THE EFFECTS OF MIGRATORY FLIGHT ON HEMATOLOGIC PARAMETERS IN NORTHERN BALD IBISES (GERONTICUS EREMITA)

Abstract Under the project of “Human-Led Migration,” the authors had the unique opportunity to accompany hand-raised northern bald Iibises (NBIs; Geronticus eremita) during migration, which occurred in stages from Bavaria, Germany, to southern Tuscany, Italy. The aim of this study was to investigate the immediate effects of flight, with respect to flight duration, and the more delayed recovery effects on hematologic variables. A total of 31 birds were sampled. Blood samples were taken immediately before takeoff, after landing, and 1 day after the flight. Hematocrit was determined and blood smears were prepared to estimate the total white blood count (tWBC) with leukocyte concentrations (absolute [abs.]) and differential blood cell count (%). Postflight, significant decreases in hematocrit, tWBC, lymphocytes (abs., %), heterophils (abs.), eosinophils (abs., %), and monocytes (abs.) were observed. In contrast, heterophils (%), basophils (%), and the heterophil/lymphocyte (H/L) ratio increased significantly....