Avian Incubation

This is the first scientific review of all factors affecting incubation in avian nests. These range from nest construction, egg characteristics and patterns of embryonic development. There is an extensive section describing incubation behaviour of parents and embryos, and there are chapters reviewing brood patch physiology and the various factors determining the incubation environment, including nest microbiology. Another section provides chapters giving detailed descriptions of examples of unusual aspects of avian incubation, whilst the final section provides consideration of the ecological, energetic and fitness cost of incubation. Written by authorities in their respective fields from around the world, this provides a comprehensive review of this critical aspect of avian reproduction. Much of the data included has not been previously published, and so Avian Incubation is not only an extensive reference text but is also a valuable contribution to our basic understanding of incubation.

1: D C Deeming: Importance and Evolution of Incubation in Avian reproduction
2: M H Hansell and D C Deeming: Location Structure and Function of Incubation Sites
3: D C Deeming: Functional Characteristics of Eggs
4: D C Deeming: Embryonic Development and Utilisation of Egg Components
5: C M Vleck: Hormonal Control of Incubation Behaviour
6: D C Deeming: Behaviour Patterns During Incubation
7: R B Brua: Parent-Embryo Interactions
8: R W Lea abd H Klandorf: The Brood Patch
9: J S Turner: Maintenance of Egg Temperature
10: A Ar and Y Sidis: Nest Microclimate During Incubation
11: D C Deeming: Patterns and Significance of Egg Turning
12: G K Baggott and K Graeme-Cook: Microbiology of Natural Incubation
13: D T Booth and D N Jones: Underground Nesting in the Megapodes
14: W A Calder III: Characteristics and Constraints of Incubation in Hummingbirds
15: F R Handsworth and M A Voss: Intermittent Incubation: Predictions and Tests for Time and Heat Allocations
16: C Carey: Incubation in Extreme Environments
17: S G Sealy, D G McMaster and B D Peer: Tactics of Obligate Brood Parasites to Secure Suitable Incubators
18: P N Hebert: Ecological Factors Affecting Initiation of Incubation Behaviour
19: T J Underwood and S G Sealy: Adaptive Significance of Egg Colouration
20: J M Tinbergen and J B Williams: Energetics of Incubation
21: J Reid, P Monaghan and R Nager: Incubation and the Costs of Reproduction
22: D C Deeming: Perspectives in Avian Incubation