Thermoregulation in doves (Columbidae): a novel esophageal heat exchanger.
Key elements in avian thermoregulation at high temperatures are panting and gular flutter. Although these mechanisms are important, they are not sufficient to maintain body temperature below high ambient temperatures in doves. In the Columbidae, evaporative cooling from an inflated esophagus, driven by heat from a vascular plexus, is also essential.
D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000502:physiology; D001717:Birds / Q000033:anatomy & histology / Q000502:physiology*; D001831:Body Temperature; D001833:Body Temperature Regulation; D004947:Esophagus / Q000098:blood supply / Q000502:physiology