Some aspects of the blood of alcids in Newfoundland

Abstract

Descriptions and measurements are given for the circulating blood cells of four species of alcids. The measurements of each cell type were very similar among the species examined. Ratios of the various cells of the definitive erythrocyte series were determined utilizing an ocular grid, a decrease in the number of cells of the earlier stages of the erythrocyte series being noted with increasing age. -- Differential white blood cell counts from blood smears of 5 species of alcids namely, Alca torda, Uria aalge, Uria lomvia, Cepphus grylle and Fratercula arctica are recorded with wide variations occurring in the percentage values for the various white cell types. Fluctuations occur in the percentage of cells found in differential white blood cell counts of U. aalge and F. arctica during the sampling period. No correlation was noted between the sizes and weights of young U. aalge and F. arctica and the percentages of the various white blood cell types as determined from differential white blood cell counts. Results indicate that differences do occur in the percentage of cellular elements from differential white cell counts in the various species of alcids examined. Values are recorded for hematocrits, clotting times and red cell counts of U. aalge and F. arctica.