Birds of paradise are bright and colorful birds found in the rainforests of Papua New Guinea,eastern Indonesia and northern Australia.There are 45 known species,and a new study has found that 37 of them can glow using...Birds of paradise are bright and colorful birds found in the rainforests of Papua New Guinea,eastern Indonesia and northern Australia.There are 45 known species,and a new study has found that 37 of them can glow using biofluorescence(生物荧光).This is when a living thing absorbs light and gives it off again in a different color.展开更多
Habitat fragmentation poses a significant threat to bird communities, especially those in open and semi-open ecosystems such as steppes. This study investigates how steppe birds adapt to and utilize fragmented habitat...Habitat fragmentation poses a significant threat to bird communities, especially those in open and semi-open ecosystems such as steppes. This study investigates how steppe birds adapt to and utilize fragmented habitats by combining niche modeling with ecological trait analysis. We conducted standardized point surveys to examine the habitat preferences of 32 bird species in Inner Mongolia, China, and quantified their habitat niche parameters using the Outlying Mean Index (OMI). Our results reveal distinct habitat preferences among species, with some thriving in intact environments while others are better adapted to fragmented areas. Grassland species showed high specialization along the fragmentation gradient, while others exhibited adaptability to varying levels of fragmentation. Using a Generalized Additive Model (GAM), we identified three key traits influencing habitat occupancy: hand-wing index, body mass, and range size. Specifically, species with medium hand-wing indices, moderate body mass, and larger range sizes were more likely to occupy heavily fragmented habitats. These findings provide empirical evidence on how habitat fragmentation affects bird species in steppe ecosystems. The study highlights the importance of functional traits in understanding avian responses to habitat fragmentation and offers a foundation for developing effective conservation strategies to preserve biodiversity in fragmented landscapes.展开更多
The factors affecting the behavior of non-specialized nectar-feeding passerines have received little attention in the literature on plant-pollinator interactions. Puya chilensis (Bromeliaceae) has sterile branch apice...The factors affecting the behavior of non-specialized nectar-feeding passerines have received little attention in the literature on plant-pollinator interactions. Puya chilensis (Bromeliaceae) has sterile branch apices that project outward from the inflorescence. In this study, we evaluate the functional role of sterile apices as support systems for bird foraging behavior. We recorded bird visitation and flower probing in the presence and absence of sterile branches during the spring seasons of 2021 and 2024. The results revealed that experimental plants with excised branches received fewer bird visits and flower probings than control plants, indicating that sterile branches play an important role in the nectar-feeding behavior of passerine birds in P. chilensis.展开更多
While most mammals find highly acidic foods aversive,many bird species have evolved remarkable tolerance for sour fruits-a crucial adaptation that has opened new ecological niches.Wild fruits can contain organic acid ...While most mammals find highly acidic foods aversive,many bird species have evolved remarkable tolerance for sour fruits-a crucial adaptation that has opened new ecological niches.Wild fruits can contain organic acid concentrations dozens of times higher than cultivated varieties,yet species like the redwing(Turdus iliacus)and black grouse(Tetrao tetrix)have evolved to actually prefer these acidic foods as dietary staples.展开更多
The transformation of natural habitats into human-modified landscapes has far-reaching consequences for species distribution and abundance.As species adapt to these changing environments,shifts in distribution pattern...The transformation of natural habitats into human-modified landscapes has far-reaching consequences for species distribution and abundance.As species adapt to these changing environments,shifts in distribution patterns,niche dynamics,and interspecies interactions may occur,impacting biodiversity at multiple levels and potentially leading to ecosystem imbalances.This study aims to assess the impact of variations in vegetation composition and human disturbance on the distribution of sympatric breeding birds and to determine the extent of niche overlap or differentiation among these species.We conducted field surveys and collected data on bird distribution,vegetation composition,and level of human disturbance in eastern Inner Mongolian grasslands.We focused on the six most frequently co-occurring breeding birds,representing a mix of sparrows,larks,and corvids.Generalized Additive Models revealed varying responses of species occurrence along habitat gradients.Species like the Eurasian Skylark(Alauda arvensis),Mongolian Lark(Melanocorypha mongolica),and Asian Shorttoed Lark(Calandrella cheleensis),increased in larger and more connected habitats,while others,like the Tree Sparrow(Passer montanus),Eurasian Magpie(Pica pica),and Barn Swallow(Hirundo rustica),adapted to more fragmented habitats.Niche analysis indicated habitat generalists tended to occupy larger niches than grassland specialists.Substantial niche overlap was also found among the six co-occurring bird species.Conservation efforts should consider the specific needs of specialist species and strive to maintain or restore critical grassland habitats.Additionally,promoting sustainable agricultural practices that balance the needs of birds and human activities can contribute to the coexistence of generalist and specialist bird species in modified landscapes.展开更多
Ensuring food security for a rapidly growing global population amidst resource limitations and climate change is a major challenge.Agroforestry an ecologically sustainable land-use system that integrates trees,crops,a...Ensuring food security for a rapidly growing global population amidst resource limitations and climate change is a major challenge.Agroforestry an ecologically sustainable land-use system that integrates trees,crops,and sometimes livestock offers significant promise by enhancing biodiversity,ecosystem services,and agricultural productivity.A central concern in such systems is pest management,which traditionally relies on chemical pesticides.However,their excessive use has led to environmental degradation,pest resistance,and health hazards.This review explores the potential of insectivorous birds as natural pest control agents in agroforestry systems.It focuses on how habitat features,vegetation complexity,and species-specific behaviors influence bird-mediated biological control.Insectivorous birds manage pest populations through direct predation,targeting a range of insect pests including caterpillars,beetles,and grasshoppers.Their foraging activity helps maintain pest populations below the economic threshold.Vegetation strata comprising ground cover,shrubs,understory,and canopy offer diverse foraging niches and nesting habitats that enhance bird diversity and functional roles.Pest control efficiency is closely linked to seasonality,resource availability,and habitat structure.Differentiating between beneficial(predatory)and pestiferous birds is essential to maximize ecosystem services and minimize crop losses or damage to beneficial insects.Conservation of beneficial bird species,informed vegetation planning,and regular monitoring are vital to strengthening multitrophic interactions and achieving sustainable pest control.Future research should focus on bird behavior,predator-prey interactions,and habitat management to optimize bird-friendly pest regulation strategies in agroforestry landscapes.展开更多
