DISTRIBUTION OF ELEMENTS IN FLIGHT FEATHERS OF A WHITE-TAILED EAGLE

The distribution of 11 elements (Be, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Hg, Pb, V and Zn) has been studied in a sequence of primaries and secondaries of a whole wing and in various parts of individual feathers of a white-tailed eagle (Haliaetus albicilla). Copper, and especially mercury, showed a distribution pattern different to the other elements. The concentrations of the elements analyzed were generally low, with the exception of extremely high concentrations of mercury. The results provide information on the kind and degree of pollution of the bird's habitat. Furthermore, they can be used to improve the methodological basis for the application of raptor feathers for biological monitoring. It has been shown to be necessary to identify exactly the stage of molting, the kind and position of the feathers analyzed and to distinguish clearly between vane and shaft as well as between different sections of the feather. It is recommended for comparative studies that the whole vane of the feathers be analyzed without the shaft. Preparations have to be made very carefully under clean conditions and without contamination from instruments.