AVIS-IBIS

Birds of Indian Subcontinent

Effects of Electromagnetic Fields on the Growth of Nestling American Kestrels

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:2000
Authors:Fernie, KJ, Bird, DM
Journal:The Condor
Volume:102
Issue:2
Date Published:2000
ISBN Number:00105422
Keywords:Cerchneis, Cerchneis sparverius, Falco, Falco sparverius, Falco tinnunculus, Falconidae, Tinnunculus, Tinnunculus sparverius
Abstract:We studied nestling American Kestrels (Falco sparverius) in a laboratory setting to determine whether exposure to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) affected their growth. Captive nestlings were raised by their parents under control or EMF conditions similar to those occurring near transmission lines in the wild. Nestlings also were exposed to EMFs as embryos when incubated by their parents. Measurements of body mass, and lengths of tarsi, antebrachia, and feathers were taken every three days after hatching. EMF exposure affected the growth of female and male nestlings. EMF nestlings and fledglings were heavier and had longer tarsi. The periods of maximal weight gain and antebrachial growth were delayed in EMF males compared to controls, although EMF males were heavier and had similarly long antebrachia to controls by 21 days of age. Growth of ninth primaries and central rectrices of nestlings were unaffected by EMF exposure. Growth patterns of male and female kestrel nestlings were similar to those previously reported for this species, although the periods of maximal weight gain and bone growth did not occur earlier in EMF males than females as it did in controls.
URL:http://www.jstor.org/stable/1369663
Short Title:The Condor
Scratchpads developed and conceived by (alphabetical): Ed Baker, Katherine Bouton Alice Heaton Dimitris Koureas, Laurence Livermore, Dave Roberts, Simon Rycroft, Ben Scott, Vince Smith