What effects can lead poisoning cause in birds?

Lead poisoning is a significant health issue for birds, primarily impacting their nervous system and digestive system due to the neurotoxic nature of lead. When birds ingest lead, often through contaminated food sources or spent ammunition, the metal accumulates in their bodies. This accumulation can lead to neurological damage, which may manifest as abnormal behaviors, seizures, or even death.

The digestive system can also be severely affected when lead is ingested, leading to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and an inability to properly assimilate nutrients. These physiological repercussions highlight the critical nature of lead toxicity in avian species and underscore the importance of mitigating lead exposure in natural habitats to protect bird populations.