Seasonality and habitat affect tick parasitism in typical antbirds (Thamnophilidae) of the Atlantic Forest

Abstract Records of tick parasitism in Brazilian birds result from specific community studies, in which similar parasitic rates are found among species phylogenetically close and with similar habitat use. However, to understand the tick–bird dynamics, it is necessary to consider the ecological aspects of the organisms and the environment. Over a year, during both dry and rainy periods, we captured three Thamnophilidae species with mist nets and examined the birds for ticks. Concurrently, we conducted field observations along linear transects to characterise the vertical distribution of vegetation of these species. We identified the collected ticks taxonomically and molecularly. We hypothesise that the lowest tick prevalence rates will be found in the forest that the highest rates will occur in the dry season, and that will be higher in birds occupying lower heights above the ground. Contrary to expectations, the restinga had a lower parasite prevalence. In the forest, there was a higher prevalence in the dry months. Unlike the pattern observed in other areas of the Atlantic Forest, the birds in the restinga were parasitised exclusively during rainy months. The use of vertical space of vegetation differed among the birds but did not determine the parasitism rates. Our results indicate that ecological factors regulate exposure to tick parasitism, even among phylogenetically close birds, as species in the Thamnophilidae family did not show the same pattern. The host–parasite interaction varied across areas and seasons, suggesting that these factors may determine the availability of ticks for parasitism.