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Energetics of Avian Incubation

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Avian Energetics and Nutritional Ecology

Abstract

Avian incubation, the process by which birds apply heat to their eggs, has stimulated the thinking of students of ornithology for decades. Early interest included studies on the proper conditions for embryological development of domestic fowl eggs (Gallus gallus), the incubation schedule of wild birds, and the measurement of egg temperature during natural incubation (Huggins 1941; Kendeigh 1952; Baerends 1959; Skutch 1962; Lundy 1969). More recent efforts have explored physiological aspects of the process of incubation for both parents and eggs (Drent 1972; 1973; 1975). Sparked by a debate between Kendeigh (1963) and King (1973) over whether incubation required augmentation of adult metabolism, interest in parental energy expenditure during incubation has gained momentum in the last two decades.

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  1. Joseph B. Williams
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  1. University of Colorado, USA

    Cynthia Carey

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Williams, J.B. (1996). Energetics of Avian Incubation. In: Carey, C. (eds) Avian Energetics and Nutritional Ecology. Springer, Boston, MA. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4613-0425-8_11

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