Effects of pesticides and contaminants on neotropical migrants

Abstract

Many agricultural pesticides and industrial contaminants are capable of adversely affecting birds through direct effects such as elevated mortality rates and decreased reproductive success or indirectly by modifying habitat composition or food availability. Although neotropical migrants are potentially exposed to these contaminants on their breeding, migratory and wintering habitats, the impact of pollutants on population declines of migrant species is poorly understood. We revjew the effects of these contaminants on birds, evaluate the ability of current monitoring techniques to detect and assess the magnitude of exposure, and suggest research and management needed to improve our understanding of the contribution of environmental pollutants to population declines of neotropical migratory birds.

Parent Publication

• Status and management of neotropical migratory birds

Citation

Gard, Nicholas W.; Hooper, Michael J.; Bennett, Richard S. 1993. Effects of pesticides and contaminants on neotropical migrants. In: Finch, Deborah M.; Stangel, Peter W. (eds.). Status and management of neotropical migratory birds: September 21-25, 1992, Estes Park, Colorado. Gen. Tech. Rep. RM-229. Fort Collins, Colo.: Rocky Mountain Forest and Range Experiment Station, U.S. Dept. of Agriculture, Forest Service: 310-314