Resumen Durante las primeras excavaciones realizadas en el Parador QB (Parque Nacional Islote Lobos, costa Rionegrina) se recuperaron huesos de aves en los conjuntos zooarqueológicos. Al igual que en otras localidades arqueológicas del litoral Nordpatagónico, la representación de este taxón es escasa, aunque los huesos presentan buen estado de preservación. Con el objetivo de explorar el papel de las aves en la subsistencia de las sociedades cazadoras-recolectoras que ocuparon este litoral durante el Holoceno tardío, desarrollamos un estudio tafonómico para establecer si la depositación de sus huesos se debe a la acción antrópica o a causas naturales. La evaluación tafonómica de los restos avifaunísticos es fundamental dado que actualmente existen áreas de nidificación de diversas aves marino-costeras próximas a los sitios arqueológicos, por lo que sería factible la “contaminación ósea” -o mezcla de huesos naturales y materiales arqueológicos. Se concluye que los huesos de aves de los tres loci tienen trayectorias tafonómicas similares, mientras que la mezcla de restos óseos de diferente origen se registró principalmente en el caso de los pingüinos de Magallanes. Por último, señalar que, aunque las aves no son tan abundantes, tuvieron un lugar importante en el repertorio de presas de los cazadores-recolectores de la región.

Abstract During the first excavations carried out at the Parador QB (Islote Lobos National Park, Rio Negro coast), bird bones were recovered in the zooarchaeological assemblages. As in other archaeological localities on the North Patagonian coast, the representation of this taxon is scarce, although the bones present a good state of preservation. With the aim of exploring the role of birds in the subsistence of the hunter-gatherer societies that occupied this coastline during the Late Holocene, a taphonomic study was developed to establish whether the deposition of bird bones was due to anthropogenic action or to natural causes. The taphonomic evaluation of the avifauna remains is essential given that currently there are nesting areas of various marine-coastal birds close to the archaeological sites, so that "bone contamination," or the mixing of natural bones and archaeological materials, can result. It is concluded that bird bones from the three loci have similar taphonomic trajectories, while modern bones mixed with the archaeological materials were mainly of Magellanic penguins. Finally, it should be noted that, although bird bones are not abundant, birds had an important place in the prey repertoire of the hunter-gatherers of the region.

ABSTRACT Facultative kleptoparasites face the risk of trying to steal food resources from competitors. This type of interaction is little known, but anecdotal observations indicate that birds of prey may take advantage of their accurate sight to detect the best opportunities for kleptoparasitism. We recorded a camera trap video of an attempt of kleptoparasitism by the white hawk, Pseudastur albicollis, that tried to steal food from a greater grison, Galictis vittata, in a recently selectively-logged forest site in central Brazilian Amazonia. The attempt was unsuccessful as the greater grison responded aggressively to the attack. The event occurred in a linear clearing, which may have increased the bird’s ability to detect its potential host. Kleptoparasitic interactions are difficult to detect in forest environments. Recording opportunistic kleptoparasitic interactions in tropical forests may not only depend on the increasing use of camera traps, but also on habitat conditions that facilitate the detection of potential hosts. competitors known hawk albicollis vittata selectivelylogged selectively logged Amazonia attack clearing bird s host environments traps hosts

RESUMO Cleptoparasitas facultativos enfrentam os custos envolvidos no roubo do alimento em troca da compensação pelo valor nutricional do item roubado. Essa interação é pouco conhecida, mas observações anedóticas indicam que aves de rapina podem se beneficiar de sua visão acurada para cleptoparasitar. Reportamos uma tentativa de cleptoparasitismo de um furão-grande, Galictis vittata, por um gavião-branco, Pseudastur albicollis, em uma floresta na Amazônia central brasileira recentemente manejada para corte seletivo de impacto reduzido. Como o furão-grande respondeu agressivamente ao ataque, a tentativa de roubo falhou. O evento foi registrado por uma armadilha fotográfica em uma clareira linear. O ambiente mais aberto pode ter aumentado a habilidade do gavião-branco em encontrar o seu hospedeiro. Eventos de cleptoparasitismo são dificilmente registrados em ambientes florestais. Registros de cleptoparasitismo em florestas tropicais podem não depender apenas do uso intensivo de armadilhas fotográficas, mas também de condições ambientais favoráveis à detecção de possíveis hospedeiros pelo cleptoparasita. roubado conhecida cleptoparasitar furãogrande, furãogrande furão grande, grande vittata gaviãobranco, gaviãobranco gavião branco, branco albicollis reduzido ataque falhou linear hospedeiro florestais fotográficas cleptoparasita

