Connectivity through allochthony: Reciprocal links between adjacent aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems in South Africa
- Richoux, Nicole B, Moyo, Sydney, Chari, Lenin D, Bergamino, Leandro, Carassou, Laure, Dalu, Tatenda, Hean, Jeff W, Sikutshwa, Likho, Gininda, Simphiwe, Magoro, Mandla, Perhar, Gurbir, Ni, Felicity, Villet, Martin H, Whitfield, Alan K, Parker, Daniel M, Froneman, P William, Arhonditsis, George, Craig, Adrian J F K
- Authors: Richoux, Nicole B , Moyo, Sydney , Chari, Lenin D , Bergamino, Leandro , Carassou, Laure , Dalu, Tatenda , Hean, Jeff W , Sikutshwa, Likho , Gininda, Simphiwe , Magoro, Mandla , Perhar, Gurbir , Ni, Felicity , Villet, Martin H , Whitfield, Alan K , Parker, Daniel M , Froneman, P William , Arhonditsis, George , Craig, Adrian J F K
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , report
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/438363 , vital:73454 , ISBN 978-1-4312-0679-7 , https://wrcwebsite.azurewebsites.net/wp-content/uploads/mdocs/2186-1-15.pdf
- Description: An important aspect of the dynamics of nutrients and pollutants in natural systems is captured in the concept of allochthony, founded on the observation that nutrients and energy in a variety of forms are transferred between adjacent habitats, com-munities and ecosystems that are not routinely considered as connected. Different forms of nutrients and energy move across the conceptual boundaries of habitats via organisms’ activities or physical processes such as wind or water currents, and these transfers can represent important food subsidies. Such cross-partition ecolog-ical subsidies can augment the nutritional condition, biomass and biodiversity of communities, particularly where local production (or autochthony) alone may be inadequate to support local food webs. Furthermore, organic subsidies can influ-ence population dynamics, community interactions and ecosystem processes, and can represent dominant flux inputs in ecosystem budgets. Our intention was to ex-plore organic nutrient fluxes in relation to a primarily lotic (i.e. flowing) aquatic sys-tem at the scale of a hydrological catchment.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Richoux, Nicole B , Moyo, Sydney , Chari, Lenin D , Bergamino, Leandro , Carassou, Laure , Dalu, Tatenda , Hean, Jeff W , Sikutshwa, Likho , Gininda, Simphiwe , Magoro, Mandla , Perhar, Gurbir , Ni, Felicity , Villet, Martin H , Whitfield, Alan K , Parker, Daniel M , Froneman, P William , Arhonditsis, George , Craig, Adrian J F K
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , report
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/438363 , vital:73454 , ISBN 978-1-4312-0679-7 , https://wrcwebsite.azurewebsites.net/wp-content/uploads/mdocs/2186-1-15.pdf
- Description: An important aspect of the dynamics of nutrients and pollutants in natural systems is captured in the concept of allochthony, founded on the observation that nutrients and energy in a variety of forms are transferred between adjacent habitats, com-munities and ecosystems that are not routinely considered as connected. Different forms of nutrients and energy move across the conceptual boundaries of habitats via organisms’ activities or physical processes such as wind or water currents, and these transfers can represent important food subsidies. Such cross-partition ecolog-ical subsidies can augment the nutritional condition, biomass and biodiversity of communities, particularly where local production (or autochthony) alone may be inadequate to support local food webs. Furthermore, organic subsidies can influ-ence population dynamics, community interactions and ecosystem processes, and can represent dominant flux inputs in ecosystem budgets. Our intention was to ex-plore organic nutrient fluxes in relation to a primarily lotic (i.e. flowing) aquatic sys-tem at the scale of a hydrological catchment.
- Full Text:
The timing of moult in males and females of the monomorphic Pale-winged Starling Onychognathus nabouroup
- Craig, Adrian J F K, Bonnevie, Bo T, Hausberger, Martine, Henry, Laurence
- Authors: Craig, Adrian J F K , Bonnevie, Bo T , Hausberger, Martine , Henry, Laurence
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/443805 , vital:74155 , https://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC177689
- Description: Pale-winged Starlings Onychognathus nabouroup inhabit the arid western interior of southern Africa and moult-breeding overlap may occur. We collected field data in two successive years on the moult of individual birds, whose sex was confirmed by genetic techniques. Small samples revealed a non-significant tendency for the moult of females in the early stages of wing moult to be more advanced than that of males in both years, but also clear evidence that the starting date of moult differed in the two years. In this species the moult schedule may thus be variable at both the individual and the population levels.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Craig, Adrian J F K , Bonnevie, Bo T , Hausberger, Martine , Henry, Laurence
- Date: 2015
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/443805 , vital:74155 , https://hdl.handle.net/10520/EJC177689
- Description: Pale-winged Starlings Onychognathus nabouroup inhabit the arid western interior of southern Africa and moult-breeding overlap may occur. We collected field data in two successive years on the moult of individual birds, whose sex was confirmed by genetic techniques. Small samples revealed a non-significant tendency for the moult of females in the early stages of wing moult to be more advanced than that of males in both years, but also clear evidence that the starting date of moult differed in the two years. In this species the moult schedule may thus be variable at both the individual and the population levels.
