AVIS-IBIS

Birds of Indian Subcontinent

Flight Energetics of Free-Living Sooty Terns

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:1984
Authors:Flint, EN, Nagy, KA
Journal:The Auk
Volume:101
Issue:2
Date Published:1984
ISBN Number:00048038
Keywords:Apodidae, Apus, Apus apus, Haliplana fuscata, Hirundinidae, Hirundo, Hirundo rustica, Laridae, Onychoprion, Onychoprion fuscata, Onychoprion fuscatus, Sterna, Sterna fuscata
Abstract:The CO2 production of free-ranging Sooty Terns (Sterna fuscata) was measured using doubly labeled water (HTO-18). Metabolic rate during flight was determined to be 4.8 times standard metabolic rate (SMR). This value is much lower than estimates of flight metabolism predicted from previously published equations. Observations of these birds at sea indicate that flapping flight predominated at the windspeeds (0-5 m/s) that prevailed during our measurement periods, so factors other than gliding must account for the comparatively low flight metabolism we measured. Sooty Tern flight metabolism is similar to that of some other birds, such as swallows and swifts, that also have high aspect ratios and low wing loadings.
URL:http://www.jstor.org/stable/4086367
Short Title:The Auk
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