Grasslands are among the world's most threatened ecosystems, and steppe birds face increasing risks from human activities. This study investigates how human impacts affect the distribution and community structure ...Grasslands are among the world's most threatened ecosystems, and steppe birds face increasing risks from human activities. This study investigates how human impacts affect the distribution and community structure of breeding steppe birds in Inner Mongolia, a biodiversity hotspot in Asia. We conducted standardized point-count surveys across a gradient from intact grasslands to urbanized areas, integrating species occurrence data, functional traits and the Human Footprint Index (HFI). Using Generalized Linear Models (GLMs) and Conditional Random Fields (CRFs), we assessed trait-environment interactions and shifts in species associations. Our results indicate that the HFI significantly affects bird communities. Habitat specialists, such as Mongolian Lark (Melanocorypha mongolica), showed negative responses, whereas generalists like Eurasian Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus) thrived in disturbed areas. Trait-based analysis showed that species with larger body mass and specialized diets were negatively associated with HFI, whereas those linked to human-modified habitats exhibiting strong positive associations. In areas with high human footprint, co-occurrence networks grew more polarized: specialists faced intensified competition, while species with positive HFI responses formed stronger positive associations. CRF models indicated that human activities restructure species interactions, favoring generalists and simplifying community dynamics. These findings highlight the dual role of human impact in supporting some species while threatening specialists, potentially driving biotic homogenization. Our study emphasizes the need for conservation strategies that protect vulnerable species and manage those that thrive in human-altered environments. By linking traits and interactions to human impacts, this study provides a framework for identifying at-risk species and guiding conservation in the Anthropocene.展开更多
Dear Editor,The highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses(HPAIVs)are important epizootic and zoonotic pathogens that cause significant economic losses to the poultry industry and pose a serious risk to veterinary and ...Dear Editor,The highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses(HPAIVs)are important epizootic and zoonotic pathogens that cause significant economic losses to the poultry industry and pose a serious risk to veterinary and public health.Wild birds have been recognized as the primary reservoirs for influenza A virus,and some species show little sign of clinical disease or even can be asymptomatic during long distance carriers of the virus(Lycett et al.,2019).Since it was first discovered in 1959,the H5Nx HPAIVs have spread globally and cause outbreaks in wild birds,poultry and sporadic human and other mammalian infections(Lycett et al.,2019).Due to the reassortant events of diverse strains facilitated by migratory waterfowl,the clade 2.3.4.4 of H5Nx viruses acquiring neuraminidase(NA)gene from other low pathogenicity avian influenza viruses(LPAIVs)emerged in 2014 and gradually became the dominant sub-clade(Lee et al.,2017).展开更多
The Natural Forest Protection Project(NFPP),initiated by the Chinese government in 2000,is a crucial ecological construction project that has played a significant role in forest restoration in China.Forests in the Qin...The Natural Forest Protection Project(NFPP),initiated by the Chinese government in 2000,is a crucial ecological construction project that has played a significant role in forest restoration in China.Forests in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau(QTP)serve as important habitats for many rare and endemic birds.Understanding the conservation efficiency of NFPP implementation on these birds holds significant practical significance.In this study,we utilized land use change matrices to analyze the forest changes in the QTP before and after NFPP implementation,predicted the potential spatial distribution of 16 nationally protected birds using Species Distribution Models(SDMs),and compared the impacts of this project on bird habitats under different carbon emission scenarios.Mann-Whitney U tests were employed to analyze the adaptation of different birds to forest changes during NFPP implementation.Our results showed that NFPP protected 172,398 km^(2) of primary forests and added 6379 km^(2) of secondary forests in our study area.The potential spatial distribution and sympatric species richness of the 16 protected birds slightly increased after NFPP implementation under different climate change scenarios,and NFPP implementation contributed to improving the potential spatial distribution of birds.Compared to newly established secondary forests,protected primary forests exhibited enhanced conservation for forest birds(Z-value>0 for six bird species,P<0.1),while being less suitable for non-forest birds(significantly unsuitable for three non-forest bird species,Z-value<0,P<0.05;non-significantly unsuitable for four non-forest bird species,Zvalue<0,P>0.1).This indicates that the protection of primary forests during NFPP implementation benefits forest bird conservation while the addition of secondary forests is beneficial to non-forest birds.To enhance the role of NFPP in avian conservation in the QTP,it is suggested to increase the landscape heterogeneity of forest,particularly in newly established secondary forests.展开更多
Estimating bird abundance is key to assess threats,and to prioritize conservation actions.However,few studies focus on this topic,particularly in developing countries,which may hamper conservation efficiency.We used d...Estimating bird abundance is key to assess threats,and to prioritize conservation actions.However,few studies focus on this topic,particularly in developing countries,which may hamper conservation efficiency.We used data collected from Guangdong Province,China,between 2000 and 2020 to estimate bird abundance using MaxEnt modelling.In total,258 bird species were included,with an average density of 1485.2±489.3 ind./km^(2)(range:242.9-4502.2 ind./km^(2)).The highest density occurred in the Pearl River Estuary and on the Leizhou Peninsula.For forest birds,203 species were included with an average density of 1236.2±424.5 ind./km^(2)(143.7-2373.1 ind./km^(2)),and highest densities were found in the Pearl River Estuary and North River regions.For the 55 species of waterbirds,the average density was 249.0±351.8 ind./km^(2)(0.3-2336.1 ind./km^(2)).The total number of birds in Guangdong was estimated to be 2.58×108 ind.(2.24-3.06×10^(8)),with a total number of forest birds estimated to be 2.15×10^(8)ind.(1.90-2.49×10^(8)).The most abundant forest species(>107 individuals)were:Huet's Fulvetta(Alcippe hueti)with 2.84×10^(7)ind.,(range:2.73-2.95×10~7),Light-vented Bulbul(Pycnonotus sinensis)with 1.13×10^(7)ind.(1.07-1.20×10^(7)),Swinhoe's White-eye(Zosterops simplex)with 1.13×10^(7)ind.(1.09-1.17×10^(7)),and Red-whiskered Bulbul(Pycnonotus jocosus)with 1.01×10^(7)ind.(9.66-10.47×10^(6)),The total number of waterbirds in Guangdong was estimated to be 4.37×10^(7)ind.(3.38-5.75×10^(7)).The most abundant waterbirds(>106 individuals)were Black-headed Gull(Chroicocephalus ridibundus)with 6.35×10^(6)ind.(5.48-7.36×10^(6)),Pied Avocet(Recurvirostra avosetta)with 5.56×10^(6)ind.(3.75-8.24×10^(6)),and Little Egret(Egretta garzetta)with 5.01×10^(6)ind.(4.19-6.00×10^(6)).The densities and abundances of the 41 species listed as threatened in IUCN(higher than NT)or Chinese National Protected lists(higher thanⅡ)were evaluated,of which the population sizes of nine species were estimated for the first time in Guangdong.Moreover,all 41 species'average densities significantly declined from 2012 to 2017 in Nanling National Natural Reserve,Guangdong.展开更多
