Open Access
How to translate text using browser tools
1 December 2004 Faecal Escherichia coli and Chlamydophila psittaci in the Superb Lyrebird Menura novaehollandiae: Host Sex and Age Effects
Rebecca J. Milne, Aldo Poiani, Graeme Coulson, Rachel Auld
Author Affiliations +
Abstract

The Superb Lyrebird is a sexually dimorphic passerine that although is not considered endangered, it has been declining in population size since the 1940s due primarily to urban development. Recent reports suggest that lyrebirds may be threatened by chlamydial infection. We studied levels of faecal infection by two microparasites in lyrebirds: Chlamydophila psittaci and Escherichia coli in the Sherbrooke Forest, south-eastern Australia. Fresh faecal samples were obtained from 33 lyrebirds (15 adult females, 13 adult males and 5 juveniles) — estimated of 27.5% of the population, all of them tested negative to Ch. psittaci. E. coli prevalence was compared between adult males and females and no difference was found. This result is expected, for instance, if E. coli is sexually transmitted and lyrebirds are promiscuous. Trends for juveniles to be more parasitized than adults were detected, but they were statistically not significant. Behavioural analyses of video footage indicate that E. coli infected birds did not allocate more or less time to any of the activities considered than did non infected birds. This might suggest that E. coli infection in lyrebirds is relatively benign, and behavioural effects may thus be subtle. No significant differences were found in specific measurements of foraging behaviour but non infected birds tended to scratch more frequently than infected birds.

REFERENCES

1.

M. K. Archbold 2003. Sexual selection and ecological aspects of cloacal microorganism infection in some Australian birds. Honours Thesis, University of Melbourne. Google Scholar

2.

G. B. Baker , R. Gales , S. Hamilton , V. Wilkinson 2002. Albatrosses and petrels in Australia: a review of their conservation and management. Emu 102: 71–97. Google Scholar

3.

P. C. Banko , R. E. David , J. D. Jacobi , W. E. Banko 2001. Conservation status and recovery strategies for endemic Hawaiian birds. Studies in Avian Biol. 22: 359–376. Google Scholar

4.

J. R. Belthoff , A. M. J. Duffy 1998. Corticosterone, body condition and locomotor activity: A model for dispersal in screech owls. Anim. Behav. 55: 405–15. Google Scholar

5.

A. Best , R. M. La Ragione , W. A. Cooley , C. D. O'Connor , P. Velge , M. J. Woodward 2003. Interaction with avian cells and colonisation of specific pathogen free chicks by Shigatoxin negative Escherichia coli 0157:h7 (NCTC 12900). Vet. Microbiol. 93: 207–222. Google Scholar

6.

D. E. Biggins , M. Y. Kosoy 2001. Influences of introduced plague on North American mammals: implications from ecology of plague in Asia. J. Mammal. 82: 906–916. Google Scholar

7.

D. T. Booth , D. H. Clayton , B. Block 1993. Experimental demonstration of the energetic cost of parasitism, in free-ranging hosts. Proc. R. Soc. London B 253: 125–129. Google Scholar

8.

G. Borgia , K. Collis 1989. Female choice for parasite-free male satin bowerbirds and the evolution of bright male plumage. Behav. Ecol. Sociobiol. 25: 445–154. Google Scholar

9.

J. Cassinello , M. Gomendio , E. R. S. Roldan 2001. Relationship between coefficient of inbreeding and parasite burden in endangered gazelles. Conserv. Biol. 15: 1171–1174. Google Scholar

10.

M. J. Childress , M. A. Lung 2003. Predation risk, gender and the group size effect: does elk vigilance depend on the behaviour of conspecifics? Anim. Behav. 66: 389–398. Google Scholar

11.

P. Christe , H. Richner , A. Oppliger 1996. Of great tits and fleas: Sleep baby sleep. Anim. Behav. 52: 1087–1092. Google Scholar

12.

D. H. Clayton 1990. Mate choice in experimentally parasitized Rock Doves: lousy males lose. Am. Zool. 30: 251–262. Google Scholar

13.

