Non-Random Orientation of Gila Woodpecker Nest Entrances in Saguaro cacti
Inouye RS, Huntly NJ, Inouye DW. 1981. Non-Random Orientation of Gila Woodpecker Nest Entrances in Saguaro cacti. The Condor. 83(1):88-89
Data on nest entrance orientation were collected in May 1979 at Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, on two different sites. Nests were found to be oriented mainly toward north, and there was no difference between the two study sites. The orientation implies a potentially adaptive response to the environment, as north-facing nests were considerably cooler inside than south-facing nests, a possible advantage in summer nesting in the hot Sonoran Desert. A suggested avenue of further research is to see if the nests oriented differently were used during cooler periods when warmth from the sun might save the bird energy. Brief bibliography, 1 figure
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Inouye, Richard; Huntly, Nancy; Inouye, David
- Units
- ORPI
- Keywords
- Animals, Behavior, Birds (Aves), gila woodpeckers (Melanerpes uropygialis), Habitats, Nests & Nesting, Ornithology, Saguaro Cactus (Carnegiea gigantea), Sonoran Desert