The use of thermal refugia by two small desert birds

Article Abstract:

Two small desert insectivorous birds, the Verdin (Auriparus flaviceps) and the Black-tailed Gnatcatcher (Polioptila melanura), are extremely specific in the selection of diurnal microsites so as to reduce evaporation. The birds almost stop venturing in search of food when heat stress is high to avoid locomotion and reduce losses due to evaporation. Foraging activity increases the need for water, which is scarce. Even small quantities of water saved due to microsite selection and suppression of activity may contribute to survival over the long periods of heat stress, as the small size of the birds allows only limited storage of water in their bodies.

Fluid-electrolyte balance, Osmoregulation, Desert fauna, Desert animals, Animal heat, Animal body heat

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Temporal variation in point counts of birds in a lowland wet forest in Costa Rica

Article Abstract:

Substantial diurnal variation in activity occurs among tropical forest birds. More pronounced hourly variation occurs within the first five hours of the morning during the dry season. More birds and species were detected during the first three hours of the morning than in the later two hours. Detections of understory birds declined from the first to second hours of the morning, but detections of canopy birds increased during this same period, before declining. Individual species differed in patterns of diurnal activity. Bird counts should occur in the first three hours in the morning.

Measurement, Costa Rica, Natural history, Bird populations

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Temporal variation in resource use by black-throated gray warblers

Article Abstract:

The influence of temporal variation on resource use patterns of black-throated gray warblers (Dendroica nigrescens) during the breeding season has been investigated. The variations in foraging behavior and habitat use of the birds within-season, between-year and between-sex, and their interactions were investigated. The effect of arthropod abundance on the foraging behavior and habitat use was also determined.

Habitat selection, Resource partitioning (Ecology)

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