Abstract:

An ectoparasitological survey focused on the birds at the Hortobagy Raptor Rehabilitation Center was carried out between 01. 2000. and 11. 2003. A total of 24 birds were studied, representing 19 species and 7 orders. A total of 298 avian lice (Phthiraptera) were collected representing 24 species and 12 genera, including 7 species new to the fauna of Hungary. Concerns about nature conservation justify the method to collect parasites of strictly protected species in bird rehabilitation centres. The present study is the first to report parasites of the great white egret and red kite from Hungary, however, the red kite was originated from Germany.