Mentor: Ryan Shannon, Ph.D.

Avian malaria, caused by genera such as Plasmodium, Haemoproteus, and Leucocytozoon, is an important contributor to bird population declines alongside other environmental stressors. Infection risk is largely influenced by exposure to vectors such as mosquitoes, black flies, and biting midges. This study investigates how nest characteristics, including height, type, and habitat, influence parasite prevalence and diversity. We predicted that nests with greater exposure to vectors, specifically those that are lower, open, and located in riparian habitats, would exhibit higher infection rates.

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