Parasitism by Botflies Philornis Sp. on European Starlings Sturnus vulgaris , an Exotic Bird in Argentina (original) (raw)
Related papers
Journal of Tropical …, 2010
Avian hosts may either resist the negative effects of nestling ectoparasites by minimizing the number of parasites, or tolerate parasitism by increasing their fecundity via the reproductive compensation hypothesis. Little is known about the interactions between ectoparasites and their avian hosts in the tropics. We (1) examined nestling development rates, and tested whether (2) parasitism by a subcutaneous ectoparasitic botfly (Philornis sp.) had negative effects on the condition of nestlings, and (3) these negative effects were minimized in larger broods in a tropical cavitynesting bird, the planalto woodcreeper (Dendrocolaptes platyrostris), in primary and secondary Atlantic forests in the northern province of Misiones, Argentina. Nestling mass and ectoparasite load per nestling reached maxima when nestlings (n = 50) were between 10 and 14 d old. General linear mixed models predicted that mass at fledging declined with increasing nestling parasite load, suggesting that botflies had a negative influence on fledging condition. Parasite load per nestling declined with increasing brood size indicating that woodcreepers that increase their reproductive output minimize the negative effects of parasitism. Overall we found evidence to support the tolerance via reproductive compensation hypothesis. Future tests of the reproductive compensation hypothesis may help determine the underlying mechanism of the observed negative correlation between parasite load of nestlings and brood size.
Botfly Parasitism Effects on Nestling Growth and Mortality of Red-Crested Cardinals
The Wilson Journal of Ornithology, 2011
We collected observational data in three consecutive breeding seasons to study interactions between the botfly Philornis seguyi and Red-crested Cardinals (Paroaria coronata) in a temperate zone near the southern limit of Philornis distribution. We analyzed: (1) seasonal trends in prevalence of parasitism, (2) influence of botfly parasitism on nestling growth rate and survival, and (3) the association between nest site vegetation at different scales (i.e., nest tree, vegetation surrounding the nest tree, and landscape) and probability of botfly parasitism. Prevalence of parasitism was 28% and was higher later in the breeding season. Botfly parasitism produced sub-lethal (lower growth rate of nestlings that survive) and lethal (lower nestling survival) effects. The lethal effect was negatively associated with age at the time nestlings were parasitized. Botfly parasitism was not associated with vegetation characteristics at the level of nesting tree or vegetation surrounding the nesting tree, but was associated with landscape features. Parasite prevalence was higher in large continuous woodland patches than in small isolated patches. However, we did not observe increased use of isolated patches of forest by Red-crested Cardinals, suggesting that use of nest sites with high botfly parasite intensity could be the consequence of high host density.
Journal of Tropical Ecology, 2010
Avian hosts may either resist the negative effects of nestling ectoparasites by minimizing the number of parasites, or tolerate parasitism by increasing their fecundity via the reproductive compensation hypothesis. Little is known about the interactions between ectoparasites and their avian hosts in the tropics. We (1) examined nestling development rates, and tested whether (2) parasitism by a subcutaneous ectoparasitic botfly (Philornis sp.) had negative effects on the condition of nestlings, and (3) these negative effects were minimized in larger broods in a tropical cavitynesting bird, the planalto woodcreeper (Dendrocolaptes platyrostris), in primary and secondary Atlantic forests in the northern province of Misiones, Argentina. Nestling mass and ectoparasite load per nestling reached maxima when nestlings (n = 50) were between 10 and 14 d old. General linear mixed models predicted that mass at fledging declined with increasing nestling parasite load, suggesting that botflies had a negative influence on fledging condition. Parasite load per nestling declined with increasing brood size indicating that woodcreepers that increase their reproductive output minimize the negative effects of parasitism. Overall we found evidence to support the tolerance via reproductive compensation hypothesis. Future tests of the reproductive compensation hypothesis may help determine the underlying mechanism of the observed negative correlation between parasite load of nestlings and brood size.
