Iron content in starlings, Sturnus vulgaris L.

Abstract

Abstract 1. 1. Several groups of starlings ( Sturnus vulgaris L.), captured in north-eastern Spain (Delta del Ebro, Tarragona) during winter migration (November-January) were studied. 2. 2. Hematological values (hematocrit, hemoglobin concentration and reticulocytes), iron concentrations and the weights of different organs (feathers, liver, spleen, pectoral muscle, heart, intestine, plasma) and the whole body, were analysed and compared to values obtained from non-laying female chickens and quails. 3. 3. The strong flying habits of this species can be seen in the heart size (1.2% body wt), breast muscle (17.8% body wt), hematocrit (44–47%) and hemoglobin concentration (14.5–16.2 g%). 4. 4. The iron content in the organs was in general 2–10 times higher than in chickens or quails, especially in the liver (1310–3300 μg Fe/g wet) and feathers (380–780 μg/g wet). 5. 5. The iron concentration per body weight ranged from 153 to 185ppm, which was 2–4 times higher than the values for other birds or mammals.