Resumen Las interacciones interespecificas entre vertebrados de distintos grupos son comunes, pero también complejas y de gran importancia para la estructura de las comunidades. En particular, la depredación, considerada una interacción trófica, desempeña un papel significativo en la estructura de las redes tróficas y en los efectos selectivos sobre las presas en los ecosistemas naturales. En este trabajo aportamos nueva información sobre la relación trófica entre aves y herpetofauna (reptiles y anfibios) en la compleja y biodiversa cuenca del río Usumacinta, a través de 10 observaciones registradas entre 2012 y 2021. Las observaciones muestran interacciones con fines alimenticios de ocho especies de aves, incluyendo garzas (Tigrisoma mexicanum), charas (Psilorhinus morio), rapaces (Caracara cheriway, Pseudastur albicollis, Harpagus bidentatus, Buteo plagiatus), bucos (Malacoptila panamensis), y patos (Dendrocygna autumnalis), con serpientes (Coniophanes quinquevittatus), tortugas (Chelydra rossignonii, Trachemys venusta), lagartijas (Iguana iguana, Sceloporus serrifer), cocodrilos (Crocodylus moreletii), y ranas (Smilisca baudinii).

Abstract Interspecific interactions between vertebrates of different groups are common but also complex and of great importance for community structure. In particular, predation, considered a trophic interaction, plays a significant role in food webs structure and selective effects on prey in natural ecosystems. In this paper we provide new information on the trophic relationship between birds and herpetofauna (reptiles and amphibians) in the complex and biodiverse Usumacinta river basin, through 10 observations recorded between 2012 and 2021. The observations show interactions for feeding purposes of eight bird species, including herons (Tigrisoma mexicanum), jays (Psilorhinus morio), raptors (Caracara cheriway, Pseudastur albicollis, Harpagus bidentatus, Buteo plagiatus), puffbirds (Malacoptila panamensis), and ducks (Dendrocygna autumnalis), with snakes (Coniophanes quinquevittatus), turtles (Chelydra rossignonii, Trachemys venusta), lizards (Iguana iguana, Sceloporus serrifer), crocodiles (Crocodylus moreletii), and frogs (Smilisca baudinii).

Resumen La Culebra corredora de petatillos (Drymobius margaritiferus) es un miembro de la familia Colubridae, de tamaño mediano, que habita desde el sur de Estados Unidos hasta Colombia. Se alimenta principalmente de anfibios y ha sido registrada como presa de aves rapaces diurnas. El Luis bienteveo (Pitangus sulphuratus) es un ave perteneciente a la familia Tyrannidae que habita desde el sur de Estados Unidos hasta el centro de Argentina y ha sido registrada como depredador de anfibios y reptiles pequeños. En este escrito reportamos el primer registro de depredación de D. margaritiferus por P. sulphuratus, agregando al ave como depredador de esta especie de serpiente.

Abstract The Speckled racer (Drymobius margaritiferus) is a medium-sized member of Colubridae family that inhabits from the southern United States to Colombia. It feeds mainly on amphibians and has been recorded as prey for diurnal birds of prey. The Great kiskadee (Pitangus sulphuratus) is a member to the Tyrannidae family that occurs from the southern United States to central Argentina and has been recorded as a predator of amphibians and small reptiles. In this paper we report the first record of predation of D. margaritiferus by P. sulphuratus, adding the bird as a predator of this species of snake.

