How Kentish plovers, Charadrius alexandrinus, cope with heat stress during incubation

摘要: Biparental incubation is frequent among shorebirds and expected when the survival prospects of offspring increase relative to uniparental incubation. To understand why this occurs, it important identify factors that constrain It assumed birds choose nesting sites provide an appropriate microclimate for Many nest in with no or little cover, where ambient temperatures at ground level might be >50°C during very hot days. Shorebirds exposed because predation risk on incubating adults higher covered sites. In environments, experience heat stress sites, may compromise success if are unable attend their nests continuously, limiting possibilities thus expression a sexual conflict over The operative Kentish plovers (Charadrius alexandrinus) were recorded thermal behaviour tactics pair members studied environment. During hottest part day, there was difference 10–15°C between Plovers did not exhibit any thermoregulatory indicative stress, probably range encountered by them such places most daytime close thermo-neutral zone. frequency which exhibited related temperature. Under conditions, maintain homeostasis long periods resorted shortening bouts. Female mainly incubate males night. However, probability diurnal increased temperature nests, but ones. fact, participation greater than suggesting inability females stay high. Even after resorting shortened bouts, continuously waves, deserted. propensity desert affected proximity water, located water being deserted less frequently. seems likely susceptibility changed relation possible belly-soak, would allow more continuous attendance. Therefore, despite adoption behavioural solutions face heavy loads, vulnerable these extended parental attendance, limit opportunities conflicts