Low prevalence of haematozoa in Trumpeter finches Bucanetes githagineus from south-eastern Spain: additional support for a restricted distribution of blood parasites in arid lands

We have investigated the prevalence of avian haematozoa in Trumpeter finches at two localities situated in arid habitats. This study reports the first record of infection for this bird species. Two out of 58 individuals were infected by Leucocytozoon sp. We discuss several hypotheses accounting for low parasitemia in arid bird species.