Resumen La Lechucita de las Vizcacheras (Athenecunicularia) es un ave estrigiforme muy conspicua en las planicies de Sudamérica. Se caracteriza por ser una especie estacionalmente oportunista que consume una amplia diversidad de vertebrados y artrópodos. En este trabajo se evalúa la variabilidad estacional en la dieta de este predador y se brinda una caracterización tafonómica de los restos ingeridos y restos presa de anuros que ayudará a identificar al predador en contextos fósiles. Los trabajos de campo se llevaron a cabo en un sector periurbano de la ciudad de Olavarría, provincia de Buenos Aires. Se recolectaron semanalmente las egagrópilas y restos no ingeridos hallados en asociación a cuatro nidos delechucita. Los resultados obtenidos muestran que, entre los vertebrados,las presas principales eninvierno fueron los roedores y en verano los anuros. Esta especie de estrigiforme produce modificaciones leves a moderadas sobre los especímenes óseos de anfibios. Entre los efectos digestivos identificados predominan el pulido, el adelgazamiento, astillamiento y el colapso.

Abstract The Burrowing Owl (Athenecunicularia) is an Strigiformes bird widely distributed throughout the plains of South America. This species is seasonal opportunist and consumes a wide range of vertebrates and arthropods. This work evaluates the seasonal diet of the burrowing owl. Besides, we provide a taphonomic characterization of the anuran bone prey remains that will help to identify the predator in fossil contexts. The study was conducted in a peri-urban sector in Olavarría city, Buenos Aires Province. Pellets and uneaten remains scattered around four owl burrows were weekly collected. Our results show that, among vertebrates, rodents were the main prey in winter and anurans in summer. Burrowing owls produced little to moderate modifications on amphibian bone remains. The more frequent modifications of bone surface due to the digestive effects were polishing, thinning, splitting and collapsing.

Abstract: The Ethiopian highlands is the largest Afroalpine habitat on the African continent contributing 80 % of the land above 3,000 masl on the continent. The Ethiopian highlands are part of Conservation International’s Eastern Afro-Montane Biodiversity Hotspot supporting a large number of endemic mammal and bird species. In the highlands, rodent species are key for the survival of many species including the endangered Ethiopian wolf (Canis simensis) and over 25 species of diurnal raptors. However, increasing agricultural activities and livestock grazing affect rodent density and distribution through degrading their habitat and disrupting their reproductive cycle. As human settlement expands into the Ethiopian wolf range, it also attracts the African wolf (Canis lupaster) towards the core area of the Ethiopian wolf. The African wolf was recently reported to affect the survival of the Ethiopian wolf though exploitative and interference competition. Along with all the anthropogenic effects, climate change may further threaten the rodent abundance of the Ethiopian highlands through altering the grassland vegetation cover, the main forage of the rodents. Polices and strategies for the conservation management of the Ethiopian highlands should consider rodents as keystone prey playing a critical role for the survival of a large number of wildlife species.

Resumen: Las tierras altas de Etiopía son el hábitat afroalpino más grande del continente africano, aportando el 80 % de la tierra por arriba de los 3,000 msnm del continente. Las tierras altas de Etiopía forman parte del Hotspot de biodiversidad afro-montano oriental de Conservation International, que alberga una gran cantidad de especies endémicas de mamíferos y aves. En las tierras altas, las especies de roedores son clave para la supervivencia de muchas especies, incluido el lobo etíope en peligro de extinción y más de 25 especies de rapaces diurnas. Sin embargo, el aumento de las actividades agrícolas y el pastoreo de ganado afectan la densidad y distribución de los roedores, degradando su hábitat e interrumpen su ciclo reproductivo. A medida que el asentamiento humano se expande hacia la zona de distribución del lobo etíope, también atrae al lobo africano hacia el área central del lobo etíope. Se informó recientemente que el lobo africano afecta la supervivencia del lobo etíope a través de la competencia de explotación e interferencia. Junto con todos los efectos antropogénicos, el cambio climático puede amenazar aún más la abundancia de roedores en las tierras altas de Etiopía al alterar la cubierta vegetal de los pastizales, el principal forraje de los roedores. Las políticas y estrategias para la gestión de la conservación de las tierras altas de Etiopía deben considerar a los roedores como presas clave que desempeñan un papel fundamental para la supervivencia de una gran cantidad de especies de vida silvestre.

