Particulate Matter Accumulation to Urban Rock Pigeon (Columba livia) Feathers

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This research investigates particulate matter (PM) deposition to rock pigeons (Columba livia) in urban environments within Denton County, Texas. Pigeon habitat was characterized within a 2-km radius at eight locations using the 2016 National Land Cover Database (NLCD). In summer 2020, feathers were sampled from 10 rock pigeons at two locations (n = 20) differing in degree of urban development. Birds were captured using walk-in funnel traps baited with bird seed. Based on molt pattern and appearance, four old flight feathers were identified and sampled from each bird. New primary feathers were obtained from each population as reference samples. Feathers … continued below

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Ellis, Jennifer Lee August 2021.

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  • Ellis, Jennifer Lee

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This research investigates particulate matter (PM) deposition to rock pigeons (Columba livia) in urban environments within Denton County, Texas. Pigeon habitat was characterized within a 2-km radius at eight locations using the 2016 National Land Cover Database (NLCD). In summer 2020, feathers were sampled from 10 rock pigeons at two locations (n = 20) differing in degree of urban development. Birds were captured using walk-in funnel traps baited with bird seed. Based on molt pattern and appearance, four old flight feathers were identified and sampled from each bird. New primary feathers were obtained from each population as reference samples. Feathers were washed three times with double deionized water and acetone, and the solution vacuum filtered through a glass microfiber filter to collect all particles >1.5 µm in diameter. Particulate matter mass was determined by gravimetric analysis and calculated per unit feather surface area. Relative PM accumulation rates were significantly different between the populations. Characteristics of urban land cover, proximity to and types of emissions sources, wind exposure, and building density were drivers of variability in PM deposition to feather surfaces. The results from this study should be useful for subsequent research to help identify best practices for using feathers collected from pigeons or other urban restricted bird species to monitor PM levels across multiple spatial scales.

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  • August 2021

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  • Aug. 26, 2021, 9:23 p.m.

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  • Feb. 16, 2023, 4:35 p.m.

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Ellis, Jennifer Lee. Particulate Matter Accumulation to Urban Rock Pigeon (Columba livia) Feathers, thesis, August 2021; Denton, Texas. (https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc1833571/: accessed May 27, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, UNT Digital Library, https://digital.library.unt.edu; .

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