J. W. Spann C.S. Hulse S. Gentry S.L. Borges N.B. Vyas 2007 <p>The US Environmental Protection Agency conducts risk assessments of insecticide applications to wild birds using a model that is limited to the dietary route of exposure. However, free-flying birds are also exposed to insecticides via the inhalation and dermal routes. We measured azinphos-methyl residues on the skin plus feathers and the feet of brown-headed cowbirds (<i>Molothrus ater</i>) in order to quantify dermal exposure to songbirds that entered and inhabited an apple (<i>Malus x domestica</i>) orchard following an insecticide application. Exposure to azinphos-methyl was measured by sampling birds from an aviary that was built around an apple tree. Birds sampled at 36 h and 7-day post-application were placed in the aviary within 1 h after the application whereas birds exposed for 3 days were released into the aviary 4-day post-application. Residues on vegetation and soil were also measured. Azinphos-methyl residues were detected from the skin plus feathers and the feet from all exposure periods. Our results underscore the importance of incorporating dermal exposure into avian pesticide risk assessments.</p> application/pdf 10.1007/s10661-006-9573-2 en Springer Dermal insecticide residues from birds inhabiting an orchard article