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Research topics in:
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Ornithology |
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Anstee, Jennifer, "Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao) chick development in Carara Biological Reserve, Costa Rica". Adv. Christopher Vaughan. Ripon College. 1997. 10pp. I studied Scarlet macaw (Ara macao) chick development at Carara Biological Reserve in Costa Rica. The study focused on the developmental rate of individual chicks, and to see if these rates differed according to birth order or brood size. Chicks were weighed every three to seven days during March and April 1997, which coincides with the nesting season of the Scarlet macaw. Data collected were plotted in a simple regression and then graphed to compare the slope for each chick. In this sample, there appeared to be no significant difference in developmental rate according to birth order or brood size. Bell-Johnson, Brook, "Distinct Avifauna in Dry and Humid Habitats Mix when the Habitats are in Close Proximity." Adv. Daniel Hernández. Grinnell. 1996. 17pp. In the transitional, dry and humid forests of Punta Leona, Costa Rica (84°40'W and 9°40'N), 263.3 net hours and 51 transect count hours were performed to compare the distribution of the avifauna in the three forests. The heaviest and the largest number of birds were netted and seen in the humid forest. The eating habits of the populations in each habitat type were the same, except that the dry site had a larger percent age of nectavores. A comparison of the 35 most frequently identified birds' habitat preferences in the whole of Costa Rica and in Punta Leona revealed that they were less specialized in Punta Leona because the different habitats were close together. Biga, Heather, "Compartative Analysis of Hoffmann's and Golden Olive Woodpecker Behaviors Associated with Nest Predation by Emerald Toucanets." Adv. Harlow Hadow. Cornell. 1992. 18pp. The nesting biology of Golden Olive and Hoffmann's woodpeckers was studied in the mountainous region of Monteverde, Costa Rica, during the spring of l992. After observing extremely high rates of nest loss, due to predation by Emerald Toucanets, the project evolved into a comparative study of the behaviors displayed by both woodpecker species before and after predation, as well as methods of defense. The Hoffmann's woodpecker aggressively defends its nest through vocalizations and diving at the predator. The Golden Olive woodpecker is passive in its defense, continuously trying to maintain its crypticness. Neither tactic insures nest success, which is documented by the tremendous nest loss experienced by both species throughout the study. Bremer, Mark A., “Parental Nest Visitation of the Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao), ACOPAC, Costa Rica.” Adv. Christopher S. Vaughan. Colorado College '01. 2000. 10pp. Nest visitation and behavior of adult Scarlet Macaws (Ara macao) was studied during the nesting season (February-April, 2000) in the Hacienda Quebrada Bonita, 9°47'N, 84°37'W, in the Central Pacific Conservation Area (ACOPAC), Costa Rica. It was found that parental time at nest, number of visits, and duration of visits all decreased significantly during nestling development. One adult was present 86% of the time during incubation days -28 to 0, averaging 83 minute stays, while between chick days 44 to 82, parents averaged 24 minute stays, spending only 13% of the time present. Bremer, Mark A., “Artificial Nestbox Use by the Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao), ACOPAC, Costa Rica.” Adv. Christopher S. Vaughan. Colorado College '01. 2000. 7pp. Artificial nest box visitation and use by adult Scarlet Macaws (Ara macao) was studied during the nesting season (February-April, 2000) in Carara National Park, the Hacienda Quebrada Bonita, Club Punta Leona, and Quebrada de Gandado, 9°47'N, 84°37'W, in the Central Pacific Conservation Area (ACOPAC), Costa Rica. Twenty-five nests were monitored for A. macao activity, those with activity were climbed and inspected for signs of nesting. It was found that 13 nests were prepared for nesting, 3 had eggs laid, and 1 fledged chicks. |