D. H. Clayton 1991. Coevolution of avian grooming and ectoparasite avoidance. In: J. E. Loye , M. Zuk (eds). Bird-parasite interactions. Oxford Univ. Press, pp. 258–289. Google Scholar

14.

D. H. Clayton , J. Moore (eds). 1997. Host parasite evolution: general principles and avian models. Oxford Univ. Pres. Google Scholar

15.

A. M. L. Colagross , A. Cockburn 1993. Vigilance and grouping in the eastern grey kangaroo, Macropus giganteus. Aust. J. Zool. 41: 325–334. Google Scholar

16.

A. Dobson , P. Hudson 1995. The interaction between the parasites and predators of red grouse Lapogus lapogus scoticus. Ibis 137: 87–96. Google Scholar

17.

G. Duffy 2003. Verocytoxigenic Escherichia coli in animal faeces, manures and slurries. J. Appl. Microbiol. 94: 94–106. Google Scholar

18.

G. Dwyer , S. A. Levin , L. Buttell 1990. A simulation model of the population dynamics and evolution of myxomatosis. Ecol. Monog. 60: 423–47. Google Scholar

19.

K. D. E. Everett 2000. Chlamydia and Chlamydiales: more than meets the eye. Vet. Microbiol. 75: 109–126. Google Scholar

20.

F. Fenner , P. J. Kerr 1994. Evolution of the pox viruses, including the coevolution of virus and host in myxomatosis. In: S. S. Moorse (ed.). The evolutionary biology of viruses. Raven Press, New York, pp. 273–292. Google Scholar

21.

T. Getty 2001. Signaling health versus parasites. Am. Nat. 159: 363–371. Google Scholar

22.

S. M. Gomis , T. Watts , C. Riddell , A. A. Potter , B. J. Allan 1997. Experimental reproduction of Escherichia coli cellulitis and septicemia in broiler chickens. Avian Dis. 41: 234–240. Google Scholar

23.

D. M. Gordon , A. Cowling 2003. The distribution and genetic structure of Escherichia colt in Australian vertebrates: host and geographic effects. Microbiol. 149: 3575–3586. Google Scholar

24.

W. B. Gross 1991. Colibacillosis. In: B. W. Calnek , H. J. Barnes , C. W. Beard , W. M. Reid , H. W. Yoder Jr (eds). Diseases of poultry. Iowa State Univ. Press: Ames, pp. 138–144. Google Scholar

25.

W. D. Hamilton, M. Zuk 1982. Heritable true fitness and bright birds: a role for parasites? Science 218: 384–387. Google Scholar

26.

P J. Higgins , J. M. Peter , W. K. Steele 2001. Menura novaehollandiae Superb Lyrebird. In: P J. Higgins , J. M. Peter , W K. Steele (eds). Handbook of Australian, New Zealand and Antarctic Birds. Oxford Univ. Press, pp. 142–173. Google Scholar

27.

N. Hillgarth , J. C. Wingfield 1997. Parasite-mediated sexual selection: Endocrine aspects. In: D. H. Clayton , J. Moore (eds). Host parasite evolution: General principles and avian models. Oxford University Press, pp. 78–104. Google Scholar

28.

P. H. Holz , D. R. Middleton , R. F. Slocombe 2003. Chlamydiophilosis in superb lyrebirds (Menura novaehollandiae). Aust. Vet. J. 81: 426–127. Google Scholar

29.

G. Hupton , S. Portocarrero , M. Newman , D. F. Westneat 2003. Bacteria in the reproductive tracts of red-winged black birds. Condor 105: 453–64. Google Scholar

30.

J. L. John 1997. Seven comments on the theory of sosigonic selection. J. Theor. Biol. 187: 333–349. Google Scholar

31.

R. F. Kenyon 1972. Polygyny among superb lyrebirds in Sherbrook Forest, Kallista, Victoria. Emu 72: 70–76. Google Scholar

32.

M. Kirkpatrick , M. J. Ryan 1991. The evolution of mating preferences and the paradox of the lek. Nature 350: 33–38. Google Scholar

33.

S. C. Latta 2003. Effects of scaley-leg mite infestations on body condition and site fidelity of migratory warblers in the Dominican Republic. Auk 120: 730–743. Google Scholar

34.