- Full Text:
The status of the southern ground-hornbill in the Grahamstown region, Eastern Cape, South Africa
- Hulley, Patrick E, Craig, Adrian J F K
- Authors: Hulley, Patrick E , Craig, Adrian J F K
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/447909 , vital:74683 , https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.2989/OSTRICH.2007.78.1.13.57
- Description: The Eastern Cape has been the southernmost limit of distribution for the Southern Ground-Hornbill Bucorvus leadbeateri throughout the period for which there are written records (Vernon 1986, Vernon and Herremans 1997). No records are known west of Port Elizabeth and the only ones from this 1 map square (33 S 27 E) date from the nineteenth century. Vernon (1986) noted that nest and roost sites for groundhornbills were in large trees or on cliffs, from which the birds commuted to forage in open country. The forest/thicket and grassland mosaic in the Eastern Cape is apparently ancient (Skead 1987), but the grassland sector has been greatly modified by agriculture and human settlement. Since the assessment of the Southern Ground-Hornbill’s status as ‘vulnerable’in the latest Red Data Book (Barnes 2000), it has been suggested that populations in South Africa have declined to a point where its true status is ‘endangered’but this revision was not accepted by IUCN (AC Kemp, pers. comm.). The recent initiative by the Mabula-based NGO, the Ground-hornbill Research and Conservation Project, to reintroduce birds to the Eastern Cape, prompted us to examine records of sightings in this region. The main focus is the Grahamstown map square 33 S 26 E, in which the release site of the first birds—Shamwari Private Game Reserve—is situated. Our source is the published records in Diaz Diary, the newsletter of the Diaz Cross Bird Club, which has branches in Grahamstown and Kenton-on-Sea, covering the period 1978–2004 inclusive.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Hulley, Patrick E , Craig, Adrian J F K
- Date: 2007
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/447909 , vital:74683 , https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.2989/OSTRICH.2007.78.1.13.57
- Description: The Eastern Cape has been the southernmost limit of distribution for the Southern Ground-Hornbill Bucorvus leadbeateri throughout the period for which there are written records (Vernon 1986, Vernon and Herremans 1997). No records are known west of Port Elizabeth and the only ones from this 1 map square (33 S 27 E) date from the nineteenth century. Vernon (1986) noted that nest and roost sites for groundhornbills were in large trees or on cliffs, from which the birds commuted to forage in open country. The forest/thicket and grassland mosaic in the Eastern Cape is apparently ancient (Skead 1987), but the grassland sector has been greatly modified by agriculture and human settlement. Since the assessment of the Southern Ground-Hornbill’s status as ‘vulnerable’in the latest Red Data Book (Barnes 2000), it has been suggested that populations in South Africa have declined to a point where its true status is ‘endangered’but this revision was not accepted by IUCN (AC Kemp, pers. comm.). The recent initiative by the Mabula-based NGO, the Ground-hornbill Research and Conservation Project, to reintroduce birds to the Eastern Cape, prompted us to examine records of sightings in this region. The main focus is the Grahamstown map square 33 S 26 E, in which the release site of the first birds—Shamwari Private Game Reserve—is situated. Our source is the published records in Diaz Diary, the newsletter of the Diaz Cross Bird Club, which has branches in Grahamstown and Kenton-on-Sea, covering the period 1978–2004 inclusive.
- Full Text:
A century of Zoology and Entomology at Rhodes University, 1905 to 2005
- Hodgson, Alan N, Craig, Adrian J F K
- Authors: Hodgson, Alan N , Craig, Adrian J F K
- Date: 2005
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6922 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011905
- Description: The history of the Department of Zoology & Entomology at Rhodes University is traced from its origin with a single staff member, through the era of permanent heads of department to the present day staff. Significant achievements and developments in teaching and research are highlighted, and some anecdotal material is included.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Hodgson, Alan N , Craig, Adrian J F K
- Date: 2005
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6922 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011905
- Description: The history of the Department of Zoology & Entomology at Rhodes University is traced from its origin with a single staff member, through the era of permanent heads of department to the present day staff. Significant achievements and developments in teaching and research are highlighted, and some anecdotal material is included.
