Radiant energy reduces oxygen consumption in birds; this reduction is correlated with feather color, being greater in dark birds (26 percent reduction) than in white ones (6 percent reduction). With radiant energy (basking), the cow-bird effectively increased its insulation, thus shifting the lower end of the zone of thermal neutrality down by as much as 10 degrees C (35 degrees to 25 degrees C).
The interaction of insolation, wind, and ambient temperature on the energetics and behavior of juvenile Herring Gulls was studied. At low ambient temperatures gulls can reduce their energy expenditure for thermoregulation as much as 29% by basking. Insolation at ambient temperatures above 15°C was stressful to the gulls because the thermal gradient was into the bird. The feet were found to be an important means of heat loss in birds at high and moderate ambient temperatures receiving insolation. Under natural conditions the use of the microhabitat is extremely important in minimizing the effects of radiation both during the day and at night.
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