Blood cell indices of five species of auk (Alcidae) from Newfoundland, Canada

Abstract

Descriptions and measurements are given for the circulating blood cells of four species of alcids, namely Alca torda, Uria aalge, Uria lomvia, and Fratercula arctica. Differential white cell counts were also made on the blood of these birds and on the blood of a fifth species, Cepphus grylle. Great variations were noted in the percentage of each cell type found in individual birds, while means and first and third quartiles varied between species. The results indicate that the blood picture of individual birds of the species examined, would be of little value in assessing “condition” of birds in either field or in the laboratory. Red blood cell counts were made for F. arctica adults, while haematocrit values and clotting times were determined for this species and for U. aalge (adults and chicks).