Animal behavioral studies are often combined with research concerning cognitive abilities.Larger brains usually mean more complex neural networks and advanced cognitive functions.By measuring the brain size of differe...Animal behavioral studies are often combined with research concerning cognitive abilities.Larger brains usually mean more complex neural networks and advanced cognitive functions.By measuring the brain size of different individual animals,we can explore differences in behavioral complexity between populations or species.However,obtaining accurate measurements of brain size is challenging both in field and laboratory environments,especially for rare and endangered species.Therefore,there is an urgent need to develop reliable methods for performing cranial brain mass.This study tests which external structures of the avian head can most accurately predict brain size.We selected five bird species from four orders,categorized external head measures into three types of parameters(direct,calculated and composite measurements),and analyzed these in relation to brain mass.The results showed that while head size can partially explain brain mass,the parameters of head height x head width were the most accurate predictors of brain mass in birds(90.4%).In addition,the positive correlation between endocranial volume and brain mass once again confirmed that avian endocranial volume can,to a certain extent,serve as a valid proxy for brain mass.Our study demonstrates that in the future we can more conveniently perform non-invasive measurements to better understand the relationship between bird brain size and behavior,ecology,and evolution.展开更多
Urbanization often changes bird species richness and affects the functional diversity.Therefore,understanding these changes helps city planners improve green space design and land use planning.Our study used multiple ...Urbanization often changes bird species richness and affects the functional diversity.Therefore,understanding these changes helps city planners improve green space design and land use planning.Our study used multiple datasets to explore the effects of land-scape patterns and natural environments on the functional diversity of birds in urban parks and campuses in the eastern and northwest-ern regions of China.Firstly,we used the data to calculate birds of the functional richness(FRic),functional evenness(FEve),and functional divergence(FDiv)of 68 urban spaces in the eastern and northwestern regions of China.Further,we established generalized linear models of natural factors,human factors,and functional diversity.Results showed more bird species with unique traits were in the north-western region.This may be because the earlier urbanization in the eastern region filtered out urban-sensitive species,leaving behind urban adapters.Moreover,we found that the fractal dimension index was the most significant positive factor of FRic in the eastern region but the most significant negative factor of FDiv.Elevation was the most significant negative influence factor of FEve in the eastern region,but it was the most potent positive influence factor of FRic in the northwestern region.Population density had a significant positive effect on FDiv in the northwestern region.However,green space areas significantly negatively impacted FEve in the northwestern region.In addition,birds in parks in both regions had more functional traits than those on campuses,possibly because of the larger green space in parks,which may contain more fragments of native vegetation and reduce human interference.Our study suggests that preserving more original vegetation and reducing human disturbance in cities can increase the functional diversity of urban birds and im-prove urban ecosystem functions.展开更多
The worldwide record of Cretaceous Neornithes and Neornithine-like birds is both controversial and poorly understood.However,in recent years,the Antarctic continent has yielded a substantial number of Maastrichtian av...The worldwide record of Cretaceous Neornithes and Neornithine-like birds is both controversial and poorly understood.However,in recent years,the Antarctic continent has yielded a substantial number of Maastrichtian avian specimens,contributing significantly to our understanding of the early evolution of this group.Simultaneously,the keen interest and collaborative efforts of various paleornithologists have resulted in a wealth of knowledge,which we have thoroughly reviewed,updated,and discussed in the context of recent discoveries.展开更多
For more than 60 years,Mr.Xu Yuanchong has been devoted to education.He has not only made remarkable achievements in translating from and into Chinese,English,French and other languages,but has also developed his own ...For more than 60 years,Mr.Xu Yuanchong has been devoted to education.He has not only made remarkable achievements in translating from and into Chinese,English,French and other languages,but has also developed his own unique concept of translation.Since 1950,he has always adhered to the“Three Beauties Theory”,believing that translation should not only rely on the original text,but also realize the“beauty of meaning”,“beauty of sound”,and“beauty of form”.Based on Xu Yuanchong’s“Three Beauties Theory”,this paper takes Zheng Zhenduo’s and Feng Tang’s Chinese translations of Stray Birds as an example to explore in depth the specifics of poetry translation theory.The study summarizes the similarities and differences between these two translations in embodying the“three beauties”,providing insights into the Chinese translation techniques of philosophical prose poems.This endeavor seeks to offer valuable insights for the comparative study of Stray Birds translations。展开更多
Beta diversity,the variation of community composition among sites,bridges alpha and gamma diversity and can reveal the mechanisms of community assembly through applying distance-decay models and/or partitioning beta d...Beta diversity,the variation of community composition among sites,bridges alpha and gamma diversity and can reveal the mechanisms of community assembly through applying distance-decay models and/or partitioning beta diversity into turnover and nestedness components from functional and phylogenetic perspectives.Mountains as the most natural experiment system provide good opportunities for exploring beta diversity patterns and the underlying ecological processes.Here,we simultaneously consider distance-decay models and multiple di-mensions of beta diversity to examine spatial variations of bird communities,and to evaluate the relative importance of niche-based and neutral community assembly mechanisms along a 3600-m elevational gradient in the central Himalayas,China.Our results showed that species turnover dominates taxonomic,functional,and phylogenetic beta diversity.We observed strongest evidence of spatial distance decays in taxonomic similarities of birds,followed by its phylogenetic and functional analogues.Turnover component was highest in taxonomic beta diversity,while nestedness component was highest in functional beta diversity.Further,all correlations of assemblage similarity with climatic distance were higher than that with spatial distances.Standardized values of overall taxonomic,functional,and phylogenetic beta diversity and their turnover components increase with increasing elevational distance,while the standardized values of taxonomic and phylogenetic nestedness decreased with increasing elevational distance.Our results highlighted the niche-based deterministic processes in shaping elevational bird diversity patterns that were determined by the relative roles of decreasing trend of environmental filtering and increasing trend of limiting similarity along elevation distances.展开更多
