Optimal fat loads in migrating birds: a test of the time-minimization hypothesis
Article Abstract:
Fat deposition in migratory birds were correlated to their migration time. Stopover length, departure fat load, fat-deposition rate and habitat selection of these migrating birds were studied. Results showed that some birds store fat loads needed to minimize their migration time. Optimal fat loads were accumulated and utilized to achieve optimal speed. Physiological and flight-mechanical constraints limited the birds' fat deposition for added weights reduce their speed and flight agility that would decrease their chance for successful migration.
Publication Name: The American Naturalist
Subject: Earth sciences
ISSN: 0003-0147
Year: 1992
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Evolutionary precursors of long-distance migrations: resource availability and movement patterns in neotropical landbirds
Article Abstract:
Migratory behavior of neotropical birds are dependent on the seasonal movements within the tropics. Most migratory neotropical birds are dependent on fruits and nectars as their food sources and live in open habitat and seasonal changes affect these resources which induce these avians to migrate to regions that are more conducive to their needs. These migration behavior of neotropical birds based on diet and habitat use bear similarities with overwintering Nearctic birds that suggest evolutionary links between the two species.
Publication Name: The American Naturalist
Subject: Earth sciences
ISSN: 0003-0147
Year: 1992
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Austral migrants and the evolution of migration in New World birds: diet, habitat, and migration revisited
Article Abstract:
The relationship among migration, habitat and diet was studied by introducing avian phylogeny in the analysis of austral migration in South America. Austral and Neotropical-Nearctic systems were also compared by re-evaluating available data on Neotropical-Nearctic migrants. Habitat was demonstrated to be a probable determinant of evolutionary patterns of migration beyond the Neotropics. On the other hand, the effect of diet on migration was found negligible.
Publication Name: The American Naturalist
Subject: Earth sciences
ISSN: 0003-0147
Year: 1998
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