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Size dimorphism, molt status, and body mass variation of prairie falcons nesting in the Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area

January 1, 2006

Thirty-nine bald eagles found sick or dead in 13 States during 1969 and 1970 were analyzed for pesticide residues. Residues of DDE, dieldrin, polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB's), and mercury were detected in all bald eagle carcasses; DDD residues were detected in 38; DDT, heptachlor epoxide, and dichlorobenzophenone (DCBP) were detected less frequently. Six eagles contained possible lethal levels of dieldrin in the brain, and one contained a lethal concentration of DDE (385 ppm) in the brain together with 235 ppm of PCB's. Autopsy revealed that 18 bald eagles were illegally shot; other causes of death were impact injuries, electrocution, emaciation, and infectious diseases.

Publication Year 2006
Title Size dimorphism, molt status, and body mass variation of prairie falcons nesting in the Snake River Birds of Prey National Conservation Area
DOI 10.3356/0892-1016(2006)40[71:SDMSAB]2.0.CO;2
Authors Karen Steenhof, James O. McKinley
Publication Type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Series Title Journal of Raptor Research
Index ID 1016400
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse
USGS Organization Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center