ABSTRACT The order Strigiformes contains approximately 250 owl species distributed worldwide, and the majority of them live in forests. Although basic information is available on many owls, few have been studied in-depth; consequently, little is known about the role of vegetation in their lives. This study aimed to investigate Strigiformes in a fragment of the Atlantic Forest using point count surveys conducted from January 2018 to De-cember 2019. Twelve points were sampled for 30 min/month, totaling 144 h. Data on vegetation structure were collected for analysis. The numbers of individuals and species were then estimated. Twenty-six individuals of four species were recorded: 12 Strix virgata, 6 Pulsatrix koeniswaldiana, 5 Megascops atricapilla, and 3 Megascops choliba. Strix virgata was associated with sites with typical mature forest characteristics, although it tolerated variation in some parameters (e.g., average canopy height). Pulsatrix koeniswaldiana was a generalist in terms of habitat characteristics, even when using edge areas. Megascops choliba was scarce within the sampled area and seemed to avoid mature forest. Megascops atricapilla occurred from sites with a lower canopy to more mature forest areas. Altogether, this study highlighted the importance of conserving forest fragments in the Atlantic Forest, which harbors considerable biodiversity, especially of owls.

RESUMEN El Orden Strigiformes contiene aproximadamente 250 especies de búhos distribuidas en el mundo, y la mayoría viven en bosques. Aunque se dispone de información básica sobre muchos búhos, pocos han sido estudiados en profundidad; en consecuencia, se sabe poco sobre el papel que juega la vegetación en sus vidas. Este estudio tuvo como objetivo investigar las especies de Strigiformes en un fragmento de la Mata Atlántica. Los recuentos de puntos se realizaron desde enero de 2018 hasta diciembre de 2019; se muestrearon doce puntos durante 30 min/mes, totalizando 144 h. Se recopilaron datos sobre la estructura de la vegetación para su análisis. Luego se estimó el número y las especies presentes. Se registraron 26 individuos de 4 especies: 12 Strix virgata, 6 Pulsatrix koeniswaldiana, 5 Megascops atricapilla y 3 Megascops choliba. Strix virgata se asoció a sitios de características típicas de bosques maduros, aunque tuvo tolerancia en la variación de algunos parámetros (p. ej., altura media del dosel). Pulsatrix koeniswaldiana fue generalista en las características del hábitat, incluso cuando utilizó áreas de borde. Megascops choliba fue escaso dentro del área de muestreo y pareció evitar el bosque maduro. Megascops atricapilla se asoció desde sitios con un dosel más bajo hasta áreas de bosques más maduros. En conjunto, este estudio destacó la importancia de conservar fragmentos de bosque en el Bosque Atlántico, que alberga una biodiversidad considerable, especialmente de búhos.

ABSTRACT The Great Horned Owl Bubo virginianus (Gmelin, 1788) has a wide distribution through Americas, from Canada and Alaska to Argentina and Uruguay. Beside common, several aspects of its natural history are still poorly known, especially at Neotropical Region. The aim of this study was to obtain data regarding to the home range, nesting and feeding habits of Bubo virginianus in the Brazilian Pampas. This study was conducted from April 2015 to April 2018, in Santa Margarida do Sul, central region of Rio Grande do Sul State, southern Brazil. The study area presents patches of Eucaliptus spp. tree, under which the vegetation is composed by grass with some spine bushes. The surrounding area of the main patch of Eucaliptus is used for extensive cattle ranch and rice and soy crops. Data was collected by direct observation, with unless one visit each 15 days during the non-reproductive period, and unless one visit per week during the breeding season. In these observations we checked the use of the nest and the use of diurnal resting perches, where we collected pellets for diet analyses. Considering 95% of locations, the home range of the pair of great horned owl was estimated as 0.35 km² considering MCP method or 0.41 km² considering Kernel estimates. Individuals seem interested in bordering locations of the home range during night and the center of the area for resting during the daylight. The nest was used for a period of three months, in three consecutive breeding seasons. Breeding season is related to the austral winter, with one or two chicks hatching near late winter. The juveniles stayed with the parents for up to 10 months (7 to 10 months) and dispersed from the parents’ home range in the autumn of the next year. Furthermore, diet was based in rodents, especially Holochilus vulpinus (Brants, 1827), and birds, following a common pattern for this species. Gmelin, Gmelin (Gmelin 1788 Americas Uruguay known Region Pampas 201 2018 State Brazil spp tree bushes crops observation 1 nonreproductive non reproductive perches analyses 95 035 0 35 0.3 km 041 41 0.4 estimates daylight seasons winter 7 ( year Furthermore rodents Brants, Brants (Brants 1827, 1827 , 1827) birds species 178 20 9 03 3 0. 04 4 182 17 2 18

