Population ecology of a phthirapteran occurring on the common Baya (Ploceus philippinus) (Ploceidae: Passeriformes: Aves)

Abstract

One hundred common Bayas (Ploceus philippinus) were examined for their ectoparasites, during April 2006 to December 2008 in the Rampur district of India (28°49′12 ″N 79°1' 11 ″E). Seventy-four animals were found infested (mean intensity 13.97, sample mean abundance 10.3, range of infestation 1-45) with an ischnoceran louse, Brueelia plocea. The frequency distribution pattern of the louse on the aforesaid bird was aggregated but did not conform to the negative binomial model. The sex ratio was female biased while the nymphal population was dominant over adults. © TÜBİTAK.