Synhimantus (Dispharynx) nasuta (Nematoda:Acuariidae) on the Green-barred Woodpecker Colaptes melanochloros (Aves: Picidae) in Argentina

Abstract

Only a very small percentage of the total bird species reported for Argentina has been studied from the parasitic point of view. This places wild birds as the least studied compared to other vertebrates. In light of this, the goal of the present study is to contribute to the knowledge of endoparasites on wild birds of Argentina. We analyzed a specimen of Green-barred Woodpecker, Colaptes melanochloros, which arrived in bad conditions at the Center for Wildlife Rehabilitation, Environmental Education and Responsible Recreation (Faunistic). The bird subsequently died and we proceeded to do a routine postmortem analysis. The analysis determined the presence of four nematodes (3 females and 1 male) of Synhimantus (Dispharynx) nasuta, this being the first record for the Green-barred Woodpecker Colaptes melanochloros in Argentina. This study provides novel information about parasitism in Argentina’s birds.