Abstract
Trace element concentrations (Li, Na, Mg, K, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Cu, Zn, Se, Rb, Sr, Ag, Cd, Cs, Ba, Tl, Pb, Bi and U) in the liver and muscle of 18 gray starlings died by mortality in Tochigi Prefecture in July of 2000 were determined. Body weights of samples were lower than those of individuals died by local mortality happened in Nagano Prefecture in 1997. Low accumulation of V Cr, Mn, Cu, Zn, Se, Sr, Ag, Cd and Pb were observed in the liver of gray starling when compared with raptor species suspected to Pb poisoning and normal sea birds. However, relatively higher concentrations of V Ag, Cs, TI and Pb were found in the liver and muscle of gray starling died by unusual death in comparison with other 7 species of passerine with normal condition. Fifteen elements including above metals with high level in gray starling formed many unique significant correlations. These relationships might suggest unusual conditions of samples.
