Abstract Bird-window collisions are a major cause of bird mortality in the world; up to one billion birds die each year from collisions with glass panes in North America alone. However, relatively little attention had been given to this issue in the broad scientific literature, despite a recent increase in the number of papers. In this paper, the indexed literature on bird-window collisions was reviewed, specifically addressing the causal factors. The search retrieved 53 papers, mostly from North America. The factors linked to higher collision rates were large areas of continuous glass, the presence of nearby vegetation and feeders, bird migration, abundance, and behavior. Several factors were site-specific, preventing the global extrapolation of these findings. There is a lack of scientific knowledge regarding bird-window collisions in tropical countries. One of the challenges to mitigating this problem is the small amount of information and – frequently - the extrapolation of findings described for temperate regions to other areas. There is a need for a greater and urgent effort to fill this gap.

Abstract Ecological restoration is a traditional option for recovering biodiversity and ecosystem functions. Birds perform pollination, seed dispersal, and pest-control services, which catalyze increases in habitat structure. Habitat complexity changes bird composition, but there is little evidence of its effects on bird functional diversity in Neotropical restorations. We tested whether bird functional diversity and composition respond to increased habitat complexity. Point-counts were performed (January-December 2015) in an area undergoing restoration (536 ha) in the Atlantic Forest of southeastern Brazil, in restorations with less and more structured vegetation and pastures and forest-fragments. The functional bird traits considered were diet, habitat, biomass, environmental sensitivity, and foraging strata. Increased habitat complexity was evaluated using plant characteristics (exotic grass, canopy, herbaceous cover, and diameter at breast height). A total of 172 bird species (5% endemic; 12% migratory) were recorded. Increased vegetation structure in both restored sites and forest-fragments drove a reorganization and addition of functional bird traits, which positively influenced functional richness, dispersion, and evenness. Shifts in plant-characteristics rearranged bird functional traits (diet-forest-dependence and diet-strata-foraging). The rapid development of vegetation structure is a key factor for restoration because it provides additional habitat for semi-dependent forest birds and enhances resilience and sustainability in new man-made forests.

ABSTRACT Identification of the predators of bird nests is essential to test ecological and evolutionary hypotheses and to make practical management decisions. A variety of nest monitoring devices have been proposed but many remain difficult to set up in the field. The aim of this study was to test camera traps as a potential tool to study predation of natural nests in a tropical rainforest environment. Specifically, we registered the predators, assessed their size range, and we compared the use of one and two cameras per nest. Of 122 nests from 24 bird species, 45 (37%) were depredated, and the cameras recorded the predator species in 29 of the total of depredated nests (64%). We identified predators in eight of 16 depredated nests (50%) in which we used one camera trap per nest, and we identified predators in 21 of 29 depredated nests (72%) when we used two camera traps per nest. The predators included six species of birds and six species of mammals, with body masses varying from 20 g to 16.5 kg. Causes for 10 of the 16 detection failures were identified and are discussed. These results suggest that camera traps are viable tools to investigate nest predation in a tropical rainforest area.

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.

ABSTRACT The flight initiation distance has been used either to understand the cost-benefit trade-offs related to the risk of predation or as an important tool for wildlife managers. Although this variable is well-discussed for temperate regions, it is still poorly known in the Neotropics. Here we analyze the escape behavior of birds from southeastern Brazil, comparing an urban to a non-urban area. We tested for the influence of sites (urban vs. non-urban area), approaching (by one vs. two people), daytime (morning vs. afternoon), seasons (breeding vs. non-breeding) and body mass on the determination of the initial (FID) and final (FFD) flight distances across different bird species. We predict that FID will be greater in rural areas and under a greater threat (higher number of predators approaching) in the afternoon and in the non-breeding season. We also expect a direct relationship between body mass and FID and between FID and FFD. We sampled 11 species after measuring 331 escape behaviors, and we confirmed our predictions for sites (five species), daytime (one species) and rejected our premise about seasons for one species. Mean FID was strongly affected by body mass, and directly affected FFD. Adjustments in FID are, most likely, an important adaptive trait in urban habitats and may partially explain the predominance of species with higher ecological plasticity in cities.

