Influence of Bill and Foot Morphology on the Ectoparasites of Barn Owls

• DOI: 10.1645/ge-2888.1
• Publication Date: 2012-04-23T14:41:50Z
• Authors: Sarah E. Bush; Scott M. Villa; Than J. Boves; Dallas Brewer; James R. Belthoff
• Keywords: Claw; Hook; Barn; Louse; Tyto

Preening is the principle behavioral defense used by birds to combat ectoparasites. Most have a small overhang at tip of their bills that shear through tough cuticle ectoparasitic arthropods, making preening much more efficient. Birds may also scratch with feet defend against This particularly important for removing ectoparasites on head, which cannot preen. Scratching be enhanced comb-like serrations are found claws in many avian families. We examined prevalence and intensity barn owls (Tyto alba pratincola) southern Idaho relation bill hook length morphological characteristics pectinate claw. The our study were infested 3 species lice (Phthiraptera: Ischnocera): Colpocephalum turbinatum, Kurodaia subpachygaster, Strigiphilus aitkeni. Bill was associated these lice. Owls longer hooks likely Conventional wisdom suggests morphology raptors has been shaped selection efficient foraging; data suggest play role ectoparasite defense. number teeth claw had less lice, larger offer relatively protection Experiments manipulate needed confirm whether host characters involved Finally, we recovered mammalian from 4 owls. (Phthiraptera:Anoplura) fleas (Siphonaptera) commonly microtine rodents. probably acquired parasites recently eaten prey. represents 1 few documented cases "straggling" prey predator.