Resumen El búho listado, Asio clamator, es un ave Strigiforme con distribución Neotropical del sur de México al norte de Argentina. Sin embargo, el mayor conocimiento de su dieta viene del sur de la Amazonía de su distribución, mientras en Ecuador la información de su dieta es nula. El presente estudio describe el contenido de 72 egagrópilas colectados de un individuo del búho listado en el ambiente seco de la provincia de Santa Elena, Ecuador, durante la época seca de 2015 y época húmeda de 2016. Registramos un total de 1145 presas correspondientes a 11 taxa, con un alto número promedio de 8.2 individuos de presas por egagrópila. Encontramos una asociación significativa de presas en la dieta por época del año, con mayor consumo de mamíferos y reptiles en las secas y de insectos en la época húmeda. Las diferencias en la dieta del búho listado encontrados en nuestro estudio destacan la importancia de desarrollar estudios de dieta en otros hábitats y áreas de distribución, lo que ayudará a comprender las interacciones del búho y su influencia sobre el ambiente.

Abstract The Striped Owl, Asio clamator, is a Neotropical Strigiform bird distributed from southern Mexico to northern Argentina. However, most knowledge of the species’ diet comes from the southern Amazon region of its distribution, while almost no information exists on its diet in Ecuador. The present study describes the contents of 72 pellets collected from an individual of the Striped Owl in the dry environment of the province of Santa Elena, Ecuador, during the dry season of 2015 and wet season of 2016. We registered a total of 1145 prey items corresponding to 11 taxa, with a high average number of 8.2 prey individuals per pellet. We found a significant association of prey in the diet by season, with greater consumption of mammals and reptiles during the dry season, and of insects in the wet season. The differences in diet of the Striped Owl found in our study highlight the importance of developing diet studies in other habitats and areas of distribution, which would help to understand the owl’s interactions and its influence on the environment.

Abstract In the present study, the taphonomic evidence on modern burrowing owl (Athene cunicularia) pellet-derived small mammal accumulations is expanded and discussed. This bird of prey is a potential accumulating agent of microvertebrate remains in South American open-air archaeological and palaeontological sites. A taphonomic analysis was carried out on small mammal bones recovered from modern pellets generated by A. cunicularia from the Monte Desert in central western Argentina. The analysis evaluated the relative abundance of skeletal elements, breakage patterns, and digestion. Rodents and marsupials made up the diet of A. cunicularia. The most interesting taphonomic results include: around 50% of incisors and postcranial elements showed traces of digestion (mainly light); high incidence of complete mandibles and postcranial elements; good preservation/representation of skeletal elements; and better representation of distal than proximal elements. Taphonomic results located A. cunicularia between predator modification categories 2-3 (intermediate-moderate modifier), adding variability to the taphonomic information previously reported for this raptor. The cricetid rodent Graomys griseoflavus played the most important role in the diet of the burrowing owls. Salinomys delicatus, a little known and endangered cricetid rodent species was detected in low proportion.