As a crucial component of terrestrial ecosystems,urban forests play a pivotal role in protecting urban biodiversity by providing suitable habitats for acoustic spaces.Previous studies note that vegetation structure is...As a crucial component of terrestrial ecosystems,urban forests play a pivotal role in protecting urban biodiversity by providing suitable habitats for acoustic spaces.Previous studies note that vegetation structure is a key factor influencing bird sounds in urban forests;hence,adjusting the frequency composition may be a strategy for birds to avoid anthropogenic noise to mask their songs.However,it is unknown whether the response mechanisms of bird vocalizations to vegetation structure remain consistent despite being impacted by anthropogenic noise.It was hypothesized that anthropogenic noise in urban forests occupies the low-frequency space of bird songs,leading to a possible reshaping of the acoustic niches of forests,and the vegetation structure of urban forests is the critical factor that shapes the acoustic space for bird vocalization.Passive acoustic monitoring in various urban forests was used to monitor natural and anthropogenic noises,and sounds were classified into three acoustic scenes(bird sounds,human sounds,and bird-human sounds)to determine interconnections between bird sounds,anthropogenic noise,and vegetation structure.Anthropogenic noise altered the acoustic niche of urban forests by intruding into the low-frequency space used by birds,and vegetation structures related to volume(trunk volume and branch volume)and density(number of branches and leaf area index)significantly impact the diversity of bird sounds.Our findings indicate that the response to low and high frequency signals to vegetation structure is distinct.By clarifying this relationship,our results contribute to understanding of how vegetation structure influences bird sounds in urban forests impacted by anthropogenic noise.展开更多
With continually increasing urbanization,the land cover in urban areas continues to change,resulting in the loss of biodiversity.Birds are highly sensitive to changes in habitat.Most forest birds perch on plants that ...With continually increasing urbanization,the land cover in urban areas continues to change,resulting in the loss of biodiversity.Birds are highly sensitive to changes in habitat.Most forest birds perch on plants that provide increased safety to reduce the risk of predation,and small birds may also consider insulation when using roosting plants in winter because of cold weather.Landscaping plants thus shape the nocturnal roosting environment of urban birds,and proper planting is essential for the survival of birds at night.The use of roosting plants by urban birds should therefore be studied to provide a reference for landscaping.In the current study,we observed 1865 nocturnal roosting birds in Beijing from 2021 to 2022,with 23 species of birds from 12 families and 45 species of plants from 22 families recorded.Juniperus chinensis exhibited the highest bird rarity-weighted richness,followed by Fraxinus pennsylvanica,Phyllostachys propinqua,Pinus tabuliformis,and Ulmus pumila.The diameter at breast height,tree height,and crown width of plants used by birds was largest in summer and smallest in winter,and the perch height of birds was the highest in spring and summer and the lowest in winter.Birds used the highest proportion of deciduous plants in summer and the highest proportion of evergreen plants in winter.A significant seasonal difference in the use of evergreen and deciduous plants by small birds was noted,with a preference for deciduous plants in summer and evergreen plants in winter,while this preference was not found in large birds.These findings indicate that evergreen plants provide a vital nocturnal roosting environment for small birds in winter.To provide a better nocturnal roosting habitat for urban birds,we recommend paying attention to the combination of evergreen and deciduous plants when carrying out landscape construction.展开更多
Human activities affect bird behavior both directly and indirectly.Birds constantly regulate their behavior in response to human disturbance.Gun hunting,a major directional disturbance,puts enormous selection pressure...Human activities affect bird behavior both directly and indirectly.Birds constantly regulate their behavior in response to human disturbance.Gun hunting,a major directional disturbance,puts enormous selection pressure on birds.In China,gun bans have been in place for nearly 30 years,and little hunting using guns occurs in modern cities.However,little attention has been paid to whether a history of hunting still affects the behavioral adaptations of urban birds.In this study,we compared the flight initiation distance(FiD)of the Eurasian tree sparrow Passer montanus,Azure-winged magpie Cyanopica cyanus,Common hoopoe Upupa epops and Eurasian magpie Pica pica in the presence of observers with or without popguns.The Eurasian tree sparrow,Azure-winged magpie,and Eurasian magpie effectively recognized the difference between the observers,and perceived the armed observer as a greater threat,exhibiting earlier escape behavior,but this phenomenon was not found in the Common hoopoe.The different expressions in FID of experimental bird species in China cities may be affected by the different levels of recognition of huntingpressuredue todifferent hunting histories.展开更多
It is generally accepted that climate has changed greatly on a global scale, and that the earth＇s climate has already wanned by some degrees over the past century. Ample evidence shows that there have been apparent c...It is generally accepted that climate has changed greatly on a global scale, and that the earth＇s climate has already wanned by some degrees over the past century. Ample evidence shows that there have been apparent changes in avian population dynamics, life-history traits and geographic ranges in response to global climate change. This paper briefly reviews the possible effects of climate change on avian biology and ecology all over the world, with emphasis on new findings from several long-term studies in Europe and North America, which provide unique opportunities to investigate how long-term changes in climate affect birds at both individual and population levels. The implications of such long-term studies for future bird studies in China is discussed with hope that this review can contribute to the preparation and plan for studies of climatic effects on birds in China in the future.展开更多
The Far North Region of Cameroon is home to a great diversity of bird species, which unfortunately remains very little explored. This work was initiated to establish an inventory of birds and the factors affecting the...The Far North Region of Cameroon is home to a great diversity of bird species, which unfortunately remains very little explored. This work was initiated to establish an inventory of birds and the factors affecting their diversity and distribution for sustainable management in the Kalfou Forest Reserve (KFR) and its periphery. Two methods were used for sampling, linear strip transects from which direct counts and indirect observations were made and the mist netting to complement the first. In total, 2525 birds were observed, including 149 species, belonging to 20 orders and 55 families. Accipitridae had the greatest number of species (11). The species richness was greater in the KFR (117 species) compared to the periphery (95 species). The specific richness was higher in wooded savannah compared to other habitats. Shannon index was significantly higher in the KFR (3.99) compared to that obtained in the periphery (3.80). The value of the Simpson index was higher on the outskirts of the KFR than on the periphery. The indices of species diversity were greater in the wooded savannah compared to other vegetation types. The seasons had no influence on bird diversity. Among the human activities encountered, the pressure indices were more important for grazing (7.3 contacts/km). Human activities have resulted in a significant decrease in specific richness. Six endangered species were encountered, four belonging to the Accipitridae family. The greater bird diversity in the reserve compared to the periphery shows that protected areas are a long-term solution for biodiversity conservation.展开更多
文摘Birds of paradise are bright and colorful birds found in the rainforests of Papua New Guinea,eastern Indonesia and northern Australia.There are 45 known species,and a new study has found that 37 of them can glow using biofluorescence(生物荧光).This is when a living thing absorbs light and gives it off again in a different color.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.32201304)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(No.2412022QD026).
