The parasitology of the black stilt (Himantopus novaezelandiae)

The parasite faunas of the black stilt (Himantopus novaezelandiae) and the pied stilt (H. h. leucocephalus ) in New Zealand were investigated. The alimentary tracts of eleven black stilts, and three entire pied stilts were examined for the presence of parasites, particularly helminths, and a number of carcasses were surveyed for the presence of ectoparasites. Faecal samples were taken from captive black stilts at the Ruataniwha aviary, and examined for evidence of parasite infection. Diplophallus polymorphus (Cestoda: Acoleidae), and an unidentified cyclophyllidean cestode (Platyhelminthes: Cestoda) were recovered from black stilt viscera. Capillaria sp. (Nematoda:Trichuridae) were found in the intestine of two birds. Faecal sampling indicated that 67% of the enclosures within the aviary contained birds infected with adult Capillaria sp. nematodes, a new host record. Furthermore, sampling indicated one or more chicks were infected with this nematode before leaving the brooders in which they were raised. New host records were recorded for the digenean fluke genera Acanthoparyphium (Echinostomatidae), Cotylurus (Cotyluridae), and Catatropis (Notocotylidae) in the black stilt. Microphallids (Microphallidae: Microphallinae) were recovered from two black stilts; in one case they were present in huge numbers. The same host was also infected with the protozoan Giardia sp . (Zoo mastigophorea: Polymastigida); there were signs this bird may have been suffering from malnutrition. Examination of pied stilts produced new host records of the digenea Catatropis (Notocotylidae), Psilostominae (Psilostominae), Uvitellina (Cyclocoelidae), and the acanthocephalan Polymorphus (Palaeacanthocephala: Polymorhidae). D . polymorphus (Cestoda: Acoleidae) and an unidentified cyclophyllidean cestode (Platyhelminthes: Cestoda) were also recovered. The parasites Wardianum (Cyclocoelidae), Acanthoparyphium (Echinostomatidae) and Capillaria (Nematoda: Trichuridae) were also recovered. The acanthocephalans were responsible for severe damage to the host intestine,which would probably have resulted in its death within a short period of time. Examination of pied stilts for ectoparasites revealed relatively heavy ectoparasite (louse and mite) burdens, although no ectoparasites were detected on black stilts. Lice have been identified as Austromenopon himantopi, Quadraceps hemichrous, and Q. semifissus, while mites were representatives of the genera Grallobia and Bychovskiata (Analgoiciea, Analgidae). The presence of these parasites, particularly large numbers of intestinal helminths, could slow the development of black stilts raised in captivity and may cause illness and increased mortality among stilts released into the wild. It is likely that parasites are shared between H. h. leucocephalus and H. novaezelandiae.