Electrophoretic identification of bird species involved in collisions with aircraft

1. 1. The utility of biochemical genetic methods of bird identification was investigated for some common species which create a hazard for commercial aviation in Ireland. 2. 2. Sixteen enzyme loci were assayed in eight species, using starch gel electrophoresis; three larids, three corvids and two columbids. 3. 3. Genera were distinguishable using all but two loci. 4. 4. Differences within genera were small, but all species except for the gulls Larus argentatus and L. marinus, could be identified using one or more loci. 5. 5. Arising from the success of the method using fresh specimens, a protocol for the electrophoretic identification of traumatized remains of strikes is suggested.