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Page count: 310

In this study 371 American Coots ( Fulica americana ) examined from the area around Edmonton, Alberta,harbored 36 species of helminths, including 14 trematodes, 9 cestodes, 8 nematodes, 4 acanthocephala and 1 leech. There were 10 new host records and 2 new North American records. The coot was a main host of 14 species (12 specific to the Rallidae) , an auxiliary host of 4 species, an accidental host of 6 species and an inhibitory host of 12 species, including the most abundant form. Most of the species not specific to the Rallidae are found in a wide variety of water birds. No correlation between the helminth fauna and the sex or condition of the host was found. Two of the common helminths were found only in adult coots; these appear to be "southern" species, whereas all the rest appear to be "ubiquists". The other common species were maintained primarily by infections in adults, four others by infections in immatures. The intensity of infection was generally higher in immatures than in adults. Most of the species of helminths of immature coots are acquired between the second and eighth week of life. Changes in the environment between 1963 and 1964 were reflected by changes in the helminth fauna. Differences in the helminth fauna of coots from the three habitats sampled were also found. Five patterns of seasonal fluctuations in the extensity cf infection, with peaks in the spring, both spring and fall, summer, fall, and irregular fluctuations, were found. Decreases in the helminth numbers in adult coots in June were correlated with the hatching season. The diversity of the helminth fauna reflected the diversity of food eaten. Some of the differences in helminth infections with age, season and habitat appear to be mediated by food habits. Certain food items could be correlated with helminth infections; however, intermediate hosts of some common helminths were not found in the stomach contents. Minor pathological reactions were common but no debilitating helminth infections were found.