Resumen En el presente estudio se amplía y discute la evidencia tafonómica sobre acumulaciones óseas y dentarias de micromamíferos generadas por la depredación de la lechucita de las vizcacheras (Athene cunicularia), un potencial agente acumulador de restos de microvertebrados en sitios arqueológicos y paleontológicos sudamericanos a cielo abierto. Se realiza un análisis tafonómico de dos conjuntos de egagrópilas recuperados en el desierto de Monte, en el Centro Occidente argentino. La evaluación tafonómica consideró tres variables: abundancia relativa de elementos esqueléticos, patrones de fractura y digestión. Roedores y marsupiales son los micromamíferos que componen la dieta de A. cunicularia en Telteca. Entre los resultados tafonómicos se destacan: alrededor del 50% de incisivos y elementos poscraneales digeridos (principalmente digestión ligera); elevada proporción de mandíbulas y elementos poscraneales completos; buena preservación/representación de elementos esqueléticos; mejor representación de elementos distales que proximales. Los resultados tafonómicos permiten clasificar a A. cunicularia como un depredador entre las categorías 2-3 (modificador intermedio-moderado), lo cual amplía la variabilidad de la información tafonómica para este depredador. Adicionalmente, se realizó un análisis de la estructura taxonómica para explorar las implicaciones ecológicas de dichos conjuntos. El cricétido Graomys griseoflavus fue la principal presa detectada en la dieta de A. cunicularia. Salinomys delicatus, un roedor cricétido amenazado y poco conocido, fue detectado en baja proporción.

RESUMEN El cormorán neotropical (Nannopterum brasilianus) es un ave piscívora con reproducción colonial. Se distribuye desde el sur de Norteamérica hasta Argentina. La colonia más grande en Colombia se encuentra en la localidad de Punta Blanca, localizada en el Santuario de Flora y Fauna Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta (SFF CGSM), en el complejo lagunar del mismo nombre (CL CGSM). En el presente estudio se analizó la dieta y la amplitud de nicho de N. brasilianus a partir de egagrópilas recolectadas en el borde occidental de la colonia de anidación de Punta Blanca durante la época reproductiva de 2017. La identificación de presas se basó principalmente en la morfología de los otolitos de peces encontrados en las egagrópilas (n = 64). Se identificaron ocho especies de peces en la dieta de N. brasilianus, de las cuales tres fueron nuevos registros para la dieta de la población del complejo lagunar (Mugil liza, M. curema y M. cephalus). Se destacó la representatividad de Cathorops mapale como principal presa consumida durante el estudio (89,5 % en número y 91,8 % en frecuencia de ocurrencia). Se observó una amplitud de nicho trófico estrecha (Levin’s de 0,002) y una dieta con baja equitatividad (q2 = 2,1), lo que corresponde a una respuesta adaptativa modelada por la disponibilidad de presas.

ABSTRACT The neotropical cormorant (Nannopterum brasilianus) is a piscivorous bird with colonial nesting. It is distributed from southern North America to Argentina. The largest colony of N. brasilianus in Colombia is located in the locality of Punta Blanca, in the Flora and Fauna Sanctuary Ciénaga Grande de Santa Marta (FFS CGSM), in the lagoon complex with same name (LC CGSM). The diet and niche width of N. brasilianus were analyzed from pellets collected on the western edge of the Punta Blanca nesting colony during the breeding season of 2017. Prey identification was based on mainly on the morphology of the fish otoliths found in these pellets (n = 64). There were eight fish species identified in the diet of N. brasilianus of which three are new records for the diet of the population of the lagoon complex (Mugil liza, M. curema y M. cephalus). It is highlighted the representativeness of Cathorops mapale is reported, as the main prey consumed during the study (89.5 % in number and 91.8% in frequency of occurrence). A narrow trophic niche breadth was observed (Levin’s 0.002) and a diet with low equitability (q2 = 2.1), which corresponds to an adaptive response modeled by the availability of prey.

Resumen Las estrategias alimenticias y sus interacciones aportan significativamente al conocimiento de las relaciones ecológicas y evolutivas de la fauna. Reportamos una observación de depredación del atila ocráceo (Attila torridus) sobre la lagartija de Buenaventura (Anadia buenaventura), en la Reserva Buenaventura, provincia de El Oro, Ecuador. El 12 de noviembre de 2015 fotografiamos a un adulto de A. torridus que llevaba en su pico a un adulto de A. bueneventura, tras acomodarlo en su pico voló entre la vegetación del bosque a 5 m de altura. No observamos el consumo de la presa, sin embargo, se asume que forma parte de su dieta. Este tipo de eventos amplían el conocimiento de la historia natural de estas especies endémicas.

