Vocal behaviour, parasitic infection, chronic stress and body condition in rufous-naped wrens (Campylorhynchus rufinucha)

We explored the relationship between haemosporidian infection (infected vs. uninfected), parasite load, heterophil:lymphocyte ratio, body condition and vocal behaviour of the Rufous-naped Wren Campylorhynchus rufinucha. Our results, albeit based on a small sample size, showed no evidence of an association between vocal behaviour and infection status, heterophil:lymphocyte ratio or body condition. Infections did not vary between localities. Our results showed, however, that infection status was associated with a higher song rate, and that in males and females belonging to the same reproductive pair there was a strong positive correlation in terms of infection status and parasite load.

Automated summary

In this study, we explored the relationship between haemosporidian infection, parasite load, heterophil:lymphocyte ratio, body condition, and vocal behavior in Rufous-naped Wrens. Our results showed no evidence of an association between vocal behavior and infection status, heterophil:lymphocyte ratio, or body condition. However, we found that infection status was associated with a higher song rate and there was a strong positive correlation between infection status and parasite load in males and females belonging to the same reproductive pair.