Detection of aflatoxin-contaminated grain by three granivorous bird species

Supplemental feeding of game species and the use of backyard feeders to att ract avian wildlife are common practices throughout the United States. Howe ver, these activities may expose wildlife to aflatoxins. We tested the hypo thesis that wild birds would avoid consuming aflatoxin-contaminated feed. I ndividual northern bobwhites (Colinus virginianus), white-winged doves (Zen aida asiatica), and green jays (Cyanocorax yncas) were presented with feede rs that had four compartments, which contained mile that was contaminated w ith aflatoxin levels of 0, 100, 500, and 1,000 mug/kg, respectively. Feed r emaining was weighed at 6, 12, 18, 24, 36, 48, 60, and 72 hr after the init iation of the trial. White-winged doves and northern bobwhites did not avoi d contaminated feed. However, green jays selected against aflatoxin-tainted grain. Because white-winged doves and northern bobwhites did not avoid con taminated feed, the risk of exposure to this potentially hazardous toxin ex ists for these species.