RESUMO O jacurutu Bubo virginianus (Gmelin, 1788) tem ampla distribuição pela América, estendendo-se desde o Alasca e norte do Canadá, até o centro da Argentina e Uruguai. Apesar de relativamente comum, diferentes aspectos da história natural desta espécie ainda permanecem pouco conhecidos, sobretudo na Região Neotropical. Assim, o objetivo deste trabalho foi obter informações referentes à área de vida utilizada por B. virginianus, sua biologia reprodutiva e dieta no Pampa brasileiro. O estudo foi realizado entre abril de 2015 e abril de 2018, no município de Santa Margarida do Sul, região central do Pampa brasileiro, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil. A área de estudo conta com capões de Eucaliptus spp., sob os quais a vegetação é predominantemente formada por gramíneas, com manchas de arbustos espinhosos em pontos específicos. Os arredores do capão principal são utilizados para criação extensiva de gado em campo nativo além de cultivos de soja e arroz. A coleta de dados foi baseada no acompanhamento visual dos indivíduos com ao menos uma observação quinzenal durante o período não reprodutivo, e ao menos uma observação semanal durante o período de utilização do ninho. Além do ninho, foram verificados os poleiros de descanso dos indivíduos monitorados e coletadas as egagrópilas regurgitadas, para posterior estudo de seus hábitos alimentares. A área de vida utilizada pelo casal foi estimada em 0,35 km² pelo método do MCP, ou 0,41 km² baseado em estimativas pelo método de Kernel. Os indivíduos parecem demonstrar interesse por locais limítrofes da área de vida durante a noite e preferindo a parte central da mesma para abrigo/descanso durante o dia. O tempo de utilização do ninho foi de três meses em todos os períodos reprodutivos. A estação reprodutiva da espécie está relacionada ao pico do inverno, com um a dois filhotes nascendo próximo ao final da estação. Os filhotes permaneceram na área de vida dos pais por um período de sete até dez de meses, dispersando durante os meses do outono do ano seguinte. Por fim, a dieta foi baseada em roedores, sobretudo Holochilus vulpinus (Brants, 1827) e aves, seguindo um padrão já conhecido para espécie. Gmelin, Gmelin (Gmelin 1788 América estendendose estendendo se Canadá Uruguai comum conhecidos Neotropical Assim B brasileiro 201 2018 Sul Brasil spp spp. gramíneas específicos arroz reprodutivo regurgitadas alimentares 035 0 35 0,3 km MCP 041 41 0,4 Kernel abrigodescanso abrigo dia reprodutivos inverno seguinte fim roedores Brants, Brants (Brants 1827 aves 178 20 03 3 0, 04 4 182 17 2 18 1

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.

Resumen La composición y abundancia de búhos fueron determinadas estacionalmente en cuatro sitios del Parque Nacional Sierra de San Pedro Mártir, Baja California (PNSSPM), México, mediante la técnica de reclamo-escucha de octubre 2017 a agosto 2018. Un total de 60 registros de siete especies fueron obtenidos (Tecolote Oyamelero Norteño Aegolius acadicus, Búho de Cara Canela Asio otus, Búho Cornudo Bubo virginianus, Tecolote Californiano Glaucidium californicum, Tecolote del Oeste Megascops kennicottii, Tecolote Ojos Oscuros Psiloscops flammeolus, y Búho Moteado Strix occidentalis). La especie con mayor frecuencia promedio de registros (individuos/h) fue B. virginianus (4.04), mientras que las otras especies registraron frecuencias de 0.2 (S. occidentalis) a 1.1 (M. kennicottii y A. otus). Dos especies fueron residentes permanentes (B. virginianus y M. kennicottii), una visitante veraniega (A. acadicus), una visitante invernal (A. otus), y tres visitantes ocasionales (P. flammeolus, G. californicum y S. occidentalis). La riqueza de especies de búhos en el PNSSPM incrementó en invierno debido a la presencia de especies migratorias.

Abstract The composition and abundance of owls were seasonally determined at four sites of the Sierra de San Pedro Mártir National Park, Baja California (PNSSPM), Mexico, by means of the call-listening technique from October 2017 to August 2018. A total of 60 records of seven species was obtained (Northern Saw-whet Owl Aegolius acadicus, Long-eared Owl Asio otus, Great Horned Owl Bubo virginianus, Northern Pygmy-Owl Glaucidium californicum, Western Screech-Owl Megascops kennicottii, Flammulated Owl Psiloscops flammeolus, and Spotted Owl Strix occidentalis). The species with the highest average frequency of records (individuals/h) was B. virginianus (4.04), while other species recorded frequencies from 0.2 (S. occidentalis) to 1.1 (M. kennicottii and A. otus). Two species were permanent residents (B. virginianus and M. kennicottii), one summer visitor (A. acadicus), one winter visitor (A. otus), and three occasional visitors (P. flammeolus, G. californicum and S. occidentalis). The species richness of owls in the PNSSPM increased in winter due to the presence of migratory species.

