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

V. The Cross-Current Model and the Real Lung

VI. Respiration and Gas Exchange at Rest

VII. Respiration and Gas Exchange at Specialized Activities

VIII. Control of Breathing

IX. Respiration of the Avian Embryo

References

Author Index

Index to Bird Names

Subject Index