Meeting Abstract

P3.173  Sunday, Jan. 6  Feather corticosterone: an accurate integrated measure of stress? HARRIS, C.M.*; MADLIGER, C.L.; LOVE, O.P.; University of Windsor, Ontario; University of Windsor, Ontario; University of Windsor, Ontario harris2c@uwindsor.ca

Glucocorticoid measurement in outer integuments (e.g. hair, feathers) has become increasingly popular as a non-invasive physiological measure of stress. It is currently assumed that corticosterone (CORT) levels in feathers represent a long-term integrated measure of glucocorticoids over the time of feather growth. However, recent results call into question the mechanisms by which CORT may be deposited in feathers, complicating the conclusions that can be drawn from interpretation of their concentrations. Here we experimentally test whether CORT levels are subject to change following completion of feather growth in primary flight feathers obtained from a wild population of Tree Swallows (Tachycineta bicolor). Our results will provide considerations for the appropriate interpretation of feather CORT and provide insight into the mechanisms underlying CORT deposition and resiliency in feathers.