Sialia sialis (Eastern Bluebird) and Passer domesticus (House Sparrow) are common cavity-nesting birds that can compete with each other for nest sites in habitats where they overlap. Both species occasionally lay eggs in the nests of conspecifics, but evidence of interspecific brood parasitism (IBP) is lacking. Here we report the first detailed case of an Eastern Bluebird laying an egg in a House Sparrow nest and discuss potential explanations, including intentional IBP, IBP by default, and failed nest usurpation.

In Louisiana, Castor canadensis (North American Beaver) rarely occur in coastal marshes and are far more common in forested wetlands. We recently observed a North American Beaver lodge in a coastal marsh that was constructed partly of commercial lumber, possibly made available by recent hurricanes. The animals may have used lumber for lodge construction due to the dearth of trees or other woody vegetation in coastal marshes. This observation points to the adaptability of North American Beaver when choosing materials for lodge construction.

Within its southwestern native range, Ameiurus nebulosus (Brown Bullhead) had been found in the Red River drainage within Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Louisiana but not Texas. We report for the first time the occurrence of Brown Bullhead within the Cypress River system of Texas, a tributary of the Red River. We tentatively conclude that the Cypress River system of Texas is within the natural range of Brown Bullhead, but we cannot exclude human introduction as a possible mechanism for its occurrence, given that Brown Bullhead are introduced worldwide.

Dusky salamanders in Texas have long been identified as Desmognathus auriculatus (Southern Dusky Salamander). However, recent taxonomic work has challenged this notion, restricting D. auriculatus to areas east of the Apalachicola River in Florida and Georgia, while all Texas populations are now considered D. conanti. Regrettably, Texas specimens were not included in the studies upon which these proposed taxonomic changes were based. Dusky salamanders have become increasingly difficult to find in Texas and have only been observed in the state 3 times since 1980. We surveyed 18 sites of which 6 were historical localities. We found 4 extant populations of dusky salamanders at new locations in Texas, one of which was a county record. We were unable to find dusky salamanders at some historically robust populations. We also used mtDNA sequence data to verify that Texas dusky salamanders are indeed D. conanti.

The current study examined instream habitat associations among 1 common and 3 federally threatened mussel species at 3 sites in a southeastern watershed (Choctawhatchee River). We documented instream habitat structures (e.g., leaf pack, root mat, root wad, woody debris, and log) in the immediate vicinity (∼5 cm) of 94 Elliptio pullata (Gulf Spike), 263 Pleurobema strodeanum (Fuzzy Pigtoe), 117 Fusconaia burkei (Tapered Pigtoe), and 25 Hamiota australis (Southern Sandshell). Results of chi-square tests showed significant differences in use of instream habitat types among species (P < 0.05). At all 3 sites, the threatened species were almost exclusively associated with either woody debris or logs. When we found the mussels with leaf pack, we also recorded a majority of the individuals with at least one additional instream habitat (usually woody debris). In contrast, we observed the majority of the common species, E. pullata, either exclusively with leaf pack or, at 1 site, equally with leaf pack and woody debris. Our results suggested that instream habitats associated with threatened mussel species were relatively different from those of the common species.

Activity patterns of bats are known to vary among nights, seasons, years, and geographic regions, but the underlying reasons for those patterns are poorly understood. Our objectives were to assess the temporal variability of bat activity during autumn in central Georgia, and to evaluate the influence of barometric pressure and nighttime temperature on nightly activity using Akaike's information criterion and regression models. We recorded 43,168 bat calls and 5839 sequences using an ANABAT SD2 detector during 65 sample nights (4 September to 11 November 2011) at a residence in Barnesville, GA. The number of sequences recorded nightly ranged from 3 to 551. Nightly bat activity was positively related to average nightly temperature and average nightly barometric pressure. In contrast to our expectations, bat activity was not related to changes in barometric pressure prior to or during sample nights. The positive relationship between bat activity, temperature, and barometric pressure may be related to the energetic costs and benefits associated with flight and prey availability during autumn in central Georgia.