Resumen La recolección y análisis de egagrópilas resulta un método adecuado en el estudio de presas pequeñas, debido a que permite el estudio de áreas extensas, genera gran cantidad y variedad de individuos por lote. El orden Strigiformes cuenta con el mayor número de estudios de dieta de aves rapaces a nivel mundial, destacándose los referidos a Tyto furcata con gran cantidad de contribuciones sobre el análisis de sus regurgitados. El estudio de las regurgitaciones de esta especie ha ayudado a realizar nuevas interpretaciones sobre la distribución, taxonomía y conservación de muchas especies de roedores. Aquí, se describe la presencia de Holochilus chacarius en el sur de la provincia de Santa Fe a partir de la recolección y análisis de egagrópilas de la lechuza del campanario (Tyto furcata). Estos registros amplían la distribución de H. chacarius en la provincia y contribuyen a actualizar los mapas de distribución existentes.

Abstract The collection and analysis of pellets is an adequate method in the study of small prey, because it allows the study of large areas, generates a large number and variety of individuals per lot. The order Strigiformes has the largest number of studies on the diet of birds of prey worldwide, highlighting those referring to Tyto furcata with a large number of contributions on the analysis of its regurgitates. The study of the regurgitations of this species has helped to make new interpretations about the distribution, taxonomy, and conservation of many species of rodents. Here, the presence of Holochilus chacarius is described in the south of the province of Santa Fe from the collection and analysis of pellets of the Barn Owl (Tyto furcata). These records expand the distribution of H. chacarius in the province and contribute to updating the existing distribution maps.

Abstract The study of micromammals contained in raptor pellets is a useful tool to evaluate mechanisms of accumulation of the archaeofaunal record and to strengthen palaeoenvironmental inferences. With the goal of increasing knowledge about possible accumulating agents of micromammal remains in archaeological and paleontological contexts, this paper presents the first taphonomic study of bone and tooth remains recovered from Megascops choliba pellets from the Chaqueño Serrano Forrest in the northwest of the province of Córdoba, Argentina. The samples include eight species of sigmodontine rodents and one species of Thylamyini marsupial. The taxonomic profile of the prey, abundance and proportions of anatomical elements, breakage patterns and evidence of digestion were analyzed. The taphonomic evaluations indicated a high percentage of relative abundance of skeletal parts, with a preponderance of postcranial elements over the cranial, and a slight loss of distal elements with respect to the proximal. Regarding the fracture patterns, although a high proportion of cranial elements were detected fractured, the postcranial elements were generally recovered complete. Finally, a high proportion of teeth altered by light digestive action was detected. These observations reveal the inclusion of M. choliba in the categories of moderate to intermediate modification.

Resumen El estudio de micromamíferos recuperados en egagrópilas de rapaces es un insumo de utilidad para evaluar mecanismos de acumulación del registro arqueofaunístico, así como también para reforzar y fortalecer las inferencias paleoambientales. Con el objetivo de incrementar el conocimiento sobre agentes acumuladores en contextos arqueológicos y paleontológicos, este trabajo presenta el primer estudio tafonómico de restos óseos y dentarios recuperados en egagrópilas de la rapaz Megascops choliba en el Bosque Chaqueño Serrano del noroeste de la provincia de Córdoba, Argentina. Las muestras incluyen ocho especies de roedores sigmodontinos y una especie de marsupial Thylamyini. Se realizó un análisis tafonómico que evaluó el perfil taxonómico de las presas, la abundancia y proporciones de elementos anatómicos, patrones de fractura y evidencias de digestión. Los resultados de este análisis indicaron un alto porcentaje de abundancia relativa de partes esqueletales, con una preponderancia de elementos poscraneales por sobre los craneales y una leve pérdida de elementos distales respecto de los proximales. En relación con los patrones de fractura, si bien una elevada proporción de elementos craneales estaba fracturada, los elementos poscraneales generalmente se recuperaron completos. Por último, una alta proporción de dientes presentaba alteraciones por acción digestiva ligera. Estas observaciones indican que M. choliba puede ser incluida en las categorías de modificación moderada a intermedia.

