《How Birds Combat Ectoparasites》.pdfVIP

The Open Ornithology Journal, 2010, 3, 41-71 41 Open Access How Birds Combat Ectoparasites ,1 1 1,2 1,3 Dale H. Clayton* , Jennifer A. H. Koop , Christopher W. Harbison , Brett R. Moyer and Sarah E. Bush1,4 1Department of Biology, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, UT 84112, USA; 2 Current address: Biology Department, Siena College, Loudonville, NY, 12211, USA; 3 Current address: Providence Day School, Charlotte, NC, 28270, USA; 4Natural History Museum and Biodiversity Research Center, University of Kansas, Lawrence, Kansas 66045, USA Abstract: Birds are plagued by an impressive diversity of ectoparasites, ranging from feather-feeding lice, to feather- degrading bacteria. Many of these ectoparasites have severe negative effects on host fitness. It is therefore not surprising that selection on birds has favored a variety of possible adaptations for dealing with ectoparasites. The functional signifi- cance of some of these defenses has been well documented. Others have barely been studied, much less tested rigorously. In this article we review the evidence - or lack thereof - for many of the purported mechanisms birds have for dealing with ectoparasites. We concentrate on features of the plumage and its components, as well as anti-parasite behaviors. In some cases, we present original data from our own recent work. We make recommendations for future studies that could im- prove our understanding of this poorly known aspect of avian biology. Keywords: