Dissertations and Theses @ UNI
Availability
Open Access Thesis
Keywords
Hawks--Physiology; Fat cells; Fat cells; Hawks--Migration; Academic theses;
Abstract
Many species of birds store fat as the primary fuel for migration. Although this is well-documented in many avian families, little is known about fat-storing patterns of migrating birds of prey. Pre-migratory fattening has been recorded in falcons and presumed in buteos. However, fat-storing patterns in migrating Accipiter hawks has not been documented. This study examined the fat-storing patterns of Sharp-shinned Hawks (A. striatus) during a portion of its fall migration. During Sharp-shinned Hawk migration three possible fat-storing patterns are predicted: I) fat deposition increases, 2) fat deposition is maintained, or 3) fat deposition decreases. To determine which strategy is utilized, birds were trapped during September 1996 at two locations along their southward migration: Duluth, MN and Glen Haven, WI. These locations are approximately 460 km apart. Morphometric measurements were taken at each site to determine whether the birds represented similar populations. Pectoral muscle development was scored to determine condition. Subcutaneous subalar fat content was scored to determine fat deposition. Analysis of the morphometric data indicated the birds represented the same population. Fat and pectoral muscle score analyses suggested that Sharp-shinned Hawks store relatively little fat, while maintaining good muscle condition during early migration. The low fat storage was consistent with the optimal body fat hypothesis which predicted lower fat storage when food resources are predictable and with the increased threat of predation.
Year of Submission
1997
Degree Name
Master of Arts
Department
Department of Biology
First Advisor
Orlando Schwartz
Second Advisor
Jill Trainer
Third Advisor
Nixon Wilson
Date Original
1997
Object Description
1 PDF file (36 leaves)
Copyright
©1997 David John Conrads
Language
en
File Format
application/pdf
Recommended Citation
Conrads, David John, "Fat Storing Patterns of Migrating Sharp-Shinned Hawks" (1997). Dissertations and Theses @ UNI. 2382.
https://scholarworks.uni.edu/etd/2382
Comments
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