UH Hilo Center for Maunakea Stewardship - Research Library

Annual cycle, environment and evolution in the Hawaiian honeycreepers (Aves: Drepaniidae)

Author:
Baldwin, Paul H.
Title:
Annual cycle, environment and evolution in the Hawaiian honeycreepers (Aves: Drepaniidae)
Periodical:
University of California publications in zoology ; v.52, no.4
Year:
1953
Pages:
p. 285-398
Subject:
Drepanididae Birds ecology Hawaiian honeycreepers
Summary:
The Hawaiian honeycreepers (family Drepaniidae) have long been recognized as a superb example of adaptive radiation. This study aimed to gain new knowledge of the ecology of the Drepaniidae, which might contribute to our understanding of evolution in this insular group and the insular avifauna as a whole. Behavioral and physiological traits were investigated in certain species to ascertain how they equip these birds to coexist in their environment. Timing of events in the annual cycles of the birds and in the seasonal march of environmental phenomena was given special attention. By use of seasonal data concerning breeding, molting, and feeding of the birds, together with parallel data on climate, flowering cycles of plants and occurrence of insects, the author compared adaptations possessed and ecologic niches occupied by several species on the island of Hawaii.
Collection:
Monographs