Historically, scientists thought that only aquatic organisms were contaminated with methylmercury because the toxic form of mercury that moves into food chains is created in water by aquatic bacteria. But recent research has shown that several kinds of terrestrial birds (including cardinals, bluebirds, and wrens) living near aquatic ecosystems can be contaminated with methylmercury at concentrations equivalent to fish-eating birds.
Click here to find out more information about how bugs and spiders can impact songbird health.
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