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Circadian metabolic and thermoregulatory patterns of red-billed woodhoopoes (Phoeniculus purpureus): the influence of huddling

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  05 April 2001

C. Boix-Hinzen  and
B.G. Lovegrove
C. Boix-Hinzen
Affiliation:
Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, 3209, South Africa Present address: Percy Fitzpatrick Institute of African Ornithology, University of Cape Town, Private Bag Rondesbasch, 7700, South Africa
B.G. Lovegrove
Affiliation:
Department of Zoology and Entomology, University of Natal, Private Bag X01, Scottsville, 3209, South Africa Present address: Percy Fitzpatrick Institute of African Ornithology, University of Cape Town, Private Bag Rondesbasch, 7700, South Africa
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Abstract

Circadian rhythms of metabolic rate and body temperature were measured in groups of huddling and solitary red-billed woodhoopoes (Phoeniculus purpureus) as a function of ambient temperature. Basal metabolic rates were 30-60% lower than those of similar-sized birds of other species. As a consequence, circadian amplitudes of Tb and VO2 fluctuation between the rest and activity phases of non-huddling birds were also larger than expected. Circadian rhythms of metabolism save huddling and non-huddling woodhoopoes 19-34% of their potential daily energy expenditure. Birds huddling in groups conserved 12-29% of the daily energy expenditure of non-huddling birds at ambient temperatures of 20°C and below. However, at 30°C huddling birds used c. 12% more energy than non-huddling birds. The various avenues of energy conservation employed by woodhoopoes are suggested to be beneficial in: a) augmenting the proximate benefits of cooperative breeding; and b) optimizing fitness in the drought-prone sub-Saharan savannahs which are heavily influenced by the El Niño Southern Oscillations.

Keywords

woodhoopoeshuddlingcircadian rhythmsmetabolismthermoregulationconductance
Type
Research Article
Information
Journal of Zoology , Volume 244 , Issue 1 , January 1998 , pp. 33 - 41
Copyright
© 1998 The Zoological Society of London

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