Gametocytes of Haemoproteus pastoris from naturally infected Common starlings Sturnus vulgaris. Young (A), growing (B,D), and mature (C,E) macrogametocytes (B,C) and microgametocytes (D,E) are shown. Note the presence of prominent pigment granules in gametocytes. The nuclei were compact and of sub-terminal position in macrogametocytes (B,C), but were diffuse and located centrally in microgametocytes (D,E). Ameboid extremities were visible in the growing gametocytes (B,D), and slight lateral displacement of the erythrocyte nuclei was seen in cells containing mature gametocytes (C,E). Triangle arrow ()—parasite nucleus. Triangle arrowhead ()—pigment granules. Images were taken using Giemsa-stained blood films at ×1000 magnification. Scale bar = 10 μm.