Martins cool off through evaporation (panting)
From: Louise C - Edinboro, PA
Date: 7/8/02
Time: 10:53:20 AM
Comments
Martins cool themselves by panting (just like dogs) - evaporative cooling takes place when air passes over the moist membranes in their open mouths. They may also increase their respiration rate along with panting. On hot days nestlings can be seen with their heads sticking out of house/gourd entrances, open-mouthed and panting. Parents may also help young cool off by soaking their own belly feathers in water and then sitting on the hot nestlings.
During hotter temperatures, landlords can help by making sure housing is well ventilated (adding elbow vents to gourds is a good idea) and by providing a mister or several daily "shower" sessions with a hose, taking care not to aim water right into compartments. Other methods to use are placing blue ice paks (the type used in coolers) in apartments ADJACENT to nestlings - or use a homemade slush pack (layer 2 or 3 heavy zip lock bags, fill with water and a bit of rubbing alcohol, freeze) One landlord reported putting an ice cube into each active cavity during a heat spell - I think a slush pack would be more effective - with gourds, the slush pack approach may not work, since you don't want nestlings getting "freezer burn", though a small slush pack could be put into a tube sock before placing in gourd.
Martin body temps have been recorded at about 103 - 108 degrees. Our recommendation on when to take steps to cool off birds/housing would be to watch the birds AND the thermometer. If daily temps are in the upper 90's for more than 2 - 3 days, or if nestlings are leaving compartments prematurely, emergency cooling is called for. This may also be a time when supplementary feeding is called for, since heat, accompanied by drought, may make it harder to find insects. A dish of mealworms can be supplied inside compartments or out on porches.
Louise
