<abstract xml:lang="en" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml"><p>The time course and abundance of <italic>Carnus hemapterus</italic> on common kestrel's nestlings depends on their age and the type of nest. Ectoparasites were found in 97% of nests and the majority of nestlings (83%) were observed to be infested between their 10th and 15th day of life. The highest infestation rate of <italic>Carnus hemapterus</italic> was recorded on 5- to 10-day old nestlings. We have confirmed that the <italic>Carnus hemapterus</italic> species feeds on blood; however no negative impact on nestlings and the breeding success of common kestrel was confirmed.</p></abstract>

The time course and abundance of Carnus hemapterus on common kestrel's nestlings depends on their age and the type of nest. Ectoparasites were found in 97% of nests and the majority of nestlings (83%) were observed to be infested between their 10th and 15th day of life. The highest infestation rate of Carnus hemapterus was recorded on 5- to 10-day old nestlings. We have confirmed that the Carnus hemapterus species feeds on blood; however no negative impact on nestlings and the breeding success of common kestrel was confirmed.

The ecology of ectoparasitic species <italic>Carnus hemapterus</italic> on nestlings of common kestrel (<italic>Falco tinnunculus</italic>) in Bratislava

Department of Zoology, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Mlynská dolina, SK-842 15

Department of Ecosozology and Physiotactics, Faculty of Natural Sciences, Comenius University in Bratislava, Mlynská dolina, SK-842 15

Raptor Journal

The ecology of ectoparasitic species  on nestlings of common kestrel () in Bratislava

The time course and abundance of Carnus hemapterus on common kestrel's nestlings depends on their age and the type of nest. Ectoparasites were found in 97% of...

The ecology of ectoparasitic species Carnus hemapterus on nestlings of common kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) in Bratislava

Published Online: May 03, 2012

Page range: 45 - 48

DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/v10262-012-0045-z

Keywords
hematocrit, hematophagy, abundance, Slovakia

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