Abstract Food gathering strategies and their interactions contribute significantly to the know ledge of the ecological and evolutionary relationships of fauna. We report an observation of predatory behavior of Ochraceous Attila (Attila torridus) on the Buenaventura lizard (Anadia buenaventura), in the Buenaventura Reserve, El Oro province, Ecuador. On 12 November 2015, an adult of A. torridus was photographed carrying an adult A. buenaventura in its beak, after accommodating the lizard in its beak, the bird was lost in the vegetation, which was approximately 5 m in height. Although the consumption of its prey was not observed, it is assumed that it was devoured. The documentation of this event expands the knowledge of the natural history of this endemic species.

Resumo Buteogallus schistaceus (Sundevall) é uma ave de rapina endêmica da região amazônica, com população em diminuição, segundo órgãos de conservação internacional. Logo, o objetivo deste trabalho foi relatar a ocorrência de nematódeos parasitos em um indivíduo atendido no Ambulatório de Animais Silvestres, da Universidade Federal Rural da Amazônia, campus Belém. O animal foi capturado nas dependências do campus e não apresentou resistência à captura. Foram então instituídos fluidoterapia e vermifugação, após os quais o animal regurgitou dez nematódeos identificados como pertencentes ao gênero Procyrnea Chabaud (1958). Ao revisar a literatura científica, verificou-se que, até o momento, não existem quaisquer registros sobre a helmintofauna dessa espécie de ave, sendo, portanto, o primeiro relato de um nematódeo em B. schistaceus.

Abstract Buteogallus schistaceus (Sundevall) is an endemic bird of prey from the Amazon region, with a declining population according to international conservation agencies. The objective of this study was to report the occurrence of a parasitic nematodes in an individual treated at the Ambulatório de Animais Silvestres of Universidade Federal Rural da Amazônia, Belém campus. The animal was captured on campus and showed no resistance to capture. Fluid therapy and deworming were made, later the bird regurgited ten nematodes identified as belonging to the genus Procyrnea Chabaud (1958). Reviewing the scientific literature, it was found that so far there are no records on the helminth fauna of this bird species, which is therefore the first report of a nematode in B. schistaceus.

Abstract The Common Black Hawk (Buteogallus anthracinus) is a raptor associated with wetlands. Many of its populations are in decline as a consequence of habitat loss and degradation. However, there are no published studies on the genetic variation of their populations. We characterize for the first time the genetic variation of a population of B. anthracinus in southern Veracruz, Mexico. We used feathers from 19 individuals to extract DNA and amplify and genotype 9 microsatellite loci. Samples were collected from nests (n = 4), at feeding sites (n = 5), and directly from chicks (n = 2), young individuals (n = 7), and 1 adult. Six out of 9 microsatellites were polymorphic and 3 monomorphic for this population. The highest number of alleles (n = 7) was observed at the BswD107w, with an average of 4.2 alleles per polymorphic locus. Mean observed and expected heterozygosity were 0.41 and 0.53, respectively. These values are on the lower end of those found for other birds of prey, but there is no evidence of high levels of inbreeding in the population. The polymorphic microsatellite loci analyzed in this study provide a useful tool to continue characterizing the genetic variation of B. anthracinus populations and evaluate possible inter-population differences.

