Mercury in feathers of Swedish gyrfalcons, Falco rusticolus, in relation to diet
The gyrfalcon (Falco rusticolus) is mainly a resident bird breeding in mountain areas in Fennoscandia. The population (estimated to 300-500 pairs) probably fluctuates according to the presence of willow grouse (Lagopus lagopus) and ptarmigan (Lagopus mutus). Little is known about pollutant levels in Fennoscandian gyrfalcons. Previous studies found low levels of DDE, PCB and mercury in organs from six Norwegian gyrfalcons. In this paper the author has included additional information on mercury levels, based on feather analyses from a few nests in northern Sweden. The use of feathers is a simple method to monitor mercury levels without sacrificing the birds. Food habits were checked by analyzing food remains at and near the nests.
- Research Organization:
- Univ. of Goeteborg, Sweden
- OSTI ID:
- 7012178
- Journal Information:
- Bull. Environ. Contam. Toxicol.; (United States), Vol. 32:4
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Metal levels in regrown feathers: Assessment of contamination on the wintering and breeding grounds in the same individuals
High feather mercury concentrations in the wandering albatross are related to sex, breeding status and trophic ecology with no demographic consequences
Related Subjects
37 INORGANIC
ORGANIC
PHYSICAL AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
FEATHERS
ACTIVATION ANALYSIS
MERCURY
BIOLOGICAL ACCUMULATION
BIRDS
DIET
MUSCLES
NEUTRON REACTIONS
ANIMALS
BARYON REACTIONS
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
ELEMENTS
HADRON REACTIONS
METALS
NUCLEAR REACTIONS
NUCLEON REACTIONS
VERTEBRATES
560305* - Chemicals Metabolism & Toxicology- Vertebrates- (-1987)
400101 - Activation
Nuclear Reaction
Radiometric & Radiochemical Procedures