Abstract Protozoa of the Apicomplexa phylum are worldwide distributed with capacity to infect endothermic animals. The study of these protozoa in wild birds in Brazil is scarce. This study aimed to evaluate the occurrence of apicomplexan protozoa in wild birds in the Northeast of Brazil. From October to December 2019, brain tissue samples were collected from 71 captive birds from the Wild Animal Screening Center of the Pernambuco State (CETRAS-Tangara) and 25 free-living birds from the Caatinga biome in Rio Grande do Norte, totaling 96 animals (41 species). Brain fragments were subjected to molecular diagnosis by nested PCR for the 18s rDNA gene of Apicomplexa parasites, followed by DNA sequencing. This gene was detected in 25% (24/96) of the samples, and it was possible to perform DNA sequencing of 14 samples, confirming three genera: Isospora, Sarcocystis and Toxoplasma from eight bird species (Amazona aestiva, Coereba flaveola, Egretta thula, Paroaria dominicana, Sporophila nigricollis, Cariama cristata, Columbina talpacoti, Crypturellus parvirostris). The occurrence these coccidia in wild birds provides important epidemiological information for the adoption of preventive measures for its conservation. Future studies are needed to better understand the consequence of Apicomplexa infection in birds in Caatinga and Atlantic Forest biomes. scarce 2019 7 CETRASTangara CETRAS Tangara (CETRAS-Tangara 2 freeliving free living Norte 9 41 (4 species. . species) s parasites 24/96 2496 24 (24/96 1 genera Isospora Amazona aestiva flaveola thula dominicana nigricollis cristata talpacoti parvirostris. parvirostris parvirostris) conservation biomes 201 4 ( 24/9 249 (24/9 20 24/ (24/ (24 (2

Resumo Protozoários do filo Apicomplexa são distribuídos mundialmente e com capacidade de infectar animais endotérmicos. O estudo destes protozoários, em aves silvestres do Brasil, é escasso. Objetivou-se avaliar a ocorrência de protozoários Apicomplexa em aves silvestres na região Nordeste do Brasil. De outubro a dezembro de 2019, foram coletadas amostras de encéfalo de 71 aves de cativeiro do Centro de Triagem e Reabilitação de Animais Silvestres de Pernambuco (CETRAS-Tangara). E 25 aves de vida livre do bioma Caatinga no Rio Grande do Norte, totalizando 96 animais (41 espécies). Os fragmentos de encéfalo foram submetidos ao diagnóstico molecular por nested PCR, para o gene 18s rDNA de protozoários Apicomplexa, seguido por sequenciamento do DNA. Este gene foi detectado em 25% (24/96) das amostras analisadas; foi possível realizar o sequenciamento de 14 amostras, confirmando-se três gêneros: Isospora, Sarcocystis e Toxoplasma em oito espécies de aves (Amazona aestiva, Coereba flaveola, Egretta thula, Paroaria dominicana, Sporophila nigricollis, Cariama cristata, Columbina talpacoti, Crypturellus parvirostris). A ocorrência destes coccídios nas aves silvestres fornece informações epidemiológicas importantes para a adoção de medidas preventivas tendo em vista sua conservação. Estudos futuros são necessários para melhor compreensão da consequência da infecção por Apicomplexa, em aves silvestres dos biomas Caatinga e Floresta Atlântica. endotérmicos Brasil escasso Objetivouse Objetivou se 2019 7 CETRASTangara. CETRASTangara CETRAS Tangara . (CETRAS-Tangara) 2 Norte 9 41 (4 espécies. espécies) PCR s DNA 24/96 2496 24 (24/96 analisadas 1 confirmandose confirmando gêneros Isospora Amazona aestiva flaveola thula dominicana nigricollis cristata talpacoti parvirostris. parvirostris parvirostris) conservação Atlântica 201 (CETRAS-Tangara 4 ( 24/9 249 (24/9 20 24/ (24/ (24 (2