Resumen Los micromamíferos representan uno de los componentes más importantes de las comunidades de vertebrados terrestres neotropicales. Una metodología muy utilizada para analizar la composición de sus ensambles y los parámetros que los caracterizan (i.e., riqueza, diversidad) es el análisis de egagrópilas de aves rapaces. En Argentina, uno de los pioneros en utilizar esta metodología fue Elio Massoia en la década de 1960. Desde entonces, los trabajos basados en el estudio de egagrópilas para obtener información sobre micromamíferos fueron en aumento. El objetivo de este trabajo es documentar cómo esta metodología cambió nuestro conocimiento sobre los micromamíferos patagónicos. Se revisó la bibliografía publicada sobre análisis de egagrópilas y estudios enfocados en micromamíferos para la Patagonia argentina. El material recuperado de las egagrópilas ha permitido analizar la variabilidad intraespecífica de especies poco representadas en colecciones de museos o difíciles de capturar mediante trampas. Esta herramienta cambió de forma extraordinaria nuestra percepción sobre la biogeografía y distribuciones geográficas de muchas especies patagónicas (e.g., Calomys musculinus, Galea leucoblephara, Graomys griseoflavus, Lestodelphys halli, Loxodontomys micropus, Microcavia australis, Notiomys edwardsii, Paynomys macronyx, Thylamys pallidior). Asimismo, permitió reconsiderar las categorías de conservación de algunas especies que se creían raras y que demostraron solamente estar subrepresentadas en los muestreos tradicionales (i.e., N. edwardsii, L. halli, Euneomys chinchilloides . Irenomys tarsalis). Finalmente, también nos ha permitido reconstruir la estructura de los ensambles y los cambios que han atravesado desde al menos el Pleistoceno Tardío, documentando retracciones regionales, variaciones dramáticas en las frecuencias relativas y cambios en la dominancia de especies en los conjuntos actuales como consecuencia del impacto antrópico. El análisis de egagrópilas de aves rapaces representa una herramienta poderosa, especialmente en áreas extensas que serían difíciles de prospectar mediante otros métodos.

Abstract Micromammals represent one of the most important components of the Neotropical terrestrial vertebrate communities. A widely used methodology to analyze the composition of their assemblages and the parameters that characterize them (i.e., richness, diversity) is the analysis of pellets produced by birds of prey. In Argentina, one of the pioneers in using this methodology was Elio Massoia. From that moment on, the studies based on the study of pellets to obtain information on small mammals were on the rise. The objective of this work is to document how this methodology changed our knowledge about Patagonian micromammals. We reviewed the published bibliography on pellet analysis and studies focused on small mammals for Argentinian Patagonia. The material recovered from pellets has made it possible to analyze the intraspecific variability of species poorly represented in museum collections or difficult to capture using traps. This tool also dramatically changed our perception of the biogeography and geographical distributions of many Patagonian species (e.g., Calomys musculinus, Galea leucoblephara, Graomys griseoflavus, Lestodelphys halli, Loxodontomys micropus, Microcavia australis, Notiomys edwardsii, Paynomys macronyx, Thylamys pallidior). Likewise, it allowed reconsidering the conservation categories of some species that were believed to be rare (i.e., N. edwardsii, L. halli, Euneomys chinchilloides and Irenomys tarsalis). Finally, it has also allowed us to reconstruct the structure of the assemblages and the changes on them since at least the Late Pleistocene, documenting regional retractions, dramatic variations in relative frequencies, and changes in the dominance of species in recent assemblages as a consequence of the anthropic impact. Pellet analysis of birds of prey represents a powerful tool, especially in large areas that would be difficult to survey by other methods.

