Abstract:
Approximately 3 000 birds, mainly passerines, caught in mist nets in the northern provinces of South
Africa, were examined for ticks. A total of 178 ticks, belonging to 14 species, were recovered from 83
birds of 43 different species. Hyalomma rufipes was the most numerous tick, with 26 larvae and 109
nymphs collected, followed by Amblyomma marmoreum, with 13 larvae and two nymphs. Despite the
study being conducted within the distribution range of Amblyomma hebraeum, it was not seen on any
passerines, whereas three larger species were infested. The potential for small birds to spread ticks
with their associated tick-borne pathogens is discussed.
