Nocturnal foraging in the American white pelican

Article Abstract:

American white pelicans forage extensively at night, with larger foraging flocks compared to daytime. Day-night behavioral differences are functions of relative prey availability and visual sensitivity. Higher bill-dipping rate and lower frequency of prey capture during the night may be caused by poorer nocturnal visual ability. Larger fish species predominate the shallow water in the night, which explains the higher percentage of large fish in nocturnal foraging. Nocturnal foraging is seen as a means to meet increased energy demands.

Behavior, Food and nutrition, Predation (Biology), Piscivores, Water birds

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Clutch-size manipulations in the yellow-headed blackbird: a test of the individual optimization hypothesis

Article Abstract:

Yellow-headed Blackbird clutches of three and four eggs were either increased or decreased by one egg and broods were closely watched until fledging to study the individual optimization hypothesis' critical short-term predictions. Control clutches were not as successful in fledging compared to experimental clutches and did not produce larger or heavier offspring compared to enlarged broods. The existence of a potential insurance value for the fourth-laid egg is suggested.

Analysis, Ornithological research, Birds, Bird eggs, Bird nests, Fringillids, Fringillidae

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The development of endothermy in American White Pelicans

Article Abstract:

There is a gradual sequence of the development of endothermy in American White Pelicans, according to research using chicks during the first 16 days after hatching. By day 16, chicks were able to effectively deal with extended periods of cooling due to parental absence. The gradual development of a complex system for maintaining body temperature when dealing with an ambient thermal challenge is probably energetically efficient.

Physiological aspects

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Diurnal and nocturnal visual function in two tactile foraging waterbirds: the American white ibis and the black skimmer

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