Tolerance for Hypertonic Saline Solutions in Herring Gulls, Starlings, and Purple Grackles

Abstract
Herring gulls, starlings, and purple grackles were tested for ability to survive when provided with hypertonic saline as the drinking water. Experimental groups of each species were continuously provided with various hypertonic NaCl solutions for a 10-day period. Mortalities during the test period were 100% at levels of 0.25 M NaCl and higher for the starlings, 0.35 M NaCl for the purple grackles, and 0.75 M NaCl for the herring gulls. Duration of survival was inversely related to molarity of NaCl in all 3 species.