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Davis, Beckley Keith, "Malaria and Related Organisms in the Avifauna of Curú National Wildlife Refuge." Adv. Claudette Mo. Colorado. 1994. During the 1994 dry season (March and April) mist-netting was employed in six altered and transitional life zones. One hundred seventy-five birds distributed in 18 avian families were sampled in which peripheral (toe-nail) blood was taken. Simple smears were made and fixed, then stained with Geimsa's stain for later lab analysis. I looked specifically for the intraerythrocitic parasites of the order Haemosporina which includes the Haemoproteus sp., Plasmodium sp. and Leucocytozoo sp. I found that the refuge housed only a prevalence of 3.2% in resident birds and a null prevalence in migrants. The former value was broken down to 2.3% for Haemoproteus, 0.9% for Plasmodium and 0% for Leucocytozoo. The Columbidae family (doves and pigeons) contained all occurrences of Haemoproteus sp. infection which translated into a familial prevalence of 11%. The single Plamodium sp. infection occurred in the Tyrranidae family (American flycatchers) which corresponded to a familial prevalence of 4%. Elliott, Jamie Lee, "Comparative Feeding Success of Roseate Spoonbills (Ajaia ajaja) in the Rice Fields of Bagatzí and the wetlands of Palo Verde National Park, Costa Rica." Adv. Mike McCoy. Ripon. 2003. This project will compare the feeding success and behavior of the Roseate Spoonbill in rice fields in the Bagatzí area and natural wetlands in the Palo Verde National Park. Rice fields are considered to be a close facsimile to wetlands, yet there is no scientific proof to indicate whether or not they are suitable habitats for large wading birds. The researcher intends to help confirm that rice fields are viable habitats for large wading birds and to provide information about a bird that has been little studied. Fisher, Marta, "Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao) Nesting Habits in Central Pacific Conservation Area, Costa Rica." Adv. Chris Vaughan. Grinnell. 1996. 20pp. Eighteen Scarlet macaw (Ara macao) nests were studied in the Central Pacific Conservation Area (CPCA) in Costa Rica. Tree species, tree height, diameter at breast height (DBH), tree state, nest orientation, nest height, poaching risk and nest occupation were noted for each macaw nest tree. Eight of 18 Scarlet macaw nests were found in live Schizolobium parahybum trees. Macaws nest in trees with all nest orientations. Scarlet macaw nest tree heights range between 15 and 60 m, nest heights between 6 and 40 m, and DBH between 150 and 900 cm. Only six of 16 nests used in 1993 were occupied in 1996, which indicates a high rate of nest loss. Foehner, Jennifer, "Resource partitioning of eleven bird species feeding on blackberries (Rubus sp.) in a Cloud forest habitat at Tres de Junio, Costa Rica." Adv. Carlos Valerio. Monmouth. 1994. 7pp. This study focused on how the different species of birds that eat blackberry (Rubus sp.) in a tropical highland cloud forest partition this resource. The study period was 13 days long in the month of April from 5:30 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. Eleven species of birds were observed utilizing this food resource. The two most common, Mountain Robin (Turdus plebejus) and Black-and-Yellow Silky-Flycatcher (Phainoptila melanoxantha) have developed a feeding schedule to partition this resource. Guittar, John, "Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao) Nesting Characteristics in the Osa Peninsula Conservation Area (ACOSA), Costa Rica." Adv. Dr. Christopher Vaughan, University of Wisconsin. Grinnell College. 2006. Scarlet Macaw nest cavities were studied from February 19th to March 22nd (2006) in the Osa Peninsula Conservation Area (ACOSA), Costa Rica. Nesting sites were found through informal interviews with residents. A total of 57 potential nests were found in 52 trees. Of 14 tree species used for nesting (n=50), the most common were Caryocar costaricense (n = 12, 24.0%), Schizolobium parahybum (n = 9, 18.0%), Ceiba pentandra (n = 7, 14.0%) and Ficus sp. (n = 5, 10.0%). Nesting cavities were more common in living (74.5%) than dead trees (25.5%) and in trunks (67.3%) than branches (32.7%). Eleven of 57 nests were reported by locals as poached. Results are compared to a similar study done in the Central Pacific Conservation Area (Vaughan et al. 2003b). Hart, Rachel, "Success of Foraging Great Egrets (Casmerodius albus) in the Rice Fields of Bagatzí, Guanacaste, Costa Rica." Adv. Mike McCoy. St. Olaf. 1998. 