K. A. Lee , J. C. Franson , J. M. Kinsella , T. Hollmen , S. P. Hansen , A. Hollmen 2004. Intestinal helminths in mourning doves (Zenaida macroura) from Arizona, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, and Tennessee, U.S.A. Comp. Parasitol. 71: 81–85. Google Scholar

35.

M. P. Lombardo , P. A. Thorpe , H. W. Power 1999. Inoculation of beneficial microbes as a potential direct benefit to female birds from participating in copulation, including extra-pair copulations. Behav. Ecol. 10: 333–337. Google Scholar

36.

J. Loye , S. Carrol 1995. Birds, bugs and blood: avian parasitism and conservation. Trends Ecol. Evol. 10: 232–235. Google Scholar

37.

J. E. Loye , M. Zuk 1991. Bird Parasite Interactions. Oxford Univ. Press. Google Scholar

38.

N. P. Lung , J. P. Thompson , G V. Kollias Jr , J. H. Olsen , J. M. Zdziarski , P. A. Klein 1996. Maternal immunoglobulin G antibody transfer and development of immunoglobulin G antibody responses in Blue and Gold Macaw (Ara ararauna) chicks. Am. J. Vet. Res. 57: 1162–1167. Google Scholar

39.

P. Mardh , J. Paavonen , M. Puolakkainen 1989. Chlamydia. Plenum Publishing, New York. Google Scholar

40.

J. Moore 1995. The behaviour of parasitized animals. Bioscience 45: 89–96. Google Scholar

41.

A. Poiani 2002. Sperm competition promoted by sexually transmitted pathogens and female immune defences. Ethol. Ecol. Evol. 14: 327–340. Google Scholar

42.

A. Poiani , J. Gwozdz 2002. Cloacal microorganisms and mating systems of four Australian bird species. Emu 102: 291–296. Google Scholar

43.

A. Poiani , C. Wilks 2000a. Cloacal microparasites and sexual selection in three Australian passerine species. Ethol. Ecol. Evol. 12: 251–258. Google Scholar

44.

A. Poiani , C. Wilks 2000b. Sexually transmitted diseases: a possible cost of promiscuity. Auk 117: 1061–1065. Google Scholar

45.

J. Potti , S. Merino 1995. Louse loads of Pied Flycatchers: Effects of host's sex, age, condition and relatedness. J. Avian Biol. 26:203–208. Google Scholar

46.

V. Powys 1995. Regional variation in the territorial songs of superb lyrebirds in the central tablelands of New South Wales. Emu 95: 280–289. Google Scholar

47.

H. C. Proctor , D. N. Jones 2004. Geographical structuring of feather mite assemblages from the Australian brush-turkey (Aves: Megapodiidae). J. Parasitol. 90: 60–66. Google Scholar

48.

P. J. Quinn , M. E. Carter , B. Markey 1994. Clinical veterinary microbiology. Wolfe Publishing, London. Google Scholar

49.

P. N. Reilly 1988. The Lyrebird. University of New South Wales Press, Sydney. Google Scholar

50.

F. N. Robinson 1991. Phatic communication in bird song. Emu 81: 145–157. Google Scholar

51.

F. N. Robinson , H. S. Curtis 1996. The vocal displays of the lyrebirds (Menuridae). Emu 96: 258–275. Google Scholar

52.

F. N. Robinson , H. J. Frith 1981. The Superb Lyrebird Menura novaehollandiae at Tidbinbilla, ACT. Emu 81: 145–157. Google Scholar

53.

L. Rozsa 1993. An experimental test of the site specifity of preening to control lice in feral pigeons. J. Parasitol. 79: 968–970. Google Scholar

54.

L. Rozsa , J. Rkasi , J. Reiczigel 1996. Relationship of host coloniality to the population ecology of avian lice (Insecta: Phthiraptera). J. Anim. Ecol. 65: 242–248. Google Scholar

55.

D. Shutler , C. D. Ankney , D. G. Dennis 1996. Could the blood parasite Leucocytozoon deter mallard range expansion? J. Wildl. Manage. 60: 569–580. Google Scholar

56.

