In recent years, population decline has been detected in several birds of prey. Although climate change and habitat destruction are likely responsible for this, we cannot ignore the role of pathogens, especially parasites in raptor's population decline. In this study, we used both microscopic and molecular techniques to examine blood samples collected from raptors referred to the rehabilitation stations in Northeastern of Iran for blood parasites. A total of 36 raptors from members of the family Falconidae and Accipitridae were included. Samples were collected from June to the end of November 2012. The prevalence of Leucocytozoon spp. in microscopic and molecular examination was 11% in both methods. Among the different species included in this study, the Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos), the common buzzards (Buteo buteo) and the eagle owl (Bubo bubo) were three species infected with Leucocytozoon spp. It is therefore, concluded that Leucocytozoon spp. were prevalent among raptors in Iran and both genotypical and phenotypical methods are applicable.

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