March 16, 2022
The bald eagle, which is the national bird of the United States of America, is more threatened than previously believed. After being tested, nearly half the population of the bald eagle has shown signs of chronic lead exposure. Though the population of the bald eagle had bounced back from the brink of extinction in 1972 when the US banned the pesticide DDT, harmful levels of toxins have been found in the bones of 46% of the bald eagles from 38 states. Some golden eagles have also shown signs of lead exposure. Tissue samples collected between 2010 and 2018 have shown chronic and acute lead exposure. Lead is a neurotoxin that even in low doses affects an eagle’s balance and stamina to fly, hunt and reproduce.
Did You Know?
Lead belongs to the carbon family of elements.
REFLECTION: Avian Companions
List any 4 modern-day birds that are found in USA.
