bird populations worldwide.
A study led by St. Jude Children's Research Hospital found that wild ducks and other aquatic birds do not carry highly pathogenic flu viruses, which caused widespread poultry outbreaks in North America. The research suggests that existing immunity in wild birds may explain why these viruses do not persist in their populations.
Research found that crows on a university campus carried high rates of Campylobacter jejuni, suggesting they could play a role in transmitting the bacteria to humans. The study tracked crow movements and behavior, revealing that their foraging habits often bring them into close proximity with livestock and humans.
Research by Uppsala University and colleagues found that small passerine birds have ultra-rapid vision, with some species able to detect changes at rates of up to 146 Hz, outpacing human vision by 50 Hz. This fast vision is thought to be an evolutionary adaptation for detecting moving insects.
In a study by Oxford University researchers, wild birds chose to stay close to their partners over accessing food, even when it meant spending less time foraging. This demonstrates the importance of social relationships for wild birds and shows how individual behavior can be shaped around maintaining key relationships.
Researchers at Australian National University trained fairy wrens to recognize unfamiliar alarm calls and flee when threatened, demonstrating birds' ability to eavesdrop on other species. This breakthrough could aid in training captive animals to detect danger signals before release.
The USGS has detected a novel, mixed-origin HPAI H5N1 avian flu virus in a green-winged teal in Washington State, differing from the well-known Asian H5N1 HPAI virus. The population-level impact of this virus on free-living wild bird species is currently unknown.
A global inventory of flu strains in birds has identified over 116 avian flu strains in wild birds, twice the number found in domestic birds. The study also reveals patterns of flu diversity in different bird hosts, with some strains specific to certain species.
A study published in Cell Host & Microbe reveals that H7N9 avian flu viruses evolved from distinct H9N2 viruses through a two-step process. The viruses originated in wild birds and then continued to evolve in domestic birds, resulting in genetically diverse strains that could potentially spread among humans.
A new study by University of Exeter researchers found that winter feeding of wild blue tits resulted in smaller, lower-weight chicks with lower survival rates. This challenges the long-held assumption that providing extra food during winter benefits bird populations.
Researchers discovered that wild birds were previously exposed to the West Nile virus before their arrival in Greece during autumn migration. The study found 14 positive serum samples from birds up to 8 months prior to the human outbreak, and genetic determinants of increased virulence were present in these samples.
New research suggests that wild migratory birds, such as bar-headed geese, may contribute to the spread of bird flu by carrying the virus between domestic farms and wetlands. The study found a significant link between Tibet, Qinghai Lake, and H5N1 outbreaks in both wild and domestic birds.
Wisdom, a Laysan albatross, is the oldest known US wild bird, returning to Midway at age 60 to raise her chick. She has likely raised over 30 chicks in her breeding life, demonstrating remarkable longevity and parenting skills.
A three-year study found wild birds opt for conventional food due to its higher protein content, challenging the notion that organic food is preferred. The study's findings suggest that consumers may be misled about the nutritional benefits of organic food.
A three-year study by Newcastle University found wild garden birds prefer conventional seed to organically-grown seed due to its higher protein content. The study suggests that the nutritional benefits of organic food may not always be true, particularly for birds and mammals during winter when protein is essential.
USGS scientists identify Northern Pintail birds with genetic variations closely related to Eurasian influenza viruses, highlighting the need for targeted surveillance efforts. The study proposes refining priority species lists based on genetic analysis to reduce time and effort in surveillance sampling.
A new study found that nearly half of low pathogenic avian influenza viruses in northern pintail ducks in Alaska contained genes more closely related to Asian strains. This research validates surveillance sampling processes and demonstrates the effectiveness of genetic analysis in understanding virus exchange between continents.
A recent study by The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center at the University of Texas at Austin found significant variations in green roof performance across six manufacturers. Green roofs were found to cool buildings' interiors by up to 21% and capture rainwater during downpours, but differences varied greatly among products.
The current surveillance strategy for avian influenza viruses is piecemeal, risking the detection of important virus sources or subtypes. A UC Davis expert emphasizes the need to strengthen global surveillance to prevent future pandemics.
Researchers have identified seven new host species for H5N1 avian influenza, including four goose species and the common gull, in a study of over 36,000 wild migratory birds. The findings provide important insights into the ecology and epidemiology of various global strains of the virus.
A review article argues that migratory birds are not the primary source of H5N1 virus dispersal. Human commercial activities, particularly poultry trade, are the major factors behind the global spread of the virus. The study suggests that strict health control and better animal welfare measures can help prevent disease transmission.
H5N1 avian influenza is most likely to be introduced to the US through infected poultry trade, not migratory birds. The virus spread rapidly through Asia, Europe, and Africa, causing millions of chicken deaths and 153 human fatalities.
The H5N1 avian influenza has been detected in 55 countries, but critical information about wild birds is often recorded inaccurately or not at all. This lack of data can lead to unwarranted assumptions and conclusions that affect public perceptions and resource allocation.
The US Geological Survey (USGS) has developed a database and web application called HEDDS to share information on sample collection sites, bird species sampled, and test results. The database provides current information on wild bird sampling for early detection of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in the United States.
The US government has approved a multi-million dollar surveillance network to track the avian flu virus overseas. The Global Avian Influenza Network for Surveillance (GAINS) will provide valuable forecasts on viral storms, enabling the prevention of avian flu spread and preparation for outbreaks.
Wildlife Conservation Society's field vets collected samples from hundreds of wild birds affected by H5N1 strain, helping to develop a human pandemic influenza vaccine. The collaboration highlights the importance of protecting wildlife diversity and monitoring their health for potential benefits to humankind.
A study by Cornell University ecologists found that cadmium from abandoned mines is affecting white-tailed ptarmigan birds in Colorado, causing brittle bones and damaged kidneys. The metal is also concentrated in willow plants, which the birds eat, leading to reduced reproductive success.
Researchers at Cornell University will use acoustic monitoring to count forest elephants in Africa, providing crucial information on population numbers and health. The project aims to support conservation efforts by tracking endangered species such as gorillas and rhinos.
Elementary students at Christiansburg Elementary School are participating in a wildlife mapping program, recording animal sightings and sending data to the state. The project uses GPS technology and bird specimens from Virginia Tech's Museum of Natural History to teach students about conservation and habitat patterns.
Researchers investigated beaver pond succession and its impact on waterfowl productivity, finding that ponds in the old active stage created the most valuable habitat for waterfowl broods. Beaver ponds also support a wide range of bird species, including marsh and song birds.
A new study found that nearly all of Georgia's surviving least tern pairs are nesting on artificial sites, such as rooftops or man-made sand hills. The researchers warn that without further protection, the Atlantic least tern is vulnerable to decline due to habitat loss and human activities.