- Full Text:
Additional morphological characteristics of Olive Thrushes and Karoo Thrushes
- Bonnevie, Bo T, Craig, Adrian J F K, Hulley, Patrick E
- Authors: Bonnevie, Bo T , Craig, Adrian J F K , Hulley, Patrick E
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/447712 , vital:74669 , https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.2989/00306520409485415
- Description: A southern race of the Olive Thrush, Turdus olivaceus smithi Bonaparte, has recently been proposed as a full species, the Karoo Thrush Turdus smithi (Bowie et al. 2003). Some of the published information on the Olive Thrush Turdus olivaceus olivaceus thus pertains to the Karoo Thrush (eg Kopij 2000), whereas other information deals specifically with the Olive Thrush (eg Winterbottom 1966, Bonnevie et al. 2003). We have ringed, recaptured and recovered both Olive and Karoo Thrushes in the Eastern Cape since 1986, and the two taxa are markedly different in this region. We describe some differences in appearance of the two populations from these data, and compare mass and wing length of living birds, as well as culmen and tarsus lengths of museum specimens from the East London Museum, South Africa. The collection sites of the museum specimens were mapped using ArcView 3.1 (ESRI 1996) together with the ringing sites (Figure 1). Areas of potential sympatry are Oudtshoorn (33 25’S, 22 11’E) and Patensie (33 45’S, 24 48’E).
- Full Text:
- Authors: Bonnevie, Bo T , Craig, Adrian J F K , Hulley, Patrick E
- Date: 2004
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/447712 , vital:74669 , https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.2989/00306520409485415
- Description: A southern race of the Olive Thrush, Turdus olivaceus smithi Bonaparte, has recently been proposed as a full species, the Karoo Thrush Turdus smithi (Bowie et al. 2003). Some of the published information on the Olive Thrush Turdus olivaceus olivaceus thus pertains to the Karoo Thrush (eg Kopij 2000), whereas other information deals specifically with the Olive Thrush (eg Winterbottom 1966, Bonnevie et al. 2003). We have ringed, recaptured and recovered both Olive and Karoo Thrushes in the Eastern Cape since 1986, and the two taxa are markedly different in this region. We describe some differences in appearance of the two populations from these data, and compare mass and wing length of living birds, as well as culmen and tarsus lengths of museum specimens from the East London Museum, South Africa. The collection sites of the museum specimens were mapped using ArcView 3.1 (ESRI 1996) together with the ringing sites (Figure 1). Areas of potential sympatry are Oudtshoorn (33 25’S, 22 11’E) and Patensie (33 45’S, 24 48’E).
- Full Text:
Iris colour in passerine birds: why be bright-eyed?
- Craig, Adrian J F K, Hulley, Patrick E
- Authors: Craig, Adrian J F K , Hulley, Patrick E
- Date: 2004
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6902 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011756
- Description: An initial survey of iris coloration in passerine birds (Aves: Passeriformes) showed that a brightly pigmented iris is much more common in southern African and Australian birds than in those from Europe, temperate North America, and Venezuela. However, the only statistical correlation reflected the distribution of particular bird families in these regions. Ten family-level groups considered to represent monophyletic taxa were then selected for a more detailed analysis, comparing iris coloration with distribution, status, taxonomy, plumage patterns, and some biological and behavioural characters for 1143 species. No pattern associating iris colour with particular traits was common to all families, but within families there were statistically significant associations with both plumage and biology. Our expectation that social behaviour would be an important predictor of iris colour was not supported, but critical information is still lacking for many species. Future studies of avian behavioural ecology should examine critically the role of iris coloration in individual species. , Rhodes Centenary issue
- Full Text:
- Authors: Craig, Adrian J F K , Hulley, Patrick E
- Date: 2004
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6902 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011756
- Description: An initial survey of iris coloration in passerine birds (Aves: Passeriformes) showed that a brightly pigmented iris is much more common in southern African and Australian birds than in those from Europe, temperate North America, and Venezuela. However, the only statistical correlation reflected the distribution of particular bird families in these regions. Ten family-level groups considered to represent monophyletic taxa were then selected for a more detailed analysis, comparing iris coloration with distribution, status, taxonomy, plumage patterns, and some biological and behavioural characters for 1143 species. No pattern associating iris colour with particular traits was common to all families, but within families there were statistically significant associations with both plumage and biology. Our expectation that social behaviour would be an important predictor of iris colour was not supported, but critical information is still lacking for many species. Future studies of avian behavioural ecology should examine critically the role of iris coloration in individual species. , Rhodes Centenary issue
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Stuffed birds on trees: an historical review of avian systematics in southern Africa
- Authors: Craig, Adrian J F K
- Date: 2000
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6931 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011949
- Description: Avian systematics in southern Africa has been heavily dependent on a small number of museum-based specialists. They produced bird checklists which prescribed the names to be used by other scientists. After an initial phase of cataloguing the avifauna, a major preoccupation was the description of geographical variation, which was documented in an extensive subspecific nomenclature. Until recent years, few African ornithologists have been involved in systematics as a biological discipline. This historical overview considers the contribution of particular individuals from Andrew Smith to Phillip Clancey.
