Document Type

Article

Publication Date

Winter 2-6-2003

Journal Title

Waterbirds

Volume Number

26

Issue Number

3

First Page

275

Last Page

279

Disciplines

Biology | Ecology and Evolutionary Biology | Ornithology | Physiology

Abstract

Eared Grebes (Podiceps nigricollis) encounter a variety of climatic regimes in their annual cycle. The most dramatic occur while on staging areas in autumn. We investigated the thermoregulatory abilities of the Eared Grebe to determine how they coped with these climate changes during staging. The basal metabolic rate (BMR) was higher than predicted. Mass-specific BMR was 1.212 mL O2/g·h for birds averaging 317 g. The thermoneutral zone is wide and extended from 15°C to 38°C. Minimal thermal conductance and average body temperature were not unusual. We conclude that Eared Grebes live most of the year under thermoneutral conditions and that food availability, not temperature extremes, determines the timing of their winter migration.

Notes

Original publication information:

Ellis, H.I. and J.R. Jehl, Jr. 2003. Temperature regulation and the constraints of climate in the Eared Grebe. Waterbirds 27:275-279.

Download

Share

COinS