Parasitic insects affecting parrots in Argentina and collection methods

Abstract

Birds are parasitized by a diverse community of arthropods, which may be the major cause of morbidity and mortality in nestlings and adults. This article provides information on collection methods for parasitic insects, distinguishing the methods on the bird’s body (for obligate parasites) and within nests (for temporary parasites). Comments are made about some of the most important groups of parasitic insects of parrots that are distributed in Argentina: chewing lice (Phthiraptera), fleas (Siphonaptera), bugs and triatomines (Hemiptera), and flies (Diptera). Finally, the relationship between behavior and parasitism is exemplified by activities of the birds that favor the transmission and activities that decrease the incidence of parasitic insects. It highlights the importance of the host/parasite relationship in fragmented habitats for the conservation of endangered species.