Helmintological Examination of Pica pica (Linnaeus, 1758) (Passeriformes: Corvidae) Specimens Collected from Bursa and Its Surroundings in Türkiye

Abstract

Background: The Eurasian magpie, Pica pica (Linnaeus, 1758), is a widely distributed bird species inhabiting both rural and urban environments in Türkiye. Despite its ecological importance, information on its helminth fauna remains limited. We aimed to investigate the helminth fauna of P. pica specimens collected in Bursa Province and to contribute to the knowledge of parasite biodiversity in Türkiye.

Methods: A total of 53 P. pica specimens, brought dead between June 2015 and August 2025 from Bursa Zoo and the Celal Acar Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Center (Karacabey Ova Korusu, Bursa, Türkiye), were examined for helminths using standard parasitological techniques. Recovered helminths were identified morphologically.

Results: Ten helminth species were identified: Brachylaima fuscata (Rudolphi, 1819) Joyeux, Baer & Timon-David, 1932, B. lobatum (Railliet, 1900), Lyperosomum longicauda (Rudolphi, 1809) (Digenea); Raillietina echinobothrida (Megnin, 1881), Passerilepis stylosa (Rudolphi, 1809), Choanotaenia macracantha (Krabbe, 1869) (Cestoda); Dispharynx nasuta (Rudolphi, 1819), Baruscapillaria obsignata (Madsen, 1945) Moravec, 1982, B. resecta (Dujardin, 1845) (Nematoda); and Sphaerirostris picae (Rudolphi, 1819) (Acanthocephala). R. echinobothrida, C. macracantha, B. obsignata, and B. resecta were recorded from P. pica for the first time worldwide. In addition, B. fuscata, B. lobatum, L. longicauda, C. macracantha, P. stylosa, and B. resecta represent new records for the helminth fauna of Türkiye.

Conclusion: This study expands current knowledge of the helminth fauna of P. pica and provides several novel host and geographical records. The findings highlight the importance of continued parasitological investigations of wild birds in Türkiye to improve our understanding of parasite diversity and host–parasite associations.