Premium
Effects of Insolation on Juvenile Herring Gull Energetics and Behavior
Author(s) -
Lustick Sheldon,
Battersby Brian,
Kelty Michael
Publication year - 1979
Publication title -
ecology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.144
H-Index - 294
eISSN - 1939-9170
pISSN - 0012-9658
DOI - 10.2307/1936603
Subject(s) - energetics , herring , insolation , thermoregulation , juvenile , environmental science , ecology , herring gull , larus , biology , fishery , climatology , geology , fish <actinopterygii>
The interaction of insolation, wind, and ambient temperature on the energetics and behavior of juvenile Herring Gulls was studied. At low ambient temperatures gulls can reduce their energy expenditure for thermoregulation as much as 29% by basking. Insolation at ambient temperatures above 15°C was stressful to the gulls because the thermal gradient was into the bird. The feet were found to be an important means of heat loss in birds at high and moderate ambient temperatures receiving insolation. Under natural conditions the use of the microhabitat is extremely important in minimizing the effects of radiation both during the day and at night.