The haematozoan parasites of Common Blackbirds Turdus merula: associations with host condition

Abstract

A population of Common Blackbirds Turdus merula was studied to investigate the relationships between the presence of blood parasites and host morphometrics, a putative sexually selected trait (bill colour), and reproductive parameters. Haematozoa of four genera were detected and their prevalence was high. Infection was negatively associated with adult morphometrics: adults infected with Leucocytozoon were in relatively poor body condition and had shorter wings than uninfected birds. The bill colour of males infected with Plasmodium tended to be duller than that of uninfected males, and in females Haemoproteus infection was significantly positively associated with bill coloration. Haematozoan infection of females was unrelated to measured reproductive parameters, and there was no relationship between blood parasite infection and the provision of parental care.