Este estudo teve como objetivo caracterizar a avifauna associada ao rio Sorocaba, um típico rio urbano, do sudeste do Brasil. Ele atravessa a cidade com o mesmo nome, ao longo do qual, várias atividades humanas são realizadas como recreação e pesca. Lá, várias espécies de aves devem encontrar locais para descanso, alimentação e nidificação. As aves foram observadas semanalmente, de setembro de 2008 a setembro de 2009 por meio de 16 pontos fixos (A1 a A16). O levantamento quantitativo registrou 65 espécies (32 passeriformes e 33 não - passeriformes), sendo que a família mais bem representada foi Tyrannidae (n = 9). As espécies mais freqüentes foram Egretta thula, Amazonetta brasiliensis, Vanellus chilensis, Pitangus sulphuratus, Ardea alba e Pygochelidon cyanoleuca (FO = 100%). Os maiores valores do índice pontual de abundância foram 46,5 (1626 contatos) para Pgochelidon cyanoleuca, 14,4 (500 contatos) para Phalacrocorax brasilianus e 12,9 (452 contatos) para Amazonetta brasiliensis. As categorias tróficas mais representativas foram dos insetívoros (n = 26), piscívoros (n = 11) e onívoros (n = 10). A análise de agrupamento revelou a existência de três pares de pontos muito semelhantes (100 e 95% semelhança). Diferenças conspícuas na composição da fauna de aves ao longo da área estudada foram detectadas, provavelmente devido às suas características ambientais e do grau de perturbação humana. Além disso, diferenças significativas nos avistamentos foram observadas entre as estações de seca e chuva, provavelmente em função das atividades reprodutivas e migratórias e do aumento na disponibilidade de recursos alimentares, que supostamente ocorrem no período chuvoso. Neste sentido, práticas conservacionistas devem permitir a manutenção a heterogeneidade de habitats, recuperação da vegetação ripária, praias e banhados, assim como o planejamento efetivo das atividades humanas em seu entorno.

This study aimed to characterize the avifauna associated to the Sorocaba River, a typical urban river in Southeastern Brazil. It crosses the city having the same name, along which different human activities are carried out as recreation and fishing. There, several bird species might find sites for resting, feeding and nesting. We surveyed birds weekly, from September 2008 to September 2009, by 16 point counts (A1 to A16). The quantitative survey registered 65 species (32 Passeres and 33 non-Passeres), and the most well-represented family was Tyrannidae (n = 9). The most frequent species were Egretta thula, Amazonetta brasiliensis, Vanellus chilensis, Pitangus sulphuratus, Ardea alba and Pygochelidon cyanoleuca (FO = 100%). The higher abundance index values were 46.5 (1626 contacts) for Pygochelidon cyanoleuca, 14.4 (500 contacts) for Phalacrocorax brasilianus and 12.9 (452 contacts) for Amazonetta brasiliensis. The most representative trophic categories were insectivores (n = 26), piscivores (n = 11) and omnivores (n = 10). The cluster analysis revealed the existence of three very similar pairs of points (100 and 95% of information remaining). Conspicuous differences in the composition of bird fauna along the studied area were detected, probably due to its environmental characteristics and the degree of human disturbance. Moreover, significant differences were observed between the sightings of dry and wet seasons, probably due to the reproductive and migratory activities and an increased availability of food resources that is supposed to happen in the wet season. In this sense, conservation practices should provide the maintenance of habitat heterogeneity, recovering the riparian forests, beaches and marshes, and an effective planning of human activities in their surroundings as well.