- Full Text: false
- Authors: Craig, Adrian J F K
- Date: 2000
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6931 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011949
- Description: Avian systematics in southern Africa has been heavily dependent on a small number of museum-based specialists. They produced bird checklists which prescribed the names to be used by other scientists. After an initial phase of cataloguing the avifauna, a major preoccupation was the description of geographical variation, which was documented in an extensive subspecific nomenclature. Until recent years, few African ornithologists have been involved in systematics as a biological discipline. This historical overview considers the contribution of particular individuals from Andrew Smith to Phillip Clancey.
- Full Text: false
Anting in Afrotropical birds: a review
- Authors: Craig, Adrian J F K
- Date: 1999
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/447746 , vital:74671 , https://doi.org/10.1080/00306525.1999.9634237
- Description: Passive anting has been recorded from four non-passerine species in Africa, the Rock Kestrel Falco tinnunculus, the African Finfoot Podica senegalensis, the African Hoopoe Upupa epops and the Whitebacked Mousebird Colius colius. Active or passive anting has been recorded from 21 passerine species in 10 families in the wild, and in captive birds in a further 27 species of 3 families. Although such behaviour may have been overlooked or misinterpreted, the rarity of observations implies that in most species anting is likely to be infrequent. In all cases in which the ants have been identified, they were members of the sub-family Formicinae. It appears unlikely that any single functional explanation can account for the observed occurrences of this behaviour.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Craig, Adrian J F K
- Date: 1999
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/447746 , vital:74671 , https://doi.org/10.1080/00306525.1999.9634237
- Description: Passive anting has been recorded from four non-passerine species in Africa, the Rock Kestrel Falco tinnunculus, the African Finfoot Podica senegalensis, the African Hoopoe Upupa epops and the Whitebacked Mousebird Colius colius. Active or passive anting has been recorded from 21 passerine species in 10 families in the wild, and in captive birds in a further 27 species of 3 families. Although such behaviour may have been overlooked or misinterpreted, the rarity of observations implies that in most species anting is likely to be infrequent. In all cases in which the ants have been identified, they were members of the sub-family Formicinae. It appears unlikely that any single functional explanation can account for the observed occurrences of this behaviour.
- Full Text:
Song sharing by neighbourhood groups of territorial male Blackeyed Bulbuls
- Lloyd, Penn, Hulley, Patrick E, Craig, Adrian J F K
- Authors: Lloyd, Penn , Hulley, Patrick E , Craig, Adrian J F K
- Date: 1999
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/447841 , vital:74678 , https://doi.org/10.1080/00306525.1999.9634238
- Description: The territorial song of the Blackeyed Bulbul Pycnonotus barbatus is described for a population followed over two breeding seasons in suburban Grahamstown, South Africa. The Blackeyed Bulbul has a discrete and highly structured system of phrase sharing by neighbourhood groups of males. The most common repertoire size is five phrases (mean 5.5; range 2–9). In a temporally-stable song population, individual phrases are shared independently by discrete clusters of males. Neighbours show a strong tendency to share phrase types (but rarely whole repertoires), with overall song similarity decreasing rapidly with increasing distance between birds. This species is an ideal candidate for testing hypotheses concerning the adaptive value of song sharing by neighbourhood groups.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Lloyd, Penn , Hulley, Patrick E , Craig, Adrian J F K
- Date: 1999
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/447841 , vital:74678 , https://doi.org/10.1080/00306525.1999.9634238
- Description: The territorial song of the Blackeyed Bulbul Pycnonotus barbatus is described for a population followed over two breeding seasons in suburban Grahamstown, South Africa. The Blackeyed Bulbul has a discrete and highly structured system of phrase sharing by neighbourhood groups of males. The most common repertoire size is five phrases (mean 5.5; range 2–9). In a temporally-stable song population, individual phrases are shared independently by discrete clusters of males. Neighbours show a strong tendency to share phrase types (but rarely whole repertoires), with overall song similarity decreasing rapidly with increasing distance between birds. This species is an ideal candidate for testing hypotheses concerning the adaptive value of song sharing by neighbourhood groups.
