Parasites of Kalij Pheasants (Lophura leucomelana) on the Island of Hawaii

Abstract

Kalij pheasants (Lophura leucomelana) were collected from the island of Hawaii from 21 March to 25 June 1981, and were examined for parasites . These introduced forest dwelling pheasants are sympatric with both endangered endemic birds and mosquitoes, which are known vectors of avian malaria. No blood parasites were found in any of the 44 Kalij pheasants examined. An eyeworm, Oxyspirura sp., was found in two birds . One pheasant was infested with a body louse Amyrsidea monostoecha, and a feather louse Lagopoecus colchicus was found on two birds. The latter represents a new host record