Temperature regulation in the Black Vulture

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Abstract
Metabolic rate, body temperature, and heat dissipating mechanisms of the Black Vulture were studied under laboratory conditions. The metabolic rate (6.5 W) was close to the predicted one. The body temperature showed considerable variations with air temperature, ranging from 37.7 °C at 15 °C to 42.9 °C at 45 °C. The area of featherless skin on the head and neck changed with the body temperature, thus indicating a role in heat dissipation, and we conclude that these featherless skin areas can be adjusted according to the need for temperature regulation.