Prevalence and diversity of helminths in three corvid species (Coloeus monedula (Linnaeus, 1758), Garrulus glandarius (Linnaeus, 1758), and Corvus corax (Linnaeus, 1758) from Türkiye.

BACKGROUND

Corvidae birds are ecologically significant and host a diverse range of helminth parasites; however, data on their parasitic fauna in Türkiye remain limited. Here, we examined 44 individuals of three corvid species (39 Coloeus monedula, 3 Garrulus glandarius and 2 Corvus corax) from Bursa Province through necropsy and microscopic identification.

RESULTS

We detected helminth infections in 79.5% of the birds, identifying 12 species across Digenea (Brachylaima fuscata, Brachylecithum lobatum, Lyperosomum longicauda), Cestoda (Choanotaenia macracantha, Passerilepis stylosa), Nematoda (Syngamus trachea, Dispharynx nasuta, Dispharynx sp., Baruscapillaria obsiganata, B. resecta), and Acanthocephala (Sphaerirostris picae, Plagiorhynchus (Prosthorhynchus) cylindraceus).

CONCLUSIONS

This study represents the third record for C. monedula, the second for G. glandarius, and the first for Co. corax in Türkiye. Notably, B. fuscata, Br. lobatum, C. macracantha, P. stylosa, and B. resecta helminths were recorded for the first time in Türkiye. These findings enhance the understanding of helminth diversity in regional corvid populations and provide a foundation for future studies on host–parasite dynamics and avian health in Eurasian ecosystems.