| Publication Type: | Journal Article |
| Year of Publication: | 1986 |
| Authors: | Bortolotti, GR, Barlow, JC |
| Journal: | The Wilson Bulletin |
| Volume: | 98 |
| Issue: | 4 |
| Date Published: | 1986 |
| ISBN Number: | 00435643 |
| Keywords: | Accipitridae, Haliaeetus, Haliaeetus leucocephalus, indicator |
| Abstract: | We explored the potential for using the elemental composition of feathers as an indicator of intraspecific variation in postnatal development. Instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) was used to determine the chemical profile of back and tail feathers of Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) nestlings from Saskatchewan. Growth variables included parameters of Gompertz equations for weight, the rate of body feather development, the rate and timing of rectrix growth, and the age at which the nestlings made their first flight from the nest. There were significant correlation and multiple regression analyses involving growth parameters and the concentrations of sodium, chlorine, magnesium, manganese, calcium, and aluminum, but not bromine. Results often differed between the sexes and between the 2 types of feathers. Eaglets with rapid growth generally had higher concentrations of elements than birds with slower growth. Use of INAA may alleviate some of the problems associated with traditional means of collecting data on avian growth. |
| URL: | http://www.jstor.org/stable/4162303 |
| Short Title: | The Wilson Bulletin |
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