TRYPANOSOMES OF SOME SUB-SAHARAN BIRDS

Linear measurements and derived indices from striated trypanosomes in nine species of sub-Saharan birds representing seven families of the P asseriformes, were compared. The dimensions of the striated trypomasti gotes from the Carduelinae, Estrildidae, Nectarinidae, Passeridae, Pyc nonotidae, Turdinae and Zosteropidae were similar to each other as wel l as to those of the striated trypanosomes from the boreal owl (Strigi dae). All these trypanosomes were considered to be Trypanosoma avium D anilewsky, 1885. A further 20 avian species were considered to harbour T. avium, thus greatly extending the reported host range of this tryp anosome. Non-straited trypanosomes from the estrildid Uraeginthus ango lensis closely resembled Trypanosoma bouffardi Leger & Blanchard, 1911 in appearance and dimensions, and were considered to be of this speci es. Additional host records for T. bouffardi from an additional nine a vian species have been reported. The uniquely small and stumpy Trypano soma everetti Molyneux, 1973 was reported from an additional 18 avian species. A large non-striated trypanosome from the laughing dove, Stre ptopelia senegalensis, was identified as Trypanosoma hannae Pittaluga, 1905 and this species was re-described. An infection of this parasite was also found in a single Streptopelia capicola and a single Strepto pelia semitorquata. Two trypanosomes seen in the francolin, Francolinu s natalensis, were identified as Trypanosoma calmettei Mathis & Leger, 1909.