- Full Text:
Testing chemical markers on granivorous birds
- Steele, G R, Whittington-Jones, Craig A, Craig, Adrian J F K
- Authors: Steele, G R , Whittington-Jones, Craig A , Craig, Adrian J F K
- Date: 1999
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6936 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011957
- Description: We tested two substances (oxytetracycline and rhodamine B) that can be added to food or water of free-living birds, and serve as markers in their plumage for later identification. Oxytetracycline produced no detectable changes in the plumage of red bishops or redbilled queleas. Rhodamine B fed to captive birds produced fluorescence in the wing feathers when viewed under ultraviolet light. This fluorescence lasted for at least 14 weeks, and was retained until feathers were moulted. Rhodamine B may thus be useful in identifying birds using a specific feeding site, and for studies of moult and feather growth.
- Full Text: false
- Authors: Steele, G R , Whittington-Jones, Craig A , Craig, Adrian J F K
- Date: 1999
- Language: English
- Type: Article
- Identifier: vital:6936 , http://hdl.handle.net/10962/d1011957
- Description: We tested two substances (oxytetracycline and rhodamine B) that can be added to food or water of free-living birds, and serve as markers in their plumage for later identification. Oxytetracycline produced no detectable changes in the plumage of red bishops or redbilled queleas. Rhodamine B fed to captive birds produced fluorescence in the wing feathers when viewed under ultraviolet light. This fluorescence lasted for at least 14 weeks, and was retained until feathers were moulted. Rhodamine B may thus be useful in identifying birds using a specific feeding site, and for studies of moult and feather growth.
- Full Text: false
Sexual dimorphism and tail-length in widowbirds and bishopbirds (Ploeeidae: Euplectes spp.): a reassessment
- Craig, Adrian J F K, Villet, Martin H
- Authors: Craig, Adrian J F K , Villet, Martin H
- Date: 1998
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/442306 , vital:73974 , https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1474-919X.1998.tb04551.x
- Description: No evidence for sexual selection in the evolution of tail‐length or wing‐length in widow birds and bishopbirds (genus Euplectes) was found when the methods used by previous authors were applied to a larger set of data. Nuptial tail‐length dimorphism scaled with body size dimorphism except in Euplectes progne, and interpopulation variation in taillength could be explained by genetic drift alone. Wing‐length appears to be under stabilizing selection and scales allometrically with body size, with no relation to tail‐length unless E. progne is included in the analysis.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Craig, Adrian J F K , Villet, Martin H
- Date: 1998
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/442306 , vital:73974 , https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1474-919X.1998.tb04551.x
- Description: No evidence for sexual selection in the evolution of tail‐length or wing‐length in widow birds and bishopbirds (genus Euplectes) was found when the methods used by previous authors were applied to a larger set of data. Nuptial tail‐length dimorphism scaled with body size dimorphism except in Euplectes progne, and interpopulation variation in taillength could be explained by genetic drift alone. Wing‐length appears to be under stabilizing selection and scales allometrically with body size, with no relation to tail‐length unless E. progne is included in the analysis.