Resumo Foram identificados os ectoparasitas de 18 rolinhas-cinzentas de vida livre, Columbina passerina insularis (Columbiformes: Columbidae), capturadas no Parque Zoológico Nacional de Havana, Cuba. Os ectoparasitas coletados pertencem à duas espécies de piolhos (Phthiraptera: Ischnocera): Columbicola passerinae (77,1%) e Physconelloides eurysema (50%), bem como à quatro espé cies de ácaros de pena (Astigmata: Falculiferidae): Pterophagus lomatus (83,3%), Byersalges talpacoti (50%), Byersalges phyllophorus (72,2%) e Hyperaspidacarus tridentatus (27,7%). Pterophagus lomatus, B. phyllophorus e H. tridentatus representam novos registros para Cuba.

Abstract Ectoparasites of 18 free-living Cuban Ground Doves, Columbina passerina insularis (Columbiformes: Columbidae), captured in the National Zoological Park, Havana, Cuba, were identified. The collected ectoparasites included two species of lice (Phthiraptera: Ischnocera): Columbicola passerinae (77.1%), and Physconelloides eurysema (50%), as well as four species of feather mites (Astigmata: Falculiferidae): Pterophagus lomatus (83.3%), Byersalges talpacoti (50%), Byersalges phyllophorus (72.2%), and Hyperaspidacarus tridentatus (27.7%). Pterophagus lomatus, B. phyllophorus, and H. tridentatus represent new records for Cuba.

Resumen Se realizó una caracterización de la avifauna presente en un bosque de galería inmerso en una matriz originalmente de Bosque seco Tropical (Bs-T), en el corregimiento de San Antonio (Sucre-Colombia). Se emplearon métodos de captura con redes de niebla y transectos lineales para la recolección de datos. Se identificaron 102 especies de aves distribuidas en 17 órdenes y 39 familias, siendo Passeriformes el orden más dominante con 18 familias; la familia Tyranidae fue la más representativa con 16 especies. El estimador no paramétrico Chao 1 indicó una representatividad del muestreo de 83%. Las curvas de distribución de abundancias indicaron que el invierno presentó una mayor abundancia en comparación al periodo de sequía, siendo Columbina talpacoti y Leptotila verreauxi las especies más abundantes, tanto en verano como en invierno. Al analizar las diferentes coberturas disponibles para las aves, el potrero presentó la mayor riqueza con 83 especies, comparándolo con el interior de bosque donde se identificaron 57 especies. Los perfiles de diversidad indicaron que para ambas zonas (potrero y bosque) en invierno se presentaron los resultados más altos teniendo en cuenta los tres órdenes 0D, 1D y 2D de diversidad. Además se encontraron 9 gremios tróficos, siendo el gremio insectívoro el más abundante, seguido de frugívoro-insectívoro, y finalmente, se registraron 15 especies migratorias.

Abstract We characterized the bird community present in a gallery forest immersed in a matrix, originally of tropical dry Forest, in the village of San Antonio (Sucre-Colombia). For data collection methods included mist nets and linear transects. We identified 102 species of birds from 17 orders and 39 families Passeriformes was the most abundant order with 18 families, finding the family Tyranidae as the most representative with 16 species. The estimator Chao 1 indicated a sampling representativeness of 83%. The abundance distribution curves indicated that high precipitation periods presented a greater abundance in comparison to the low precipitation period; moreover, Columbina talpacoti and Leptotila verreauxi were the most abundant species in both periods When analysing the vegetation cover available for the birds within the study area, pastures showed the highest abundance of birds with 83 species, compared to the forest, where 57 species were identified. The diversity profiles based on the orders 0D, 1D and 2D, indicated that both, pasture and forest, presented the highest abundance of birds during the winter. In addition, 9 trophic guilds were found; the insectivorous guild was the most abundant followed by frugivore-insectivore. Finally we registered 15 migratory species.

