Abstract:
Linear measurements and derived indices from striated trypanosomes in nine species of sub-Saharan
birds representing seven families of the Passeriformes, were compared. The dimensions of the striated
trypomastigotes from the Carduelinae, Estrildidae, Nectarinidae, Passeridae, Pycnonotidae, Turdinae
and Zosteropidae were similar to each other as well as to those of the striated trypanosomes from the
boreal owl (Strigidae). All these trypanosomes were considered to be Trypanosoma avium Danilewsky,
1885. A further 20 avian species were considered to harbour T. avium, thus greatly extending the
reported host range of this trypanosome. Non-striated trypanosomes from the estrildid Uraeginthus
angolensis closely resembled Trypanosoma bouffardi Leger & Blanchard, 1911 in appearance and
dimensions, and were considered to be of this species. Additional host records for T. bouffardi from an
additional nine avian species have been reported. The uniquely small and stumpy Trypanosoma everetti
Molyneux, 1973 was reported from an additional 18 avian species. A large non-striated trypanosome
from the laughing dove, Streptopelia senegalensis, was identified as Trypanosoma hannae Pittaluga,
1905 and this species was re-described. An infection of this parasite was also found in a single
Streptopelia capicola and a single Streptopelia semitorquata. Two trypanosomes seen in the francolin,
Francolinus natalensis, were identified as Trypanosoma calmettei Mathis & Leger, 1909.