- Full Text:
Ecology and genetics of hybrid zones in the southern African Pycnonotus bulbul species complex
- Lloyd, Penn, Craig, Adrian J F K, Hulley, Patrick E, Essop, M Faadiel, Bloomer, Paulette, Crowe, Timothy M
- Authors: Lloyd, Penn , Craig, Adrian J F K , Hulley, Patrick E , Essop, M Faadiel , Bloomer, Paulette , Crowe, Timothy M
- Date: 1997
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/447801 , vital:74675 , https://doi.org/10.1080/00306525.1997.9639720
- Description: The closely related Blackeyed Bulbul Pycnonotus barbatus, Cape Bulbul P. capensis and Redeyed Bulbul P. nigricans have parapatric to locally sympatric distributions within southern Africa. Extensive hybridization along narrow transition zones between each of the three species pairs is described in a region of the Eastern Cape province, South Africa. The transition zones coincide with ecotones between different vegetation types, which in turn follow escarpments or mountain ranges. The lack of population density depressions within the hybrid zones, together with the variability of the hybrids, suggests the hybrids are viable. Sharp step clines in various phenotypic characters are described across the P. barbatus/P. nigricans hybrid zone. A mtDNA analysis found evidence of possible introgression between P. barbatus and P. capensis. All eight P. barbatus x P. nigricans hybrids analysed possessed P. barbatus mtDNA, suggesting the existence of either positive assortative mating or strong directional selection, but our data are unable to distinguish which.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Lloyd, Penn , Craig, Adrian J F K , Hulley, Patrick E , Essop, M Faadiel , Bloomer, Paulette , Crowe, Timothy M
- Date: 1997
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/447801 , vital:74675 , https://doi.org/10.1080/00306525.1997.9639720
- Description: The closely related Blackeyed Bulbul Pycnonotus barbatus, Cape Bulbul P. capensis and Redeyed Bulbul P. nigricans have parapatric to locally sympatric distributions within southern Africa. Extensive hybridization along narrow transition zones between each of the three species pairs is described in a region of the Eastern Cape province, South Africa. The transition zones coincide with ecotones between different vegetation types, which in turn follow escarpments or mountain ranges. The lack of population density depressions within the hybrid zones, together with the variability of the hybrids, suggests the hybrids are viable. Sharp step clines in various phenotypic characters are described across the P. barbatus/P. nigricans hybrid zone. A mtDNA analysis found evidence of possible introgression between P. barbatus and P. capensis. All eight P. barbatus x P. nigricans hybrids analysed possessed P. barbatus mtDNA, suggesting the existence of either positive assortative mating or strong directional selection, but our data are unable to distinguish which.
- Full Text:
Comparisons of the vocalizations and social behaviour of southern African Pycnonotus bulbuls
- Lloyd, Penn, Hulley, Patrick E, Craig, Adrian J F K
- Authors: Lloyd, Penn , Hulley, Patrick E , Craig, Adrian J F K
- Date: 1996
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/447774 , vital:74673 , https://doi.org/10.1080/00306525.1996.9639696
- Description: Vocalizations and associated behaviour of three Pycnonotus species are described, based on field observations and tape recordings from which sonagrams were produced. These species, which are locally sym-patric and hybridize, have similar vocalizations and displays; differences are most apparent in their contact calls and songs. Quantitative analysis of the songs showed that P. barbatus and P. capensis are easily distinguished, whereas the song characteristics of P. nigricans overlap those of both the other species. Playback experiments with territorial male P. barbatus in an area of allopatry showed similar responses to songs of conspecifics and of P. nigricans, but almost no response to the song of P. capensis.
- Full Text:
- Authors: Lloyd, Penn , Hulley, Patrick E , Craig, Adrian J F K
- Date: 1996
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/447774 , vital:74673 , https://doi.org/10.1080/00306525.1996.9639696
- Description: Vocalizations and associated behaviour of three Pycnonotus species are described, based on field observations and tape recordings from which sonagrams were produced. These species, which are locally sym-patric and hybridize, have similar vocalizations and displays; differences are most apparent in their contact calls and songs. Quantitative analysis of the songs showed that P. barbatus and P. capensis are easily distinguished, whereas the song characteristics of P. nigricans overlap those of both the other species. Playback experiments with territorial male P. barbatus in an area of allopatry showed similar responses to songs of conspecifics and of P. nigricans, but almost no response to the song of P. capensis.
- Full Text:
Sunbird Movements: a Review, with Posslble Models
- Craig, Adrian J F K, Hulley, Patrick E
- Authors: Craig, Adrian J F K , Hulley, Patrick E
- Date: 1994
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/447856 , vital:74679 , https://doi.org/10.1080/00306525.1994.9639672
- Description: Based on current fieldwork, we propose four possible models to explain the winter influx of sunbirds which we have observed: the birds may be (1) “winter residents”, which move annually to a wintering area and remain there; (2) “shoppers”, which periodically investigate feeding areas within their home range and feed opportunistically where nectar is most abundant; (3) “tourists”, which successively visit a series of sites on a regular itinerary; (4) “nomads”, which move unpredictably to new areas whenever food supplies decline. and have no home base. Current data on sunbird movements are reviewed, and in a few cases the winter resident model is unlikely, but generally it is not yet possible to eliminate any of the hypotheses. Moult cycles based on both field and museum studies may provide additional information, as movements are unlikely while active wing-moult is in progress; some species show interrupted wing-moult, which may be associated with long-distance flights.
