Parasitic Helminths of the American White Pelican, Pelecanus erythrorhynchos, from Florida, U.S.A

Abstract

Thirty-three species of helminths (22 trematodes, 3 cestodes, 7 nematodes, and 1 acanthocephalan) were recovered from 29 American white pelicans, Pelecanus erythrorhynchos, collected in Florida, U.S.A., between 1982 and 2001. The number of helminth species per infected bird ranged from 3 to 17 (x̄ = 11). Three species of Contracaecum (Contracaecum rudolphii, Contracaecum multipapillatum, and Contracaecum micropapillatum) were the most prevalent and abundant helminths. One cestode species (Paradilepis longivaginosus) was considered a specialist in white pelicans, 9 species were considered generalists in pelicaniform birds, and the remainder of the species were considered true bird generalists. White pelicans shared 14 species of helminths with brown pelicans, Pelecanus occidentalis, and the most prevalent helminths appear to have been acquired in marine habitats.