A1 Refereed original research article in a scientific journal
Breeding performance of blue tits (Cyanistes caeruleus) and great tits (Parus major) in a heavy metal polluted area
Authors: Eeva T, Ahola M, Lehikoinen E
Publisher: ELSEVIER SCI LTD
Publication year: 2009
Journal: Environmental Pollution
Journal name in source: ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION
Journal acronym: ENVIRON POLLUT
Volume: 157
Issue: 11
First page : 3126
Last page: 3131
Number of pages: 6
ISSN: 0269-7491
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.envpol.2009.05.040(external)
Abstract
We compared heavy metal levels, calcium levels, breeding parameters and condition of nestling and adult Cyanistes caeruleus and Parus major along a heavy metal pollution gradient. Both species started laying earlier and showed inferior nestling growth and smaller fledging probability in the polluted areas, which are phenologically advanced in spring due to sparse forests. The major inter-specific difference in the responses was that the clutch size and hatching success were decreased in the polluted area in R major, but not in C caeruleus. Heavy metal profiles in nestling feces were relatively similar in the two species, though Ni and Pb levels were higher in C caeruleus than in P. major. However, the latter species showed markedly higher fecal calcium concentrations. Lower calcium levels and higher levels of some heavy metals in C caeruleus suggest that in Ca-deficient environments this species might be more susceptible to negative pollution effects than P. major. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
We compared heavy metal levels, calcium levels, breeding parameters and condition of nestling and adult Cyanistes caeruleus and Parus major along a heavy metal pollution gradient. Both species started laying earlier and showed inferior nestling growth and smaller fledging probability in the polluted areas, which are phenologically advanced in spring due to sparse forests. The major inter-specific difference in the responses was that the clutch size and hatching success were decreased in the polluted area in R major, but not in C caeruleus. Heavy metal profiles in nestling feces were relatively similar in the two species, though Ni and Pb levels were higher in C caeruleus than in P. major. However, the latter species showed markedly higher fecal calcium concentrations. Lower calcium levels and higher levels of some heavy metals in C caeruleus suggest that in Ca-deficient environments this species might be more susceptible to negative pollution effects than P. major. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.
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