Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Katarina C. Stuart, Richard J. Edwards, William B. Sherwin, Lee A. Rollins
Summary: This study examines the genetic diversity within the invasive European starling and finds that structural variants can have a complex impact on adaptation under new selection regimes, and their effects do not always align with SNP diversity.
MOLECULAR BIOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2023)
Article
Biochemistry & Molecular Biology
Katarina C. Stuart, Adam P. A. Cardilini, Phillip Cassey, Mark F. Richardson, William B. Sherwin, Lee A. Rollins, Craig D. H. Sherman
Summary: A study on invasive common starlings in Australia revealed genetic differentiation and responses to selective pressures, with isolation by distance playing a significant role in genetic substructure. Factors such as aridity, precipitation, and temperature were found to potentially drive adaptive variation in the starling's invasive range. Historical introduction regimes may impact sites under adaptive selection, highlighting the importance of critical interpretation of selection analyses in non-native populations.
Article
Biodiversity Conservation
Richard D. Woods, John P. Swaddle, Stuart Bearhop, Kendrew Colhoun, William H. Gaze, Suzanne M. Kay, Robbie A. McDonald
Summary: Sonic Nets, by broadcasting pink noise within the frequency range of target species' vocalizations, have demonstrated significant and sustained effects in reducing the presence and flock sizes of European starlings, a pest species associated with livestock operations.
WILDLIFE SOCIETY BULLETIN
(2022)
Article
Biochemical Research Methods
Marina Papadopoulou, Hanno L. Hildenbrandt, Daniel W. E. Sankey, Steven L. Portugal, Charlotte Hemelrijk
Summary: This study analyzes GPS data of pigeon flocks under attack by a robotic predator and uses computer simulations to study their collective escape. The study reveals that pigeon flock members turn away from the predator more frequently the closer the predator gets, which is a distance-dependent pattern. This pattern emerges through self-organization and coordination among individuals, with an increasing consensus over the escape direction as the predator gets closer.
PLOS COMPUTATIONAL BIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Neurosciences
Jasmien E. M. J. Orije, Sander R. Raymaekers, Gaurav Majumdar, Geert De Groof, Elisabeth Jonckers, Gregory F. Ball, Marleen Verhoye, Veerle M. Darras, Annemie van der Linden
Summary: Thyroid hormones play a role in the seasonal regulation of reproduction, and this study investigates their potential effects on song behavior and neuroplasticity in songbirds. The expression of thyroid hormone regulating genes in the song nucleus HVC suggests an active role of thyroid hormones during the photosensitive phase. Hypothyroidism affects song behavior and neuroplasticity, leading to decreased testosterone levels and impaired myelination. This study provides insights into the influence of thyroid hormones on seasonal neuroplasticity.
FRONTIERS IN MOLECULAR NEUROSCIENCE
(2022)
Article
Green & Sustainable Science & Technology
Rui Wang, Qiang Zhao, Hui Sun, Xuedong Zhang, Yuyue Wang
Summary: This study constructs a risk assessment index system for bird strikes at airports from five perspectives and uses the AHP and entropy weight method to obtain comprehensive weights. The SPA is introduced to establish a bird strike risk assessment model and analyze the risk trend. The results show that the weighting method is accurate and the model can predict the risk trend effectively.
Review
Agriculture, Dairy & Animal Science
Paul R. Cabe
Summary: European starlings are abundant and frequently found in close association with human development and agriculture. They may play a role in harboring and dispersing enteric bacteria, such as Escherichia coli and Campylobacter jejuni, especially in dairy farms, concentrated animal feeding operations, and other intensive livestock agriculture.
Article
Ecology
Denyelle A. V. Kilgour, Courtney R. R. Linkous, Todd W. W. Pierson, Sarah Guindre-Parker
Summary: The Trivers-Willard hypothesis suggests that mothers adjust their offspring sex ratio based on their own condition and breeding environment. This study investigates the impact of urbanization on parental body condition and secondary offspring sex ratios in European starlings. The results indicate that parental body condition and site did not affect the production of male offspring, but the similarity of maternal and paternal CORT levels may increase the likelihood of successfully fledging sons.
