Category: Physiology
Dormancy Schmormancy
By Caragh Heenan I was talking recently to a Land for Wildlife member about why there aren’t any reptiles around in the cooler weather and this sparked the thought that while most of us know about the fact that reptiles are cold-blooded and therefore may slow down in winter, not many people know about the
Mistletoe and Seed Dispersal
Ever wondered about how a new Mistletoe plant comes about? As with most other plants, it relies on birds for seed dispersal and the Mistletoebird (Dicaeum hirundinaceum) is the key. They are one of the major species that feeds on Mistletoe fruit. Another local species that consumes the fruit is the Spiny-cheeked Honeyeater (Acanthagenys rufogularis).
Erodium Are Fun… Hear Us Out!
Heron’s Bill, Crowfoot, Cranebill, Storkbill. Call them what you like! I’m talking about the fun Erodium genus. Herbs in the genus Erodium (Greek: erodiós or ερωδιός, meaning Heron), have fruit that resemble long bird beaks (hence the name). They are closely related to the Geranium (Greek: geranós or γερανός, meaning Crane) genus and the Pelargonium
The Structure and Insulation of Avian Nests
Birds’ nests have evolved into many shapes and sizes, but they all function to provide a secure substrate for eggs and hatchlings, camouflage and defence from predators, as well as protect the eggs, hatchlings and incubating parent from harsh climatic conditions. My doctoral studies focused on understanding the factors influencing the structure and insulation of
The structural and thermal properties of avian cup-shaped nests
Rangeland Biology and Ecology Seminars April 29, Friday, 3.30pm at Charles Darwin University, Lecture Theatre HE, Alice Springs * The structural and thermal properties of avian cup-shaped nests Dr Caragh Heenan Land for Wildlife Coordinator, Low Ecological Services P/L, Alice Springs Incubation in birds is energetically demanding and the energy invested to maintain egg temperature