Seasonal variation in the effects of wetting on the energetics and survival of starlings (Sturnus vulgaris)

Large-scale climate and local weather drive interannual variability in Adélie penguin chick fledging mass

“…However, the AAO is positively correlated to the number of days with precipitation and is likely an indicator of humidity. Our interpretation of these interactions is that chicks are more likely to become wet during a positive AAO and incur higher thermoregulative costs during wet, cold, and windy years (Lustick & Adams 1977). When the AAO is negative, or near zero, the effect of air temperature on CFM is eliminated or reduced.…”

Avian studies and research opportunities in the Luquillo Experimental Forest: A tropical rain forest in Puerto Rico

“…The LEF's high annual rainfall may contribute directly to physiological stress in birds by increasing heat loss due to wetting of plumage (Lustick and Adams, 1977;Wilson et al, 2004), which is exacerbated by cool windy conditions at high elevation. The risk of energy shortage due to heat loss is greater for small birds given their greater surface-to-volume ratio and higher metabolic rates than large birds and their limited capacity for fat storage (Bucher and Worthington, 1982).…”

Birds in Human Modified Environments and Bird Damage Control: Social, Economic, and Health Implications

“…Applied in a weak aqueous solution, the surfactant dissolves the waterproof oil coating the birds' feathers. However, very rigid weather conditions are necessary for this treatment to be effective; at least 1.3 cm of rainfall shortly after treatment followed by temperatures of 5 0 C or lower (U.S. Army 1975, Lustick 1975, Lustick and Joseph 1977, Weatherhead et al 1980a, Mott 1984. Under these conditions, body heat loss by the birds exceeds heat produced by basal metabolism, resulting ii.…”