Pigeons: A New Role in Air Pollution

Biological Monitoring of Heavy Metal Pollution

“…By 1949/1950 it was noticed that predatory birds, such as buzzards and black kites were also affected and that large populations of overwintering birds of prey had almost completely disappeared by 1955/1956. A similar study has been attempted in Philadelphia by Tansy and Roth (1970) who tentatively suggested that certain ubiquitous animal pests (in their case wild pigeon) could be of use in monitoring the presence of certain metallic pollutants. There ha ve been several general suggestions (e.g.…”

Possible Relevance of Pigeons as an Indicator Species for Monitoring Air Pollution

“…Birds have been used previously as biological indicators of urban Pb pollution, demonstrating differences among areas of heavy and light traffic density (9)(10)(11)(12)(13). Pigeons may be especially useful because they can integrate body load by pollutants over time in an area-bound manner.…”

“…It is generally difficult to find suitable biological indicators for areas with high traffic density (9). In a few studies pigeons have been used as biological indicators of the Pb concentration in the ambient environment (9)(10)(11)(12)(13). Pigeons have a rather small habitat, a small body size, a high metabolic turnover, and a high inhalation rate and might therefore be used as a biological indicator for ambient air pollution.…”

Air Pollution and Wildlife Toxicology: An Overlooked Problem

“…Thus, although air quality standards exist, they do not assure protection for wildlife. High levels of lead have been found in rock doves in urban areas that do meet the secondary ambient air quality standard for lead [26]. These areas are designated by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), for regulatory purposes, as "nonattainment" areas.…”