Short-term oscillations in avian molt intensity: Evidence from the golden eagle Aquila chrysaetos

Journal of Avian Biology
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Abstract

From a year-long study of molt in the golden eagle Aquila chrysaetos, we recorded 2069 contour feathers replaced in 137 d (6 May-19 September). Very few contour feathers were lost outside this period. From precise daily counts of feathers lost, and using time series analysis, we identified short-term fluctuations (i.e., 19-d subcycles) around a midsummer peak (i.e., a left-skewed normal distribution). Because these subcycles have never before been reported and because the physiological basis for many aspects of avian molt is poorly known, we offer only hypothetical explanations for the controls responsible for the subcycles. ?? Journal of Avian Biology.
Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Short-term oscillations in avian molt intensity: Evidence from the golden eagle Aquila chrysaetos
Series title Journal of Avian Biology
DOI 10.1111/j.0908-8857.2006.03756.x
Volume 37
Issue 6
Year Published 2006
Language English
Larger Work Type Article
Larger Work Subtype Journal Article
Larger Work Title Journal of Avian Biology
First page 642
Last page 644
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