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
- Date Issued: 2000
- 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
- Date Issued: 2000
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:
- Date Issued: 1999
- 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:
- Date Issued: 1999
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:
- Date Issued: 1999
- 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:
- Date Issued: 1999
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
- Date Issued: 1999
- 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
- Date Issued: 1999
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:
- Date Issued: 1998
- 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:
- Date Issued: 1998
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:
- Date Issued: 1997
- 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:
- Date Issued: 1997
A consequence of nectar feeding?
- Craig, Adrian J F K, Hulley, Patrick E
- Authors: Craig, Adrian J F K , Hulley, Patrick E
- Date: 1996
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/465245 , vital:76586 , https://sora.unm.edu/node/52068
- Description: Cape White-eyes (Zosterops pallidus) frequently feed on nectar during early winter. This feeding can leave feathers on the forehead matted with nectar and pollen. At least some individuals then shed these feathers, at a time when the annual complete molt has already been terminated. It is suggested that such localized replacement of fouled plumage may occur regularly both in white-eyes and in other short-billed nectar-feeder.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1996
- Authors: Craig, Adrian J F K , Hulley, Patrick E
- Date: 1996
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/465245 , vital:76586 , https://sora.unm.edu/node/52068
- Description: Cape White-eyes (Zosterops pallidus) frequently feed on nectar during early winter. This feeding can leave feathers on the forehead matted with nectar and pollen. At least some individuals then shed these feathers, at a time when the annual complete molt has already been terminated. It is suggested that such localized replacement of fouled plumage may occur regularly both in white-eyes and in other short-billed nectar-feeder.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1996
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:
- Date Issued: 1996
- 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:
- Date Issued: 1996
Seed dispersal in an African fig tree: birds as high quantity, low quality dispersers?
- Compton, Stephen G, Craig, Adrian J F K, Waters, I W R
- Authors: Compton, Stephen G , Craig, Adrian J F K , Waters, I W R
- Date: 1996
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/465445 , vital:76610 , https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2699.1996.tb00017.x
- Description: Ficus burtt‐davyi is a shrub or small tree found in the south and east of South Africa. Based on studies carried out in an area where the plant grows mainly as a rock‐splitter, we first describe the nature and timing of the fruit resources it offers to potential dispersal agents, and then the animals that feed on the fruits. The figs are eaten by a diverse avian disperser assemblage, although just two species comprised about half of the recorded visits to the trees. Germination trials with seeds defecated by the birds found that they germinated more quickly than control seeds. Small terrestrial mammals and ants were also found to have a role in fig seed dispersal which may be disproportionate to the number of seeds they transport.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1996
- Authors: Compton, Stephen G , Craig, Adrian J F K , Waters, I W R
- Date: 1996
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/465445 , vital:76610 , https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2699.1996.tb00017.x
- Description: Ficus burtt‐davyi is a shrub or small tree found in the south and east of South Africa. Based on studies carried out in an area where the plant grows mainly as a rock‐splitter, we first describe the nature and timing of the fruit resources it offers to potential dispersal agents, and then the animals that feed on the fruits. The figs are eaten by a diverse avian disperser assemblage, although just two species comprised about half of the recorded visits to the trees. Germination trials with seeds defecated by the birds found that they germinated more quickly than control seeds. Small terrestrial mammals and ants were also found to have a role in fig seed dispersal which may be disproportionate to the number of seeds they transport.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1996
The annual cycle of wing‐moult and breeding in the Wattled Starling Creatophora cinerea
- Authors: Craig, Adrian J F K
- Date: 1996
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/465496 , vital:76614 , https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1474-919X.1996.tb08063.x
- Description: Moult, breeding and seasonal occurrence of the Wattled Starling Creatophora cinerea throughout its range in Africa are reviewed based on data from museum specimens and the published literature. Neither moult nor breeding follows a rigid seasonal pattern, although there are some regional differences, and overlap between moult and breeding is unlikely. The regular occurrence of interrupted wing‐moult may be associated with nomadic movements rather than opportunistic breeding.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1996
- Authors: Craig, Adrian J F K
- Date: 1996
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/465496 , vital:76614 , https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1474-919X.1996.tb08063.x
- Description: Moult, breeding and seasonal occurrence of the Wattled Starling Creatophora cinerea throughout its range in Africa are reviewed based on data from museum specimens and the published literature. Neither moult nor breeding follows a rigid seasonal pattern, although there are some regional differences, and overlap between moult and breeding is unlikely. The regular occurrence of interrupted wing‐moult may be associated with nomadic movements rather than opportunistic breeding.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1996
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.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1994
- 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.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1994
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.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1992
- 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.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1992
Histological basis of age-related changes in iris color in the African Pied Starling (Spreo bicolor)
- Sweijd, Neville, Craig, Adrian J F K
- Authors: Sweijd, Neville , Craig, Adrian J F K
- Date: 1991
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/465393 , vital:76600 , http://www.jstor.org/stable/4088047