Resumen En Colombia el bosque seco tropical es una de los ecosistemas más amenazados y menos conocidos del país. Se desconoce mucho cómo los procesos de transformación y fragmentación de hábitat han afectado las condiciones y supervivencia de la avifauna del bosque seco. Este trabajo evaluó la influencia de los elementos del paisaje (bosques y potreros de producción ganadera con diferentes densidades de árboles) en la diversidad de aves en la región del bosque seco tropical del Departamento de Córdoba, Colombia. El trabajo se desarrolló caracterizando la avifauna en cuatro localidades conformadas por fragmentos de bosque secundario dentro de un paisaje dominado por áreas de ganadería extensiva. Se identificaron cuatro tipos de hábitats en el paisaje según la densidad de cobertura arbórea: fragmentos de bosque secundario, potreros con alta cobertura de árboles, potreros con baja cobertura árboles y potreros sin árboles. Con el fin de evaluar la influencia de la cobertura arbórea en la diversidad de aves, se realizaron muestreos en transectos de observación durante los meses de septiembre 2011 a mayo 2012 con muestreos mensuales. Los transecto tuvieron 200 m de longitud para el conteo de aves en cada hábitat, las observaciones se hicieron en la mañana (6:00 - 9:00) y en la tarde (15:00 - 18:00). Se registraron 6 667 individuos pertenecientes a 180 especies y 48 familias de aves. Las especies más abundantes fueron: Columbina talpacoti (5.37 %), Brotogeris jugularis (5.14 %), Tyrannus melancholicus (4.81 %) y Bubulcus ibis (4.80 %). La familia con mayor abundancia fue Tyrannidae (16.4 %), seguida de Psitacidae (9.0 %) y Columbidae (8.2 %). La familia que presentó mayor número de especies fue: Tyrannidae con 28 especies, seguida de Accipitridae e Icteridae con 10 especies cada una. La mayor riqueza de especies se presentó en el hábitat de bosque secundario, seguido de los potreros con alta cobertura de árboles y potreros con baja cobertura de árboles; la menor abundancia y riqueza de especies se encontró en los potreros sin árboles, presentándose diferencias significativas entre los hábitats (Fisher, p<0.05). La diversidad de aves fue mayor en los bosques secundarios según el índice de Shannon, en contraste, la menor diversidad se encontró en los potreros sin árboles. La mayor riqueza de especies se presentó en octubre y noviembre; en el resto del período de muestreo hubo estabilidad en el número de especies e individuos registrados. Se evidenció la importancia de la presencia de árboles en áreas de ganadería extensiva, debido a que ayudan a contener una importante diversidad de especies, así como a generar conectividad con los fragmentos de bosques secundarios presentes en el paisaje ganadero.

Abstract In Colombia the tropical dry forest is one of the most threatened and least known ecosystems; these have been impacted by different transformation processes and habitat fragmentation, which have affected bird conditions and survival. This research evaluated the influence of landscape elements (forest and pastures with different tree covers) on bird diversity in the tropical dry forest of Córdoba, Colombia. The study was developed within an extensive livestock landscape to characterize the avifauna in four habitat types formed by fragments of secondary forests with different tree cover: secondary forest, pastures with high tree cover, pastures with low tree cover and only pastures. The influence of tree cover on bird diversity was evaluated with monthly samplings in 200 m long transects (per habitat), with two observation intervals (6:00 - 9:00 and 15:00-18:00), from September 2011 to May 2012. A total of 6 667 individuals belonging to 180 species and 48 families of birds were registered. The most abundant species were Columbina talpacoti (5.37 %), Brotogeris jugularis (5.14 %), Tyrannus melancholicus (4.81 %) and Bubulcus ibis (4.80 %). The most abundant family was Tyrannidae (16.4 %), followed by Psitacidae (9.0 %) and Columbidae (8.2 %). The family with the highest number of species was Tyrannidae with 28 species, followed by Accipitridae and Icteridae with 10 species each. The greatest species richness was present in the secondary forest habitat, followed by the pastures with high tree cover, and pastures with low cover. The lowest abundance and species richness was found in pastures without tree cover with significant differences between the habitats (Fisher, p <0.05). According to the Shannon index, the diversity of birds was higher in the secondary forests. In contrast, the lowest diversity was found in pastures without tree cover. The greatest species richness occurred in the months of October and November. In the rest of the sampling period, the number of recorded species and individuals showed some stability. The importance of trees presence in extensive livestock areas was evidenced because they help to contain an important diversity of bird species, and they also generate connectivity among fragments of secondary forests in the cattle landscape.