RESUMO: O Brasil é um dos países com maior avifauna do mundo. O confinamento de aves associado ao contato próximo a outros animais e seres humanos favorece a disseminação de agentes etiológicos causadores de doenças respiratórias. Dentre eles, os micoplasmas podem causar doença assintomática ou aparente que se manifesta em aves por espirros, estertores, conjuntivite, corrimentos oculares e nasais. São diversos os micoplasmas descritos causadores de doença em aves, com destaque para Mycoplasma gallisepticum (MG) e Mycoplasma synoviae (MS). O diagnóstico de Mycoplasma spp. pode ser feito pela observação clínica e análises laboratoriais. O diagnóstico molecular pela Reação em Cadeia da Polimerase (PCR) ganhou impulso por sua rapidez, sensibilidade e baixo custo em relação às técnicas de isolamento do agente que levam até 21 dias para conclusão do gênero Mycoplasma. Objetivou-se verificar a ocorrência da infecção por Mycoplasma spp. em aves no Zoológico do Rio de Janeiro (Rio Zoo), por isolamento e PCR. Do plantel de 635 aves do Rio Zoo, foram estudadas 81 para detecção de Mycoplasma spp., quando contidas para exames rotineiros de avaliação da condição de saúde. Essas aves eram pertencentes às ordens Psittaciformes (45), Accipitriformes (18), Galliformes (7), Piciformes (5), Strigiformes (4), Falconiformes (1) e Cariamiformes (1), todas já identificadas por microchip ou por anilha. Não houve isolamento de micoplasmas em nenhuma das amostras testadas, enquanto na PCR, 62,96% (51/81) foram positivas, sendo 1,96% (1/51) identificadas como MG e 19,61% (10/51) como MS, representando 1,23% (1/81) e 12,34% (10/81) da população total estudada. A PCR demonstrou ser uma técnica mais efetiva que o isolamento na detecção de Mycoplasma spp. em aves. Foi possível detectar micoplasmas nas aves do Riozoo sem sinal clínico respiratório, tendo MS maior prevalência do que MG. As positividades para Mycoplasma spp., MG e MS foram diferentes entre as ordens de aves estudadas, sendo a maior ocorrência nas aves de rapina, seguida dos Galliformes e dos Piciformes. A presença de MG e MS nas aves do Rio de Janeiro Zoo confirma a circulação destes agentes e a necessidade de mais estudos sobre a disseminação de micoplasmas em zoológicos para análise epidemiológica dessas bactérias nesse local.

ABSTRACT: Brazil is one of the countries with the most abundant avifauna in the world. The confinement of birds associated with close contact with other animals and humans favor the spread of agents of respiratory diseases. Among them, mycoplasmas can cause asymptomatic or apparent disease that manifests in birds by coughing, sneezing, rales, conjunctivitis, ocular and nasal discharge. Several described mycoplasmas cause disease in birds, especially Mycoplasma gallisepticum(MG) andMycoplasma synoviae(MS). The diagnosis ofMycoplasmaspp. can be done by clinical observation and laboratory analysis. Molecular diagnosis by PCR was boosted by its speed, sensitivity, and low cost of agent isolation techniques that take up to 21 days to complete. This study aimed to verify the occurrence ofMycoplasmaspp. in birds of the Rio de Janeiro Zoo (Rio Zoo), by isolation and PCR. Of the total 635 birds from the Rio Zoo, 81 were studied for detection ofMycoplasmaspp., when taken for routine health assessment exams. These birds belonged to the following orders: Psittaciformes (45), Accipitriformes (18), Galliformes (7), Piciformes (5), Strigiformes (4), Falconiformes (1) and Cariamiformes (1), all individuals already identified by microchip or leg-ring. There was no isolation of mycoplasmas in any of the samples tested, whereas, in the PCR, 62.96% (51/81) were positive, with 1.96% (1/51) identified as MG and 19.61% (10/51) as MS, representing 1.23% (1/81) and 12.34% (10/81) of the total population studied. PCR was shown to be a more effective technique than isolation in the detection ofMycoplasmaspp. in birds. It was possible to detect mycoplasmas in birds from Riozoo with no clinical respiratory signs, with higher MS prevalence than MG. The positivities forMycoplasmaspp., MS, and MG were different among the orders studied, being the highest occurrence in birds of prey, followed by Galliformes and Piciformes. The presence of MG and MS in birds of Rio de Janeiro Zoo confirms the circulation of these agents and the need for further studies on the dissemination of mycoplasmas in zoos for the epidemiological analysis of these bacteria in these places.

RESUMO: Foi realizado um estudo retrospectivo de casos de tricomoníase oral em rapinantes recebidos no Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico da Faculdade de Veterinária da Universidade Federal de Pelotas (LRD-UFPel) no período de dezembro de 2014 a agosto de 2017. Foram revisados os protocolos de necropsia encontrando-se sete casos. Os animais eram todos de zonas periurbanas e foram afetadas a ordem Falconiformes e a ordem Strigiformes. Das aves afetadas 4/7 eram adultas e não houve aparente predisposição por sexo. Os sinais clínicos incluíram disfagia, regurgitação e anorexia. As lesões se caracterizaram por nódulos amarelados multifocais a coalescentes aderidos a cavidade oral, que se estendiam até a entrada do esôfago. Histologicamente as lesões caracterizaram-se por estomatite heterofílica granulomatosa focalmente extensiva acentuada. Foi isolado em meio Diamond modificado Trichomonas gallinae de todas as amostras coletadas das aves. Acredita-se que a fonte de transmissão tenha ocorrido a partir da predação por estes rapinantes de pombas domésticas (Columbia livia domestica) portadoras com T. gallinae que se aglomeram em pátios de complexos de beneficiamento de grãos.

