Abstract
Many species of desert birds are relatively small (<500 g), diurnally active ground dwellers that are naturally exposed to high ambient temperatures (Ta) and low relative humidities (RH). Sandgrouse (Pteroclididae), being small birds (weighing between 200 and 400 g) having a relatively high standard metabolic rate (SMR), would have to possess an effective mechanism for dissipating heat. Spotted Sandgrouse (Pterocles senegallus), like other species of the Pteroclididae, are successful desert birds (Thomas 1983, Maclean 1984). Thomas and Robin (1977) reported that in incubating female sandgrouse (P. senegallus, P. coronatus, P. alchata) neither gular-fluttering nor gaping were observed in birds exposed in the open to 40 to 50*C Ta. This strongly suggested that body and egg cooling could be achieved only ifa very efficient cutaneous evaporative water loss (CE WL) mechanism existed in in-
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
