The Leucocytozoidae of South African birds. The Coliiformes and Coraciiformes

Abstract

The leucocytozoids of the avian orders Coliiformes and Coraciiformes are reviewed. Leucocytozoon colius of the Coliidae, L. alcedinis and L. dacelo of the Alcedinidae and L. bucerotis of the Bucerotidae are described as new species. Leucocytozoon eurystomi, L. nyctyornis and L. communis of the Coraciidae, Meropidae and Upupidae respectively are redescribed. Leucocytozoon coraciae, L. francae, L. leitaoi and L. melloi are declared synonyms of L. eurystomi. Leucocytozoon apiaster of the Meropidae and L. musajevi of the Coraciidae have previously been declared nomina nuda.