ABSTRACT: A retrospective study of oral trichomoniasis cases in raptors was carried out at “Laboratório Regional de Diagnóstico” of “Faculdade de Veterinária” of “Universidade Federal de Pelotas” (LRD-UFPel) from December 2014 to August 2017. Seven necropsy reports were reviewed. All raptors including Falconiformes and Strigiformes orders were from periurban zones. Four birds were adults, and there was no apparent sex predisposition. Clinical signs included dysphagia, regurgitation, and anorexia. Gross lesions were characterized by multifocal yellow to coalescent caseous nodules adhered to the oral cavity, which extended to the entrance of the esophagus. Microscopically, the lesions were characterized by severe focally extensive heterophilic granulomatous stomatitis. Trichomonas gallinae was isolated in modified Diamond medium of all samples collected from birds. It is believed the transmission occurred by the predation of domestic pigeons (Columbia livia domestica) contaminated with T. gallinae that agglomerate in patios of grain processing complexes.

ABSTRACT Psittacine birds have been identified as reservoirs of diarrheagenic Escherichia coli, a subset of pathogens associated with mortality of children in tropical countries. The role of other orders of birds as source of infection is unclear. The aim of this study was to perform the molecular diagnosis of infection with diarrheagenic E. coli in 10 different orders of captive wild birds in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Fecal samples were analyzed from 516 birds belonging to 10 orders: Accipitriformes, Anseriformes, Columbiformes, Falconiformes, Galliformes, Passeriformes, Pelecaniformes, Piciformes, Psittaciformes and Strigiformes. After isolation, 401 E. coli strains were subjected to multiplex PCR system with amplification of genes eae and bfp (EPEC), stx1 and stx2 for STEC. The results of these tests revealed 23/401 (5.74%) positive strains for eae gene, 16/401 positive strains for the bfp gene (3.99%) and 3/401 positive for stx2 gene (0.75%) distributed among the orders of Psittaciformes, Strigiformes and Columbiformes. None of strains were positive for stx1 gene. These data reveal the infection by STEC, typical and atypical EPEC in captive birds. The frequency of these pathotypes is low and restricted to few orders, but the data suggest the potential public health risk that these birds represent as reservoirs of diarrheagenic E. coli.

There is few information on the trophic habits of Tyto furcata in northwestern Argentina, and none in Yungas ecoregion. From pellets analyses, we characterized the diet of this raptor in six localities from Yungas of Argentina. We documented the diversity and composition of the prey-items and analyzed trophic parameters in the context of different degrees of natural cover transformation. The study includes a general characterization and a seasonal analysis. Rodents constituted 98% of the total preys and were the prey items which contributed the most to the diet in terms of biomass. The values for food niche breadth (FNB) and the standardized food niche breadth were higher in comparison with those observed in other areas of Argentina. We observed key seasonal changes in species composition in each locality. FNB was higher during the wet season and the trophic overlap among seasons was relatively high. The relationship between the degree of anthropic modification and trophic parameters was weak. Our results agree with those reported for South America, with a relatively broad spectrum of prey and a marked selectivity for cricetid rodents. Some localities exhibited a trend towards the reduction of FNB during the dry season, which might reflect the seasonal variation in the abundance of small mammals, with higher population sizes in the dry season. This would force the barn owl to adopt a more generalist diet in summer. In the studied localities, the proportion of land use does not seem to be relevant on the trophic parameters assessed, at least at this scale of analysis. Although our results constitute an important starting point for the study of the food niche of Tyto furcata in the Yungas, is evident the need for additional studies to elucidate many aspects related to the ecology of this raptor.

Existen pocos antecedentes sobre los hábitos tróficos de Tyto furcata en el noroeste argentino, y ninguno en la ecorregión de las Yungas. A partir del análisis de egagrópilas, caracterizamos la dieta de esta rapaz en seis localidades de las Yungas de Argentina. Documentamos la composición y la diversidad de los ítems presa y analizamos los parámetros tróficos en el contexto de los diferentes grados de transformación de la vegetación. El estudio incluyó una caracterización general y un análisis estacional. Los roedores constituyeron un 98% del total de presas y fueron los que más aportaron a la dieta en términos de biomasa. Los valores de amplitud de nicho trófico (ANT) y del nicho trófico estandarizado fueron más elevados en comparación con los observados en otras áreas de Argentina. Observamos cambios estacionales importantes en la composición de especies para cada localidad. La ANT fue mayor durante la estación húmeda y el solapamiento trófico entre estaciones fue relativamente alto. No observamos una relación clara entre el grado de modificación antrópica y los parámetros tróficos. Nuestros resultados coinciden con los reportados para América del Sur, con un espectro relativamente amplio de presas y una fuerte selección por roedores cricétidos. Algunas localidades mostraron una tendencia a la disminución de ANT durante la estación seca, lo que reflejaría las variaciones estacionales en la abundancia de pequeños mamíferos, que muestran mayores tamaños poblacionales en invierno. Esto obligaría a la lechuza a adoptar una dieta más generalista en el verano. En estas localidades, la proporción de los diferentes usos del suelo no parece tener una incidencia importante sobre los parámetros tróficos analizados, al menos en nuestra escala de análisis. Aunque nuestros resultados constituyen un punto de partida importante para el estudio del nicho trófico de Tyto furcata en Yungas, resulta evidente la necesidad de estudios adicionales para dilucidar numerosos aspectos vinculados a la ecología de esta rapaz.

