Low parasite infestations in high densities: The paradox of woodpigeons in urban areas.

[Display omitted] • Despite higher density in the urban population, woodpigeon individuals were characterised by lower chewing louse abundance. • Birds with lower weights showed higher parasitic loads, which became more noticeable in urban woodpigeons. • Different from rural woodpigeons, parasites typical of feral pigeons were found on urban individuals. • Most of the species found were chewing lice, with Columbicola claviformis and Campanulotes bidentatus being dominant. The type of habitat occupied by avian populations has a marked effect on the parasitises they host. The growth of cities and urban areas in recent decades has favoured some species of birds adapted to these types of habitats – urban exploiters – although the effects of urbanisation on the parasitism of wildlife are not always well known. This study compares the ectoparasites characteristic of two differentiated populations of woodpigeons, one located in a predominantly urban environment and the other in a rural one. Most of the species found were chewing lice, with Columbicola claviformis and Campanulotes bidentatus being dominant. Despite the higher density of the urban population, woodpigeon individuals were characterised by a lower abundance of chewing lice, as well as the presence of ectoparasites typical of feral pigeons such as Hohorstiella lata and the hippoboscids fly , Pseudolynchia canariensis. Similarly, birds with lower weights showed a higher parasitic load, which became more noticeable in urban woodpigeons. The lower ectoparasite load of urban hosts represents a health advantage compared with rural populations, which could be one of the causes of greater growth and reproductive success in urban populations of woodpigeons. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]