Resumen El Aguililla negra (Buteogallus anthracinus) es una rapaz asociada con humedales. Muchas de sus poblaciones están en declive por pérdida y transformación del hábitat. Sin embargo, no existen estudios que analicen los niveles de su variación genética. Reportamos la primera caracterización de la variabilidad genética en una población de B. anthracinus de Veracruz, México, mediante el uso de marcadores moleculares. Utilizamos plumas de 19 individuos para extraer ADN, amplificar y genotipificar 9 loci de microsatélites. Las plumas fueron recolectadas en nidos (n = 4), en sitios de alimentación (n = 5), directamente de los pollos (n = 2), de individuos inmaduros (n = 7) y de 1 individuo adulto. Seis de los 9 microsatélites resultaron polimórficos y 3 monomórficos para la población. El número más alto de alelos (n = 7) se observó en el marcador BswD107w, con un promedio de 4.2 alelos por locus polimórfico. Los promedios de heterocigosidad observada y esperada fueron 0.41 y 0.53, respectivamente. Aunque estos valores son relativamente bajos comparados con otras especies de rapaces, no se encontró evidencia de altos niveles de endogamia. Los microsatélites polimórficos analizados proveen una herramienta para continuar caracterizando genéticamente poblaciones de B. anthracinus y analizar posibles diferencias interpoblaciones.

ABSTRACT Geranoaetus polyosoma (Quoy & Gaimard, 1824) is a diurnal raptor widely distributed in South America. Although the trophic ecology of this bird has been more studied in the southern extreme of its range, little information is available on its dietary response to prey supply in desert environments. In the present study, we report on the trophic ecology of G. polyosoma in a sub-urban desert zone in northern Chile, with the following objectives: (1) to quantitatively describe its diet and (2) to determine its dietary selectivity in response to prey supply in the study area. The diet of G. polyosoma consisted mainly of rodents (97.2%). A greater preference (p < 0.05) was observed for the following large prey items (> 19.5 g): two native rodent species, Phyllotis xanthopygus (Waterhouse, 1837) and Eligmodontia puerulus (Philippi, 1896); and two introduced rodent species: Rattus rattus (Linnaeus, 1769) and R. norvegicus (Berkenhout, 1769).

ABSTRACT We examine the factors that influence the selection of prey by stray dogs in the Estero Culebrón wetland (Coquimbo, Chile) and characterize their attacks during 20 visits in 2015. We use generalized lineal models considering the size of the bird, its relative abundance, site and type of substrate as explanatory variables. We recorded a pack of seven individuals who carried out 34 attacks on birds, of which the pelican had the highest predation frequency. The size of the bird and the site were positively related to the attacks. The selection of the pelican as prey could be related to its low flight initiation distance and large size, which facilitates the attack by dogs and, in addition, this greater size could sustain energetically to pack of dogs, especially when they are numerous. Other conditions such the absence of cattail (Typha angustipholia) and low water depth at the beach sector, would facilitate the development of attacks by reducing obstacles to persecution. Finally, due to the danger that these animals represent for the people and the fauna of wetlands, it is urgent to develop management plans that consider the retirement and transfer of them to rescue centers, as well as to implement sterilization and education campaigns.

RESUMEN Examinamos los factores que influyen en la selección de presas por perros callejeros en el humedal Estero Culebrón (Coquimbo, Chile) y caracterizamos sus ataques durante 20 visitas en el año 2015. Utilizamos modelos lineales generalizados considerando el tamaño del ave, su abundancia relativa, el sitio y tipo de sustrato como variables explicativas. Registramos una jauría de siete individuos que realizaron 34 ataques sobre aves, de las cuales el pelícano presentó la mayor frecuencia de predación. El tamaño del ave y el sitio se relacionaron positivamente con los ataques. La selección del pelícano como presa podría estar relacionada con su baja distancia de inicio de vuelo y su gran tamaño, lo que facilitaría el ataque de los perros y, además, este mayor tamaño podría sostener energéticamente a la jauría, especialmente cuando es numerosa. Otras condiciones como la ausencia de totora (Typha angustipholia) y la baja profundidad del agua en el sector playa, facilitarían el desarrollo de los ataques al reducir los obstáculos a la persecución. Por último, debido al peligro que representan estos animales para las personas y la fauna de los humedales, es urgente desarrollar planes de manejo que consideren su retiro y traslado a centros de rescate, así como de implementar campañas de esterilización y educación.

