Physiological parameters of a plover during nonbreeding and breeding seasons in Patagonia, Argentina

Migratory shorebirds are the most threatened avian species due to effects of human activities and climate change. Physiological parameters useful evaluate health status free-living animals. Here we investigated lymphocytes, heterophils, heterophils/lymphocytes, glucose for female male Two-banded Plovers (Charadrius falklandicus Latham, 1790) during nonbreeding (body moult) breeding (incubation) seasons in coastal areas northern Patagonia, Argentina. We also measured corticosterone first time this season. Nonbreeding were more likely have higher physiological measurements that not dependent on body moult nor condition, being similar between sexes. Differences found related recent feeding birds compared with fasting incubation. The gregarious behaviour comparison isolated pairs would increase risk acquiring parasites (or) pathogens inducing a response immune system reflected values lymphocytes. Baseline was sexes lower other reported plovers. undergo energetically demanding changes stage, strengthening idea conservation environmental resources at these locations may be important than previously thought.