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A STUDY OF THE MALLOPHAGA OF BIRDS WITH PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO THEIR ECOLOGY
Author(s) -
ASH J. S.
Publication year - 1960
Publication title -
ibis
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.933
H-Index - 80
eISSN - 1474-919X
pISSN - 0019-1019
DOI - 10.1111/j.1474-919x.1960.tb05095.x
Subject(s) - mallophaga , infestation , biology , ecology , host (biology) , zoology , population , feather , habitat , demography , botany , sociology
SUMMARY Over three thousand live birds have been examined in the British Isles and Sweden in a study of the ecology and biology of their ectoparasites. The main emphasis has been placed on Mallophaga, which are discussed in this paper. The very exact food and temperature requirements of feather lice are considered. The effect of lice on the host is discussed. Sick or injured birds which are unable to rid themselves easily of parasites tend to develop heavy infestations. The relationship between host and parasite is described. The infestation of five common bird species is analysed on a specific and monthly basis. The proportion of birds carrying various species of lice varies from species to species and from month to month and also between sexes. There is a peak of infestation prior to the bird's breeding season. Rates of infestation on autumn migrants in Sweden are discussed. Birds found uninfested and later found to be infested appear to acquire a parasite population at any season of the year. The habitat of Mallophaga on their hosts is given for each species examined at Silwood Park, Berkshire. The following points are discussed in appendices:–the collection and examination of birds, and an attempt to develop a satisfactory technique for sampling Mallophaga populations.