Parasites of chaffinch [Fringilla coelebs] population. Part I. Coccidia [Protozoa, Apicomplexa]

Coccidia infection in Chaffinch population in Mazurian Lakeland was studied. Birds were caught in mist nets from June to September and droppings were collected after defecation. Prevalence of infection was high - 80% of Chaffinches excreted oocysts of Isospora sp. Intensity of oocysts' production varied depending on the time of the day and therefore coccidia prevalence in Chaffinch should be best detectable in birds caught after midday.