Haemosporida of Birds of Prey and Owls from Germany

Summary. A total of 1149 free-living birds of prey from Germany were examined for blood parasites. The prevalence of infection was 11% (adult birds 18%, immature birds 16%, nestlings 4%). Among the Falconiformes 11% of 976 birds were infected, and 13% of 173 Strigiformes. Out of 17 falconiform species nine were infected with blood parasites whereas the Eurasian buzzard (Buteo buteo) had the highest prevalence for haematozoa; i.e. Leucocytozoon toddi (31%), the highest prevalence (25%) for Haemoproteus sp. was found in the hobby (Falco subbuteo). Eight species of owls were examined for blood parasites; the tawny owl (Strix aluco) had the highest prevalence with Haemoproteus syrnii (22%). In the one pygmy owl (Glaucidium passerinum) examined Trypanosoma avium and Plasmodium (Giovannolaia) fallax were detected. The white-tailed sea eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla) was found to be a host of L. toddi for the first time. Differences in the prevalence of blood parasites were found in the seasons and age classes of the birds but not between birds admitted to a rehabilitation centre or samples in the wild, the sexes, bird orders and the regions.