Identification of Intestinal Parasites Patterns of Avian Species in the Midwest
Location
Bent Corridor, Science Center
Document Type
Poster - Open Access
Start Date
5-1-2026 12:00 PM
End Date
5-1-2026 2:00 PM
Abstract
Internal Parasites are extremely common in nature and can potentially have a significant impact on animal health and well-being. One way through which these parasites are able to be identified in both humans and animals is through a technique called fecal floating. To determine both patterns and overall diversity of internal parasites in wild avian species, I conducted fecal floating testing on samples collected from wild-caught birds from five locations: three of which were in southern Lorain County: Caley Reservation, Sandy Ridge Reservation, and the Oberlin Arboretum. Other samples were also collected from Powdermill Reservation as well. This technique involves obtaining small samples of fecal material, combining them with float solutions, and examining under a compound microscope. Through this research, I will identify patterns of internal parasites in specific avian species, drawing conclusions based on identification patterns that correlate species with their internal parasite loads. My research is still in the starting stages of data collection, but I have already had significant positive findings with crucial information that will be used for future research and data analysis. With my research, I hope to be able to provide critical information on parasitic infections to wild bird conservationists as well as inform the public on the patterns of parasites in wild birds. Further, by conducting fecal flotation on samples from wild-caught birds, I will show the importance of this minimally invasive technique to determine parasite loads of wild birds, overall increasing our capability to conserve these amazing species.
Keywords:
Avian, Parasites, Biology, Conservation
Recommended Citation
Benson, Audrey and Gleditsch, Jason, "Identification of Intestinal Parasites Patterns of Avian Species in the Midwest" (2026). Research Symposium. 3.
https://digitalcommons.oberlin.edu/researchsymp/2026/posters/3
Major
Biology; Environmental Studies
Project Mentor(s)
Jason Gleditsch, Biology
2026
Identification of Intestinal Parasites Patterns of Avian Species in the Midwest
Bent Corridor, Science Center
Internal Parasites are extremely common in nature and can potentially have a significant impact on animal health and well-being. One way through which these parasites are able to be identified in both humans and animals is through a technique called fecal floating. To determine both patterns and overall diversity of internal parasites in wild avian species, I conducted fecal floating testing on samples collected from wild-caught birds from five locations: three of which were in southern Lorain County: Caley Reservation, Sandy Ridge Reservation, and the Oberlin Arboretum. Other samples were also collected from Powdermill Reservation as well. This technique involves obtaining small samples of fecal material, combining them with float solutions, and examining under a compound microscope. Through this research, I will identify patterns of internal parasites in specific avian species, drawing conclusions based on identification patterns that correlate species with their internal parasite loads. My research is still in the starting stages of data collection, but I have already had significant positive findings with crucial information that will be used for future research and data analysis. With my research, I hope to be able to provide critical information on parasitic infections to wild bird conservationists as well as inform the public on the patterns of parasites in wild birds. Further, by conducting fecal flotation on samples from wild-caught birds, I will show the importance of this minimally invasive technique to determine parasite loads of wild birds, overall increasing our capability to conserve these amazing species.
Notes
Presenter: Audrey Benson