Tree swallows are an ideal species to study bioavailability and contaminant effects for several reasons. Use of a single species across wide geographic areas can facilitate our ability to transfer research results among locations. The determination of effect levels for chemicals or classes of chemicals for tree swallows will facilitate the assessment of effects at other sites at much reduced costs.
Tree swallows feed near their nest on emergent aquatic insects.
Consequently, residues in their tissues reflect local sediment contamination and the bioavailability of those chemicals. A nationwide database of information is being developed to facilitate transfer of knowledge about chemical concentrations, effect levels, and movement and effects within ecosystems. The study will be completed in the fall of 2004. These projects will assist the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and other agencies in determining management options at contaminated sites. You can find information about this particular study by searching on Accession Number 5002557.