文摘Habitat fragmentation poses a significant threat to bird communities, especially those in open and semi-open ecosystems such as steppes. This study investigates how steppe birds adapt to and utilize fragmented habitats by combining niche modeling with ecological trait analysis. We conducted standardized point surveys to examine the habitat preferences of 32 bird species in Inner Mongolia, China, and quantified their habitat niche parameters using the Outlying Mean Index (OMI). Our results reveal distinct habitat preferences among species, with some thriving in intact environments while others are better adapted to fragmented areas. Grassland species showed high specialization along the fragmentation gradient, while others exhibited adaptability to varying levels of fragmentation. Using a Generalized Additive Model (GAM), we identified three key traits influencing habitat occupancy: hand-wing index, body mass, and range size. Specifically, species with medium hand-wing indices, moderate body mass, and larger range sizes were more likely to occupy heavily fragmented habitats. These findings provide empirical evidence on how habitat fragmentation affects bird species in steppe ecosystems. The study highlights the importance of functional traits in understanding avian responses to habitat fragmentation and offers a foundation for developing effective conservation strategies to preserve biodiversity in fragmented landscapes.
基金supported by grants FONDECYT 1180850 and 1231757 to RM.
文摘The factors affecting the behavior of non-specialized nectar-feeding passerines have received little attention in the literature on plant-pollinator interactions. Puya chilensis (Bromeliaceae) has sterile branch apices that project outward from the inflorescence. In this study, we evaluate the functional role of sterile apices as support systems for bird foraging behavior. We recorded bird visitation and flower probing in the presence and absence of sterile branches during the spring seasons of 2021 and 2024. The results revealed that experimental plants with excised branches received fewer bird visits and flower probings than control plants, indicating that sterile branches play an important role in the nectar-feeding behavior of passerine birds in P. chilensis.
文摘While most mammals find highly acidic foods aversive,many bird species have evolved remarkable tolerance for sour fruits-a crucial adaptation that has opened new ecological niches.Wild fruits can contain organic acid concentrations dozens of times higher than cultivated varieties,yet species like the redwing(Turdus iliacus)and black grouse(Tetrao tetrix)have evolved to actually prefer these acidic foods as dietary staples.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China (No.32201304)the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities (No.2412022QD026)。
文摘The transformation of natural habitats into human-modified landscapes has far-reaching consequences for species distribution and abundance.As species adapt to these changing environments,shifts in distribution patterns,niche dynamics,and interspecies interactions may occur,impacting biodiversity at multiple levels and potentially leading to ecosystem imbalances.This study aims to assess the impact of variations in vegetation composition and human disturbance on the distribution of sympatric breeding birds and to determine the extent of niche overlap or differentiation among these species.We conducted field surveys and collected data on bird distribution,vegetation composition,and level of human disturbance in eastern Inner Mongolian grasslands.We focused on the six most frequently co-occurring breeding birds,representing a mix of sparrows,larks,and corvids.Generalized Additive Models revealed varying responses of species occurrence along habitat gradients.Species like the Eurasian Skylark(Alauda arvensis),Mongolian Lark(Melanocorypha mongolica),and Asian Shorttoed Lark(Calandrella cheleensis),increased in larger and more connected habitats,while others,like the Tree Sparrow(Passer montanus),Eurasian Magpie(Pica pica),and Barn Swallow(Hirundo rustica),adapted to more fragmented habitats.Niche analysis indicated habitat generalists tended to occupy larger niches than grassland specialists.Substantial niche overlap was also found among the six co-occurring bird species.Conservation efforts should consider the specific needs of specialist species and strive to maintain or restore critical grassland habitats.Additionally,promoting sustainable agricultural practices that balance the needs of birds and human activities can contribute to the coexistence of generalist and specialist bird species in modified landscapes.
文摘Ensuring food security for a rapidly growing global population amidst resource limitations and climate change is a major challenge.Agroforestry an ecologically sustainable land-use system that integrates trees,crops,and sometimes livestock offers significant promise by enhancing biodiversity,ecosystem services,and agricultural productivity.A central concern in such systems is pest management,which traditionally relies on chemical pesticides.However,their excessive use has led to environmental degradation,pest resistance,and health hazards.This review explores the potential of insectivorous birds as natural pest control agents in agroforestry systems.It focuses on how habitat features,vegetation complexity,and species-specific behaviors influence bird-mediated biological control.Insectivorous birds manage pest populations through direct predation,targeting a range of insect pests including caterpillars,beetles,and grasshoppers.Their foraging activity helps maintain pest populations below the economic threshold.Vegetation strata comprising ground cover,shrubs,understory,and canopy offer diverse foraging niches and nesting habitats that enhance bird diversity and functional roles.Pest control efficiency is closely linked to seasonality,resource availability,and habitat structure.Differentiating between beneficial(predatory)and pestiferous birds is essential to maximize ecosystem services and minimize crop losses or damage to beneficial insects.Conservation of beneficial bird species,informed vegetation planning,and regular monitoring are vital to strengthening multitrophic interactions and achieving sustainable pest control.Future research should focus on bird behavior,predator-prey interactions,and habitat management to optimize bird-friendly pest regulation strategies in agroforestry landscapes.
基金funded by the China Postdoctoral Science Foundation(2024M760408)National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.32201304)+1 种基金the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities(No.2412024QD0212412022QD026).
