Mixed species flock, nest height, and elevation partially explain avian haemoparasite prevalence in Colombia.

ABSTRACT: The high avian biodiversity present in the Neotropical region offers a great opportunity to explore the ecology of host-parasite relationships. We present a survey of avian haemoparasites in a megadiverse country and explore how parasite prevalences are related to physical and ecological host characteristics. Using light microscopy, we documented the presence of haemoparasites in over 2000 individuals belonging to 246 species of wild birds, from nine localities and several ecosystems of Colombia. We analysed the prevalence of six avian haemoparasite taxa in relation to elevation and the following host traits: nest height, nest type, foraging strata, primary diet, sociality, migratory behaviour, and participation in mixed species flocks. Our analyses indicate significant associations betwee

SUBMITTER: Gonzalez AD 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4065061 | biostudies-literature | 2014

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature