Checklist of the avian species of Plasmodium Marchiafava & Celli, 1885 (Apicomplexa) and their distribution by avian family and Wallacean life zones

The 34 valid species of avian Plasmodium are listed with their authorities and type-hosts. Plasmodium species are also listed by the avian family in which they occur and by the number of avian families and species which they parasitise. A key to the subgenera of Plasmodium occurring in birds is presented. The distribution of the parasites by the Wallacean life zones is discussed; Plasmodium records in birds from the Australian zone is sharply lower than for any other life zone.