文摘Grasslands are among the world's most threatened ecosystems, and steppe birds face increasing risks from human activities. This study investigates how human impacts affect the distribution and community structure of breeding steppe birds in Inner Mongolia, a biodiversity hotspot in Asia. We conducted standardized point-count surveys across a gradient from intact grasslands to urbanized areas, integrating species occurrence data, functional traits and the Human Footprint Index (HFI). Using Generalized Linear Models (GLMs) and Conditional Random Fields (CRFs), we assessed trait-environment interactions and shifts in species associations. Our results indicate that the HFI significantly affects bird communities. Habitat specialists, such as Mongolian Lark (Melanocorypha mongolica), showed negative responses, whereas generalists like Eurasian Tree Sparrow (Passer montanus) thrived in disturbed areas. Trait-based analysis showed that species with larger body mass and specialized diets were negatively associated with HFI, whereas those linked to human-modified habitats exhibiting strong positive associations. In areas with high human footprint, co-occurrence networks grew more polarized: specialists faced intensified competition, while species with positive HFI responses formed stronger positive associations. CRF models indicated that human activities restructure species interactions, favoring generalists and simplifying community dynamics. These findings highlight the dual role of human impact in supporting some species while threatening specialists, potentially driving biotic homogenization. Our study emphasizes the need for conservation strategies that protect vulnerable species and manage those that thrive in human-altered environments. By linking traits and interactions to human impacts, this study provides a framework for identifying at-risk species and guiding conservation in the Anthropocene.
基金supported by Zhejiang Province Science and Technology Cooperation Project of“Three Rural and Nine Parties”(grant number 2023SNJF059).
文摘Dear Editor,The highly pathogenic avian influenza viruses(HPAIVs)are important epizootic and zoonotic pathogens that cause significant economic losses to the poultry industry and pose a serious risk to veterinary and public health.Wild birds have been recognized as the primary reservoirs for influenza A virus,and some species show little sign of clinical disease or even can be asymptomatic during long distance carriers of the virus(Lycett et al.,2019).Since it was first discovered in 1959,the H5Nx HPAIVs have spread globally and cause outbreaks in wild birds,poultry and sporadic human and other mammalian infections(Lycett et al.,2019).Due to the reassortant events of diverse strains facilitated by migratory waterfowl,the clade 2.3.4.4 of H5Nx viruses acquiring neuraminidase(NA)gene from other low pathogenicity avian influenza viruses(LPAIVs)emerged in 2014 and gradually became the dominant sub-clade(Lee et al.,2017).
基金funded by Central Fiscal Forestry and Grassland Ecological Protection and Restoration Fund in 2022(grant number:HYGJ22069P(2022zfcg03469)-HT01)National Natural Science Foundation of China(grant number:3152010390332070452)。
文摘The Natural Forest Protection Project(NFPP),initiated by the Chinese government in 2000,is a crucial ecological construction project that has played a significant role in forest restoration in China.Forests in the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau(QTP)serve as important habitats for many rare and endemic birds.Understanding the conservation efficiency of NFPP implementation on these birds holds significant practical significance.In this study,we utilized land use change matrices to analyze the forest changes in the QTP before and after NFPP implementation,predicted the potential spatial distribution of 16 nationally protected birds using Species Distribution Models(SDMs),and compared the impacts of this project on bird habitats under different carbon emission scenarios.Mann-Whitney U tests were employed to analyze the adaptation of different birds to forest changes during NFPP implementation.Our results showed that NFPP protected 172,398 km^(2) of primary forests and added 6379 km^(2) of secondary forests in our study area.The potential spatial distribution and sympatric species richness of the 16 protected birds slightly increased after NFPP implementation under different climate change scenarios,and NFPP implementation contributed to improving the potential spatial distribution of birds.Compared to newly established secondary forests,protected primary forests exhibited enhanced conservation for forest birds(Z-value>0 for six bird species,P<0.1),while being less suitable for non-forest birds(significantly unsuitable for three non-forest bird species,Z-value<0,P<0.05;non-significantly unsuitable for four non-forest bird species,Zvalue<0,P>0.1).This indicates that the protection of primary forests during NFPP implementation benefits forest bird conservation while the addition of secondary forests is beneficial to non-forest birds.To enhance the role of NFPP in avian conservation in the QTP,it is suggested to increase the landscape heterogeneity of forest,particularly in newly established secondary forests.
基金supported by the National Natural Science Foundation of China(31961123003,32001098,31672265)the DFGP project of fauna of Guangdong(202115)the GDAS Special Project of Science and Technology Development(2022GDASZH-2022010106)。
文摘Estimating bird abundance is key to assess threats,and to prioritize conservation actions.However,few studies focus on this topic,particularly in developing countries,which may hamper conservation efficiency.We used data collected from Guangdong Province,China,between 2000 and 2020 to estimate bird abundance using MaxEnt modelling.In total,258 bird species were included,with an average density of 1485.2±489.3 ind./km^(2)(range:242.9-4502.2 ind./km^(2)).The highest density occurred in the Pearl River Estuary and on the Leizhou Peninsula.For forest birds,203 species were included with an average density of 1236.2±424.5 ind./km^(2)(143.7-2373.1 ind./km^(2)),and highest densities were found in the Pearl River Estuary and North River regions.For the 55 species of waterbirds,the average density was 249.0±351.8 ind./km^(2)(0.3-2336.1 ind./km^(2)).The total number of birds in Guangdong was estimated to be 2.58×108 ind.(2.24-3.06×10^(8)),with a total number of forest birds estimated to be 2.15×10^(8)ind.(1.90-2.49×10^(8)).The most abundant forest species(>107 individuals)were:Huet's Fulvetta(Alcippe hueti)with 2.84×10^(7)ind.,(range:2.73-2.95×10~7),Light-vented Bulbul(Pycnonotus sinensis)with 1.13×10^(7)ind.(1.07-1.20×10^(7)),Swinhoe's White-eye(Zosterops simplex)with 1.13×10^(7)ind.(1.09-1.17×10^(7)),and Red-whiskered Bulbul(Pycnonotus jocosus)with 1.01×10^(7)ind.(9.66-10.47×10^(6)),The total number of waterbirds in Guangdong was estimated to be 4.37×10^(7)ind.(3.38-5.75×10^(7)).The most abundant waterbirds(>106 individuals)were Black-headed Gull(Chroicocephalus ridibundus)with 6.35×10^(6)ind.(5.48-7.36×10^(6)),Pied Avocet(Recurvirostra avosetta)with 5.56×10^(6)ind.(3.75-8.24×10^(6)),and Little Egret(Egretta garzetta)with 5.01×10^(6)ind.(4.19-6.00×10^(6)).The densities and abundances of the 41 species listed as threatened in IUCN(higher than NT)or Chinese National Protected lists(higher thanⅡ)were evaluated,of which the population sizes of nine species were estimated for the first time in Guangdong.Moreover,all 41 species'average densities significantly declined from 2012 to 2017 in Nanling National Natural Reserve,Guangdong.
