The Helminth Parasites of the Starling (Sturnus vulgaris L.): A Checklist and Analysis

Abstract

A list of helminth parasites of starlings (Sturnus vulgaris L.) with reference to their geographic location was compiled. Eightyone species of helminths, representing 51 genera, have been reported by numerous authors in different parts of the world. They comprise 28 species of Trematoda, 14 of Cestoda, 30 of Nematoda, and 9 of Acanthocephala. In all instances more genera and species have been reported from starlings from the eastern than from the western hemisphere. Only 11 out of the list of 81 species were common to birds from both hemispheres. Possible reasons for these observations are suggested.