RESUMEN El búho rayado (Pseudoscops clamator) tiene amplia distribución geográfica, y a pesar de ello la información sobre su biología reproductiva es dispersa. En este estudio presentamos el primer registro de nido de P. clamator para Colombia. Brindamos datos sobre su anidación y reproducción, basados en observaciones de un nido encontrado en una plantación de Eucalyptus globulus entre abril y mayo de 2013 en Cajicá, Cundinamarca, Colombia. El nido encontrado sobre el suelo es similar a otros previamente descritos en Argentina, Brasil y Surinam, con una nidada de dos individuos, donde sólo sobrevivió un polluelo que dejó el nido luego de 25 a 30 días de nacido. Encontramos en la dieta del búho, curíes (Cavia aperea) y paloma sabanera (Zenaida auriculaya). Poco se conoce sobre otras especies que son depredadas por el búho rayado o si esta especie presenta más de un ciclo reproductivo al año en la Sabana de Bogotá. Estos aspectos deben ser examinados en futuros estudios para evaluar las posibilidades de expansión de P. clamator en la Sabana de Bogotá.

ABSTRACT The Striped Owl (Pseudoscops clamator) has a wide geographic distribution despite that there is scarce information on its reproductive biology. In this study, we present the first published nesting records of P. clamator for Colombia. We provide data on its nesting habits and reproductive biology from observations between April and May 2013 of a nest found in a plantation of Eucalyptus globulus in Cajicá, Cundinamarca, Colombia. The ground nest is similar to those described from Argentina, Brazil, and Suriname; with a clutch of two where only one chick survived and left the nest after 25-30 days. We found in the owl diet, Brazilian guinea pig (Cavia aperea) and Eared Dove (Zenaida auriculata). Little is known about other species predated by the Striped Owl or whether this species has more than one reproductive cycle in the Bogotá highland plateau. Future studies should further examine these aspects to assess the possibilities for expansion of P. clamator in the Bogotá highland plateau.

Taphonomy and diversity of the skeletal remains of microvertebrates (mammals, fish, birds and snakes) from the latest Holocene of Cueva El Abra, Eastern Tandilia range (Buenos Aires, Argentina) were analyzed. Taphonomic attributes indicate that the accumulation of the sample is due to strigiform nocturnal birds of prey activity (cricetids rodents, didelphids, Ctenomys talarum and some birds), the occasional death on site (snakes) and human activity (cavid rodents, fish and some birds). Mammal content and chronology of this deposit are consistent with the warm and wet period Medieval Climate Anomaly (ca. 800 to 1300 AD). Depositional agents, preservation of the skeleton and the diversity of the taxa analyzed are similar to the microvertebrates assembly of Late Holocene of Cueva Tixi.

Se analizó la tafonomía y la diversidad de los restos óseos de microvertebrados (mamíferos, peces, aves y ofidios) del Holoceno tardío final del sitio Cueva El Abra, Tandilia oriental (Buenos Aires, Argentina). Los atributos tafonómicos indican que la acumulación de la muestra se debe a la actividad de aves rapaces nocturnas Strigiformes (roedores cricétidos, didélfidos, Ctenomys talarum y algunas aves), a la muerte ocasional en el sitio (ofidios) y a la actividad humana (roedores cávidos, peces y algunas aves). El contenido de micromamíferos y la cronología del depósito son consistentes con el período cálido y húmedo de la Anomalía Climática Medieval (ca. 800 a 1300 AD). Los agentes de depositación, la preservación del esqueleto y la diversidad taxonómica son similares a las del conjunto de microvertebrados del Holoceno tardío final procedente de Cueva Tixi.

