No evidence for synchrony of physiological or behavioural preparations for migration in a short-distance migratory parrot
B. D. Gartrell A B C and S. M. Jones A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations
A School of Zoology, University of Tasmania, Private Bag 5, Hobart, TAS 7001, Australia.
B Present address: New Zealand Wildlife Health Centre, Institute of Veterinary Animal and Biomedical Sciences, Private Bag 11222, Massey University, New Zealand.
C Corresponding author. Email: b.gartrell@massey.ac.nz
Emu 112(1) 1-8 https://doi.org/10.1071/MU11005
Submitted: 21 January 2011 Accepted: 27 April 2011 Published:
Abstract
The synchronisation of metabolism and behaviour to support migration has been demonstrated in a wide range of migratory organisms. However these models have been developed using long-distance migrants. This study investigated physiological and behavioural changes associated with short-distance migration in Swift Parrots (Lathamus discolor). Non-migratory Musk Lorikeets (Glossopsitta concinna) were included as a comparator species. The mean body mass and fat score of wild Swift Parrots was higher in spring than in summer. Mean pectoral muscle condition score did not vary seasonally. There was no significant variation in plasma corticosterone concentration in either captive adult male Swift Parrots or captive Musk Lorikeets, when examined either by month or when pooled by season. Captive Swift Parrots showed inconsistent diurnal and nocturnal orientation preferences. There was no evidence of migratory restlessness in any of the periods examined. Pectoral muscle condition, plasma corticosterone concentrations and behavioural changes of migratory restlessness and orientation showed no clear seasonal pattern of synchronous change that is expected in a migratory species. This may reflect the weakly synchronised migration of the Swift Parrots or that the fairly short-distance migration requires minimal physiological preparation.
Additional keywords: corticosterone, orientation, restlessness, zugunruhe.
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