RESUMO Este estudo relata um caso de coinfecção por Escherichia coli e Salmonella ser. Saintpaul em uma rolinha-roxa (Columbina talpacoti) recebida pelo Laboratório de Estudos Ornitológicos da Universidade Estadual do Ceará, Brasil. A ave apresentava diarreia, paralisia nas pernas e anorexia, indo a óbito rapidamente. A necropsia foi realizada e amostras de pulmão, rim, fígado e intestino foram coletados para isolamento microbiológico e análise histopatológica. Escherichia coli foi identificada em amostras de suabe cloacal, pulmão e rim. Salmonella ser. Saintpaul foi identificada no fígado e baço. Isolados de E. coli foram testados para a presença de oito genes de diagnóstico para patotipos diarreiogênicos (STEC, ETEC, EPEC, EIEC, EAEC) através de reação em cadeia de polimerase (PCR) convencional. EAEC foi detectada no pulmão e rim, e STEC foi identificada no intestino. Em conclusão, Columbina talpacoti é suscetível a infecção por Escherichia coli enteroagregativa e Salmonella ser. Saintpaul, o que pode implicar em risco para a saúde pública.

ABSTRACT This study reports a co-infection of Escherichia coli and Salmonella in a free-living ruddy ground dove (Columbina talpacoti) received at the Laboratory of Ornithological Studies of the State University of Ceará, Brazil. The bird presented diarrhea, leg paralysis and anorexia, and died shortly after. Necropsy was then performed and samples from lung, kidney, liver and intestine were collected for microbiological and histopathological analyses. Escherichia coli was isolated from cloacal swab, lung and kidney samples. Salmonella ser. Saintpaul was identified in liver and spleen samples. Escherichia coli isolates were tested for the presence of eight diagnostic genes for diarrheagenic pathotypes (STEC, ETEC, EPEC, EIEC, EAEC) with conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR). EAEC was detected in the lung and kidney, and STEC in the intestine. In conclusion, Columbina talpacoti is susceptible to enteroaggregative Escherichia coli and Salmonella ser. Saintpaul infection, which may have public health implications.

ABSTRACT Bird-window collisions are a dramatic cause of bird mortality globally. In Latin America, statistics are generally very scarce and/or inaccessible so the frequency of such incidents is still poorly understood. Nevertheless, civilians have applied preventive methods (e.g. adhesive bird-of-prey decals) sparsely but, to our knowledge, no study has evaluated their effectiveness in Brazil. Here, we estimated the mortality rate of bird-window collisions and tested the effectiveness of bird-of-prey decals at preventing such accidents. We undertook daily searches for bird carcasses, presumably resulting from window collisions, near all buildings on a university campus over seven months. Adhesive bird-of-prey decals were then applied to the two buildings with the highest mortality rates and surveys continued for over 12 more months. The mortality rates before and after the application of decals and between seasons were then compared using Friedman test. We recorded 36 collisions, 29 around the two buildings with the highest collision rates 19 prior and 10 after our intervention with associated collision rates of 0.08 and 0.04 collisions/day. Although mortality was reduced by almost half, this difference was not statistically significant. The Blue-black grassquit, Volatinia jacarina (Linnaeus, 1766), and Ruddy ground dove, Columbina talpacoti (Temminck, 1810) suffered the highest number of collisions, followed by the Rufous-collared sparrow, Zonotrichia capensis (P. L. Statius Müller, 1776). Our bird-of-prey decals and efforts were insufficient to prevent or dramatically reduce the number of bird-window collisions. Therefore, we recommend that different interventions be used and additional long-term studies undertaken on their efficacy.

