Marguerite Duchesne
Project
The thermal insulation paradox in resident forest birdsIn small birds, plumage insulation is not considered to change between seasons. For black-capped chickadees, which moult once a year in autumn, good winter insulation is an asset, but summer performance may be limited if plumage is maintained. Indeed, it is considered that performance is limited by the ability to dissipate heat in endotherms. This study aims to compare winter and summer thermal insulation in chickadees and determine how winter and reproductive performance are influenced. Preliminary data suggest that plumage wear during the year would reduce insulation and therefore favor summer performance. The next step is to study individual variability in thermal insulation over the two seasons and link it with performance, i.e., cold endurance and fledgling provisioning rate.