基金supported by the National Key R&D Program of China(2023YFF1304600)。
文摘Animal behavioral studies are often combined with research concerning cognitive abilities.Larger brains usually mean more complex neural networks and advanced cognitive functions.By measuring the brain size of different individual animals,we can explore differences in behavioral complexity between populations or species.However,obtaining accurate measurements of brain size is challenging both in field and laboratory environments,especially for rare and endangered species.Therefore,there is an urgent need to develop reliable methods for performing cranial brain mass.This study tests which external structures of the avian head can most accurately predict brain size.We selected five bird species from four orders,categorized external head measures into three types of parameters(direct,calculated and composite measurements),and analyzed these in relation to brain mass.The results showed that while head size can partially explain brain mass,the parameters of head height x head width were the most accurate predictors of brain mass in birds(90.4%).In addition,the positive correlation between endocranial volume and brain mass once again confirmed that avian endocranial volume can,to a certain extent,serve as a valid proxy for brain mass.Our study demonstrates that in the future we can more conveniently perform non-invasive measurements to better understand the relationship between bird brain size and behavior,ecology,and evolution.
基金Under the auspices of the Innovation Program of Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences(No.CAAS-STNY-2024)。
文摘Urbanization often changes bird species richness and affects the functional diversity.Therefore,understanding these changes helps city planners improve green space design and land use planning.Our study used multiple datasets to explore the effects of land-scape patterns and natural environments on the functional diversity of birds in urban parks and campuses in the eastern and northwest-ern regions of China.Firstly,we used the data to calculate birds of the functional richness(FRic),functional evenness(FEve),and functional divergence(FDiv)of 68 urban spaces in the eastern and northwestern regions of China.Further,we established generalized linear models of natural factors,human factors,and functional diversity.Results showed more bird species with unique traits were in the north-western region.This may be because the earlier urbanization in the eastern region filtered out urban-sensitive species,leaving behind urban adapters.Moreover,we found that the fractal dimension index was the most significant positive factor of FRic in the eastern region but the most significant negative factor of FDiv.Elevation was the most significant negative influence factor of FEve in the eastern region,but it was the most potent positive influence factor of FRic in the northwestern region.Population density had a significant positive effect on FDiv in the northwestern region.However,green space areas significantly negatively impacted FEve in the northwestern region.In addition,birds in parks in both regions had more functional traits than those on campuses,possibly because of the larger green space in parks,which may contain more fragments of native vegetation and reduce human interference.Our study suggests that preserving more original vegetation and reducing human disturbance in cities can increase the functional diversity of urban birds and im-prove urban ecosystem functions.
基金To the Universidad Nacional de La Plata PID N955,ANPCyT PICT 20170607,and CONICET PIP 0096 for partial support.
文摘The worldwide record of Cretaceous Neornithes and Neornithine-like birds is both controversial and poorly understood.However,in recent years,the Antarctic continent has yielded a substantial number of Maastrichtian avian specimens,contributing significantly to our understanding of the early evolution of this group.Simultaneously,the keen interest and collaborative efforts of various paleornithologists have resulted in a wealth of knowledge,which we have thoroughly reviewed,updated,and discussed in the context of recent discoveries.
文摘For more than 60 years,Mr.Xu Yuanchong has been devoted to education.He has not only made remarkable achievements in translating from and into Chinese,English,French and other languages,but has also developed his own unique concept of translation.Since 1950,he has always adhered to the“Three Beauties Theory”,believing that translation should not only rely on the original text,but also realize the“beauty of meaning”,“beauty of sound”,and“beauty of form”.Based on Xu Yuanchong’s“Three Beauties Theory”,this paper takes Zheng Zhenduo’s and Feng Tang’s Chinese translations of Stray Birds as an example to explore in depth the specifics of poetry translation theory.The study summarizes the similarities and differences between these two translations in embodying the“three beauties”,providing insights into the Chinese translation techniques of philosophical prose poems.This endeavor seeks to offer valuable insights for the comparative study of Stray Birds translations。
基金supported by the Key R&D Program of Tibet Auton-omous Region(XZ202301ZY0019G)Project for the Local Development of Science and Technology by the Central Government(XZ202301YD0007C)the National Natural Science Foundation of China(No.31400361).
文摘Beta diversity,the variation of community composition among sites,bridges alpha and gamma diversity and can reveal the mechanisms of community assembly through applying distance-decay models and/or partitioning beta diversity into turnover and nestedness components from functional and phylogenetic perspectives.Mountains as the most natural experiment system provide good opportunities for exploring beta diversity patterns and the underlying ecological processes.Here,we simultaneously consider distance-decay models and multiple di-mensions of beta diversity to examine spatial variations of bird communities,and to evaluate the relative importance of niche-based and neutral community assembly mechanisms along a 3600-m elevational gradient in the central Himalayas,China.Our results showed that species turnover dominates taxonomic,functional,and phylogenetic beta diversity.We observed strongest evidence of spatial distance decays in taxonomic similarities of birds,followed by its phylogenetic and functional analogues.Turnover component was highest in taxonomic beta diversity,while nestedness component was highest in functional beta diversity.Further,all correlations of assemblage similarity with climatic distance were higher than that with spatial distances.Standardized values of overall taxonomic,functional,and phylogenetic beta diversity and their turnover components increase with increasing elevational distance,while the standardized values of taxonomic and phylogenetic nestedness decreased with increasing elevational distance.Our results highlighted the niche-based deterministic processes in shaping elevational bird diversity patterns that were determined by the relative roles of decreasing trend of environmental filtering and increasing trend of limiting similarity along elevation distances.