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- Authors: Craig, Adrian J F K , Hulley, Patrick E
- Date: 1994
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/447856 , vital:74679 , https://doi.org/10.1080/00306525.1994.9639672
- Description: Based on current fieldwork, we propose four possible models to explain the winter influx of sunbirds which we have observed: the birds may be (1) “winter residents”, which move annually to a wintering area and remain there; (2) “shoppers”, which periodically investigate feeding areas within their home range and feed opportunistically where nectar is most abundant; (3) “tourists”, which successively visit a series of sites on a regular itinerary; (4) “nomads”, which move unpredictably to new areas whenever food supplies decline. and have no home base. Current data on sunbird movements are reviewed, and in a few cases the winter resident model is unlikely, but generally it is not yet possible to eliminate any of the hypotheses. Moult cycles based on both field and museum studies may provide additional information, as movements are unlikely while active wing-moult is in progress; some species show interrupted wing-moult, which may be associated with long-distance flights.
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The distribution of the Wattled Starling in southern Africa
- Authors: Craig, Adrian J F K
- Date: 1992
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/447896 , vital:74682 , https://doi.org/10.1080/00306525.1992.9634180
- Description: Dated distribution records of the Wattled Starling Creatophora cinerea have been assembled from the literature, museum specimens, atlas records, and other unpublished observations. The bulk of these records are from the period 1980–89. Breeding records are sparse, but breeding appears to be seasonal in the winter rainfall area. In summer rainfall areas nesting occurs from spring through to autumn, dependent on the presence of abundant insects. In most areas winter records (June to August) predominate, but in the eastern lowveld areas of South Africa Wattled Starlings are recorded most often in spring and summer. The species is correctly described as nomadic, and the pattern of occurrence does not suggest regular migration.
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- Authors: Craig, Adrian J F K
- Date: 1992
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/447896 , vital:74682 , https://doi.org/10.1080/00306525.1992.9634180
- Description: Dated distribution records of the Wattled Starling Creatophora cinerea have been assembled from the literature, museum specimens, atlas records, and other unpublished observations. The bulk of these records are from the period 1980–89. Breeding records are sparse, but breeding appears to be seasonal in the winter rainfall area. In summer rainfall areas nesting occurs from spring through to autumn, dependent on the presence of abundant insects. In most areas winter records (June to August) predominate, but in the eastern lowveld areas of South Africa Wattled Starlings are recorded most often in spring and summer. The species is correctly described as nomadic, and the pattern of occurrence does not suggest regular migration.
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The Behaviour Of Palewinged Starlings And A Comparison With Other Onychognathvs Species
- Craig, Adrian J F K, Hulley, Patrick E, Walter, Grenville H
- Authors: Craig, Adrian J F K , Hulley, Patrick E , Walter, Grenville H
- Date: 1991
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/447868 , vital:74680 , https://doi.org/10.1080/00306525.1991.9639648
- Description: Pairs of Palewinged Starlings associate throughout the year and roost at the nest sites. Flock sizes are generally small, even during the non-breeding season. Allofeeding and allopreening have not been recorded. Wing displays emphasize the white region of the primaries. The territory appears to be restricted to the nest site. Interspecific aggression occurred between Redwinged and Palewinged Starlings, and was also directed at other Ed species frequenting the cliff. A form of ceremonial gathering occurs re in Palewinged Starlings. A review of the literature suggests that on behavioural grounds the Palewinged Starling shows no close affinity to the Redwinged Starfng or to any other member of the genus.
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- Authors: Craig, Adrian J F K , Hulley, Patrick E , Walter, Grenville H
- Date: 1991
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/447868 , vital:74680 , https://doi.org/10.1080/00306525.1991.9639648
- Description: Pairs of Palewinged Starlings associate throughout the year and roost at the nest sites. Flock sizes are generally small, even during the non-breeding season. Allofeeding and allopreening have not been recorded. Wing displays emphasize the white region of the primaries. The territory appears to be restricted to the nest site. Interspecific aggression occurred between Redwinged and Palewinged Starlings, and was also directed at other Ed species frequenting the cliff. A form of ceremonial gathering occurs re in Palewinged Starlings. A review of the literature suggests that on behavioural grounds the Palewinged Starling shows no close affinity to the Redwinged Starfng or to any other member of the genus.
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A review of the biology of the Blackbellied Starling and other African forest starlings
- Authors: Craig, Adrian J F K
- Date: 1989
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/447730 , vital:74670 , https://doi.org/10.1080/00306525.1989.9639610
- Description: The Blackbellied Starling Lamprotornis corruscus is the only true forest starling in southern Africa. At the southern end of its coastal range it is an irregular visitor, and it may move according to food availability. The limited data on breeding, moult and seasonal occurrence are discussed. Only two subspecies are recognised. A brief survey of the 12 African starlings of evergreen forests shows that little is known about their basic biology or their role as highly mobile frugivores.
