THE EFFECT OF GROUP-SIZE ON METABOLISM IN HUDDLING GREY PARTRIDGE (PERDIX PERDIX)

Authors
PUTAALA A HOHTOLA E HISSA R
Citation
A. Putaala et al., THE EFFECT OF GROUP-SIZE ON METABOLISM IN HUDDLING GREY PARTRIDGE (PERDIX PERDIX), Comparative biochemistry and physiology. B. Comparative biochemistry, 111(2), 1995, pp. 243-247
Citations number
27
Categorie Soggetti
Biology
Journal title
Comparative biochemistry and physiology. B. Comparative biochemistry → ACNP
ISSN journal
03050491
Volume
111
Issue
2
Year of publication
1995
Pages
243 - 247
Database
ISI
SICI code
0305-0491(1995)111:2<243:TEOGOM>2.0.ZU;2-U
Abstract
The oxygen consumption of grey partridges (Perdix perdix) in groups of one to nine individuals was studied at -30 degrees C. The resting met abolic rate (RMR) of huddling partridges was 6-24% lower than the rest ing metabolic rate of a single bird, with larger groups having a propo rtionately lower RMR. This energy saving during winter night may allow partridges to lengthen their roosting time and shorten the time spent foraging, thus affording greater protection against cold and predator s.