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<p>Haemosporidian parasites, including <i>Plasmodium</i>, <i>Haemoproteus</i>, and <i>Leucocytozoon</i> genera, are vector-borne protists causing malaria-like diseases in birds. Juveniles are often more susceptible to infections, potentially becoming reservoirs within bird communities. However, we still understand little about other factors that may increase host susceptibility to haemosporidian parasites, mainly in terms of stress and overall health condition. Therefore, here, we investigated the complex interplay between haemosporidian parasites, plumage coloration, body condition, feather corticosterone concentration, and age. We captured individuals outside the breeding season in 2019 and screened 50 individuals of four different species (<i>Basileuterus culicivorus</i>, <i>Myiothlypis leucoblephara</i>, <i>Haplospiza unicolor</i>, and <i>Conopophaga lineata</i>) for haemosporidian parasites, and tested the predictions that individuals with higher levels of feather corticosterone, lower body condition, drabber plumage coloration, and&#xa0;that younger birds would have a higher haemosporidian parasite occurrence. Results revealed that feather corticosterone concentration and plumage color saturation were key predictors of haemosporidian occurrence. Birds with higher feather corticosterone and less-saturated plumage had a higher likelihood of infection. These findings shed light on the intricate connections between stress, immunity, and plumage coloration in wild bird populations, providing insights into avian health and condition.</p>

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Plumage coloration and feather corticosterone concentration predict haemosporidian parasite occurrence in four passerines from the Atlantic Forest

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2025年5月1日

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  • Victor Aguiar de Souza Penha,
  • Belchiolina Beatriz Fonseca,
  • André Eduardo Schlemper,
  • Mário Machado Martins,
  • Erika Martins Braga,
  • Regiane da Silva Rodrigues,
  • Marina Anciães,
  • Lilian Tonelli Manica

摘要

Haemosporidian parasites, including Plasmodium, Haemoproteus, and Leucocytozoon genera, are vector-borne protists causing malaria-like diseases in birds. Juveniles are often more susceptible to infections, potentially becoming reservoirs within bird communities. However, we still understand little about other factors that may increase host susceptibility to haemosporidian parasites, mainly in terms of stress and overall health condition. Therefore, here, we investigated the complex interplay between haemosporidian parasites, plumage coloration, body condition, feather corticosterone concentration, and age. We captured individuals outside the breeding season in 2019 and screened 50 individuals of four different species (Basileuterus culicivorus, Myiothlypis leucoblephara, Haplospiza unicolor, and Conopophaga lineata) for haemosporidian parasites, and tested the predictions that individuals with higher levels of feather corticosterone, lower body condition, drabber plumage coloration, and that younger birds would have a higher haemosporidian parasite occurrence. Results revealed that feather corticosterone concentration and plumage color saturation were key predictors of haemosporidian occurrence. Birds with higher feather corticosterone and less-saturated plumage had a higher likelihood of infection. These findings shed light on the intricate connections between stress, immunity, and plumage coloration in wild bird populations, providing insights into avian health and condition.