Acid deposition :: Tits

Submitted by Eleanor Campbell on Tue, 09/08/2011 - 15:43
Latin name: 
Parus spp.

Impact Type: Deposition of pollutant

Key Concerns:

There is evidence to suggest that some small passerine birds such as Tits can be affected by acid deposition primarily by reducing soil Ca2+ availability and the abundance of calcareous items such as snail shells. Recent research in areas adversely affected by acid deposition in continental Europe has suggested that reduced calcium availability has resulted in an increased incidence of eggshell defects in small birds (Pyatt et al. 1998, Weimer & Schmidt 1998). Research by Ramsay & Houston (1999) in the UK failed to support the view that reduced calcium availability was causing egg shell defects in blue tits. However, there is evidence to show that SO2 can have an effect on the food supply and quality of several species of Tit.

Additional Comments:

Changes and loss of habitats through housing developments may be of greater concern. 

Critical Load/level: 
Critical Load/ Level

No estimate available
References: 
Eeva, T.; E., Lehikoinen 1998 Local survival rates of the pied flycatchers (Ficedula hypoleuca) and the great tits (Parus major) in an air pollution gradient Ecosciences 5 46-50
Eeva, T.; E., Lehikoinen 1998 Pollution - Recovery of breeding success in wild birds. Nature 403 851-852
Eeva, T.; E., Lehikoinen ; Pohjalainen, T. 1997 Pollution-related variation in food supply and breeding success in two hole-nesting passerines. Ecology 78 1120-1131
Eeva, T.; E., Lehikoinen ; Rvnkd, M. 1998 Air pollution fades the plumage of the Great Tit Functional Ecology 12 607-612
Pyatt, F.B.; Lacy, D.; Pyatt, A.J. 1998 Some effects of acid rain on the mobilisation of elements from bird eggs. Fresenius Environmental Bulletin 7 334-337
Ramsay, S.L.; Houston, D.C. 1999 Do acid rain and calcium supply limit eggshell formation for blue tits (Parus caeruleus) in the UK? Journal of Zoology 247 121-125
Weimer, V.; Schmidt, K.J. 1998 Studies on the egg quality of the Great Tit (Parus major) in relation to soil-condition. Journal Fur Ornithologie 139 3-9
Species group: 
Birds
Pollutant: 
Acid Deposition