10 pp. I studied the feeding success of great egrets (Casmerodius albus) through 1906 min of observation in 1-3 month-old rice fields in northwestern Costa Rica during March and April 1998. I observed 1-3 egrets as they were found in different rice height and water depth categories. I estimated number of strikes/min/bird, number of successful strikes/min/bird and time between total strikes. Mean strikes/min/bird were greater in 5 to <10 cm and in >10 cm water, but not significantly (P=0.52), and in 0 to <10 cm and 40 to <50 cm rice, but not significantly (P=0.42). I spent 65% of observation time in fields with rice heights between 40 and <50 cm. The strike rate and success rate were higher for rice 40 to <50, and in 5 to <10 cm of water. The time between strikes was low in 5 to <10 cm of water and 40 to <50 cm rice. Fields with young rice did not harbor many birds because farmers drained the fields after planting and did not flood them again until the rice was about 25 cm high. Great egrets were found most often in fields with 5 to <10 cm of water and rice 40 to <50 cm high and the relatively high success rates in these categories suggest these conditions are preferred. Hellenga, Caitrine and Schwartz, Anya, "Nest-site Characteristics, Population Density, and Behavior of the Resplendent Quetzal in the Talamanca Range." Adv. Carlos Valerio. Grinnell. 1992. 20pp. This paper presents a population study of the Resplendant Quetzal (Pharomachrus mocinno costaricensis) in the area of Tres de Junio, Costa Rica. We collected data on 33 nest trunks and 56 finished and unfinished nest holes. Based on aspects of our nest data and observations of nesting Quetzals, we offer suggestions for the construction of artificial nests in dry trunks. In the second part of our study, we censused the Quetzal population within an 85 hectare area. Using a playback/response methodology, we estimated the total number of Quetzals in this area to be 36. Additionally, the paper presents several behavioral observations recorded over the course of the two month research period. |
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Hupton, Gina, "Behavior of Hoffmans Woodpeckers (Melanerpes hoffmannii) in Monteverde" Adv. Harlow Hadow. Colorado. 1992. 22pp. I studied the general behavior of Melanerpes hoffmannii during March and April in Monteverde, Costa Rica. The main focus of my research was to collect information on the foraging behavior of this woodpecker since no known quantitative data previously existed. From my observations, I have compiled partial lists of the diet of these birds. In addition, this study presents percentage distributions of foraging techniques and locations. With continuously timed observations, I was able to construct an ethogram reflecting the percentage of time the woodpeckers are involved in each of six activities. This research provides preliminary insight into the behavioral differences between male and female Hoffmann's woodpeckers as well as their interaction with the ecosystem as a whole. Liske, Jill, "Ara macao in Carara Biological Reserve: Population Census, Nest Site Preference, Food Preference, and Economic Value." Adv. Chris Vaughan. Lake Forest. 1990. 8pp. In March and April of 1990, Ara macao was censused in Carara Biological Reserve by counting daily migrations. The highest number seen was 167 macaws. During March and April, Schizolobium parahybum was a major food source. Six nest sites were between 10-46m high in trees averaging 39.8m in height and 1.15m diameter at breast height. Average nest hole dimensions were 17.5cm x 31.8cm. Over US$150,000 were invested in Costa Rica by 1709 tourists visiting Carara in March and April. Nemeth, Nicole, "Bird Diversity and Vegetation in Four Different Habitat Types of Curú National Wildlife Refuge." Adv. Chris Vaughan. Grinnell College. 1994. 16pp. Birds were mist-netted in four different habitat types of Curú Wildlife Refuge in Costa Rica, throughout March and April of 1994. Habitat types of differing stages of succession and levels of disturbance included evergreen forest, charral secondary growth forest, riparian, and living fence rows in pasture. Bird species, time of day, habitat type, and migrants were recorded to determine how bird activity can aid in reforestation. Each habitat was found important to maintain diversity of both resident and migrant birds in Curú as well as habitat specialists and generalists, though there was a significant difference in the number of birds in each habitat type. Results areimportant in light of Curú's present management theories of self-sustainability through farming and raising livestock, while fulfilling its role as a wildlife refuge by preserving forested areas and allowing disturbed areas to reforest. Orozco, Valeria, "Tractor disturbance effect on feeding success of common egrets (Casmerodious albus) in irrigated rice fields versus undisturbed natural wetlands in Guanacaste, Costa Rica." Adv. Mike McCoy. Monmouth. 