Hematology and plasma biochemistry for endangered Red Knots (Calidris Canutus Rufa) at wintering and migratory sites in Argentina.

D'AMICO VL; BERTELLOTTI M; BAKER AJ; GONZÁLEZ PM

Vancouver

Congreso; IV Western Hemisphere Shorebird Group Meeting; 2011

In this work we present the obtained hematological and plasma biochemistry values for adult long distance migrant red knots in their southernmost wintering site in Río Grande (Tierra del Fuego, Argentina) and at the first refueling site in San Antonio Oeste (Río Negro, Argentina). Lymphocytes (L) followed by heterophils (H) were the most abundant leukocytes. H/L ratio and glucose levels were significantly higher at Río Grande possibly due to stresses of migration and molting. Ranges of packed cell volume were wide probably as a response to a need for oxygen transportation necessary for the long migration. Protein profile and lipids were higher at the stopover site and attributable to birds storing reserves for subsequent flights. These values can be considered as reference values for this endangered species.