AVIS-IBIS

Birds of Indian Subcontinent

Pair Roosting of Nesting Carolina Wrens (Thryothorus ludovicianus)

Publication Type:Journal Article
Year of Publication:2006
Authors:Labisky, RF, Jr., JEArnett
Journal:The Wilson Journal of Ornithology
Volume:118
Issue:4
Date Published:2006
ISBN Number:15594491
Keywords:Florida, Thryothorus, Thryothorus ludovicianus, Troglodytes, Troglodytes troglodytes, Troglodytidae
Abstract:Carolina Wrens (Thryothorus ludovicianus), which maintain lifetime pair bonds and yearround territories, huddle in pair or communal roosts during the non-breeding season, particularly during cold winter nights. Pair roosting during the nesting season, however, is not known to occur. Here, we report huddled pair roosting by Carolina Wrens in Florida. The dates of pair roosting took place during nest construction through laying of the first egg (9-20 March 2004), and also on the date the fourth egg was laid in a clutch of five (24 March). The wrens roosted in a hanging flower basket located 2.4 m from their nest site. Although huddled pair roosting by wrens during periods of low ambient temperatures in the non-breeding season likely achieves thermal conservation, the benefits derived during the breeding season remain unclear. We discuss the possible thermoregulatory and pair-bond maintenance functions of pair roosting.
URL:http://www.jstor.org/stable/20455927
Short Title:The Wilson Journal of Ornithology
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