Time and Heat Allocations to Balance Conflicting Demands during Intermittent Incubation by Yellow-Eyed Juncos

Abstract

We use a new method to analyze time allocations influencing average egg temperatures during intermittent incubation. It measures relative investment in parental self-maintenance versus embryo development rate, or the extent to which performance for either is compromised from integration of both functions. Unlike attentiveness (min/hour on the nest), we compare time when eggs cool and heat with the subsequent time when egg temperatures are kept relatively constant (tequil). When these times are equal eggs increase in mean temperature at a maximum rate/bout. Corresponding average egg temperatures are halfway between average egg temperatures achieved with high frequency incubation (tequil = 0) and those achieved with continuous incubation. We reanalyzed previously published data for Yellow-eyed Juncos Junco phaeonotus (Weathers and Sullivan 1989). Results showed variable rates of increase in mean egg temperatures, but over 4 of 8 days at 3 of 6 nests average egg temperatures represented a balance between the conflicting demands. Remaining days and nests showed allocations favoring embryo development rate. Thus females on average either balanced conflicting demands during incubation or were able to shift allocations toward development rate. This occurred because several bouts with short tequi favoring self-maintenance early and late in a day were balanced or exceeded by a few bouts with long tequil favoring development rate at midday.