Summary
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1.
Seasonal variation in metabolism and insulation was measured throughout the year in American goldfinches (Spinus tristis) and during winter in pine siskins (S. pinus).
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2.
Basal levels of metabolism of goldfinches in summer, 4.24 ml O2 (g·h)−1, and winter, 4.65 ml O2 (g·h)−1, do not differ significantly, but the intercept of the regression line defining the relation of oxygen consumption to ambient temperature below thermoneutrality is significantly higher for summer birds (Figs. 1, 2).
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3.
Basal metabolism of pine siskins, 4.52 ml O2 (g·h)−1, does not differ significantly from those of summer or winter goldfinches (Fig. 3). Basal levels for siskins and winter goldfinches were 40 and 50% higher, respectively, than values predicted by the appropriate equation of Aschoff and Pohl (1970) for passerine birds of similar size.
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4.
Summer goldfinches exposed to severe cold (−70°C) remain homeothermic for no more than 1 h. Winter goldfinches tolerate similar conditions for as much as 6–8 h (Fig. 5). All goldfinches tested in January remain homeothermic over at least 3 h below −60°C. None do so between April and October (Fig. 6).
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5.
Masses of dry contour plumage of goldfinches change from a mean of 0.57 g in January to 0.33 g in September. The changes in plumage mass are not coincident with the seasonal changes in resistance to severe cold (Fig. 7).
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6.
Metabolic rather than insulative adjustments appear primarily responsible for the acclimatization of American goldfinches and pine siskins to winter conditions in the northern United States.
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Dawson, W.R., Carey, C. Seasonal acclimatization to temperature in cardueline finches. J Comp Physiol B 112, 317–333 (1976). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00692302
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00692302