Captive Kestrels Research Articles

Transfer of hexabromocyclododecane flame retardant isomers from captive American kestrel eggs to feathers and their association with thyroid hormones and growth

Feathers are useful for monitoring contaminants in wild birds and are increasingly used to determine persistent organic pollutants. However, few studies have been conducted on birds with known exposure levels. We aimed to determine how well nestling feather concentrations reflect in ovo exposure to hexabromocyclododecane (α-, β- and γ-HBCDD), and to determine if feather concentrations are related to physiological biomarkers. Captive kestrels (n = 11) were exposed in ovo to maternally transferred HBCDD-isomers at concentrations of 127, 12 and 2 ng/g wet weight of α-, β- and γ-HBCDD (measured in sibling eggs), respectively, and compared to controls (n = 6). Nestling growth was monitored at 5 d intervals and circulating thyroid hormone concentrations assessed at d 20. Tail feathers were collected prior to the first molt and analyzed for HBCDD isomers. The mean ΣHBCDD concentration in feathers was 2405 pg/g dry weight (in exposed birds) and α-, β- and γ-HBCDD made up 32%, 13%, and 55%, respectively of the ΣHBCDD concentrations. This isomer distribution deviated from the typical dominance of α-HBCDD reported in vertebrate samples. Exposed chicks had significantly higher feather concentrations of β- and γ-HBCDD compared with controls (p = 0.007 and p = 0.001 respectively), while α-HBCDD concentrations did not differ between the two groups. Feather concentrations of α-HBCDD were best explained by egg concentrations of β- or γ-HBCDD concentrations (wi = 0.50, 0.30 respectively), while feather concentrations of β- and γ-HBCDD were influenced by growth parameters (rectrix length: wi = 0.61; tibiotarsus length: wi = 0.28). These results suggest that feather α-HBCDD concentrations may reflect internal body burdens, whereas β- and γ-HBCDD may be subject to selective uptake. The α-HBCDD concentrations in the feathers were negatively associated with the ratio of plasma free triiodothyronine to free thyroxine (T3:T4; p = 0.020), demonstrating for the first time that feather concentrations may be used to model the effect of body burdens on physiological endpoints.

Changes in the Incubation by American Kestrels (Falco sparverius) During Exposure to the Polybrominated Diphenyl Ether (PBDE) Mixture DE-71

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDE) are persistent environmental pollutants that have been detected in wildlife globally. American kestrels exposed to the commercial PBDE mixture DE-71 have previously demonstrated reduced reproductive success and behaviors during courtship and brood rearing; however, it remains unknown whether DE-71 affects incubation. During breeding, captive kestrels were exposed to the DE-71 mixture dissolved in safflower oil at two environmentally relevant concentrations (low: 283.5 ± 48.2, high: 1104.8 ± 124.5 ng/g wet weight [ww]) via diet for an average of 75 d. Unexpected low in ovo concentrations of hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD) were also detected (low: 3 ± 1 ng/g ww, high: 16 ± 3 ng/g ww). All comparisons are made to control pairs. Kestrel pairs in the low- and high-exposure groups experienced longer incubation periods with increasing exposure to ΣPBDE and some individual congeners. As incubation progressed, pairs exposed to DE-71 had significantly lower nest temperatures, which were on average 19% lower in low-exposure nests and 35% lower in high-exposure nests during late incubation. The DE-71 exposed pairs (low and high) also demonstrated significantly reduced incubation constancy (defined as percent of temperature readings above the maximum daily ambient temperature) during early incubation compared to controls. Nest temperatures (all pairs) and incubation constancy (high pairs) during early incubation (d 1–3) were significantly and positively associated with the proportion of eggs that hatched per pair. Higher incubation constancy and incubating nest temperatures in the low-exposure group were associated with markedly less egg weight loss by mid-incubation. These findings demonstrate that exposure to PBDE significantly affected kestrels during incubation, a critical period for embryonic development.

The Use of Captive American Kestrels (Falco sparverius) as Wildlife Models: A Review

The American Kestrel (Falco sparverius) is a common North American falcon. As a result of a number of characteristics, including small size, annual reproduction, ability to be housed in large numbers, and ease of breeding in captivity, these falcons have been used as wildlife models for over four decades. Kestrels are best known for their use in the demonstration that 1,1,1-trichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethane (DDT), and 1,1-dichloro-2,2-bis(p-chlorophenyl)ethylene (DDE) caused eggshell thinning and reproductive failure in birds, and their use in the amelioration of captive propagation programs for the Peregrine Falcon (F. peregrinus). Since that time, kestrels have continued to play a prominent role in wildlife research, particularly in the field of toxicology, where they remain the only raptor species to be bred in sufficient numbers in captivity for statistically significant research. Kestrels have also been used for studies of avian biology, physiology, nutrition, and behavior. In recent years, concerns have been raised about factors that might affect the future use of captive kestrels as wildlife models, namely the declines in wild kestrel populations and the possible deleterious effects of long-term captive breeding, which could have implications for the comparability of wild and captive populations.

