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Evolutionary, molecular and comparative zoology
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RESEARCH ARTICLE
Contents Vol 56(2)

Relationships between nestling condition and variability in coccidian prevalence among three species of wild-nesting birds in New Zealand

Phillip Cassey A C and John G. Ewen B
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A Centre for Ornithology, School of Biosciences, Birmingham University, Edgbaston B15 2TT, United Kingdom.

B Institute of Zoology, Zoological Society of London, Regents Park, London, United Kingdom.

C Corresponding author. Email: p.cassey@bham.ac.uk

Australian Journal of Zoology 56(2) 75-78 https://doi.org/10.1071/ZO08001
Submitted: 7 January 2008  Accepted: 16 July 2008   Published: 9 September 2008

Abstract

Coccidian protozoa are widespread intestinal parasites of vertebrate species. Currently, our understanding of the dynamics of host–coccidia relationships among birds remains poor beyond domestic poultry and species held in captivity. The various threats that parasites can impose have resulted in demands to monitor and quantify different parasites and incorporate their impacts on hosts into ecological models of risk assessment. Here, we estimate prevalence of coccidian infections from nestlings of three species of exotic, free-living European passerines in New Zealand (Turdus merula, T. philomelos, Sturnus vulgaris). We find that despite high prevalence of infection among clutches (~40%) these infections appear asymptomatic and are not related to indices of nestling condition or fledging success. We encourage additional studies to provide results on variation in parasite prevalence and pathogenicity in order to build our understanding of host dynamics.


Acknowledgements

We are extremely grateful to Robin Peacock, Keith Mathews, Greg and Stacey Cassey, Michael Thompson, and Doug Armstrong for accommodation and access to private land. Yvan Richard, Nikki MacArthur and Rebecca Boulton assisted in locating naturally occurring nests and this study would not have been completed without their input. Paul Mason (Masons Consultants, Christchurch), consultant parasitologist, identified and quantified the prevalence of coccidian infection. Comments from Raoul Mulder and two anonymous reviewers greatly improved an earlier version of this manuscript.


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