Ontogeny of Thermoregulation in the Mourning Dove

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Abstract
The O2 consumption and body-temperature responses of 3-, 6-, 9-, and 12-day-old mourning doves (Zenaidura macroura) were measured as they were placed in 19[degree], 29[degree] and 39[degree]C temperatures. At 39[degree]C, O2 consumption showed no difference among birds of different ages. At 29[degree]C, 12-day-old birds appeared to be at their thermoneutral temperature, but 6- and 9-day-old birds showed an increase in O2 consumption. Six-day-old doves showed thermoregulatory responses (panting and shivering) to environmental temperature changes but were inefficient at regulating their body temperatures. A 19[degree]C temperature appeared to be a challenge to doves of all ages tested. Both 3- and 6-day-old doves lost heat more rapidly when placed alive in a 2[degree]C chamber than when dead. Live birds may cool more rapidly because of respiratory ventilation and because of extensive non-insulated vascular flow. Major insulative changes occur in doves between 6 and 9 days. The differentiation of vascular reflexes controlling peripheral blood flow may also be of major importance in the ontogeny of thermoregulation in altricial birds.