Seasonal Thermoregulation in Small Birds

Fluctuating environments necessitate adjustments in physiology, behavior and morphology in small birds. Adjustments of thermoregulatory mechanisms presumably promote the survival of birds subjected to seasonal changes in their natural environment, including temperature, photoperiod, and food quality and availability. Phenotypic flexibility refers to phenotypic changes that are reversible, temporary, and repeatable. Resident birds of temperate climates provide a natural experiment in phenotypic flexibility, and in these birds winter increments of thermogenic capacity and cold tolerance are often associated with changes in exercise or nutritional organ masses and cellular aerobic capacity. The hwamei (Garrulax canorus) is a small, nonmigratory passerine found primarily in central and southern China and northern Indochina. In this study, we used an integrative approach to investigate whether seasonal phenotypic variation is associated with physiological, or biochemical differences in the hwamei. In the final, from the perspective of energy, we clarify the metabolism and adaptive strategy in hwamei, and provide a scientific basis for Timaliidae which adapt to different environments.

Read the full article, published by Zoological Studies, here

Follow Zoological Studies on Twitter @ZooStudies and Facebook