Spread-Wing Posturing in Cathartid Vultures
Kushlan JA. 1973. Spread-Wing Posturing in Cathartid Vultures. The Auk. 90(4):889-890
Observations in an alligator pond in Big Cypress Swamp indicate the use of three different spread-wing postures by black vultures warming up after the night. The birds' use of the early morning sunlight, according to the author, may be an energy-saving way to maintain body temperature. The paper also discusses the three postures as observers have recognized them in various bird families. (About half of Big Cypress Swamp is now within Big Cypress National Preserve.)
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Kushlan, James
- Units
- BICY
- Keywords
- Animal Behavior, Animal Studies, Black Vulture (Coragyps atratus), Sunlight, Thermoregulation