Host nutritional status has been long established as a mediator of host-pathogen interactions across taxa. Nutritional status of landbirds is largely determined by environmental conditions and can vary between individuals. Many landbirds by virtue of migratory movements are exposed to a variety of pathogens. Furthermore, landbirds also face conditions of limited resources and high competition, which can impact their ability to acquire nutrients. Here I explore how the host-pathogen interactions and subsequently disease dynamics among landbirds may be affected by host nutritional status. First, we review disease dynamics and effects of host nutrition on the host-pathogen interaction, highlighting the importance of exploring impacts of host nutritional status to disease dynamics among migratory landbirds. Second, we present a foundational study of the impact of host nutritional status, measured as energetic condition, on constitutive immune function of American robins (Turdus migratorius), a passerine which acts as a reservoir for multiple zoonotic pathogens. Together these chapters provide an ecoimmunological and conservation medicine perspective on the importance of nutritional status of passerines to immunity and disease dynamics.
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