Search for blood protozoans in the American woodcock

Smears were prepared from heart blood of 55 woodcock collected in central Maine between spring and fall, 1972 and 1973. Peripheral blood taken from the wings of 41 of these birds also was examined. Examination of stained films revealed no infected blood cells. Samples of heart blood from 35 of the 41 woodcock were injected into young ducks, quail, and a gull. Plasmodia were not seen in inoculated birds.