Thermoregulation, Oxygen-Consumption and Water Turnover in Stubble Quail, Coturnix-Pectoralis, and King Quail, Coturnix-Chinensis

Abstract

Stubble quail occur in more arid areas of Australia than king quail; however, the rates of metabolism and the ability to regulate body temperature in response to varying ambient temperature are similar in both birds, and resemble those of other quail species. At high ambient temperatures, rates of heat loss mediated by evaporative water loss are lower than those previously reported for more xerophilic species. Overall rates of water turnover and evaporative water loss at lower ambient temperatures are at the lower end of the range predicted for birds.