Feather Barbs as a Good Source of mtDNA for Bird Species Identification in Forensic Wildlife Investigations

Background: The ability to accurately identify bird species is crucial for wildlife law enforcement and bird-strikeinvestigations. However, such identifications may be challenging when only partial or damaged feathers areavailable for analysis.Results: By applying vigorous contamination controls and sensitive PCR amplification protocols, we found that itwas feasible to obtain accurate mitochondrial (mt)DNA-based species identification with as few as two featherbarbs. This minimally destructive DNA approach was successfully used and tested on a variety of bird species,including North American wild turkey (Meleagris gallopavo), Canada goose (Branta canadensis), blue heron (Ardeaherodias) and pygmy owl (Glaucidium californicum). The mtDNA was successfully obtained from ‘fresh’ feathers,historic museum specimens and archaeological samples, demonstrating the sensitivity and versatility of thistechnique.Conclusions: By applying appropriate contamination controls, sufficient quantities of mtDNA can be reliablyrecovered and analyzed from feather barbs. This previously overlooked substrate provides new opportunities foraccurate DNA species identification when minimal feather samples are available for forensic analysis.