Babesia shortti infection in a common kestrel (Falco tinnunculus) in Catalonia (northeastern Spain)

We report the presence of the avian piroplasm Babesia shortti in a common k estrel (Falco tinnunculus) admitted in a wildlife recovery centre in Catalo nia, Spain. The bird, which was in a very poor condition and had respirator y distress, was anaemic (packed cell volume of 22%), The animal died within days. No postmortem examination was performed, but the extremely high para sitaemia of almost 45% and the anaemia might have caused death.