Coproparasitological study of European starling nestlings (Sturnus vulgaris) in Argentina
TURKISH JOURNAL OF ZOOLOGY, 2016
Invasive species are particularly susceptible to certain natural enemies, such as the parasites they encounter in the introduced range. However, if invaders become resistant to these parasitic infections, they improve the likelihood of increasing their population (Blackburn et al., 2009). On the other hand, parasites may be lost during or soon after the introduction process (Torchin et al., 2003). This release from the effects of natural enemies may contribute to the rapid establishment and proliferation of nonindigenous species (Torchin and Mitchell, 2004). The European starling Sturnus vulgaris (hereafter starling) is a bird native to Europe, Asia, and North Africa. It has been successfully established in New Zealand, Australia, South Africa,
The Journal of Caribbean Ornithology, 2018
Abstract: This study presents details of the reproductive biology of the Puerto Rican Emerald (Chlorostilbon maugaeus) and the first detailed record of its interactions with botfly (Philornis sp.) parasites. The data and observations are based on a nest found on 15 April 2015 in the Luquillo Experimental Forest, Luquillo, Puerto Rico. I monitored the nest and the behavior of the female parent for 29 days, beginning 5 days prior to egg-laying and continuing until the nestlings were found dead in the nest. Incubation lasted 15–17 days and the nestlings died 5–7 days after hatching. A photograph taken 2 days before the nestlings were found dead revealed the presence of subcutaneous botfly larvae, suggesting the parasites may have contributed to their deaths. This case is among the first recorded instances of botfly parasitism of a hummingbird in the Antilles. I compare these findings and other behavioral observations to known natural history of the Puerto Rican Emerald and other hummin...
Conspecific nest parasitism in the European starling
Ardea, 1991
From 1983 to 1988 we monitored 260 European Starling (Sturnus vulgaris) nests in three nestbox colonies around Antwerp (Belgium), for evidence of conspecific nest parasitism. Altogether 15% of 174 first clutches and 2% of 86 intermediate clutches were parasitized. The yearly proportion of first clutches with parasitic eggs varied from 0% to 37%. In most years, parasitism rate among first clutches was relatively high, despite an excess of available unoccupied nestboxes. Furthermore, parasitism rate was not related to nestbox occupancy indicating that nest parasitism in Starlings also evolved for other reasons than a shortage of (suitable) nestboxes. Most parasitized first clutches were parasitized during the host's own laying period and received only a single parasitic egg. In at least 27% of the parasitized first clutches, one ofthe host's eggs disappeared on the same day as a parasitic egg was added, suggesting that the parasitic female was responsible for this egg removal. Parasitized first clutches, although having a significantly larger clutch size than normal first clutches, fledged significantly fewer young. Finally, the possible identity ofparasitic females and possible anti-parasite tactics are discussed.
Bird Conservation International, 2014
The Yellow Cardinal Gubernatrix cristata is a globally endangered passerine endemic to southern South America. Although the conservation status of this species is alarming, there is no information about factors that affect its reproductive success. We studied the breeding biology of a Yellow Cardinal population in Corrientes province in north-east Argentina and report reproductive parameters, such as timing of breeding, clutch size, hatching success and chick survival and analyse factors influencing nest survival. The breeding season lasted from October to December with most nesting attempts occurring during the second half of November. Re-nesting after nest failure occurred in approximately 35% of pairs but we did not observe re-nesting after successful attempts. Modal clutch size was three eggs and successful nests fledged on average 1.6 chicks. We observed brood parasitism by Shiny Cowbirds Molothrus bonariensis in 33% of the nests. The main cost of brood parasitism was the puncture of cardinal eggs by cowbird females, which very often resulted in nest abandonment. Another factor reducing reproductive success was parasitism by botflies Philornis sp., which occurred in 22% of the nests and reduced chick survival. We determined daily nest survival rate with MARK software and found that during the egg stage, it decreased with time of breeding and brood parasitism by Shiny Cowbirds. Our results indicate that Shiny Cowbird and botfly parasitism represent a threat for Yellow Cardinals. Conservation actions to protect the remaining populations of Yellow Cardinals should consider the impact of Shiny Cowbird parasitism.
Parasitology Research, 2020
Philornis flies Meinert (Diptera: Muscidae) have been documented parasitizing over 250 bird species, some of which are endemic species threatened with extinction. Philornis parasitism is hypothesized to affect nestlings disproportionately more than adult birds because limited mobility and exposed skin of nestlings increase their vulnerability to parasitism. We used a comprehensive literature review and our recent fieldwork in the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Grenada to challenge the idea that parasitism by subcutaneous Philornis species is a phenomenon primarily found in nestlings, a fact that has not been quantified to date. Of the 265 reviewed publications, 125 (49%) reported incidences of parasitism by subcutaneous Philornis, but only 12 included the sampling of adult breeding birds. Nine of these publications (75%) reported Philornis parasitism in adults of ten bird species. During fieldwork in the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and Grenada, we documented 14 instances of parasitism of adult birds of seven avian species. From literature review and fieldwork, adults of at least fifteen bird species across 12 families and four orders of birds were parasitized by at least five Philornis species. In both the published literature and fieldwork, incidences of parasitism of adult birds occurred predominantly in females and was frequently associated with incubation. Although our findings indicate that Philornis parasitism of adult birds is more common than widely presumed, parasite prevalence is still greater in nestlings. In the future, we recommend surveys of adult birds to better understand host-Philornis relationships across life stages. This information may be essential for the development of effective control measures of Philornis to ensure the long-term protection of bird species of conservation concern.