In literature it is established that the iris musculature consists of striate muscle fibers in birds while in mammals it consists of smooth muscles. Some authors report the presence of smooth muscle tissue also in the iris of some species of birds. In the present study we report on the iris muscle tissues (type of tissue, direction and mean diameter of muscle fibers or cells) in five species of Accipitriformes (diurnal raptors) and four species of Strigiformes (nocturnal raptors) because they show different way of life depending of their predatory behavior. This morphological study was carried out from raptors died or euthanized at the Wild Life Rescue Centre of Sea and Water birds in Livorno (Italy). From histological examination of iris serial radial sections we find both striated and smooth musculature even if with marked differences among analyzed species, not directly correlated with diurnal or nocturnal lifestyle. Striated fibers are always present, mainly with cross direction, throughout the iris stroma, while the histological differences concern the smooth cells. Indeed, harrier and sparrow hawk (Accipitriformes) and great horned owl and little owl (Strigiformes) show a compact layer of cross smooth muscle cells throughout the iris stroma. In the other species analyzed smooth muscle cells are slightly detectable as scattered or not detectable. Since the cross smooth muscle tissue allows to maintain a myotic state for extended periods of time, our results might be correlated more to the predatory behavior than the taxonomic order.

En la literatura, se establece que la musculatura del iris se compone de fibras musculares estriadas en las aves, mientras que en los mamíferos, la forman los músculos lisos. Algunos autores informan también de la presencia de tejido muscular liso en el iris de algunas especies de aves. El presente estudio informa sobre los tejidos musculares del iris (tipo de tejido, la dirección y diámetro de las fibras musculares o células) en cinco especies de Accipitriformes y cuatro especies de Strigiformes que muestran diferentes hábitos en función de su comportamiento depredador. Este estudio morfológico se realizó en aves rapaces que murieron o fueron eutanasiadas en el Centro de Vida Salvaje de Rescate de Aves Marinas y Acuáticas de Livorno (Italia). El examen histológico de secciones seriadas radiales del iris mostró la presencia tanto de musculatura estriada como lisa, aunque con marcadas diferencias entre las especies analizadas, pero sin correlación directa con el estilo de vida diurna o nocturna. Las fibras estriadas estuvieron siempre presentes, principalmente en dirección transversal a lo largo del estroma del iris, mientras que las diferencias histológicas fueron de las células lisas. Tanto el aguilucho y el gavilán (Accipitriformes) como el buho real y el mochuelo (Strigiformes) mostraron una capa compacta de células musculares lisas transversales en todo el estroma del iris. En las otras especies analizadas, las células musculares lisas fueron ligeramente detectables de manera dispersa o no detectables. Dado que el tejido del músculo liso transversal permite mantener un estado miótico durante largos períodos de tiempo, nuestros resultados podrían estar más correlacionados con el comportamiento depredador, y no con el orden taxonómico.

Resumo Este estudo testou a hipótese de que os componentes estruturais da vegetação de uma floresta influenciam a distribuição das espécies de corujas de um fragmento de floresta estacional semidecidual. O estudo também determinou quais variáveis da vegetação contribuem na distribuição espacial das espécies. O estudo foi desenvolvido na Reserva Biológica das Perobas, entre os meses de setembro e dezembro de 2011. Para realizar o censo das corujas foi utilizada a técnica de playback em pontos de escuta dispostos de modo a abranger os diferentes tipos de vegetação na área de estudo. Foi encontrado um total de 56 indivíduos de seis espécies de corujas: corujinha-do-mato (Megascops choliba), corujinha-sapo (Megascops atricapilla), murucututu-de-barriga-marela (Pulsatrix koeniswaldiana), caburé (Glaucidium brasilianum), coruja-do-mato (Strix virgata) e mocho-diabo (Asio stygius). Os resultados sugerem que as variáveis da estrutura da vegetação e composição influenciam na ocorrência de corujas. A altura do dossel, a presença de árvores ocas, árvores caídas e clareiras, demonstram que são os componentes estruturais mais influentes na distribuição de corujas na área amostrada.

Abstract This paper tested the hypothesis that the structural components of vegetation have impact over the distribution of owl species in a fragment of a semi-deciduous seasonal forest. This paper also determined which vegetation variables contributed to the spatial distribution of owl species. It was developed in the Perobas Biological Reserve (PBR) between September and December 2011. To conduct the owl census, a playback technique was applied at hearing points distributed to cover different vegetation types in the study area. A total of 56 individual owls of six species were recorded: Tropical Screech-Owl (Megascops choliba), Black-capped Screech-Owl (Megascops atricapilla), Tawny-browed Owl (Pulsatrix koeniswaldiana), Ferruginous Pygmy-Owl (Glaucidium brasilianum), Mottled Owl (Strix virgata) and Stygian Owl (Asio stygius). The results suggest that the variables of vegetation structure have impact on the occurrence of owls. The canopy height, the presence of hollow trees, fallen trees and glades are the most important structural components influencing owl distribution in the sampled area.