Thermal Exchange Between the Raven (Corvus corax) and Its Environment.
Abstract
Continuous V02 and TB of five birds were measured for 13 hrs as temperatures were varied every two hrs (+15C, 0C, and 30C) or four hrs (-45C). Significant seasonal differences in absolute V02 and TB responses were observed, but little seasonal effects were seen if these data were normalized. Surface temperatures of feathers of five ravens were measured at temperatures of 40C to -45C. The surface temperatures of the feathers were nearly identical to microenvironmental temperatures with the exception of the warmer eye auricular region, the nares, leading edge of the marginal coverts and the unfeathered portions of the legs and feet. The measured effective radiative surface areas were 80 to 100 percent higher than the measured bare surface areas. Surface temperatures of flying birds showed the head, legs, feet, and region of the body under the wings to be much warmer than the rest of the body which remained within 1 to 2C of ambient temperature (21C).
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 01, 1975
- Accession Number
- ADA018622
Entities
People
- James H. Veghte
Organizations
- Air Force Research Laboratory