Reproductive Energetics of Two Tropical Bird Species

Abstract

Daily energy expenditure (DEE) during breeding was studied in Pacific Swallows (Hirundo tahitica) and Blue-throated Bee-eaters (Merops viridis) in Malaysia. DEE was measured directly by the doubly labelled water (D₂¹⁸O) technique and indirectly by TAL (time-activity-laboratory) methods during the time adults were feeding their young at the nest. DEE was 76.6 kJ/day in the Pacific Swallow and 77.4 kJ/day in the larger Blue-throated Bee-eater (D₂¹⁸O results). The relatively low DEE, compared to temperate-zone insectivores that also feed in flight, was attributed to the action of proximate factors, namely a more favorable thermal environment and shorter days (which results in less daytime activity). In bee-eaters, partial use of a low-cost foraging technique also contributed to their lower DEE. The suitability of DEE as a measure of reproductive effort is discussed.