The source of nutrients used for egg formation are poorly known for most bird species. This study of the zebra finch Poephila guttata showed that food intake did not increase during egg production, but the decline in female body reserves of protein and fat were sufficient to account for most of the nutrients in a clutch of four eggs. Female birds significantly reduced their activity levels during ova enlargement, which may play a role in diverting resources to egg production. Birds increased their intake of calcium‐rich food items when eggs were being laid, and this intake accounted for all the calcium needed for eggshell formation. The zebra finch depends heavily on stored body reserves for egg formation, which is probably unusual in small passerines.

No abstract

The sea pens Virgularia mirabilis, Pennatula phosphorea and Funiculina quadrangularis: distribution and conservation issues in Scottish watersThe distributions of the pennatulid anthozoans (sea pens) Virgularia mirabilis, Pennatula phosphorea and Funiculina quadrangularis in Scottish waters have previously only been extensively documented in sea lochs, by the Marine Nature Conservation Review (MNCR) surveys. Funiculina quadrangularis in particular was thought to be restricted to the deep basins of sea lochs and is classified as a nationally uncommon species. Sea pens are characterizing species in seven biotopes found in Scottish waters and are protected under the 'Mud in Deep Water Habitat Action Plan' of the UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UKBAP) and are also recorded in several Special Areas of Conservation. The present study has extended the existing information available on sea pens in Scottish waters. The distribution and abundance of the three sea pen species were mapped using GIS (Geographical Information System) by utilizing data from Nephrops norvegicus stock assessment video surveys carried out by Fisheries Research Services (FRS) Marine Laboratory. Distribution was shown to be aggregated for all species. Funiculina quadrangularis was present in areas outside the sea lochs, such as the South Minch and the outer mouths of most sea lochs. This study demonstrates that analysis of video footage derived from Nephrops stock assessment surveys can significantly extend our knowledge of sea pen distribution and population density. Future management of Nephrops stocks can be expected to consider impacts of fishing on non-commercial species such as sea pens as a part of the 'ecosystem approach' to management.

No abstract

Comparative studies were conducted on intertidal algal and faunal communities associated with Sargassum muticum and native algae on the Isle of Cumbrae, Scotland. Significant differences were detected in the structure and composition of the communities. The abundance of the dominant native algae Dictyota dichotoma was found to be reduced in areas dominated by S. muticum and displacement through competition for substrate or light is inferred. Elevated faunal abundances were associated with S. muticum and evidence indicates that increased detrital input may be a possible contributory factor. Differences in faunal community composition were most pronounced in the sessile epifauna below the S. muticum canopy. Faunal communities associated with S. muticum were less heterogeneous in composition than those associated with native algae at equivalent shore positions. Some of the compositional differences may be coincidental and attributable to factors favouring the establishment of S. muticum rather than to the direct influence of the S. muticum canopy.