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- Authors: Craig, Adrian J F K
- Date: 1989
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/447730 , vital:74670 , https://doi.org/10.1080/00306525.1989.9639610
- Description: The Blackbellied Starling Lamprotornis corruscus is the only true forest starling in southern Africa. At the southern end of its coastal range it is an irregular visitor, and it may move according to food availability. The limited data on breeding, moult and seasonal occurrence are discussed. Only two subspecies are recognised. A brief survey of the 12 African starlings of evergreen forests shows that little is known about their basic biology or their role as highly mobile frugivores.
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Nesting of sympatric redwinged and pale winged starlings
- Craig, Adrian J F K, Hulley, Patrick E, Walter, Grenville H
- Authors: Craig, Adrian J F K , Hulley, Patrick E , Walter, Grenville H
- Date: 1989
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/447827 , vital:74677 , https://doi.org/10.1080/00306525.1989.9634513
- Description: Observations were made over four breeding seasons at Cradock, South Africa, where Redwinged Starlings Onychognathus morio and Palewinged Starlings O. nabouroup nest on the same cliffs. Nests were not accessible, and the stage of breeding was determined by the behaviour of the birds. Both species reuse the same nest sites, and only the females incubate, but both sexes feed the young. The timing of breedingMaybe more variable in the Palewinged Starling. A review of the available data on nest site selection and nest construction shows apparent species-specific differences: Redwinged Starlings usually nest on ledges, often on buildings, and use mud in the nest base; Palewinged Starlings favour vertical crevices, and do not use mud.
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- Authors: Craig, Adrian J F K , Hulley, Patrick E , Walter, Grenville H
- Date: 1989
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/447827 , vital:74677 , https://doi.org/10.1080/00306525.1989.9634513
- Description: Observations were made over four breeding seasons at Cradock, South Africa, where Redwinged Starlings Onychognathus morio and Palewinged Starlings O. nabouroup nest on the same cliffs. Nests were not accessible, and the stage of breeding was determined by the behaviour of the birds. Both species reuse the same nest sites, and only the females incubate, but both sexes feed the young. The timing of breedingMaybe more variable in the Palewinged Starling. A review of the available data on nest site selection and nest construction shows apparent species-specific differences: Redwinged Starlings usually nest on ledges, often on buildings, and use mud in the nest base; Palewinged Starlings favour vertical crevices, and do not use mud.
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Co-operative breeding in the Pied Starling
- Authors: Craig, Adrian J F K
- Date: 1987
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/447786 , vital:74674 , https://doi.org/10.1080/00306525.1987.9633905
- Description: Pairs of Pied Starlings Spreo bicolor build the nest, but only the female incubates. After the chicks hatch, subadult and juvenile birds help feed the young. Helpers also feed young after they leave the nest. In most cases parents contribute more than the helpers which may attend several different nests. Associations between members of the same breeding group may persist for up to three successive seasons.
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- Authors: Craig, Adrian J F K
- Date: 1987
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/447786 , vital:74674 , https://doi.org/10.1080/00306525.1987.9633905
- Description: Pairs of Pied Starlings Spreo bicolor build the nest, but only the female incubates. After the chicks hatch, subadult and juvenile birds help feed the young. Helpers also feed young after they leave the nest. In most cases parents contribute more than the helpers which may attend several different nests. Associations between members of the same breeding group may persist for up to three successive seasons.
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The distribution of the Pied Starling, and southern African biogeography
- Authors: Craig, Adrian J F K
- Date: 1985
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/447882 , vital:74681 , https://doi.org/10.1080/00306525.1985.9639580
- Description: The Pied Starling is restricted to South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland, but within this region it occupies a variety of habitats. Its modern distribution is certainly influenced by its association with man. However, a comparison with other vertebrate species, and with patterns of plant distribution, suggests that its geographical distribution has been determined primarily by its evolutionary history. A hypothesis for the origin of this species leads to several predictions concerning biogeography in southern Africa.
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- Authors: Craig, Adrian J F K
- Date: 1985
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/447882 , vital:74681 , https://doi.org/10.1080/00306525.1985.9639580
- Description: The Pied Starling is restricted to South Africa, Lesotho and Swaziland, but within this region it occupies a variety of habitats. Its modern distribution is certainly influenced by its association with man. However, a comparison with other vertebrate species, and with patterns of plant distribution, suggests that its geographical distribution has been determined primarily by its evolutionary history. A hypothesis for the origin of this species leads to several predictions concerning biogeography in southern Africa.
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