Bakken, G. S., Boysen, A. F., Korschgen, C. E., Kenow, K. P.,
and Lima, S. L., 2001, Design and performance of a rugged
standard operative temperature thermometer for avian studies:
Journal of Thermal Biology, v. 26, no. 6, p. 595-604.

Abstract

The lack of a truly satisfactory sensor which can characterize the thermal
environment at the spatial scale experienced by small endotherms has hindered
study of their thermoregulatory behavior. We describe a general design for a rugged,
easily constructed sensor to measure standard operative temperature, T-es. We
present specific designs for adult dark-eyed juncos (Junco hyemalis) and hatchling
mallards (Anas platyrhynchos). Sensor response was stable and repeatable (+/-
1.4%) over the course of several months. Over the range of conditions for which
validation data were available (variable air temperature and wind with negligible net
radiation), sensors predicted the mean net heat production of live animals to within
+/- 0.023 W (equivalent to +/-1 degreesC at T-es= 15 degreesC). The main limit on
accuracy was scatter in the data on metabolism and evaporative water loss in live
animals. These sensors are far more rugged and easily constructed than the heated
taxidermic mounts previously used to measure T-es. These characteristics facilitate
the use of significant numbers of sensors in thermal mapping studies of endotherms.
(C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.

Keywords

standard operative temperature thermal sensor microclimate instrumentation
thermoregulation wind air temperature ecological energetics thermal environment
Sceloporus-merriami energy-expenditure taxidermic mounts air-temperature wind
lizards time microhabitat