Host-fish requirements are unknown for many freshwater mussels, which impedes conservation efforts. We conducted host-fish trials for 2 mussels, Lampsilis straminea (Southern Fatmucket) and Quadrula succissa (Purple Pigtoe). Our objectives were to verify techniques by successfully transforming glochidia from a long-term—brooding mussel with known hosts (L. straminea) and to identify hosts for a short-term—brooding mussel with no confirmed hosts (Q. succissa). Results of the trials confirmed known hosts for L. straminea, identified 4 new hosts for L. straminea, and identified 3 ictalurid hosts for Q. succissa. Based on results of this research, additional host trials are needed for Q. succissa and should focus on ictalurids. This study provided information necessary for the management and conservation of mussels with previously unknown hosts in southeast Alabama and west Florida Gulf Coast drainages, while confirming available resources and techniques used by the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission for future host-fish trials.

Morphological differences in trapping mechanisms of carnivorous plants may be a response to selection pressure to reduce competition among species and even conspecifics. However, few studies have investigated whether variation in plant morphology is related to prey capture. Here, we measured height, peristome width, and outer-trichome density in pitchers of Sarracenia minor (Hooded Pitcher Plant) and its variety, S. minor var. okefenokeensis (S. m. var. okefenokeensis). In addition, we compared arthropod-prey contents of pitchers between the typical short form and the tall Okefenokee variety and across seasons and sampling locations. Similar to findings in previous studies, we found that S. minor was an ant specialist with no influence of season or location. In contrast, S. m. var. okefenokeensis had a more generalist diet, and prey content varied across season and location. Pitchers of S. m. var. okefenokeensis were also significantly larger in height and peristome width with fewer outer trichomes than S. minor. Overall, differences in pitcher morphology appear to be correlated with prey contents. These results have important implications for our understanding of the evolution and diversification of carnivorous plants.

Wildlife visitation of livestock facilities results in economic losses through feed consumption and a potential for disease transmission through fecal contamination of feeds and associated facilities. In order to assess wildlife visitation among livestock-management teaching units on a college campus, we monitored feeding and feed-storage areas via direct observations, live-trapping, and motion-detecting cameras. We also examined visitation patterns and fecal contamination and consumption of grain-based feed and hay. Nine species of wildlife visited the livestock units during the course of the study. Birds and Odocoileus virginianus (White-tailed Deer) were the most frequent visitors in less-enclosed facilities, and rodents, Didelphis virginiana (Virginia Opossum), and Procyon lotor (Raccoon) were mostly documented in more-enclosed facilities. Birds visited daily throughout the year, but documented visitations by Raccoons, Virginia Opossums, and White-tailed Deer occurred only during summer months. Marmota monax (Groundhog) were present each month except for January, February, and March. Of 827 feed samples examined, 16.8% were contaminated by wildlife feces, primarily from birds. Grain-based feed was consumed or removed more frequently than hay, and loss declined during the winter and increased in spring and summer.

Canis latrans (Coyote) is regarded as a classic generalist predator that has recently established large populations throughout the southeastern US. To better understand how Coyote food habits in the Southeast may differ on an extremely small spatial scale, we collected a total of 305 Coyote scats from 2009 to 2011 on 2 islands separated by a 1.4–2.5-km-wide expanse of low saltwater-marsh on the coast of Georgetown, SC. We identified diagnostic remains of prey items to the lowest possible taxonomic level. A multi-response permutation procedure revealed differences in Coyote diet composition between islands (A = 0.0090, P < 0.0001). Subsequent indicator-species analysis revealed a total of 4 food items that served to differentiate diet between islands: birds. Sus scrofa (Wild Hog), Ilex sp. (holly) fruit, and lagomorphs. Our results demonstrate that Coyote food habits and their potential ecosystem effects may vary widely on a very local scale. This finding may be of particular concern to biologists attempting to utilize published diet studies to inform Coyote management strategies. Our study also documented some of the highest levels of bird consumption by Coyotes published to date; we detected bird remains found in 42.45–59.80% of scats.

Several avian species have shifted their wintering or staging areas north in response to advancing onset of spring. Our objectives were to determine whether (1) the latitudinal distribution of recoveries changed for Chen caerulescens caerulescens (Lesser Snow Goose; hereafter Snow Goose) banded in southwest Louisiana, and (2) annual proportions of recoveries within Louisiana relative to other locations in the midcontinent flyways were related to local weather or Snow Goose population estimates for southwest Louisiana. We collated and analyzed population indices from the annual midwinter waterfowl survey for the period 2002–2013 with band recovery and local weather data. Latitudes of recovery shifted north during the period, and the increases were independent of season (fall, midwinter, and late winter/spring migration). Annual proportions of recoveries within Louisiana (all from southwest Louisiana), were lower during wet winters when the largest numbers of Snow Geese were counted in southwest Louisiana. We concluded that Snow Geese banded in our study area have shifted their wintering range northwards. Furthermore, the probability of recovery in Louisiana was somewhat dependent on Snow Goose numbers present, apparently because hunters shoot proportionally fewer banded birds during years with more Snow Geese, which in turn were related to high amounts of precipitation in the area.

