We report the rediscovery of the Cherry-throated Tanager Nemosia rourei in southern Espírito Santo, Brazil, in February 1998, and the first substantive observations of its behaviour, vocalizations and other aspects of its natural history. Approximately 10 individuals, occasionally in groups of up to five birds, were located in humid montane forest at 1,100 m a.s.l. at the privately owned “Fazenda Pindobas IV” (20°19′S, 41°17′W). This small population appears to be safe, as the property owners are preserving the remaining native forest there, and hope soon to register the land as a Private Natural Heritage Reserve (RPPN). The species probably also occurs at similar elevations on neighbouring fazendas. Past reports of the species are reviewed, and the accuracy of the type locality, “Muriaé, Minas Gerais” is re-evaluated. As a result, we suggest that our locality of rediscovery, Jatibocas, where Helmut Sick surely saw a group of eight birds in August 1941, and the Nova Lombardia (= Augusto Ruschi) Biological Reserve, where a single individual was certainly sighted by Derek Scott and others in October 1995, all in south-central Espírito Santo, be considered the only confirmed points of occurrence of the Cherry-throated Tanager.

We assessed the impact of forest fire on the nesting success of the endemic Red-knobbed Hornbill Aceros cassidix in north Sulawesi, Indonesia. Pre- and post-fire breeding activity was monitored at 60 nest trees. Low rainfall and possible reductions in fruit abundance did not appear to have an effect on initial nest uptake or on subsequent chick production at non-burnt nests, which were comparable to previous years. However, there was an adverse effect on productivity at nests that directly experienced fire and the accompanying heat and smoke in the vicinity, resulting in a post-fire nest success (62%) that was significantly lower than in previous years (78.6–80%). Population recruitment dropped by an estimated 47% to 0.17 fledglings/breeding pair. Our data suggest that, given the reproductive profile of this species and the ability of fire to reinforce its own negative effects on forest habitats, Red-knobbed Hornbill populations may be vulnerable to the potential effects of repeated fires.

This study investigated the distribution and habitat selection of the globally threatened East Coast Akalat Sheppardia gunningi sokokensis in Arabuko-Sokoke Forest, the Shimba Hills (both Kenya) and the lowland East Usambara Mountains (Tanzania). The species is more abundant than originally thought. In Arabuko-Sokoke Forest, akalats occur in two of the main vegetation types, and an estimated 7,500–9,000 territories represent one of the largest populations of this species in the world. Akalats occurred at similar densities to those in Arabuko-Sokoke (c. 0.5 pairs/ha) in parts of Shimba Hills and East Usambaras, but were more patchily distributed. This akalat prefers areas where the undergrowth is partially open with large amounts of dead wood. It forages on or near the ground. In Arabuko-Sokoke Forest, areas where akalats were present had a higher abundance of ground-dwelling arthropods than areas where they were not. The akalat inhabits both primary forest and regenerated areas that have been selectively logged probably more than 20 years ago. Despite its relatively high densities where it occurs, this species (like other threatened birds in the East African coastal forests) is very patchily distributed and dependent on a habitat that is now highly fragmented and under considerable human pressure. The conservation situation in Arabuko-Sokoke gives cause for concern, and the destructive effects of a large elephant population threaten the forests of the Shimba Hills. The conservation status of the lowland Usambara Mountains is probably better and more stable.

Densities and population estimates are presented for the little known Yellow-breasted Racquet-tail Parrot Prioniturus flavicans, a species endemic to the Indonesian island of Sulawesi. Sixteen months of fieldwork was conducted within two protected areas in the island's northern peninsula. Densities were found to be much greater in the Bogani Nani Wartabone National Park than in the Tangkoko Duasaudara Nature Reserve: 16.27 and 7.18 birds/km2, respectively. The species has a much more restricted range than previously thought, being confined to the eastern two-thirds of the north peninsula. The remaining suitable habitat within this range, lowland rainforest, is estimated to be c. 11,300 km2. Using this figure in conjunction with density values we estimate that the world population for this species may be greater than 44,650 birds. Whilst such a population size is higher than previously thought, the very restricted distribution of the species causes concern for its future as loss and fragmentation of forest habitat are ongoing within its range.

As an island endemic, the Island Scrub-Jay's Aphelocoma insularis population status and conservation are of concern. In addition, because the Island Scrub-Jay is easily observed, it is an ideal candidate for monitoring the effects of management efforts on Santa Cruz Island, California. We used estimates of territory size in several different habitats occupied by the Island Scrub-Jay and the total area of these habitats on the island to develop an empirical estimate of the population size for this species. Our most conservative, and we feel most realistic, estimate for the Island Scrub-Jay breeding population is 7,000 individuals and for the non-breeding population 5,500 individuals, yielding a total population estimate of 12,500. Even though conservative, this estimate is larger than earlier estimates of 4,000 to 6,000 individuals. Even so, our data suggest no reason exists for immediate concern regarding the population viability of the Island Scrub-Jay and they provide a baseline for future estimates and comparisons. Most importantly, this population estimate can be used to monitor the influence on the Island Scrub-Jay of future island management efforts, especially regarding exotic tree species and feral pigs.

The Philippine islands hold a concentration of species diversity and endemism of global importance, yet few studies have analyzed biogeographic patterns or attempted to prioritize areas for conservation within the archipelago. We analyzed distributions of 386 species on 28 Philippine islands and island groups, documenting intense concentration of species richness, especially of endemic species, on the two largest islands, Mindanao and Luzon. Factors identified as influencing species richness included island area, maximum elevation, and Pleistocene patterns of connection and isolation. Reserve systems were developed based on heuristic complementarity algorithms, and compared with the existing Integrated Protected Areas (IPAS) system in the country, showing that IPAS is an impressive first step towards protecting avian diversity in the country. Addition of presently proposed reserves on Palawan and Mindoro would make IPAS a near-optimal reserve design, at least at the level of island representation. Important challenges remain, however, with regard to design of reserve systems within islands to represent complete island avifaunas.

A study of Corn Buntings Miliaria calandra, a rapidly declining red-listed species in the United Kingdom, was conducted over five years in the intensively cultivated, arable landscape of north-east Essex, eastern England. Mean densities in study plots ranged from 8 to 15 territories per km2, with evidence of a decline over the five years. A total of 278 singing males was located in 247 km2 of farmland, some 2–3% of the U.K. population and therefore of national significance. The distribution of territories was highly clumped and there was marked territory fidelity between years. There was a strong preference for territories encompassing field boundaries without hedges and a general avoidance of hedges. Territories occupied in four or five years were more likely to contain water-filled ditches and/or weedy farm tracks than territories occupied in a single year. Song posts may be important resources. There was little preference shown for particular crops or other land-uses during the breeding season. During the winter period there was a strong selection for feeding on the small amount of grass, and in the late winter period, on stubbles. Lack of feeding opportunities in winter would appear to be critical to Corn Buntings. It is suggested that a retention of stubbles over winter on the 26% of farmland destined for spring sowing could be highly beneficial to Corn Bunting populations and that this could be initially targeted at those areas currently holding dense breeding populations.