Observations on helminth parasites of the spectacled eider, Somateria fischeri (Brandt), in Alaska

• Published in: Canadian Journal of Zoology
• Main Author: Dau, Christian P.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Canadian Science Publishing 1978
• Subjects: Animal Science and Zoology; Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics; Yukon; Kuskokwim; Alaska
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/z78-256; http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/pdf/10.1139/z78-256

Data concerning the occurrence and species diversity of helminth parasites in a sample of 11 spectacled eiders from the Yukon–Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska, are presented. Differences in helminth species diversity and intensity of infections were encountered between adult males and females. Adult males and young of the year were host to the greatest variety of species and in most cases total helminths. Helminth parasitism in the spectacled eider may be a compounding factor in the mortality of young birds after departure from the nesting grounds.