Effects of Inhalation Exposure to a Binary Mixture of Benzene and Toluene on Vitamin A Status and Humoral and Cell-Mediated Immunity in Wild and Captive American Kestrels

Benzene and toluene are representative volatile organic compounds (VOC) released during production, storage, and transportation associated with the oil and gas industry and are chemicals of concern, as they are released in greater and possibly more biologically significant concentrations than other compounds. Most studies of air pollution in high oil and gas activity areas have neglected to consider risks to birds, including top-level predators. Birds can be used as highly sensitive monitors of air quality and since the avian respiratory tract is physiologically different from a rodent respiratory tract, effects of gases cannot be safely extrapolated from rodent studies. Wild and captive male American kestrels were exposed for approximately 1 h daily for 28 d to high (rodent lowest-observed-adverse-effect level [LOAEL] of 10 ppm and 80 ppm, respectively) or environmentally relevant (0.1 ppm and 0.8 ppm, respectively) levels of benzene and toluene. Altered immune responses characteristic of those seen in mammalian exposures were evident in kestrels. A decreased cell-mediated immunity, measured by delayed-type hypersensitivity testing, was evident in all exposed birds. There was no effect on humoral immunity. Plasma retinol levels as measured by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis were decreased in wild and captive kestrels exposed to the rodent LOAEL for combined benzene and toluene. This study indicates that American kestrels are sensitive to combined benzene and toluene. The study also illustrates the need for reference concentrations for airborne pollutants to be calculated, including sensitive endpoints specific to birds. Based on these findings, future studies need to include immune endpoints to determine the possible increased susceptibility of birds to inhaled toxicants.

Behavioral variation and its consequences during incubation for American kestrels exposed to polychlorinated biphenyls

We investigated whether polychlorinated biphenyl (PCB) exposure in American kestrels ( Falco sparverius) influenced incubation behavior and whether altered behavior could lead to poor reproductive success. Captive kestrels were fed a mixture of PCBs (Aroclors 1248:1254:1260) at an approximate daily dose of 7 mg/kg body weight, 1 month prior to pairing and throughout incubation. Behaviors of 23 control and 23 PCB-exposed pairs were monitored throughout incubation using an electronic balance in the nest box. PCB exposure resulted in longer incubation periods and in altered incubation behaviors. Seven of 14 behavioral variables showed some association with treatment, with sex-specific effects largely biased toward disrupted male behavior. For most behaviors, the treatment effect was explained by the delayed clutch initiation induced by PCBs rather than by a direct physiological impact of the contaminants. PCB-exposed pairs with greater attendance to their eggs and better coordination of incubation duties had improved hatching success.

Establishing appropriate measures for monitoring aging in birds: comparing short and long lived species

In order to reveal patterns of reproductive aging in birds we focus on a short lived species, the Japanese quail and the American kestrel, which has a life span of medium length. Quail have been studied extensively in the laboratory as models for understanding avian endocrinology and behavior, and as a subject for toxicological research and testing. In the lab, Japanese quail show age-related deterioration in endocrine, behavioral, and sensory system responses; the American kestrel is relatively long lived and shows moderate evidence of senescence in the oldest birds. Using data collected from captive kestrels at the Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, a database was designed to document selected parameters over the life cycle of the kestrels. Life table data collated from many species indicate that longer lived species of birds show senescence in survival ability but this pattern has not been established for reproductive function. We suggest that useful comparisons among species can be made by identifying stages in reproductive life history, organized on a relative time scale. Preliminary data from quail and kestrels, admittedly only two species, do not yet indicate a pattern of greater reproductive senescence in longer-lived birds.

BEHAVIOR OF FREE-RANGING AND CAPTIVE AMERICAN KESTRELS UNDER ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS

Wild birds, particularly raptors, commonly use electrical transmission structures for nesting, perching, hunting, and roosting. Consequently, birds are exposed to electromagnetic fields (EMFs). The amount of time that wild reproducing American kestrels (Falco sparverius) were exposed to EMFs was determined, and the effects of EMFs on the behavior of captive reproducing kestrels were examined. Wild kestrels were exposed to EMFs for 25% to 75% of the observed time. On a 24-h basis, estimated EMF exposure of wild kestrels ranged from 71% during courtship, to 90% during incubation, similar to that experienced by captive kestrels (88% of a 24-h period). Additionally, captive kestrels were exposed to EMF levels experienced by wild kestrels nesting under 735-kV power lines. Captive EMF females were more active, more alert, and perched on the pen roof more frequently than control females during courtship. EMF females preened and rested less often during brood rearing. EMF male kestrels were more active than control males during courtship, and more alert during incubation. Increased activity of kestrels during courtship may be linked to changes in corticosterone, but likely not melatonin. Observed behavioral changes were unlikely to directly result in the better growth of nestlings and fledging success, or poorer hatching success, of the EMF group, as previously reported. Behavioral changes of captive EMF kestrels may be observed in wild kestrels.

