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Heat dissipation during hovering and forward flight in hummingbirds
Donald R Powers1, Bret W Tobalske2, J Keaton Wilson2
1Department of Biology George Fox University Newberg, OR, USA.
Royal Society Open Science
|March 29, 2016
Summary
Hummingbirds actively manage heat loss during flight by altering heat dissipation routes. Their body temperatures remain stable across speeds, indicating physiological regulation.
Area of Science:
- Avian physiology
- Thermoregulation in birds
- Bioenergetics of flight
Background:
- Flying animals, including birds, must dissipate heat to prevent overheating.
- Feathers complicate heat loss in birds, necessitating specialized strategies.
- Understanding heat transfer in birds is crucial for comprehending flight energetics.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate how flight speed affects heat dissipation in hummingbirds.
- To identify key heat dissipation areas (HDAs) in flying hummingbirds.
- To determine the role of plumage in avian heat loss.
Main Methods:
- Infrared thermography and particle image velocimetry were used to measure heat loss.
- Heat flux was measured in hummingbird carcasses with and without plumage.
- Surface temperatures and airflow were analyzed across various flight speeds.
Main Results:
- Highest thermal gradients were observed in HDAs: eyes, axial region, and feet.
- Eye and axial surface temperatures remained constant across speeds, suggesting regulation.
- Feet were dangled during hovering to enhance radiative heat loss, with wing airflow aiding convective loss.
Conclusions:
- Hummingbirds actively adjust heat dissipation strategies based on flight speed.
- Physiological regulation of skin temperature is evident in hummingbirds.
- Plumage provides insulation, but specific areas are adapted for heat dissipation.
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