Water-vapor pressure in nests of the San Miguel Island Song Sparrow
The water-vapor pressure (PN) in nests of the San Miguel Island race of Song Sparrows (Melospiza melodia micronyx) averaged 16 torr, but varied considerable between nests and within individual nests during successive days of incubation. Large daily fluctuations occurred throughout the incubation period and did not parallel concurrent changes in ambien vapor pressure (P1). Daily rates of water loss from nest eggs (MH2O) averaged 28 mg day-1, but also varied considerable within and between nests and did not correlate with changes in P1. MH2O increased 6-33% after the third day of incubation. PN was significantly higher and MH2O significantly lower in nests located in sheltered gullies than in nests from a windswept slope. These data suggest that Song Sparrows do not regulate PN to achieve hatching success.
Citation Information
Publication Year | 1990 |
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Title | Water-vapor pressure in nests of the San Miguel Island Song Sparrow |
DOI | 10.2307/1368696 |
Authors | Michael D. Kern, Mark K. Sogge, Charles van Riper |
Publication Type | Article |
Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
Series Title | The Condor |
Index ID | 70124304 |
Record Source | USGS Publications Warehouse |