Blood parasites of House Finches (Carpodacus mexicanus) from Georgia and New York.

This study investigated the ecology of hematozoan parasites in two eastern populations of House Finch (Carpodacus mexicanus). Blood smears were obtained from birds captured in Georgia during 2001-2003 (n = 757) and New York during 2001 (n = 282) and evaluated for the presence of hematozoans. Low-density infections of Haemoproteus fringillae and Plasmodium relictum were confirmed at each location. Infections were observed year-round in Georgia, but primarily between June and November in New York. Overall, hematozoa were more prevalent in House Finches from Georgia than New York (P </= 0.01). The prevalence of infection was similar between finches of different age, sex, and reproductive status in Georgia. The low density of the infections observed suggests there is limited influence on host mortality.