Leukocyte profile of the helmeted manakin, Antilophia galeata (Passeriformes: Pipridae) in a Cerrado forest fragment

Abstract

Changes in the amounts and proportions of leukocytes, known as leucocyte profiles, have been documented for several bird species and have been used to measure stress levels in these animals. The present work ascertained the biological and ecological attributes that influence the leukocyte profile of Antilophia galeata (Lichtenstein, 1823), the helmeted manakin. This species has been deemed useful in ecological studies because it responds to environmental changes. Blood samples drawn from 89 individuals of A. galeata captured in a Cerrado forest fragment were subjected to analysis under optical microscopy to identify and quantify leukocytes and micronuclei. The number of lymphocytes was greater for males, non-reproductive individuals and individuals infected with ticks. None of the leukocyte components differed in relation to age, molting or body condition index. The amount of micronuclei was correlated with values for total leukocytes, H/L ratio, heterophils, basophils and monocytes. The results suggest that reproduction may be an immunosuppressive factor for the species, producing sexual differences in lymphocyte availability. In addition, biomarkers of genotoxic damage (micronuclei) were related to the amount of leukocytes, indicating that individuals may be sensitive to environmental disturbances. Leukocyte profiles can be considered a useful tool for addressing ecological questions that are relevant to the conservation of species in degraded environments.

Haemosporidian parasites in Antilophia galeata (Aves: Pipridae) in a Cerrado forest fragment

“…Infections were expected to be greater in individuals with brood patch because, during the reproductive period, birds may be immunosuppressed (Hanssen et al 2003(Hanssen et al , 2005Ribeiro et al 2020a); however, there were no effects of the reproductive period on parasitaemia. This result suggests that non-breeding birds are also exposed to immunosuppressive conditions.…”

“…Reproduction is energetically costly for birds due to nest building and parental care (Saino et al 2002;Mainwaring and Hartley 2013), egg production for females (Williams 2005), territorial defence and courtship for males (Edler 2011). These high energetic demands can increase stress in both sexes, compromise health and result in immunosuppression (Norris and Evans 2000;Frigerio et al 2017;Ribeiro et al 2020a).…”