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Variation in the developmental timing of flight-feather growth in nestling birds

Lookup NU author(s): Dr Chris RedfernORCiD

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Abstract

The timing of primary-feather development in relation to growth in body-mass varies considerably between altricial species. This variation relates, at least in part, to differences in nesting habits: species nesting in relatively well-protected nest sites, such as holes, start primary-feather development later than altricial species using open-cup nests. For the latter 'open-nesting' species, the timing of primary-feather development also tends to show an allometric correlation with adult body-size. Since primary-feather development takes longer, relative to growth in body-mass, in small species than in large ones, these data suggest that, for small species, there will be an important selective advantage in using relatively secure nest sites.

Publication metadata

Author(s): Redfern CPF

Publication type: Article

Publication status: Published

Journal: Ibis

Year: 1994

Volume: 136

Issue: 1

Pages: 72-78

Print publication date: 01/01/1994

ISSN (print): 0019-1019

ISSN (electronic): 1474-919X

URL: http://dx.doi.org/10.1111/j.1474-919X.1994.tb08132.x

DOI: 10.1111/j.1474-919X.1994.tb08132.x

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