Effects of electromagnetic fields on photophasic circulating melatonin levels in American kestrels.

Birds reproduce within electromagnetic fields (EMFs) from transmission lines. Melatonin influences physiologic and behavioral processes that are critical to survival, and melatonin has been equivocally suppressed by EMFs in mammalian species. We examined whether EMFs affect photophasic plasma melatonin in reproducing adult and fledgling American kestrels (Falco sparverius), and whether melatonin was correlated with body mass to explain previously reported results. Captive kestrel pairs were bred under control or EMF conditions for one (short-term) or two (long-term) breeding seasons. EMF exposure had an overall effect on plasma melatonin in male kestrels, with plasma levels suppressed at 42 days and elevated at 70 days of EMF exposure. The similarity in melatonin levels between EMF males at 42 days and controls at 70 days suggests a seasonal phase-shift of the melatonin profile caused by EMF exposure. Melatonin was also suppressed in long-term fledglings, but not in short-term fledglings or adult females. Melatonin levels in adult males were higher than in adult females, possibly explaining the sexually dimorphic response to EMFs. Melatonin and body mass were not associated in American kestrels. It is likely that the results are relevant to wild raptors nesting within EMFs.

Effects of Electromagnetic Fields on Photophasic Circulating Melatonin Levels in American Kestrels

Birds reproduce within electromagnetic fields (EMFs) from transmission lines. Melatonin influences physiologic and behavioral processes that are critical to survival, and melatonin has been equivocally suppressed by EMFs in mammalian species. We examined whether EMFs affect photophasic plasma melatonin in reproducing adult and fledgling American kestrels (Falco sparverius), and whether melatonin was correlated with body mass to explain previously reported results. Captive kestrel pairs were bred under control or EMF conditions for one (short-term) or two (long-term) breeding seasons. EMF exposure had an overall effect on plasma melatonin in male kestrels, with plasma levels suppressed at 42 days and elevated at 70 days of EMF exposure. The similarity in melatonin levels between EMF males at 42 days and controls at 70 days suggests a seasonal phase-shift of the melatonin profile caused by EMF exposure. Melatonin was also suppressed in long-term fledglings, but not in short-term fledglings or adult females. Melatonin levels in adult males were higher than in adult females, possibly explaining the sexually dimorphic response to EMFs. Melatonin and body mass were not associated in American kestrels. It is likely that the results are relevant to wild raptors nesting within EMFs.

Effects of Electromagnetic Fields on Body Mass and Food-Intake of American Kestrels

Raptors commonly nest and roost on transmission towers and hydroelectric poles which exposes them to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) from power lines. Our objective was to determine whether EMF exposure affected the body mass of reproducing adult American Kestrels (Falco sparverius), and consequently, whether increased body mass was a function of increased dry matter intake related to EMF exposure. Captive kestrels were paired for one (short-term) or two (long-term) breeding seasons to determine EMF effects on body mass of adults. Short- and long-term EMF exposure of males affected overall mean body mass during the reproductive season, with EMF males heavier than controls when molting began. In contrast, the body mass and pectoral muscle scores of females were unaffected by EMF exposure during egg laying, 20 days post-laying, and after 70 days of EMF exposure. There were no significant effects on body mass or food-intake of wintering kestrels related to 10 days of EMF exposure. Our results can be explained by EMFs affecting the birds' response to the photoperiod as indicated by altered melatonin levels in these male kestrels. The onset of molt was advanced in EM male kestrels.

Progress in Restoration of the Mauritius Kestrel

In the 1970s, the Mauritius Kestrel (Falco punctatus) was the most endangered bird of prey in the world, at one time with only two known pairs surviving in the remnant native forest of the Black River Gorges (ca. 4,000 ha). At the end of the 1991–1992 breeding season, a minimum of 30 nesting pairs and more than 170 individuals were distributed in four separate forested areas, thanks mainly to manipulation of the reproductive potential of the wild pairs, to captive propagation, and to reintroduction (restocking). Since 1984, 139 young have been reared from 618 eggs laid by captive kestrels, and 147 from 265 wild eggs incubated and hatched in the laboratory; 235 young kestrels have been released on Mauritius by hacking and fostering. Adjustments in feeding and nesting habits of kestrels hacked and released outside the Black River Gorges in areas dominated by exotic vegetation and agriculture have allowed these kestrels to survive and reproduce in an array of previously unused habitats. Now that the kestrels have been released from dependence on the remnant and dying native forest, a viable population of more than 100 nesting pairs should be achievable in a few more years.