- Description: Juvenile African Pied Starlings (Spreo bicolor) have a dark brown iris, but after the first year iris color changes progressively until adult birds have a creamy-white iris. Using light and electron microscopy, we found that the pigment epithelium of the iris remains pigmented, while changes occur in the pigmentation of the anterior border layer and the stroma of the subadult and adult iris. In the juvenile iris the anterior border layer is darkly pigmented, but in the subadult iris this pigmentation is lost progressively, while pigment granules are deposited in the stroma. In adults, the stroma is heavily pigmented with a solid refractory pigment, and the anterior border layer is clear.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1991
Histological basis of age-related changes in iris color in the African Pied Starling (Spreo bicolor)
- Authors: Sweijd, Neville , Craig, Adrian J F K
- Date: 1991
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/465393 , vital:76600 , http://www.jstor.org/stable/4088047
- Description: Juvenile African Pied Starlings (Spreo bicolor) have a dark brown iris, but after the first year iris color changes progressively until adult birds have a creamy-white iris. Using light and electron microscopy, we found that the pigment epithelium of the iris remains pigmented, while changes occur in the pigmentation of the anterior border layer and the stroma of the subadult and adult iris. In the juvenile iris the anterior border layer is darkly pigmented, but in the subadult iris this pigmentation is lost progressively, while pigment granules are deposited in the stroma. In adults, the stroma is heavily pigmented with a solid refractory pigment, and the anterior border layer is clear.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1991
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.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1991
- 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.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1991
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.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1989
- 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.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1989
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.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1989
- 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.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1989
The timing of moult, morphology, and an assessment of the races of the Redwinged Starling
- Authors: Craig, Adrian J F K
- Date: 1988
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/465560 , vital:76620 , https://zoologicalbulletin.de/articles/bzb-1980-1989/187-volume-39-4-november-1988
- Description: An examination of wing-moult and the morphology of museum specimens of the Redwinged Starling has revealed clinal variation in wing-and tail-length in eastern Africa, but only two distinct groups with regard to the timing of wing-moult. Multivariate analysis suggests that only two subspecies should be recognised, O. morio rueppellii in Ethiopia and O. m. morio from Kenya to South Africa. Overlap and intergradation occurs in northern Kenya and adjacent areas.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1988
- Authors: Craig, Adrian J F K
- Date: 1988
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/465560 , vital:76620 , https://zoologicalbulletin.de/articles/bzb-1980-1989/187-volume-39-4-november-1988
- Description: An examination of wing-moult and the morphology of museum specimens of the Redwinged Starling has revealed clinal variation in wing-and tail-length in eastern Africa, but only two distinct groups with regard to the timing of wing-moult. Multivariate analysis suggests that only two subspecies should be recognised, O. morio rueppellii in Ethiopia and O. m. morio from Kenya to South Africa. Overlap and intergradation occurs in northern Kenya and adjacent areas.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1988
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.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1987
- 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.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1987
Breeding condition of male red bishops under artificial photoperiods
- Authors: Craig, Adrian J F K
- Date: 1985
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/447761 , vital:74672 , https://doi.org/10.1080/00306525.1985.9639572
- Description: Testis development, as indicated by bill colour changes, and moult were followed over two years in nine birds kept under constant conditions of 14 h light:10 h dark. All birds maintained at least partial nuptial dumage throughout this period, but most continued normal cycles of wing moult. The testes continued to show cycles of enlargement and regression.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1985
- Authors: Craig, Adrian J F K
- Date: 1985
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: text , article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/447761 , vital:74672 , https://doi.org/10.1080/00306525.1985.9639572
- Description: Testis development, as indicated by bill colour changes, and moult were followed over two years in nine birds kept under constant conditions of 14 h light:10 h dark. All birds maintained at least partial nuptial dumage throughout this period, but most continued normal cycles of wing moult. The testes continued to show cycles of enlargement and regression.
- Full Text: false
- Date Issued: 1985
The arrangement and structure of feather melanin granules as a taxonomic character in African starlings (Sturnidae)
- Craig, Adrian J F K, Hartley, Alex H
- Authors: Craig, Adrian J F K , Hartley, Alex H
- Date: 1985
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/465507 , vital:76615 , https://www.jstor.org/stable/4086659
- Description: Electron micrographs of transverse sections of starling feathers, show-ing different structural types:(a) type A, Creatophora cinerea;(b) type B, Poeoptera kenricki;(c) type B, Lamprotornis purpureiceps;(d) type C, Spreo fischeri. nus Hylopsar, and are grouped as a superspecies by Hall and Moreau (1970). Here similar colors apparently are produced by a very different underlying structure. While these species share type B with the genus Poeoptera, there are differences in the details of the melanin granule arrangement, as well as other morphological differences.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1985
- Authors: Craig, Adrian J F K , Hartley, Alex H
- Date: 1985
- Subjects: To be catalogued
- Language: English
- Type: article
- Identifier: http://hdl.handle.net/10962/465507 , vital:76615 , https://www.jstor.org/stable/4086659
- Description: Electron micrographs of transverse sections of starling feathers, show-ing different structural types:(a) type A, Creatophora cinerea;(b) type B, Poeoptera kenricki;(c) type B, Lamprotornis purpureiceps;(d) type C, Spreo fischeri. nus Hylopsar, and are grouped as a superspecies by Hall and Moreau (1970). Here similar colors apparently are produced by a very different underlying structure. While these species share type B with the genus Poeoptera, there are differences in the details of the melanin granule arrangement, as well as other morphological differences.
- Full Text:
- Date Issued: 1985