The effect of energy and seasonality on avian species richness and community composition
Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 26, 2026

Using a Thermal Camera to Measure Heat Loss Through Bird Feather Coats
Published on: June 17, 2020
Allen H Hurlbert1, John P Haskell
1Department of Biology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico 87131, USA. hurlbert@unm.edu
Abstract:
We analyzed geographic patterns of richness in both the breeding and winter season in relation to a remotely sensed index of seasonal production (normalized difference vegetation index [NDVI]) and to measures of habitat heterogeneity at four different spatial resolutions. The relationship between avian richness and NDVI was consistent between seasons, suggesting that the way in which available energy is converted to bird species is similar at these ecologically distinct times of year. The number and proportion of migrant species in breeding communities also increased predictably with the degree of seasonality. The NDVI was a much better predictor of seasonal richness at finer spatial scales, whereas habitat heterogeneity best predicted richness at coarser spatial resolutions. While we find strong support for a positive relationship between available energy and species richness, seasonal NDVI explained at most 61% of the variation in richness. Seasonal NDVI and habitat heterogeneity together explain up to 69% of the variation in richness.
More Related Videos
04:10Visually Sexing Loggerhead Shrike (Lanius Ludovicianus) Using Plumage Coloration and Pattern
Published on: March 8, 2020
06:16An Experimental Approach to Investigating Effects of Artificial Light at Night on Free-Ranging Animals: Implementation, Results, and Directions for Future Research
Published on: February 2, 2022
Related Concept Videos
Biological Clocks and Seasonal Responses
Conservation of Declining Populations
Energy Budgets and Reproductive Strategies
Migration
Speciation Rates
Frequency-dependent Selection