1998. 15pp. The purpose of this study was to determine the effect of tractor disturbance on the feeding success of the common egret (Casmerodius albus) at two sites: irrigated rice fields outside Palo Verde National Park (with tractor disturbance) and natural wetlands in the park (without tractor disturbance). Both sites were located in the province of Guanacaste in Costa Rica. Common egrets were observed using binoculars (7X35). During observation, time of strike, whether strike was successful or not and what type of prey was eaten were noted. Total time of observation was 16.5 hrs. in Palo Verde and total time of observation in rice fields was 7.4 hrs. Mean percent successful strikes in rice fields (74.87%) was greater than in Palo Verde wetlands (48.13%) (P<0.00009). Mean time between strikes in rice fields (99 sec.) was less than in Palo Verde wetlands (257 sec.) (P<0.00009). Mean time between successful strikes in the rice fields (123 sec.) was less than in the Palo Verde wetlands (334 sec.) (P<0.00009). The data supports the optimal foraging theory and in addition to this, provides an example for sustainable agriculture. Perron-Burdick, A., “Development of Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao) chicks in the Central Pacific Coastal Region of Costa Rica.” Adv. Christopher S. Vaughan. The Colorado College. 2000. 6pp. Metromorphic development of six wild Scarlet Macaw chicks (Ara Macao) was studied in the Central Pacific Region of Costa Rica (9"46'N, 84"69'W) during the nesting seasons of 1997 and 2000. Growth rates in beak length, wing length, foot length, tail length, neck circumference and weight matched those of other neotropical parrots. Metromorphic measurements grew at a similar rate and fitted Ricklefs?growth curve for normal bird growth. No difference was found in the growth rates between chicks with or without nestmates. |
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Potter, Chris, "Nesting Habits, Roosting Site Identification, Utilization of Areas Outside the Reserve, Potential Nest Tree Identification and Hole Dimensions for the Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao) Population of Carara Biological Reserve." Lake Forest. 1991. 16pp. In March and April of 1991, the scarlet macaw (Ara macao) population of Carara Biological Reserve was studied. It was found that the macaw population is generally unsuccessful at fledging young due to a variety of problems, poaching for the pet trade being the largest. A nest observation study found that the male macaw spent much less time on the nest than the female and spent the majority of the midday hours away from the nest. Many individuals in this population utilized the forested islands outside the reserve to feed and nest. It is concluded that the macaws don't roost as a large group in Gaucalillo Mangrove Reserve, but as pairs or slightly larger feeding groups. Potential nesting trees were looked for and it was found that there are 1.75 potential nest trees and 1.5 potential future nest trees per hectare in the reserve. Three new sights were found that were between 32 and 37 meters in height, an average diameter at breast height of 1.3 m, and had nest hole dimensions averaging 43.6 cm x 36 cm. Schuster, Sarah, "Richness and Abundance of Aquatic Bird Species during Spring Migration at Chomes Mar S.A., Puntarenas." Adv. Carmen Hidalgo. Colorado. 1999. 13pp. Aquatic bird species censuses were conducted during spring migration of March and April in the shrimp culture ponds and surrounding habitat of intertidal mud flats and mangrove swamps on the grounds of Chomes Mar S.A., Chomes, Puntarenas. The main objective of my study was to assess the richness and abundance of aquatic bird species utilizing the area. From censuses conducted using both point count and fixed point methodology, I was able to characterize the general composition of the aquatic avifauna and document some of the changes in the area due to migratory movements and changes in habitat availability. I also registered local Spanish common names for many of the species. This study provides a preliminary indication of the population composition in an area of critical habitat for many bird species in the Gulf of Nicoya. Stuart, Brendan, "The Natural History of the Sooty Robin (Turdus nigrescens), in Tres de Junio, Costa Rica." Adv. Carlos Valerio. Grinnell. 