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Lead shot toxicity to passerines.

N B Vyas1, J W Spann, G H Heinz

  • 1US Geological Survey, Biological Resources Division, Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, 11510 American Holly Drive, Laurel, MD 20708, USA. nimish_vyas@usgs.gov

Environmental Pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987)
|February 24, 2001
PubMed
Summary

Lead toxicity from a single size 7.5 lead shot can be lethal to songbirds, especially with natural diets. Even brief exposure can lead to significant lead absorption and potential mortality in passerines.

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Area of Science:

  • Environmental Toxicology
  • Avian Ecology
  • Wildlife Health

Background:

  • Lead shot ingestion is a recognized threat to avian wildlife.
  • Understanding the acute toxicity of lead shot is crucial for conservation efforts.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the toxicity of a single size 7.5 lead shot in passerines.
  • To determine the impact of diet on lead shot toxicity and absorption.

Main Methods:

  • Cowbirds (Molothrus ater) were dosed with a single size 7.5 lead shot.
  • Birds were fed either a commercial or a natural diet.
  • Mortality, shot excretion, shot erosion, and lead concentrations (blood and liver) were assessed.

Main Results:

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  • Mortality occurred in birds fed a natural diet, with deaths within 1 day.
  • Dead birds retained shot, while survivors excreted it within 24 hours.
  • Weathered shot showed greater erosion, particularly in birds that died; liver lead levels were high in deceased birds.

    • Conclusions:

    • A single lead shot can be toxic to songbirds, even with short retention times.
    • Diet significantly influences the toxicity and lethality of ingested lead shot.
    • Lead absorption from ingested shot poses a survival risk to passerines.