Pigeon odor varies with experimental exposure to trace metal pollution.

摘要: Trace metals are chemical pollutants that have well-known noxious effects on wildlife and current major environmental issues in urban habitats. Previous studies demonstrated their negative (e.g. lead) or positive zinc) body condition, immunity reproductive success. Because of trace likely to influence the production condition-dependent ornaments. The last decade has revealed bird odors, like mammal can convey information individual quality might be used as secondary sexual Here, we solid-phase microextraction headspace sampling with gas chromatography—mass spectrometry investigate whether plumage scent varied experimental supplementation lead and/or zinc feral pigeons. Zinc (alone combination changed proportion several volatiles, including an increase hydroxy-esters. these esters, most originate from preen gland secretions, may costly thus reduced by stress induced deficiency. Although is known negatively impact pigeon it did not statistically affect feather scent, despite volatiles increased exposure tended decreased lead-supplemented Further should evaluate functions predict how fitness.