Três espécies de Columbidae (Columbina talpacoti,Columbina picui e Zenaida auriculata) foram estudadas em Londrina, Norte do Paraná (Brasil), com o intuito de analisar quais os fatores de forrageio e hábitat contribuem para a repartição ecológica dessas espécies. O estudo foi conduzido durante um ano em três áreas distintas (urbana, rural e de pastagem). Nós observamos mensalmente as estratégias de forrageio utilizadas pelas espécies e o hábitat que elas selecionam. Possíveis variações na disponibilidade de recursos ao longo dos doze meses de estudo não influenciaram no tipo de forrageio utilizado pelas três espécies. Diferenças significativas entre as estratégias de forrageio utilizadas pelas espécies foram observadas em relação ao local de forrageio, mais especificamente em relação ao substrato de forrageio. Solo, grama e pavimento foram os substratos de forrageio mais utilizados pelas três espécies, indicando que elas são espécies forrageadoras de solo. Diferenças entre o tempo de permanência na área de forrageio foram significativas entre as espécies; e Z. auriculata foi a espécie que se manteve por mais tempo na área de forrageio e frequentemente forrageava em grupo, sugerindo uma possível adaptação da espécie em relação a obtenção de uma quantidade maior de recursos. Adaptação a ambientes antrópicos e sem cobertura vegetal contínua pode ser uns dos fatores de maior influência no hábitat que as três espécies de Columbidae selecionam. Análises de Componentes Principais (ACP) mostraram diferenças entre as proporções de herbáceas e gramíneas, pavimento, plantações e arbustos no hábitat selecionado por cada uma das espécies. Nós concluímos também que diferenças entre o tempo de permanência na área de forrageio e diferenças entre o substrato de forrageio são fatores que contribuem para separação ecológica e permitem a coexistência das três espécies na região.

Three species of Columbidae (Columbina talpacoti,Columbina picui and Zenaida auriculata) were studied in Londrina, Northern Paraná (Brazil), with the aim of analyzing which foraging and habitat factors contribute to their ecological partitioning. The study was conducted over one year in three different areas (urban, rural and pasture). We made monthly observations of the foraging strategies used by the species and the habitats they selected. Possible variations in availability of resources over the twelve months of the study did not influence the type of foraging used by the three species. Significant differences between the foraging strategies used by the species were observed in relation to the foraging site, specifically the foraging substrate. Soil, grass and paving were the foraging substrates that were most used by all three species, indicating that they are ground-foraging birds. Differences in the time spent in the foraging areas were significant between species; Z. auriculata remained in the foraging area for the longest time, often foraging in a group, suggesting a possible adaptation of this species in order to obtain a greater amount of resources. Adapting to anthropological environments without continuous forest cover could be one of factors that the most influential in the selection of habitat by the three species of Columbidae. Principal Components Analysis (PCA) showed differences between the proportions of herbaceous and gramineae plants, paving, plantations and shrubs in the habitats selected by each species. We also concluded that differences in the time spent in the foraging areas and between foraging substrates are factors contributing to the ecological separation of the three species and therefore allowing their coexistence in the region.

