Changes in incubation patch and weight in the nesting house Martin

Abstract

Changes in the incubation patches and weights of House Martins were examined in relation to the stage of the nesting cycle. Only females showed a consistent and substantial weight change; this occurred at the time of egg laying. Brood patches were fully defeathered in all females prior to laying, and remained in this state until all the young had fledged. Feather loss on male brood patches was less pronounced; this corresponds with the lesser role of the male in incubation and brooding. © 1975 Taylor & Francis Group, LLC.