基金the National Natural Science Foundation of China(32201338)Science Technology Program from the Forestry Administration of Guangdong Province(2021KJCX017)+1 种基金Guangzhou Municipal Science and Technology Bureau Program(2023A04J0086)Shenzhen Key Laboratory of Southern Subtropical Plant Diversity。
文摘As a crucial component of terrestrial ecosystems,urban forests play a pivotal role in protecting urban biodiversity by providing suitable habitats for acoustic spaces.Previous studies note that vegetation structure is a key factor influencing bird sounds in urban forests;hence,adjusting the frequency composition may be a strategy for birds to avoid anthropogenic noise to mask their songs.However,it is unknown whether the response mechanisms of bird vocalizations to vegetation structure remain consistent despite being impacted by anthropogenic noise.It was hypothesized that anthropogenic noise in urban forests occupies the low-frequency space of bird songs,leading to a possible reshaping of the acoustic niches of forests,and the vegetation structure of urban forests is the critical factor that shapes the acoustic space for bird vocalization.Passive acoustic monitoring in various urban forests was used to monitor natural and anthropogenic noises,and sounds were classified into three acoustic scenes(bird sounds,human sounds,and bird-human sounds)to determine interconnections between bird sounds,anthropogenic noise,and vegetation structure.Anthropogenic noise altered the acoustic niche of urban forests by intruding into the low-frequency space used by birds,and vegetation structures related to volume(trunk volume and branch volume)and density(number of branches and leaf area index)significantly impact the diversity of bird sounds.Our findings indicate that the response to low and high frequency signals to vegetation structure is distinct.By clarifying this relationship,our results contribute to understanding of how vegetation structure influences bird sounds in urban forests impacted by anthropogenic noise.
基金supported by the Beijing Municipal Commission of Science and Technology(No.D171100007217002).
文摘With continually increasing urbanization,the land cover in urban areas continues to change,resulting in the loss of biodiversity.Birds are highly sensitive to changes in habitat.Most forest birds perch on plants that provide increased safety to reduce the risk of predation,and small birds may also consider insulation when using roosting plants in winter because of cold weather.Landscaping plants thus shape the nocturnal roosting environment of urban birds,and proper planting is essential for the survival of birds at night.The use of roosting plants by urban birds should therefore be studied to provide a reference for landscaping.In the current study,we observed 1865 nocturnal roosting birds in Beijing from 2021 to 2022,with 23 species of birds from 12 families and 45 species of plants from 22 families recorded.Juniperus chinensis exhibited the highest bird rarity-weighted richness,followed by Fraxinus pennsylvanica,Phyllostachys propinqua,Pinus tabuliformis,and Ulmus pumila.The diameter at breast height,tree height,and crown width of plants used by birds was largest in summer and smallest in winter,and the perch height of birds was the highest in spring and summer and the lowest in winter.Birds used the highest proportion of deciduous plants in summer and the highest proportion of evergreen plants in winter.A significant seasonal difference in the use of evergreen and deciduous plants by small birds was noted,with a preference for deciduous plants in summer and evergreen plants in winter,while this preference was not found in large birds.These findings indicate that evergreen plants provide a vital nocturnal roosting environment for small birds in winter.To provide a better nocturnal roosting habitat for urban birds,we recommend paying attention to the combination of evergreen and deciduous plants when carrying out landscape construction.
基金supported the National Natural Science Foundation of China(Nos.32160242 to JL and 32270526 to WL)the specifc research fund of The Innovation Platform for Academicians of Hainan ProvinceSY was supported by the Hainan Province Postdoctoral Research Project.
文摘Human activities affect bird behavior both directly and indirectly.Birds constantly regulate their behavior in response to human disturbance.Gun hunting,a major directional disturbance,puts enormous selection pressure on birds.In China,gun bans have been in place for nearly 30 years,and little hunting using guns occurs in modern cities.However,little attention has been paid to whether a history of hunting still affects the behavioral adaptations of urban birds.In this study,we compared the flight initiation distance(FiD)of the Eurasian tree sparrow Passer montanus,Azure-winged magpie Cyanopica cyanus,Common hoopoe Upupa epops and Eurasian magpie Pica pica in the presence of observers with or without popguns.The Eurasian tree sparrow,Azure-winged magpie,and Eurasian magpie effectively recognized the difference between the observers,and perceived the armed observer as a greater threat,exhibiting earlier escape behavior,but this phenomenon was not found in the Common hoopoe.The different expressions in FID of experimental bird species in China cities may be affected by the different levels of recognition of huntingpressuredue todifferent hunting histories.
文摘It is generally accepted that climate has changed greatly on a global scale, and that the earth＇s climate has already wanned by some degrees over the past century. Ample evidence shows that there have been apparent changes in avian population dynamics, life-history traits and geographic ranges in response to global climate change. This paper briefly reviews the possible effects of climate change on avian biology and ecology all over the world, with emphasis on new findings from several long-term studies in Europe and North America, which provide unique opportunities to investigate how long-term changes in climate affect birds at both individual and population levels. The implications of such long-term studies for future bird studies in China is discussed with hope that this review can contribute to the preparation and plan for studies of climatic effects on birds in China in the future.
文摘The Far North Region of Cameroon is home to a great diversity of bird species, which unfortunately remains very little explored. This work was initiated to establish an inventory of birds and the factors affecting their diversity and distribution for sustainable management in the Kalfou Forest Reserve (KFR) and its periphery. Two methods were used for sampling, linear strip transects from which direct counts and indirect observations were made and the mist netting to complement the first. In total, 2525 birds were observed, including 149 species, belonging to 20 orders and 55 families. Accipitridae had the greatest number of species (11). The species richness was greater in the KFR (117 species) compared to the periphery (95 species). The specific richness was higher in wooded savannah compared to other habitats. Shannon index was significantly higher in the KFR (3.99) compared to that obtained in the periphery (3.80). The value of the Simpson index was higher on the outskirts of the KFR than on the periphery. The indices of species diversity were greater in the wooded savannah compared to other vegetation types. The seasons had no influence on bird diversity. Among the human activities encountered, the pressure indices were more important for grazing (7.3 contacts/km). Human activities have resulted in a significant decrease in specific richness. Six endangered species were encountered, four belonging to the Accipitridae family. The greater bird diversity in the reserve compared to the periphery shows that protected areas are a long-term solution for biodiversity conservation.
