FEATHER MITES IN WHITE-CROWNED SPARROWS (ZONOTRICHIA LEUCOPHRYS): TEMPORAL VARIATION AND THEIR EFFECTS ON CONDITION

Katherine N Moua; California State University, Fresno ; kmoua263@gmail.com; Dr. Joel Slade, Katherine M Moua

Host-parasite dynamics in wild migratory songbirds are often studied during the breeding season, with limited focus on the overwintering period. White-crowned Sparrows (Zonotrichia leucophrys; WCSP) migrate seasonally to Central California, where they harbor ectoparasites, such as feather mites, during the winter. While some research suggests a negative association between feather mites and bird condition, recent studies indicate these mites may be commensal. This study examined the relationship between feather mite presence and WCSP morphological condition using data from 2021 to 2024. Principal component analysis (PCA) reduced five variables, retaining PC1 (morphometrics) and PC2 (date sampled). Both variables significantly explained variation in mite scores using a generalized linear mixed model. Results showed that smaller birds and those sampled earlier in the season had higher mite prevalence, suggesting that feather mite abundance is influenced by both host condition and seasonal timing. This research contributes to understanding host-parasite interactions in overwintering birds and highlights the importance of both seasonal and condition factors in shaping these relationships.

Poster Session