Article Abstract:
Analyses of cytochrome b sequences and allozymes reveals that two subspecies of marbled murrelet, Brachyramphus marmoratus, are genetically different, and they clearly represent distinct species. The two subspecies, Long-billed (B. m. marmoratus) and North American (B. m. perdix) marbled murrelets are morphologically distinct and have been reproductively isolated for an extended period. The long-billed murrelet merits the full species status and needs to be managed independently.
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Article Abstract:
There has been a decline in the amount of old growth balsam fir forest in Newfoundland, Canada. Three mature age-classes of forests were studied, based on tree density, canopy gaps, woody debris and moss and litter ground cover. Bird species richness was found to be greater in 40 year old forests, compared to 60 and 80 year old forests. The most abundant species in old forests were Black-backed Woodpecker and Gray-cheeked Thrush.
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Article Abstract:
The rare Kittlitz's Murrelet of the North Pacific is vulnerable to oil pollution, gill-netting and trophic changes. It is a difficult species to monitor and manage due to its cryptic breeding plumage and breeding in remote alpine habitats. The vocalizations of the Kittlitz's Murrelet are virtually unknown. A more thorough description is provided based on audio recordings, and two types of calls have been discerned.
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