Prevalence of Blood Parasites in Traill’s Flycatcher ( Empidonax alnorum ) from Minnesota
Katherine Garcia (Not Pictured)
Abigail Middleton (Not Pictured) Medical Laboratory Science
August Newman (Not Pictured)
Biology
Biology
Traill’s Flycatchers are small migratory songbirds that have been divided into the alder flycatcher ( Empidonax alnorum ) and willow flycatcher ( Empidonax traillii ). Empidonax spp. are difficult to distinguish using their physical traits, but can be identified using their songs, habitat, and some small plumage and wing differences. Traill’s Flycatchers can be infected by blood parasites of the genera Plasmodium , Leucocytozoon , and Haemoproteus , which are transmitted by dipteran vectors. Infected hosts can undergo stress, which can impact their ability to migrate and their overall fitness. This study provides information on the prevalence of blood parasites in Traill’s Flycatcher. A total of 16 blood samples were collected from eight banded Traill’s Flycatchers at Minakwa Golf Course in Crookston, Minnesota between June and July 2025. Each sample was smeared on a glass slide and stained. We used an Olympus BX41 microscope to identify blood parasites using their morphological features. Their prevalence was quantified by observing 100 views at 1000x magnification using ZIESS Labscope Microscope Software. Out of the eight specimens, 50% tested positive for Leucocytozoon , 37.5% tested positive for Plasmodium , and 37.5% tested negative for any blood parasite. We can conclude that a higher number of our samples tested positive for Leucocytozoon than the other blood parasites. Traill’s Flycatchers play a significant role in wetlands by regulating insect populations and therefore serve as an indicator species. Surveying infection in Traill’s Fly- catchers helps us determine how blood parasites can affect their fitness and how a decline in host populations can impact the ecosystem.
Advisors: Jeffery Bell, Ph.D. Sarah Orlofske, Ph.D.
Subject Area: Wildlife
Type: Poster
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Jim and Katie Krause CNR Student Research Symposium
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