Este trabalho foi realizado em mata secundária no Município de Itatiaia, Estado do Rio de Janeiro (22º30'S e 44º30'W) próximo ao Parque Nacional do Itatiaia, com o objeitvo de descrever a comunidade de aves ali presente. Foram amostrados três tipos vegetacionais distintos: reflorestamento, bosque e pomar, tendo sido realizadas 19 excursões entre 1984 e 1999. As aves foram amostradas através de capturas com redes de neblina e anilhamento, tendo sido utilizadas de 15 a 31 redes de 12 x 2 m e malha 36 mm. Foram também obtidas medidas morfométricas (comprimento total, asa, bico, cauda e tarso) e dados biológicos (sexo, idade reprodução e muda). Depois de 5.621,79 horas-rede, foi registrado um total de 553 capturas, com 71 recapturas (12,84%); 417 indivíduos foram anilhados, e 65 beija-flores deixaram de ser marcados por falta de anilhas específicas. A comunidade estudada esteve representada por 77 espécies e 18 famílias, apresentando índice de diversidade H' = -1,594 e a curva do coletor com tendência à estabilização. As famílias com maior número de espécies foram Emberizidae (n = 21; 27,27%) e Tyrannidae (n = 15; 19,48%). As espécies com maior abundância relativa foram Turdus leucomelas (n = 40; 9,59%) e Turdus rufiventris (n = 36; 8,63%). Seis das espécies amostradas (7,8%) são endêmicas do bioma Mata Atlântica. Na estação chuvosa foram amostradas 68 espécies, e na estação seca, 42; e as capturas estiveram relacionadas com as chuvas (rs = -0,6778; p = 0,05). O período reprodutivo ocorreu de outubro a março estando correlacionado com o início da estação chuvosa (rs = -0,702; p = 0,052).

This study was conduced in a second growth woodland close to Itatiaia National Park (22º30'S e 44º30'W), Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil, and aimed to describe the understory bird community living in this area. We sampled three different vegetation types, reforestation, wood and orchard, through 19 field trips between 1984 and 1999. Birds were sampled by mist-netting and bird-banding, using from 15 to 31 12 x 2 36 mm mesh mist-nets, and we also collected information on morphological (total, wing, bill, tail and tarsus length), and biological data (sex, age, reproduction and molt). After 5,621.79 net hours, we got 553 captures and 71 recaptures (12.8%); 417 individuals were banded and 65 hummingbirds were not, due to the absence of specific rings. The studied community was represented by 77 species and 18 families, showing a diversity index of H' = -1.59 and curve of new species tending to stabilization. The most well-represented families were Emberizidae (n = 21; 27.27%), and Tyrannidae (n = 15; 19.48%); the species with highest number of capture were Turdus leucomelas Vieillot, 1818 (n = 40; 9.59%) and Turdus rufiventris Vieillot, 1818 (n = 36; 8.63%). Six of the sampled species (7.8%) are endemic to Atlantic forest. In the rainy season we sampled 68 species, and in the dry season, 42; and the captures were correlated with rainfall (rS = -0.68; p = 0.05). The breeding season occurred from October to March, and also was correlated with the beginning of the rainy season (rS = -0.70; p = 0.05).

Foi estudada a avifauna de quatro fragmentos florestais em uma área de cultivo de cana-de-açúcar na região de Campos dos Goytacazes, norte do estado do Rio de Janeiro. A dieta básica e a estrutura das guildas tróficas foi determinada. O estudo foi realizado de outubro de 2000 a julho de 2001, utilizando-se capturas com redes ornitológicas, registros visuais e auditivos e análise de fezes. Quarenta e quatro espécies foram registradas e agrupadas em oito guildas tróficas (insetívoros, granívoros, carnívoros, frugívoros, piscívoros, nectarívoros, onívoros e detritívoros). Estas espécies foram também subdivididas em guildas mais específicas, associadas a seus hábitats. Algumas espécies apenas sobrevoaram os fragmentos, como Egretta thula (Molina, 1782), enquanto outras foram consideradas residentes, como Manacus manacus (Linnaeus, 1766). Algumas, como Amazona amazonica (Linnaeus, 1766), somente utilizaram os fragmentos para repouso noturno. Espécies pequenas de sub-bosque provavelmente não se deslocaram entre fragmentos, dada a relativa grande distância entre eles. Predadores como Rupornis magnirostris (Gmelin, 1789) utilizaram tanto os fragmentos quando as áreas abertas e canaviais em seu entorno. Estes fragmentos estão em situação crítica, abrigando principalmente espécies generalistas e/ou especialistas de bordas; porém ainda são utilizados de alguma forma por espécies de interesse ecológico, como Rhynchocyclus olivaceus (Temminck, 1820) e A. amazonica.

