Roles of metabolic level and temperature regulation in the adjustment of western plumed pigeons (Lophophaps ferruginea) to desert conditions.

1 . Standard ferruginea) averages 0.88 of eva~orative water loss for metabolic rate of western plumed pigeons (Lophophaps ml 0, (g hr)-I during summer. This rate and the rate by these birds at 2S°C are well below levels anticipated birds .of comparable size (81 g). 2. Summer and late fall birds did not have significantly different minimal thermal conductances, the means for both approximating 1.8 kcal (m2 hr "C)-I. 3. A relatively low level of metabolism and effortless evaporative cooling restrict the caloric burden for western plumed pigeons in the hot and arid regions of northwestern Australia where these birds live. Other pigeons closely associated with hot and arid environments also have relatively low metabolic rates.