Aquatic plant communities play critical roles in the form and function of stream ecosystems. In this study, we surveyed the aquatic-plant community along a 39-km reach of the New River, VA, in response to triploid Ctenopharyngodon idella (Grass Carp) stockings to control Hydrilla verticillata (Hydrilla) in Claytor Lake. We utilized drift-net sampling methods and visual observations to document the current plant community in this reach. Nine of 12 aquatic plant species identified in our survey have been documented as preferred forage for Grass Carp. These findings may indicate that migrating Grass Carp could alter the plant community in this reach. We recommend continued monitoring of this system to characterize any future effects of Grass Carp herbivory.

An established population of Tupinambis merianae (Black and White Tegu) in southeastern Florida threatens the Everglades ecosystem. Understanding the behavioral ecology of Black and White Tegus could aid in management and control plans. Black and White Tegus are seasonally active and brumate during the winter in their native range, but brumation behavior is largely unstudied in either the native or the invasive range. We describe the first observations of Black and White Tegu brumation in southeastern Florida after monitoring 5 free-ranging, adult male Black and White Tegus through an inactive season using radiotelemetry and automated cameras. Duration of brumation averaged 137 days, beginning in September and ending by February. One of the 5 Black and White Tegus emerged to bask regularly during brumation, which to our knowledge represents the first documented instance of a free-ranging Black and White Tegu basking during brumation. These preliminary findings provide a basis for future research of brumation behavior.

Lithobates (Rana) sylvaticus (Wood Frog) has an extensive distribution primarily in the Appalachian Mountains in the eastern US and throughout Canada and Alaska. However, peripheral populations exist along the southern edge of its range, including in the Ozark regions of Missouri and Arkansas. We present results on the structure and dynamics of 5 Wood Frog populations studied over 4 years (2004–2007) at the edge of the species' range in central Missouri. We used drift fences and pitfall traps surrounding breeding ponds to sample adults and metamorphosing juveniles. We captured breeding males between 7 February and 13 March, and females between 28 February and 16 March. The sex ratio was male-biased (M:F = 2.4), females were larger than males (mean SVL = 61.3 and 52.3 mm, respectively), and the larval period averaged 14 weeks. The metamorphs had a mean SVL of 18.1 mm and varied in number from 0 to 400 individuals per pond per year. The mean juvenile production per female was 8.7 (range = 0–52), and mean survival from egg to juvenile was 1.28% (range = 0–6.08%). Land managers should consider the species' small population sizes, low recruitment, survival rates of terrestrial stages, and the interaction of population dynamics with changing climate conditions when planning for conservation of Wood Frog populations at the periphery of the species' range.

We examined spatial ecology and habitat use of Coluber flagellum (Coachwhip) in a 12,000-ha Pinus palustris (Longleaf Pine) reserve in southwestern Georgia from 2007 through 2008. We radio-tracked 7 Coachwhips (5 males and 2 females) for 291 to 325 days. The average 100% minimum convex polygon (MCP) home-range for all snakes was 102.9 ± 28 ha. Daily movement during the active season (April–November) varied from 28.6 to 73.6 m for males (n = 5) and from 27.5 to 95.6 m for females (n = 2). Snakes were usually associated with open-canopied pine forests and found less often in aquatic and agricultural habitats. Our results are consistent with evidence from previous studies in that Coachwhips used sites with open-forest structure and large expanses of habitat.

We conducted a 2-y investigation to assess the efficacy of trail cameras to identify individual Puma concolor coryi (Florida Panther). We established 35 camera sites within the 28,328-ha northern Addition Lands region of Big Cypress National Preserve from 1 January 2011 to 31 December 2012. To maximize the number of Florida Panthers captured, we intentionally avoided the use of transects or grids for camera-site selection. Instead, we placed cameras along known Florida Panther travel routes. We used a scent lure at each camera site to encourage Florida Panthers to linger in camera range, thereby increasing the opportunity to determine gender and observe anomalies that would aid in identification of individuals. Our cameras captured Florida Panthers 2154 times, which produced a total of 38,056 individual photos. We determined the identity of individual male Florida Panthers in 93% of captures (n = 1190 of 1278). However, the absence of anomalies in adult female Florida Panthers prevented us from identifying them consistently and with absolute certainty, despite thousands of opportunities to do so. Therefore, we relied on the morphological characteristics of dependent kittens to identify individual females in specific instances. We feel that the modifications to the camera survey (i.e., cameras placed on travel routes, high-quality digital cameras, and use of a species-specific scent lure) increased our ability to determine gender and identify individuals.