El impacto de las aves en los cultivos de cereales es un problema mundial. El objetivo de este trabajo fue evaluar la riqueza, la composición y el impacto que tienen las aves sobre el sorgo en la región de Cerrado, Brasil Central y observar el tipo de matriz que puede reducir su tasa de consumo. Se evaluaron dos parcelas de 4 ha cultivadas con sorgo y con similar matriz alrededor: árboles (bosques naturales o barreras rompe viento), pasto, caminos y plantación aledaña (maíz o sorgo). Se realizó el registro de las aves en ocho puntos por transición cultivo/matriz, en cada parcela y se tomaron 65 horas de observaciones durante la maduración del grano. Se registraron visitas de 19 especies de aves, con un predominio de granívoros y frugívoros. Las especies Volatinia jacarina, Aratinga leucophthalma, Patagioenas picazuro y Columbina talpacoti fueron las más frecuentes (76,7 % en las visitas), y las más abundantes fueron A. leucophthalma y P. picazuro. La tasa de consumo promedio sobre las panículas fue 32,6 %, mayor en la transición cultivo/pastos (53,7 %) y menor en la transición cultivo/árboles (19,2 %). Se recomienda el uso de plantaciones forestales en las cercanías de los cultivos de sorgo y, en lo posible, cosechar en la quinta semana después del inicio de la producción de granos. La capacidad de adaptar los cultivos a estas propuestas reduciría las visitas de las aves que consumen los granos y evitar el uso de cultivares nutricionalmente inferiores.

The impact of birds on crops, especially grains, is a worldwide problem. The objective was to evaluate the richness, composition and impact of birds on sorghum in the region of Cerrado, Brazil, and to observe the type of surrounding matrix that can reduce the predation rates. We analyzed two sorghum plots (4 ha each) with similar surroundings: arboreal environment (forest or windbreak), pasture, nearby road, and adjacent crops (corn or sorghum). Visiting avifauna was surveyed at eight points by plot, one at each transition between cultivar and matrix. Both morning and afternoon observations were made during the period of grain maturation, totaling 65 hours. Nineteen species of birds visited the crops, predominantly granivores and frugivores. The species Volatina jacarina, Patagioenas picazuro, Aratinga leucophthalma and Columbina talpacoti were the most frequent visitors (76.7 % of the visits). The most abundant species were A. leucophthalma and P. picazuro. The cluster predation rate was 32.6 %, being higher in the pasture/crop transition (53.7 %) and lower in the arboreal environment/crop transition (19.2 %). It is recommended the use of forest matrix around sorghum crops and, whenever possible, harvest during the fifth week after the beginning of cluster production. Adherence to the suggested management measures would reduce visits by crop-consuming birds and avoid the use of nutritionally inferior cultivars.

O primeiro inquérito sobre a fauna de ectoparasitos em rolinha (Columbina talpacoti) é feito no Brasil. As espécies de ectoparasitos encontrados foram: Microlynchia pussila (Speiser, 1902) (Diptera); Columbicola passerinae (Wilson, 1941) and Physconelloides eurysema (Carriker, 1903) (Phthiraptera: Ischnocera); Hohorstiella passerinae Hill & Tull, 1978 (Phthiraptera: Amblycera) and Byersalges talpacoti (Cerný, 1972), Diplaegidia columbigallinae (Cerný, 1972), Nanolichus sp. and Pterophagus lomatus Gaud & Barré, 1992 (Acari: Acaridida), sendo B. talpacoti a espécie de maior prevalência.

First survey on the fauna of ectoparasites found on the Ruddy Ground-Dove (Columbina talpacoti) is made in Brazil. The species of joined ectoparasites were: Microlynchia pussila (Speiser, 1902) (Diptera); Columbicola passerinae (Wilson, 1941) and Physconelloides eurysema (Carriker, 1903) (Phthiraptera: Ischnocera); Hohorstiella passerinae Hill & Tull, 1978 (Phthiraptera: Amblycera) and Byersalges talpacoti (Cerný, 1972), Diplaegidia columbigallinae (Cerný, 1972), Nanolichus sp. and Pterophagus lomatus Gaud & Barré, 1992 (Acari: Acaridida), being B. talpacoti the most prevalent species.

