New Host and Distribution Records for Gastrointestinal Parasites of Raptors from Connecticut, U.S.A

Abstract

Between March 1997 and September 2000, 3 species of owls (Bubo virginianus, Strix varia, Megascops asio), 4 species of hawks (Buteo jamaicensis, Buteo platypterus, Accipiter cooperii, Accipiter striatus), and 1 species of falcon (Falco sparverius) from Connecticut, U.S.A. were examined for gastrointestinal parasites. Eighteen species of helminths (10 trematodes, 1 cestode, 6 nematodes, and 1 acanthocephalan) were collected for the first time from the northeastern United States in general and Connecticut and New England in particular. The trematodes Ophiosoma microcephalum from B. jamaicensis and Neodiplostomum accipitris from A. striatus represent new host records. The trematode Microparyphium facetum collected from B. virginianus represents the first report of this helminth from a North American owl. The tapeworm Paruterina rauschi is reported for the first time from S. varia. The nematode Baruscapillaria falconis is reported for the first time from M. asio, A. cooperi, and A. striatus. The acanthocephalan Centrorhynchus kuntzi is reported for the first time from A. cooperi. One species of trematode (Neodiplostomum americanum) and 2 species of nematodes (Baruscapillaria falconis, Porrocaecum depressum) were shared between species of owls and hawks.