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The Condor 101:616-621

EFFECTS OF ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS ON BODY MASS AND FOOD-INTAKE OF AMERICAN KESTRELS’

3·08·2006 - Visitas: 1139

Abstract. Raptors commonly nest and roost on transmission towers and hydroelectric poles which exposes them to electromagnetic fields (EMFs) from power lines. Our objective was to determine whether EMF exposure affected the body mass of reproducing adult Amer- ican Kestrels (Falco sparverius), and consequently, whether increased body mass was a function of increased dry matter intake related to EMF exposure. Captive kestrels were paired for one (short-term) or two (long-term) breeding seasons to determine EMF effects on body mass of adults. Short- and long-term EMF exposure of males affected overall mean body mass during the reproductive season, with EMF males heavier than controls when molting began. In contrast, the body mass and pectoral muscle scores of females were unaffected by EMF exposure during egg laying, 20 days post-laying, and after 70 days of EMF exposure. There were no significant effects on body mass or food-intake of wintering kestrels related to 10 days of EMF exposure. Our results can be explained by EMFs affecting the birds’ response to the photoperiod as indicated by altered melatonin levels in these male kestrels. The onset of molt was advanced in EMF male kestrels.