FRONTIERS IN ECOLOGY AND EVOLUTION
(2022)
Review
Zoology
Jasmien Ellen Maria Jozef Orije, Annemie Van der Linden
Summary: Research on seasonal neuroplasticity in songbirds has revealed the role of sex steroids in males, and using in vivo magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), advancements have been made in analyzing the entire brain, monitoring birds longitudinally, and determining the neuronal correlates of seasonal variations in hormone levels and singing behavior. This research has provided insights into the structural and functional changes in the song control system (SCS) and other sensory systems during different seasons, highlighting the potential for heightened neuroplasticity during specific periods.
JOURNAL OF EXPERIMENTAL ZOOLOGY PART A-ECOLOGICAL AND INTEGRATIVE PHYSIOLOGY
(2022)
Article
Ecology
Dejan Stojanovic, Giselle Owens, Catherine Mary Young, Fernanda Alves, Robert Heinsohn
Summary: The study found that the occupancy of different species in nest boxes depended on the distance of the boxes to the forest edge and the year, with competitors being more likely to occupy established boxes. A subordinate native nest competitor was more likely to occupy boxes further from the forest edge, while the introduced Common Starlings preferred boxes closer to the forest edge.
RESTORATION ECOLOGY
(2021)
Article
Ornithology
Jessica N. Schlarbaum, Joshua M. Hull, Sara M. Kross
Summary: Artificial nest boxes have been instrumental in the conservation efforts of American Kestrels worldwide, but inadvertently, they have also benefited other cavity-nesting species such as the European Starling. To address this issue, we tested five different methods to deter European Starlings from occupying our nest boxes, and found that spraying eggs with food-grade corn oil and cracking eggs were the most effective strategies. We recommend using egg oiling or egg cracking in future American Kestrel nest box programs in this region.
JOURNAL OF RAPTOR RESEARCH
(2023)
Article
Infectious Diseases
J. Jeffrey Root, Jeremy W. Ellis, Susan A. Shriner
Summary: The study experimentally manipulated the flock size of European starlings to assess the potential of influenza A virus transmission to bobwhite quail. It provided evidence that even relatively small flocks of starlings can collectively transmit the virus to highly susceptible gallinaceous bird species. Future research should assess if starlings can transmit IAVs to other poultry species commonly found in backyard or free-range settings.
TRANSBOUNDARY AND EMERGING DISEASES
(2022)
Article
Ornithology
Henning Heldbjerg, Anthony D. Fox, Thorsten J. S. Balsby, Peder V. Thellesen
Summary: This study investigated the night-brooding behavior of breeding Common Starlings. The results showed that male Starlings would roost far from the nesting site once the nestlings achieved thermal independence, while female Starlings would continue to night-brood the offspring. The study also found no direct correlation between night-brooding and temperature.
Article
Zoology
Tsegaye Tefera, Dessalegn Ejigu, Nega Tassie
Summary: Bahir Dar International Airport and its surrounding habitats are known for their rich avifaunal diversity, leading to bird-aircraft collisions as a significant issue in the area. The study found that modified habitats had the highest species diversity during the wet season. Birds near the airport pose severe threats to aircraft and collisions mainly occur in the early morning and late afternoon, as well as during takeoff and landing.
Article
Ecology
Neil E. Coughlan, William O'Shea, Ross N. Cuthbert, Thomas C. Kelly, Neil Mitham, Jeremy Nicholson
Summary: The study evaluated the effectiveness of sonic net and mobile simulated predator effigies in disturbing and reducing bird accumulations on agricultural foraging sites, active airfields, and problematic roof-top roosts. The results showed substantial reductions in bird abundance, foraging and roosting activity, as well as site residency time, although the efficacy of treatments varied depending on context and taxa. Further testing and integration of these technologies into bird management interventions could lead to significant risk reductions for bird strikes and improved non-lethal management of problematic roosting and nesting sites.