Avian Biology (eBook)

Front Cover 1
Avian Biology 4
Copyright Page 5
Table of Contents 8
Dedication 6
LIST OF CONTRIBUTORS 3
PREFACE 14
NOTE ON TAXONOMY 18
CONTENTS OF OTHER VOLUMES 22
OBITUARY 24
Chapter 1. The Integument of Birds 26
I. Skin 27
II. Feathers 34
III. Pterylosis 56
IV. Muscles of the Skin 63
V. Integumentary Derivatives Other Than Feathers 69
References 79
Chapter 2. Patterns of Molting 90
I. Introduction 90
II. Definitions 92
III. Homology 98
IV. Functional Equivalency 99
V. Social Factors 103
VI. Describing Molts and Feather Generations 105
VII. Concluding Remarks 122
References 126
Chapter 3. Mechanisms and Control of Molt 128
I. Introduction 129
II. Mechanisms of the Pattern of Molt 130
III. Molting and Breeding Schedules 133
IV. Hormonal Control of Feather Loss and Replacement 143
V. Direct Effects of the Environment on Molt 156
VI. Energetics and Molt 164
VII. Summary 170
References 171
Chapter 4. The Blood Vascular System of Birds 182
I. Introduction 183
II. Avian Hematology 184
III. Morphology of the Blood Vascular System 189
IV. The Electrophysiology of the Heart 221
V. General Hemodynamics 226
VI. Regulation of the Cardiovascular System 243
VII. Cardiovascular Adjustments to (Habitual) Diving and Alterations in Ambient Gas Composition 259
VIII. Cardiovascular Performances During Flight 276
IX. The Cardiovascular System and Gas Exchange 280
X. The Role of the Cardiovascular System in Excretion and Osmoregulation 285
XI The Role of Peripheral Circulation in Temperature Regulation 289
References 295
Chapter 5. Respiratory Function in Birds 312
I. Introduction 313
II. Anatomy 313
III. Respiration of Resting Birds 324
IV. Respiration of Heat-Stressed Birds 343
V. Respiration of Flying Birds 350
VI. Respiration During Specialized Activities 353
References 360
Chapter 6. Digestion and the Digestive System 368
I. Introduction 368
II. The Buccal Cavity, Buccal Glands, and Pharynx 369
III. The Esophagus and Crop 377
IV. The Gastric Apparatus 385
V. The Intestine 409
VI. The Liver 424
VII. The Pancreas 427
References 430
Chapter 7. The Nutrition of Birds 456
I. Introduction 456
II. Requirements Represented by Nutrient Expenditures 457
III. Requirements Represented by Syntheses and Storages of Nutrients 471
IV. The Net Nutritive Value of Feeds 479
V. Production of Nutritive Fluids for the Young 485
References 488
Chapter 8. The Intermediary Metabolism of Birds 496
I. General Considerations 497
II. Tissue Metabolism 503
III. Influence of Diet 511
IV. Endocrine Control of Metabolism 521
V. Influence of Reproductive (Laying) Cycle 532
VI. Climatic Effects on Metabolism 535
VII. Influence of Migration on Metabolism 539
VIII. General Summary and Conclusions 543
References 544
Chapter 9. Osmoregulation and Excretion in Birds 552
I. Introduction 552
II. The Avian Kidney 553
III. Postrenal Modification of the Urine –Role of the Cloaca and Intestine 571
IV. The Avian Salt Gland 576
References 591
AUTHOR INDEX 600
INDEX TO BIRD NAMES 624
SUBJECT INDEX 630