The effects of temperature and artificial rain on the metabolism of American kestrels ( Falco sparverius)

Abstract

The effect of rainfall on the metabolism of birds is poorly understood. We measured the metabolism as rate of oxygen consumption (V˙O 2) of four male and four female American kestrels ( Falco sparverius) using open-circuit respirometry. We measured V˙O 2 during the spring at ambient temperatures ( T a) of 5, 10, 15, and 25 °C in air without rainfall and with simulated rainfall of 2.5 (low rainfall) and 6.1 cm h −1 (high rainfall). Kestrel metabolism was significantly higher when exposed to the two rainfall levels compared to no rainfall. However, kestrel metabolism was not significantly different at the two rainfall levels. Body temperature ( T b) was significantly lower under high rainfall compared to low rainfall. In addition, under both rainfall levels T b decreased with decreasing T a. Calculated thermal conductance was significantly higher in kestrels exposed to rain compared to no rainfall. Kestrels may use sleeking behavior at high rainfall levels to decrease water penetration of the plumage. Daily energy expenditure (DEE) of kestrels exposed to rain may increase markedly, and kestrel energetics may be further exacerbated by wind that often accompanies natural rainstorms.