L. H. Smith 1965. Changes in the tail feathers of the adolescent lyrebird. Science 147: 510–512. Google Scholar

57.

L. H. Smith 1968. The Lyrebird. Lansdowne Press, Melbourne. Google Scholar

58.

L. H. Smith 1982. Moulting sequences in the development of the tail plumage of the superb lyrebird, Menura novaehollandiae. Aust. Wildl. Res. 9: 311–330. Google Scholar

59.

L. H. Smith 1990. A method for determining the curvature of natural forms and its application to certain tail feathers of the Superb Lyrebird Menura novaehollandiae. Emu 90: 231–240. Google Scholar

60.

L. H. Smith 1999. Structural changes in the main rectrices of the Superb Lyrebird Menura novaehollandiae in the development of the filamentary feathers. Emu 99: 46–59. Google Scholar

61.

M. G. Spalding , D. J. Forrester 1993. Pathogenesis of Eustrongylides ignotus (Nematoda: Dioctophymatoidea) in ciconiiformes. J. Wildl. Dis. 29: 250–260. Google Scholar

62.

V. Staszewski , T. Boulinier 2004. Vaccination: a way to address questions in behavioral and population ecology? Trends Parasitol. 20: 17–22. Google Scholar

63.

S. Suzuki 1994. Pathogenicity of Salmonella enteritidis in poultry. Int. J. Food Microbiol. 21: 89–105. Google Scholar

64.

C. Toigo 1999. Vigilance behaviour in lactating female Alpine ibex. Can. J. Zool. 77: 1060–1063. Google Scholar

65.

C. Van Riper , S. G. Van Riper , M. L. Goff , M. Laird 1986. The epizootiology and ecological significance of malaria in Hawaiian land birds. Ecol. Monog. 56: 327–344. Google Scholar

66.

J. Waldenstrom , T. Broman , I. Carlsson , D. Hasselquist , R. P. Achterberg , J. A. Wagenaar , B. Olsen 2002. Prevalence of Campylobacter jejuni, Campylobacter lari, and Campylobacter coli in different ecological guilds and taxa of migrating birds. Appl. Environ. Microbiol. 68: 5911–5917. Google Scholar

67.

W. G. Weisburg , T. T. Hatch , C. R. Woese 1986. Eubacterial origin of Chlamydiate. J. Bacteriol. 1986: 167. Google Scholar

68.

T. A. Wheeler , W. Threlfall 1986. Observations on the ectoparasites of some Newfoundland passerines (Aves: Passeriformes). Can. J. Zool. 64: 630–636. Google Scholar

69.

J. D. Woodard , M. T. Murphy 1999. Sex roles, parental experience and reproductive success of eastern kingbirds, Tyrannus tyrannus. Anim. Behav. 51: 105–115. Google Scholar

70.

W. M. Zheng , Y. Yoshimura 1999. Localization of macrophages in the chicken oviduct: effects of age and gonadal steroids. Poultry Sci. 78: 1014–1018. Google Scholar

71.

W. M. Zheng , Y. Yoshimura , T. Tamura 1997. Effects of sexual maturation and gonadal steroids on the localization of IgG-, IgM- and IgA-positive cells in the chicken oviduct. J. Reprod. Fertil. 111: 277–284. Google Scholar

72.

M. Zuk 1992. The role of parasites in sexual selection: current evidence and future directions. Adv. Study Behav. 21: 39–68. Google Scholar

73.

M. Zuk , K. A. McLean 1996. Sex differences in parasite infections: Patterns and processes. Int. J. Parasitol. 26: 1009–1024. Google Scholar
Rebecca J. Milne, Aldo Poiani, Graeme Coulson, and Rachel Auld "Faecal Escherichia coli and Chlamydophila psittaci in the Superb Lyrebird Menura novaehollandiae: Host Sex and Age Effects," Acta Ornithologica 39(2), 111-120, (1 December 2004). https://doi.org/10.3161/068.039.0208
Received: 1 July 2004; Accepted: 1 October 2004; Published: 1 December 2004
KEYWORDS
bacteria
Chlamydia
Chlamydophila psittaci
Escherichia coli
Menura novaehollandiae
pathogens
Superb Lyrebird
Back to Top