Resumo Aves de rapina e psitacídeos são hospedeiras de uma rica microbiota fúngica e desempenham um papel importante na epidemiologia de zoonoses. Poucos estudos na literatura têm caracterizado fungos micelianos e leveduras nos excrementos de pássaros e correlacionados estes isolados com o potencial zoonótico dos microrganismos isolados. Excrementos de 149 aves foram divididas e avaliados em dois grupos: Em cativeiro: Rhea americana araneipes, Primolius maracana, Ara ararauna, Ara chloropterus, Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus, Amazona aestiva, Ara macao macao, Ramphastos toco, Sarcoramphus papa, Busarellus nigricollis , Bubo virginianus nacurutu, Buteogallus coronatus, Buteogallus urubutinga urubitinga, Spizaetus melanoleucus, Spizaetus ornatus ornatus, Buteo albonotatus, Geranoaetus albicaudatus albicaudatus, Rupornis magnirostris magnirostris e Harpia harpyja e aves em quarentena: Amazona aestiva e Eupsittula aurea). Os isolados de leveduras e de fungos micelianos foram identificados em observações macroscópicas (aspectos das colônias), características micromorfológicas e bioquímicas. Entre as aves indicadas em compartimentos, Aspergillus niger (41,1%) e Candida kefyr (63,8%) foram os fungos mais isolada em Harpia harpyja e Ramphastos toco, respectivamente. Para as aves em quarentena, os seguintes percentuais foram observados em Eupsittula aurea (76,6%) C. krusei, (84,4%) C. kefyr e (15,2%) C. famata, enquanto em Amazona aestiva (76,2%) de C. krusei foi observada. Estes resultados indicam a presença de espécies potencialmente patogênicos nas excretas das aves avaliadas, constituem um risco a exposição para os criadores e pessoas que visitam o zoológico. Aves do Pantanal e do Cerrado de Mato Grosso (região Centro-Oeste do Brasil) poderia atuar na cadeia epidemiológica das zoonoses importantes.

Abstract Birds of prey and from Psittacidae family are host to fungal microbiota and play an important role in the epidemiology of zoonoses. Few studies in the literature have characterized mycelial and yeast fungi in the droppings of these birds and correlated the isolates with the zoonotic potential of the microorganisms. Droppings from 149 birds were evaluated and divided into two groups: captive: Rhea americana araneipes, Primolius maracana, Ara ararauna, Ara chloropterus, Anodorhynchus hyacinthinus, Amazona aestiva, Ara macao macao, Ramphastos toco, Sarcoramphus papa, Busarellus nigricollis, Bubo virginianus nacurutu, Buteogallus coronatus, Buteogallus urubitinga urubitinga, Spizaetus melanoleucus, Spizaetus ornatus ornatus, Buteo albonotatus, Geranoaetus albicaudatus albicaudatus, Rupornis magnirostris magnirostris and Harpia harpyja, and quarantined birds: Amazona aestiva and Eupsitulla aurea. The fungal isolates were identified according to macroscopic (gross colony appearance), micromorphological and biochemical characteristics. Among birds displayed in enclosures, Aspergillus niger (41.1%) and Candida kefyr (63.8%) were the fungi most frequently isolated in Harpia harpyja and Ramphastos toco, respectively. For quarantined birds, the following percentages were observed in Eupsittula aurea , (76.6%) C. krusei, (84.4%) C. kefyr and (15.2%) C. famata, while in Amazona aestiva, (76.2%) C. krusei was observed. These findings indicate potentially pathogenic species in the bird droppings assessed, which constitute a risk of exposure for keepers and individuals who visit the zoo. Birds of the Cerrado and Pantanal of Mato Grosso (Central Western region of Brazil) could act in the epidemiological chain of important zoonoses.