J. Burger et al., HEAVY-METAL AND SELENIUM LEVELS IN FEATHERS OF KNOWN-AGED COMMON TERNS (STERNA-HIRUNDO), Archives of environmental contamination and toxicology, 26(3), 1994, pp. 351-355
Concentrations of five metals and selenium in the breast feathers of k
nown-aged common terns (Sterna hirundo) were examined at a breeding co
lony in Massachusetts, USA. Concentrations of selenium, chromium, and
manganese increased significantly with age among adults (2-21 years ol
d), whereas concentrations of mercury, cadmium, and lead did not. Conc
entrations of cadmium, selenium and manganese were lower in fledglings
(20-23 days old) than in adults. Concentrations of mercury, however,
were higher in fledglings than in adults, and concentrations of chromi
um were higher in fledglings than in young adults, probably reflecting
higher exposure to these metals in the breeding area than in the wint
er quarters where the adults' feathers were grown. At least for mercur
y, excretion of metals into the feathers at each molt was an efficient
protective mechanism, preventing continued accumulation in the body w
ith increasing age.