Family Planning in the Kestrel (Falco Tinnunculus): the Proximate Control of Covariation of Laying Date and Clutch Size

Abstract The time in spring when a male kestrel rapidly increases his daily hunting time and his hunting yield, and thereby the amount of food delivered to the female, determines the date when she lays the first egg. Food experiments in free-living and captive kestrels gave a significant advance in laying date. Clutch size, which decreases with progressive laying date, did not change independent of date in response to food manipulation. These effects are in agreement with most other feeding experiments. Photoperiod experiments in kestrels advanced the reproductive cycle in constant long days, and a similar seasonal decline in clutch size was found. It seems that there is an internally preprogrammed decrease in clutch size within an annual "reproductive window". A proximate control model for the seasonal decline of clutch size is proposed, modified from an earlier model by HAFTORN (1985). This incorporates an increasing tendency to incubate the first eggs with progression of the season, an egg contact-incubation positive feedback loop, and the resorption of further follicles in the ovary when the laying female incubates 50% of the time. This follicle resorption fixes the clutch size ca. four days before the last egg is laid. the 50% incubation level is reached earlier in late females and consequently resorption starts earlier and the resulting clutch is smaller than in early females. Experiments in kestrels with removal and addition of eggs, in combination with measurements of incubation behaviour are discussed in relation to the model. Plasma prolactin data of female kestrels show that this hormone is a serious candidate for a physiological component relaying time of year in our model for clutch size regulation.

Effects of chlorophacinone on captive kestrels.

Effects of chlorophacinone on captive kestrels.

Influence of nestling experience on nest-type selection in captive kestrels

On place des œufs a couver dans deux types de nids: sur des corniches, ou nichoirs artificiels proteges de la pluie par une bâche en plastique et l'on observe le choix ulterieur des adultes pour ces deux types de nid. Il existe une selection innee du type de nid qui passe outre tous les processus d'empreinte dont les jeunes au nid ont eu l'experience apres l'envol

Reproductive Patterns in Captive American Kestrels (Sparrow Hawks)

A colony of captive American Kestrels (Falco sparverius) was established in outdoor pens at Patuxent Wildlife Research Center, Laurel, Maryland, in 1964 to investigate effects of pesticides on raptor reproduction. We have reported on the breeding success, clutch size, and management of the colony (Porter and Wiemeyer 1970), on effects of DDT and dieldrin on reproduction (Porter and Wiemeyer 1969), and on effects of DDE on eggshells (Wiemeyer and Porter 1970). In this paper we report on the chronology of egg laying, incubation behavior, duration of incubation and nestling periods, and nestling sex ratios of captive kestrels untreated with pesticides. There are relatively few published accounts on the breeding biology of either captive or wild American Kestrels. Basic reproductive behavior of kestrels housed in indoor pens was investigated by Willoughby and Cade (1964). Heintzelman and Nagy (1968) reported on clutch sizes, success of hatch, and nestling sex ratios of wild kestrels nesting in artificial nest boxes in Pennsylvania. Koehler (1968) gave similar data for captive kestrels of two species (F. s. sparverius and F. tinnunculus) in Germany. Sherman (1913) published detailed observations of the nest life of an Iowa pair. Nesting chronology was reported by Enderson (1960) for Illinois, by Craighead and Craighead (1956) for Michigan and Wyoming, by Roest (1957) for the Pacific Northwest, and by Cade (1955) for southern California. Clutch size, success of hatch, and fledging success also were reported in the Michigan-Wyoming study (Craighead and Craighead 1956). More generalized reproductive data have been summarized by Bent (1938) for the species in the United States and Canada.

9. Experiments on Captive Kestrels (Cerchncis rupicoloides and C. naumanni). (G. A. K. M.)

Transactions of the Royal Entomological Society of LondonVolume 50, Issue 3 p. 340-347 9. Experiments on Captive Kestrels (Cerchncis rupicoloides and C. naumanni). (G. A. K. M.) First published: November 1902 https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365-2311.1902.tb02400.xAboutPDF ToolsRequest permissionExport citationAdd to favoritesTrack citation ShareShare Give accessShare full text accessShare full-text accessPlease review our Terms and Conditions of Use and check box below to share full-text version of article.I have read and accept the Wiley Online Library Terms and Conditions of UseShareable LinkUse the link below to share a full-text version of this article with your friends and colleagues. Learn more.Copy URL Share a linkShare onFacebookTwitterLinked InRedditWechat Volume50, Issue3November 1902Pages 340-347 RelatedInformation