Protocalliphora Larvae Infesting Nestling Birds of Prey

Abstract

An undetermined sp. of Protocalli-phora larvae was found infesting the ears and nostrils of 2 broods of sparrow hawks, Falco sparverius, and one brood of golden eagles, Aquila chrysaetus, in the San Francisco bay region. There was evidence that the parasites were residing more or less permanently in the ears and nostrils, unlike the intermittent attacks on various parts of the body reported for Protocalliphora larvae in mourning doves and passerine birds. The ear canals were densely packed by the maggots and the nostrils of the young sparrow hawks were distorted and enlarged to accommodate those found in them. || ABSTRACT AUTHORS: A. C. Chandler