Energetics of New Zealand's temperate parrots

Abstract As in most parrots (Order: Psittaciformes) studied, New Zealand species have, independent of body mass, high basal rates of metabolism, low thermal conductances, and precisely regulated body temperatures. An analysis of covariance showed that basal rate in parrots correlates with body mass and thermal climate; temperate species have basal rates that are 21% higher than those of tropical species; and New Zealand's parrot have basal rates 32% higher than expected from body mass. Present information suggests that basal rate in parrots appears to be correlated neither with water availability in the environment nor with food habits. High basal rates in parrots are associated with large pectoral muscle masses. The very small pectoral muscle masses of the kakapo, Strigops habroptilus, predict that this flightless parrot has a low basal rate.

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