Kleptoplasty is a mixotrophic condition acquired by a heterotrophic grazer that ingests photosynthetic eukaryotic cells, wherein the plastids are not digested but rather are retained in the heterotrophic cell or organism in a photosynthetically active state. This phenomenon has been described in select foraminiferal taxa inhabiting nearshore and salt-marsh coastal habitats. We applied molecular and microscopic techniques to living foraminifera collected from South Carolina salt marshes (Waties Island and North Inlet) to determine if we could detect kleptoplasty. Sequence and confocal-imaging data recovered from 2 foraminiferal genera (Elphidium and Haynesina) indicated the functional retention of diatom plastids within these taxa.

Unique morphologies along with associated differences in habitat use and feeding behavior can result in fish at the top of piscine food chains differing in trophic level. Broad size ranges inherent within large species provide opportunity for size-related trophic shifts. Such relationships between size and trophic level can be species specific. Furthermore, individual-based diet variation can bring about differences among similar-sized organisms. A challenge to aquatic ecologists is deciphering these patterns of trophic change both between and within species. Stable isotope analysis has emerged as a powerful tool for evaluating such patterns. Employing stable isotope analyses, we assessed trophic differentiation in 4 large predatory fish species from a coastal-plain stream. We established the trophic base by including 2 herbivorous invertebrates in the analysis and identified a trophic hierarchy among species, with 2 specialized, generally open-water piscivores, Lepisosteus osseus (Longnose Gar) and Micropterus salmoides (Largemouth Bass), occupying the highest trophic position. The largest-bodied and generally benthic-oriented species, Ictalurus punctatus (Channel Catfish), occupied the lowest trophic level among the fishes studied. Trophic position of Largemouth Bass and Longnose Gar increased linearly and gradually with size within the broad size ranges collected. In contrast, Channel Catfish exhibited a more abrupt shift in trophic position with size and much individual variation associated with the shift. Additionally, groups of Longnose Gar had belonged to distinctly different food chains, despite coexisting in a relatively small stream when collected. Differences between the observed patterns and other published accounts indicate further evaluation of trophic patterns of these fishes among habitats is warranted.

Canis latrans (Coyote) recently expanded its range into the southeastern US, where local data on Coyote diets are lacking. We studied Coyote diets in a low-productivity area where food resources may be scarce. We determined Coyote diet composition through analysis of 315 scats collected at Fort Bragg Military Installation, Fort Bragg, NC, between May 2011 and July 2012. Odocoileus virginianus (White-tailed Deer) was the most common mammalian food item, occurring in 14.9% of all scats and 42.5% of winter scats. Soft-mast occurrence in Coyote diets was greatest in the fall, when Diospyros virginiana (Persimmon) occurred in most Coyote scats (95.7%). Coyotes on our low-productivity study site shifted their diets throughout the year based on the availability of food items and had a diet diversity similar to what has been reported for animals elsewhere in the species' range.

Neotoma floridana smalli (Key Largo Woodrat) is currently at high risk of extinction from anthropogenic disturbances, including loss and degradation of habitat and non-native predators. Habitat degradation may affect food-resource availability, yet food habits are poorly understood. Therefore, we examined seasonal diets of Key Largo Woodrats using microhistological analysis of fecal samples. We collected fecal material from captured individuals between January 2005 and February 2006 and identified food items to the lowest possible taxon. We classified food items as leaves, fruit, and insects to examine differences in diets between seasons (wet versus dry) and sexes. Fruit and leaves made up a greater percentage of Key Largo Woodrat diets during the wet and dry seasons, respectively, likely reflecting higher fruit availability during the wet season. Across seasons, diets of males had a higher percentage of fruit and insects, but a lower percentage of leaves than females. Greater fruit consumption by males, which may be related to their higher motility, was contrary to our expectations that females would consume more fruit to meet the nutritional demands of reproduction. Although fruit and leaves are both important components of Key Largo Woodrat diets, consumption varies seasonally likely in response to differences in availability.