Occurrence of Leucocytozoon and Haemoproteus (Apicomplexa, Haemosporina) in Falconiformes and Strigiformes of Italy.

Blood smears from Falconiformes (91 birds of 10 species) and Strigiformes (23 birds of 5 species) captured in Italy, were examined for haematozoa. Leucocytozoon were found in Falco tinnuculus, Buteo buteo, Circus cyaneus, Circus pygargus, Accipiter nisus from Falconiformes and in Strix aluco, from Strigiformes. Haemoproteus were found in Falco tinnuculus and Strix aluco; this latter species harbored mixed infections Leucocytozoon-Haemoproteus. Prevalences were 20.80% in Falconiformes and 21.74% in Strigiformes.