Bird Ecology and Conservation A Handbook of Techniques

from an infected carcase), a few chemical (formalin is an irritant to eyes, mucous
membranes, and skin and may be carcinogenic). Appropriate precautions must
be followed.
Appropriate equipment should be used when carrying out a postmortemexami-
nation. The basics are a scalpel with blade, scissors, and forceps but for optimal
results these should be of an appropriate size and type. Ophthalmological
instruments may be needed when necropsying a warbler whereas heavy duty
equipment is more likely to prove serviceable for a large seabird. Rat-toothed

190 |Information from dead and dying birds

Oesophagus

Crop

Lungs

Adrenal

Trachea

Syrinx

Gonad (testes or

ovary)

Cloaca (empty)

Lobes of kidney

Fig. 8.2Appearance of deeper internal organs, following removal of heart, liver, and
gastrointestinal tract (drawing by Pamela Athene Smith).