1996. 23 pp. The natural history of the Sooty Robin (Turdus nigrescens) was studied during March and April, 1996, in Tres de Junio, Costa Rica. Information was collected on vocalizations, territorial behavior, food foraging, nesting, incubation, and care of the young, because no data previously existed. Observational methods were used to compile this information. Very territorial, this species exhibits many intraspecific behaviors, accompanied by various vocalizations. The Sooty Robin forages for fruits, worms, insects and the occasional lizard, in second-growth areas or open pastures. Nests found were located three to five meters up in trees bordering pastures. The female incubated the young with no help from the male, and had a mean time of ten minutes spent at the nest per visit over a course of days. Both parents fed the young a diet of worms, insect larvae, fruits and a lizard. Taapken, Seth, “Foraging success of great egret (Casmerodius albus) in the Palo Verde Marsh, Guanacaste, Costa Rica.” Adv. Michael McCoy. Macalester. 1999. 15pp. I studied the foraging behavior of the great egret (Casmerodius albus) with relation to distance from cattle in the Palo Verde Marsh, Guanacaste, Costa Rica. Through 18 days of observation in April 1999 I determined that mean attempts/min foraging and mean successes/min foraging showed a biological trend of being less when the bird was less than or equal to 20 m from the nearest cow or horse (P = 0.1306 and P = 0.1446, respectively). There was no evidence that any foraging measures were affected by open water vs. exposed soil habitats. I also determined, through a behavioral tally, that great egret exhibited negative or indifferent reactions to cattle with greater frequency than positive reactions (P = 0.0338). The reason for these results, contrary to past observations, has to do with differing reactions of prey to cattle in marsh versus other habitats. Wall, Jason T., "Observing the Nesting Behavior of the Scarlet Macaw (Ara macao)." Adv. Chris Vaughan. St. Olaf. 1995. 32pp. This study focused on the nesting behavior of Ara macao during March and April 1995, in the mountains to the east of the town of Quebrada Ganado and the reserve of Punta Leona, 84°35'W, 9°47'N, in the Central Pacific Region of Costa Rica. The purpose of this research was to gather information concerning the behavior of nesting Scarlet Macaws and to observe nestling development in relation to parental behavior. The nests were observed for a 10.9 hour period during the day and a chronological record of the behavioral activities of the pair was constructed. This information was used to determine the amount of time each individual engaged in a certain behavior daily. Four major behavioral activities were recorded daily. The number of times the nest was entered, the amount of time perching and the amount of time spent in the nest all decreased over time, while the amount of time spent away from the nest increased. These observations provided information about the behavior of Scarlet Macaws throughout the nesting period. |
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Wood, Christopher L., "Bird Voices of High Elevations and the Central Pacific Slope." (Cassette) Adv. Carlos Valerio. Ripon. 1996. 9pp (80 minutes). I made tape recordings of bird vocalizations during March and April in high elevations and on the Central Pacific Slope of Costa Rica. High elevation recording locations included: Las Vueltas, Cerro de la Muerte, Providencia, Río Blanco, Copey, and San Gerardo de Dota. Recordings made along the South Central Pacific Slope were mainly recorded at Punta Leona, but others were taken at Carara Biological Reserve , and "Los Cusingos." The main focus of my research was to record bird vocalizations to serve as an aid to future research. The cassette tape includes some 90 species from these areas. The tape includes a list of bird species (scientific, English and Spanish names), as well as recording location. In addition to the cassette a checklist has been prepared of the bird species of Las Vueltas, the area where I spent the longest time making recordings. |
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