Birds from hot, humid climates are the latest to be studied in the Hot Birds Project

Birds such as pygmy kingfishers and collared sunbirds that are found in hot, humid climates can handle larger spikes in body temperature better than bird species flying about in hot deserts or cool mountains.

Collared sunbirds

A pygmy-kingfisher: Birds such as pygmy kingfishers that are found in hot, humid climates can handle larger spikes in body temperature better than bird species flying about in hot deserts or cool mountains. (Photos: Marc Freeman)

A red-billed quelea: Red-billed queleas (Quelea quelea) can withstand body temperatures up to 48 °C, the highest temperature measured. (Photos: Marc Freeman)

Birds such collared sunbirds that are found in hot, humid climates can handle larger spikes in body temperature better than bird species flying about in hot deserts or cool mountains.
Birds such as pygmy kingfishers that are found in hot, humid climates can handle larger spikes in body temperature better than bird species flying about in hot deserts or cool mountains.
Red-billed queleas (Quelea quelea) can withstand body temperatures up to 48 °C, the highest temperature measured.

Researchers

Professor Andrew McKechnie

Professor Andrew McKechnie is a Professor of Zoology at UP and South African Research Chair in Conservation Physiology at the South African National Biodiversity Institute.

Prof McKechnie did his undergraduate studies at the University of Natal and has been doing research at UP since 2008.

The research that he and his team do contribute to the betterment of the world we live in because it provides a better understanding of how birds and other animals are being affected by climate change. “Climate change is probably the single greatest threat facing biodiversity at present,” he says.
Prof McKechnie cautions that the public should know the climate we currently live in differs substantially from the climate of 30 years ago, and the rate of warming is accelerating. “Climate change poses substantial risks for humans and all other species on Earth,” he adds.

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