Ngcamphalala, Celiwe AngelNicolson, Sue W.Ganswindt, AndreMcKechnie, Andrew E.2023-09-202023Ngcamphalala, C.A., Nicolson, S.W., Ganswindt, A. & McKechnie, A.E. 2023, 'Physiological validation of the use of faecal glucocorticoid metabolites as a measure of stress in a passerine and a columbid from southern Africa', Emu - Austral Ornithology, vol. 123, no. 1, pp. 79-84, doi : 10.1080/01584197.2022.2158476.0158-4197 (print)1448-5540 (online)10.1080/01584197.2022.2158476http://hdl.handle.net/2263/92332Faecal glucocorticoid metabolite (fGCM) analysis provides a non-invasive, feedback-free approach for monitoring adrenocortical responses to natural and anthropogenic stressors. The use of enzyme-immunoassays (EIAs) to quantify immunoreactive fGCMs has gained popularity in recent years but requires species-specific validation prior to first use. We conducted a pharmacological challenge with adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) to determine whether changes in circulating glucocorticoids are reflected in fGCM, concentrations and therefore to validate excreta as a matrix for monitoring endocrine status in a southern African passerine, the White-browed Sparrow-weaver (Plocepasser mahali) and a columbid, the Laughing Dove (Spilopelia capensis). We tested the suitability of four EIAs to quantify fGCMs in 10 individuals of each species. Two of the EIAs, tetrahydrocorticosterone and 11-Oxoetiocholanolone II, detected significant elevations and were therefore most suitable for quantifying fGCMs in the White-browed Sparrow-weavers. In contrast, the 5α-pregnane-3β, 11β, 21-triol-20-one EIA detected the highest elevations in fGCM concentrations in the Laughing Doves. The lag time between stressor initiation (ACTH injection) and the resulting peak fGCM concentrations was ~2 h in both species. The validations presented here open opportunities for monitoring physiological responses in free-ranging individuals and contribute to our knowledge of the EIAs suitable for non-invasive quantification of avian fGCM concentrations.en© 2023 BirdLife Australia. This is an electronic version of an article published in Emu - Austral Ornithology, vol. 123, no. 1, pp. 79-84, 2023. doi : 10.1080/01584197.2022.2158476. Emu - Austral Ornithology is available online at : https://www.tandfonline.com/loi/temu20.Faecal glucocorticoid metabolite (fGCM)Enzyme immunoassay (EIA)Adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH)Southern AfricanPasserineWhite-browed Sparrow-weaver (Plocepasser mahali)Laughing dove (Spilopelia capensis)ColumbidSDG-03: Good health and well-beingPostprint Article