Single acute dosages of insecticides were administered by means of gelatin capsules to 212 quail and 64 mourning doves. The median lethal dosages for bobwhite quail were: aldrin, 4-4.5 mg/kg; dieldrin, 12-14 mg/kg; toxaphene, 80-100 mg/kg; and lindane, 120-130 mg/kg (males) and 195-210 mg/kg (females). For doves the levels were: aldrin, 15-17 mg/kg; dieldrin, 44-46 mg/kg; toxaphene, 200-250 mg/kg (estimated); and lindane, approximately 350-400 mg/kg. Lack of motor coordination, depression and subsequent death was the usual course of events in birds succumbing to the poisons.