O trematódeo digenético Paratanaisia bragai é referido pela primeira vez parasitando a rolinha-caldo-de-feijão, Columbina talpacoti, proveniente de área suburbana do Rio de Janeiro, Brasil. Embora com baixa prevalência (10%), a intensidade de infecção foi alta, considerando que 116 exemplares do parasito foram obtidos de um dos rins. Não foram observadas lesões macroscópicas. A análise histopatológica demonstrou grande dilatação dos dutos coletores renais, com destruição e achatamento das células epiteliais de revestimento, sem reação inflamatória. Os achados patológicos foram comparados aos anteriormente relatados para P. bragai em outros hospedeiros, desde a proposição da espécie em 1934.

This is the first report of the digenetic trematode Paratanaisia bragai infestation in a ruddy ground dove Columbina talpacoti, captured in a suburban area of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Although with a low prevalence (10%), the intensity of infection was high, considering that 116 worms were recovered from one of the kidneys. Gross lesions were not observed and histopathological analysis showed very dilated renal collecting ducts with destruction and flattening of the lining epithelial cells, without inflammatory reaction. The pathological findings were compared to those previously reported for P. bragai in other hosts, since the proposal of the species in 1934.

The prevalence and intensity of blood parasites in three species of wild doves were studied in the municipality of Junqueirópolis, in the western region of the State of São Paulo, Brazil. Three species of doves were surveyed: 331 specimens of Zenaida auriculata Des Murs, 1847, 62 specimens of Columbina talpacoti Temminck, 1811 and 57 specimens of Scardafella squammata Lesson, 1831. Haemoproteus columbae Kruse, 1890 was found in blood from all the doves species. The prevalence of this parasite was 100% in Z. auriculata, 51.6% in C. talpacoti and 19.3% in S. squammata. Specimens of Z. auriculata had a higher intensity of infection than the other doves species.

Eimeria curvata is a new coccidian described in the doves Columbina talpacoti and Scardafella squammata from western of the State of São Paulo, Brazil. The oocysts are ovoid to ellipsoid, 18.3 (17-19) µm x 15.5 (15-17) µm, with a shape index of 1.2 (1.1-1.3). The wall is colorless, smooth and double-layered. A polar granule is present, but there is no micropyle or oocyst residuum. The sporocysts are elongate, 12.3 (11.5-13) µm x 5.8 (5.5-6) µm with a curved anterior portion and a smooth, thin, single-layered wall. The Stieda body is protuberant and nipple-like; there is no substieda body. The sporozoites lie head-to-tail in the sporocyst and contain a large refractile body at the extremities. The sporocyst residuum contains small granules uniformly distributed in the middle of the sporocyst. The prevalence of E. curvata n. sp. was 17.4% and 12.8% in C. talpacoti and S. squammata, respectively.

The Columbina talpacoli (Temminck, 1811) dove, a small bird of the order Columbiformes, is abundant throughout Brazil and interacts closely with city inhabitants. This study describes the morphological and histochemical aspects of the epididymal region and ductus deferens of this species, comparing them with those of other bird species studied. It is believed that a better understanding of the reproductive biology of Columbina talpacoli could help to solve the ecological and sanitary problems involving these birds.

Known as "domestic dove", the Columba livia (Gmelin, 1789) is a columbidae species widely distributed in Brazil, whose reproductive biology has been studied by many researchers. The testes of 12 Columba livia males were collected and prepared for histologic examination under an optical microscope, the results of which were analysed and photographed. The tunica albuginea that covers the testes consists of a thick, not very cellular layer of dense connective tissue. Groups of interstitial cells with typical morphological appearance and surrounded by loose, well vascularized connective tissue are observable within the organ, between the seminiferous tubules. The seminiferous tubules are thick, intensely wound and, when seen in cross section, show Sertoli cells and spermatogenic lineage cells in different stages of development. These include spermatogonia (type A, clear; type A, dark; and type B), spermatocytes I and II, spermatids, and a large number of spermatozoons. Similarities are found between the histological findings described and those reported for the testes of Columbina talpacoti (Temminck, 1811).