Avian Biology

Avian Biology, Volume VI is a compendium of papers that deals with selected aspects of avian biology. One paper discusses the avian mating behavior and covers topics such as monogamy, polygyny, male incubation, and female emancipation; these papers also list a table of the species of birds in which polyandry has been observed. Another paper examines bird migration in relation to the mechanism and development of migration with emphasis on the evolution and function (ultimate causation) of migration. Another paper discusses the advantages of one form of social organization of birds during the non-reproductive season over another form. This paper reasons the possibility of the existence of a cost-benefit social behavior. Other papers discuss some physical features found in birds such as stomach oils and glycogen-filled cells. Another paper deals with the respiratory physiology of birds as new research data have been made available in this area. This book can prove useful for investigators in avian biology, zoologists, and readers who have a general interest in birds.

List of Contributors General Preface Preface to Volume VI Note on Taxonomy Contents of Other Volumes Chapter 1. Avian Mating Systems I. Introduction II. Monogamy III. Functional Types of Polygyny IV. Male Incubation, Female Emancipation, and the Evolution of Polyandrous Strategies V. Conclusion References Chapter 2. The Ecology and Evolution of Avian Migration Systems I. Introduction II. Movement in Response to Environmental Change III. Movement Patterns in Time and Space IV. Evolutionary Theories of Bird Migration V. Diversity of Avian Migration Patterns References Chapter 3. Social Organization in the Nonreproductive Season I. Introduction II. Flocking and the Risk of Predation III. Social Foraging and the Risk of Starvation IV. The Economics of Aggression V. Prospect References Chapter 4. The Uropygial Gland I. Structure of the Uropygial or Preen Gland II. Secretions of the Uropygial Gland References Chapter 5. Stomach Oils I. Introduction II. Occurrence of Stomach Oils III. Chemical Composition of Stomach Oils IV. Origin of Stomach Oils V. Function of Stomach Oil References Chapter 6. The Glycogen Body I. Introduction II. Historical Perspective III. Development IV. Biochemistry and Metabolism V. Structure VI. Functional Significance VII. Concluding Remarks References Chapter 7. Domestication in Birds I. Introduction II. Domestication in Birds: Definition and History III. Domestication Characteristics in Birds IV. The Zebra Finch: A Case History in Domestication V. Conclusions References Chapter 8. Respiration and Control of Breathing I. Introduction II. Ventilation of the Respiratory Tract III. Gas Transport Properties of Blood IV. Basic Concepts for Parabronchial Gas Exchange