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The objective of the present study was to investigate the levels of Cd, Pb, Co, and Cu, inA. chukar,A. griseogularis, andColumba livia, in order to (1) examine the age- and gender-related variation in trace metal accumulation and (2) to determine the significance between metal concentrations in the kidney, liver, and pectoral muscle. Mean concentrations of Cd and Pb in the kidney ofA. chukar,A. griseogularis, andC. liviawere 3.7, 4.1, and 3.9 µg/g and 15.9, 13.6, and 15.5 µg/g, respectively. In the liver, they were 4.8, 4.3, and 3.9 µg/g and 21.4, 21.3, and 21.1 µg/g, and in the pectoral muscle, 2.3, 2.3, and 2.2 µg/g and 7.1, 7.1, and 7.8 µg/g, respectively. Metal concentrations in three bird species were decreased in the sequence of liver > kidney > pectoral muscle. Trace metal concentrations in the three species were higher in females than in males. The mean concentrations of Cd in the kidney and liver were higher than the background levels, as well as Pb concentrations in the liver were higher than the toxic level. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]