The energy cycle and thermal tolerance of the starlings (Aves, Sturnidae) in North America

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Abstract
Gross energy intake, excretory energy, and metabolizable energy of both the common starling and the crested myna were obtained at outdoor temperatures through 12 consecutive months. Basal metabolic rates for the two species were determined to be 12.6 and 9.5 cal/g h for starlings and mynas respectively.The thermal response of both species was determined over a range of controlled temperatures between −20 °C and +30 °C, with birds acclimated to the outdoor ambient temperatures of June and November. No seasonal differences were revealed. Starlings were found to have a higher temperature tolerance (above 40 °C) than the crested myna (mean lethal dose (LD50) = 40 °C). The insulating quality of the plumage of the two species was determined by measurements of rate of cooling. Starlings had a relatively lighter total plumage (7% of body weight) than mynas (9.4% of body weight). Even so, the mean insulating value of myna plumage was found to be only 3.4 ± 0.50 × 10−2 cal/g h °C cm2 compared to 6.2 ± 0.50 × 10−2 cal/g h °C cm2 for starling plumage.Mynas were shown to have less tolerance of cold and of heat than the ubiquitous starling.

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