Animal Biodiversity and Conservation. Volume 48.1 (2025) Pages: e0006-

Leucocyte profile and H/L ratio of birds between contrasting urban green spaces with emphasis in five common resident urban birds in Mexico

DOI: http://doi.org/10.32800/abc.2025.48.0006

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Abstract

The health of birds that live in green spaces embedded in the urban matrix is a relevant topic in conservation because the establishment of individuals and their long-term survival depend on various physiological adjustments. In this study we obtained leucocyte profiles for 424 individuals belonging to 26 bird species. We also assessed and compared the leucocyte profile, the H/L ratio, and body mass of five common resident urban bird species (Inca dove, Bewick’s wren, house sparrow, house finch, and canyon towhee) in two contrasting urban green spaces with respect to the level of urbanization. The Bewick’s wren and the canyon towhee did not show any difference between contrasting green spaces in leucocyte parameters. However, the Inca dove and the house sparrow had higher percentages of basophils in the preserved area while the house finch had a higher percentage of lymphocytes and eosinophils in the urban area but fewer basophils. With respect to body mass, Bewick’s wren and the house sparrow had significantly lower values in the preserved area. Our results help to establish reference values for further studies that may be useful in exploring the potential effect of urban habitats on the health status of wild birds.

Keywords

House sparrow, House finch, Avian hematology, Urbanization, White blood cells, Physiological stress

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Carbó-Ramírez, P., Zuria, I., 2025. Leucocyte profile and H/L ratio of birds between contrasting urban green spaces with emphasis in five common resident urban birds in Mexico. Animal Biodiversity and Conservation, 48: e0006-, DOI: http://doi.org/10.32800/abc.2025.48.0006