Avian Incubation
Behaviour, Environment and Evolution
Published on 15. November 2001
Book
Hardback
436 pages
978-0-19-850810-6 (ISBN)
Description
This is the first scientific review of all factors affecting incubation in avian nests. These range from nest construction, egg characteristics and patterns of embryonic development. There is an extensive section describing incubation behaviour of parents and embryos, and there are chapters reviewing brood patch physiology and the various factors determining the incubation environment, including nest microbiology. Another section provides chapters giving detailed descriptions of examples of unusual aspects of avian incubation, whilst the final section provides consideration of the ecological, energetic and fitness cost of incubation. Written by authorities in their respective fields from around the world, this provides a comprehensive review of this critical aspect of avian reproduction. Much of the data included has not been previously published, and so Avian Incubation is not only an extensive reference text but is also a valuable contribution to our basic understanding of incubation.
Reviews / Votes
... a multi-faceted book ... If you are interested in any aspect of incubation, I would recommend you read this book. * Bird Study * ... a fine review of the fascinating topic of bird incubation . The volume is well produced with good, clear figures and tables ... I thoroughly enjoyed the book and will, I am sure, be referring to it frequently ... It is a worthy addition to the series and will make a fine addition to the collection of anyone with a serious interest in bird biology. * Chris Brown, School of Animal, Plant & Environmental Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand - African Zoology * ... an up-to-date, exhaustively researched overview of how birds care for their eggs and maintain them at high temperatures. * The Auk * ... a very comprehensive survey ... recommended. * British Poultry Science * ... this book is a welcome addition to the ornithological literature, and simply the fact that it is the very first review of research in the field alone already makes it well worth buying. * IBIS *More details
Series
Language
English
Place of publication
Oxford
United Kingdom
Target group
Professional and scholarly
Illustrations
numerous figures and tables, 2 pp colour plates, 2 pp haltones and 9 halftones
Dimensions
Height: 242 mm
Width: 160 mm
Thickness: 28 mm
Weight
814 gr
ISBN-13
978-0-19-850810-6 (9780198508106)
Copyright in bibliographic data and cover images is held by Nielsen Book Services Limited or by the publishers or by their respective licensors: all rights reserved.
Schweitzer Classification
Person
Deeming is an embryologist of 20 years, with his main expertise in egg turning in birds establishes during his Doctorate research at the University of Reading. He has also studied the development of alligators at the University of Manchester, as well as ostrich incubation, rearing, and behaviour. He is presently working as a consultant to poultry and game hatcheries and as an advisor to zoo and conservation organisations.
Content
1. Importance and Evolution of Incubation in Avian reproduction ; 2. Location Structure and Function of Incubation Sites ; 3. Functional Characteristics of Eggs ; 4. Embryonic Development and Utilisation of Egg Components ; 5. Hormonal Control of Incubation Behaviour ; 6. Behaviour Patterns During Incubation ; 7. Parent-Embryo Interactions ; 8. The Brood Patch ; 9. Maintenance of Egg Temperature ; 10. Nest Microclimate During Incubation ; 11. Patterns and Significance of Egg Turning ; 12. Microbiology of Natural Incubation ; 13. Underground Nesting in the Megapodes ; 14. Characteristics and Constraints of Incubation in Hummingbirds ; 15. Intermittent Incubation: Predictions and Tests for Time and Heat Allocations ; 16. Incubation in Extreme Environments ; 17. Tactics of Obligate Brood Parasites to Secure Suitable Incubators ; 18. Ecological Factors Affecting Initiation of Incubation Behaviour ; 19. Adaptive Significance of Egg Colouration ; 20. Energetics of Incubation ; 21. Incubation and the Costs of Reproduction ; 22. Perspectives in Avian Incubation