Birds of four forest fragments in areas of extensive sugar-cane plantation were studied in Campos dos Goytacazes, northern Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil, from October 2000 to July 2001. The basic diet of sampled species and their trophic guild allocation were determined. The study was carried out by means of capture with mist nets, visual and auditive records and analysis of faeces. Forty-four species were recorded and grouped in eight trophic guilds (insectivores, granivores, carnivores, frugivores, piscivores, nectarivores, omnivores and carrion eaters). The species were also allocated into smaller guilds, associated to their habitats. Some species only fly over the fragments, as Egretta thula (Molina, 1782), while others are residents, as Manacus manacus (Linnaeus, 1766), and some used these fragments for nocturnal resting, as Amazona amazonica (Linnaeus, 1766). Small understory species apparently do not travel between fragments, given their relatively large spacing. Raptors, such as Rupornis magnirostris (Gmelin, 1789) live in both fragments and nearby open areas. Fragments in critical situation, supporting mainly generalists and/or edge species, still support some species with ecological interest, such as Rhynchocyclus olivaceus (Temminck, 1820) and A. amazonica.

O objetivo deste trabalho foi estudar padrões comportamentais de Molothrus bonariensis (Gmelin, 1789) em condições naturais, traçando seu etograma. As coletas de dados foram efetuadas em Seropédica, no Estado do Rio de Janeiro, através de observações naturalísticas contínuas e animal-focal, utilizando-se binóculos 10 x 50 principalmente pela manhã até às 07:00h e à tarde após as 16:00h. Foram detectadas 25 condutas, agrupadas em sete categorias comportamentais: locomoção (n = 7), manutenção (n = 5), social não-agonístico (n = 5), alimentação (n = 2), social-agonístico (n = 2), vigilância (n = 2) e sonora (n = 2).

The aim of this work is to study behavioral patterns of Molothrus bonariensis (Gmelin, 1789) in natural conditions, drawing its ethogram. Field efforts were carried out in Seropédica, Rio de Janeiro state, Brazil, by means of continuous naturalistic observations and focal-animal, using a 10 x 50 binoculars mainly in the morning until 07:00 h and in the afternoon after 16:00 h. A total of 25 conducts were detected and grouped in seven behavioral categories: locomotion (n = 7), maintenance (n = 5), social non-agonistic (n = 5), feeding (n = 2), social-agonistic (n = 2), vigilance (n = 2) and sonorous (n = 2).

Data on body mass and measurements of external characteristics (length, width and height of bill; tarsus, tail, wing and total lengths) for live birds from eastern Mato Grosso do Sul State, Central Brazil are reported. Mean, standard deviation and minimum and maximum values are show for 95 species.

Monasa nigrifrons is reported from the region of Três Lagoas (Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil), with information on its feeding behavior and nesting. This is the first report of this bird on this region, as well as the first observations on its nest burrowing behavior.

Use of nest-boxes for management of cavity nesting birds in anthropic areas can give good results. In November 1987, data collection begun in UNICAMP, Campinas (São Paulo), with the objective of favouring establishment and increase in urban bird communities. The House Wren (Troglodytes aedon Viellot. 1807) and House Sparrow (Passer domesticus Linnaeus, 1758) used the nest boxes for reproduction. Nests were collected and analysed (weight, used materials, incubation chamber materials, nest form). House Sparrow used thin materials, like straw, paper and plastic, while house wren used heavy materials, like sticks, wire and tabs of soff drink cans. The nest-boxes offered favorable conditions to bird reproduction and protection in disturbed areas, and showed signs of leading to increase in diversity of species, that might use this nest-boxes for reproduction in the future.