Haematozoa of British birds. VII. Haematozoa of raptors in Scotland with a description of<i>Haemoproteus nisi</i>sp. nov. from the sparrowhawk (<i>Accipiter nisus</i>)

Abstract

Summary A study of haematozoa in free-living raptors in southern Scotland showed that in Accipiter nisus there was a very high infection rate with Leucocytozoon toddi. Nestlings showed patent parasitaemias, often very high, as early as 14 days of age. Most patent infections in adult birds were considered to be due to relapses. A description is given of Haemoproteus nisi sp. nov. which was observed in 32 birds; H. figueiredoi was observed in one bird. Most haemoproteid infections were observed in adult birds, especially breeding females at the nest. Trypanosoma corvi was found in A. nisus and B. buteo, mostly in nestlings. Two species of hippoboscids, Ornithomyia avicularia and O. chloropus, were collected and may be involved in the transmission of H. nisi and T. corvi. Although there was no direct evidence of pathogenicity with any of the parasites observed it is suggested that L. toddi may be a contributing factor in the mortality of chicks in some areas.