Young Swift in nest with Parasitic Louse Flies

[Melvin Grey]

This image has been put in purely for its Natural History content - not head angle or clean background, sorry. The bird is about 4-5 days old but is already victim to several parasitic louse flies - Crataerina pallida. They are specific to Swifts feeding on both adults and young. Although they take about 25mg of blood in a 5 day period, research seems to indicate that it does not adversely affect the well being of the host. No parasite will seriously harm the host as it needs a constant supply of blood! However this research makes no mention of the possible accumulative effect from an infestation as indicated in the image. It is also interesting to note the relative size difference between the wings and legs and feet at this stage in the chicks development, compare them to what the difference will be in an adult bird.

Image taken with a Nikon F on Kodachrome 64. Lack of depth of field due to an ISO of 64 and the scanning process means this is obviously not as sharp as a modern digital capture would be.

Melvin Grey

[Doug Brown]

Fascinating image and story Melvin! How large is the bird at this stage of development?

[Jack Breakfast]

Thank you kindly for posting this. It's terrific to see a natural history shot like this on the good old bird forum! More, if you please, more and more!

[arash_hazeghi]

ouch those flies look nasty, you want to reach out and shake them off the bird! TFS interesting image.

[Melvin Grey]

Fascinating image and story Melvin! How large is the bird at this stage of development?

Thanks Doug, stretched out like this approx. 1.5 inches, tip of beak to where the tail should start. An adult is approx. 6.5 inches long but with a 17 inch wingspan. Up to twenty of these flies have been found on a single adult bird. Needless to say I had a long hot shower after each session!
Melvin

[PhilCook]

Poor little fella ! Really makes one marvel at how tough you have to be to survive in the wild, it's a wonder the parent birds don't groom the chicks to keep them parasite free

[Daniel Cadieux]

Man-o-man, what a terrible way to start life, even the "nest" is decripit!! Fascinating in a scientific point of view. Is this a nest that is being studied? How did you have access to it?

[Melvin Grey]

ouch those flies look nasty, you want to reach out and shake them off the bird! TFS interesting image.

Yes they do look nasty, and as far as we humans are concerned, their lifestyle leaves a lot to be desired BUT all birds and mammals carry parasites of some sort - even us humans! Even that beautiful Willet of yours will be host to at least several Louse Flies.

[Melvin Grey]

Man-o-man, what a terrible way to start life, even the "nest" is decripit!! Fascinating in a scientific point of view. Is this a nest that is being studied? How did you have access to it?

Daniel, I have always been interested in Natural History, particularly birds, and have photographed many nest situations as part of being able to study the life cycle of various species. This nest was one of a small colony of Swifts nesting in a local church tower - I just asked for access and received permission from the local vicar. He also was interested in 'his' Swifts, although why anyone wanted to photograph them in such unsavoury conditions he could not understand! Not many people can!! You mention "what a terrible way to start life", unfortunately there are very many human equivalents around the world, particularly in poorer parts of Africa.
Melvin
melvingrey@btinternet.com

[Daniel Cadieux]

Thanks for the additional comments Melvin, much appreciated.