Simulated behavioral energetics of nonbreeding American robins: the influence of foraging time, intake rate and flying time on weight dynamics
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We describe the development of a simple model representing individual energetic and time budget activities of a nonbreeding American robin (Turdus migratorius). In the model, values for energetic costs and physical activity were derived from various literature sources, and are influenced by the proportion of time spent in each activity, time of day, and bird weight. We used multiple combinations of intake rates, foraging times and activity budgets to simulate weight dynamics. In our simulations, a robin had to forage between 21-50% of daylight hours merely to maintain its weight, far more than some studies predict. A robin gained weight by increasing time spent foraging, increasing food intake rates or decreasing flight activity. This model can be a useful tool in exploring the effects of various combinations of behavioral and energetic activities on robin weight. It can also serve as a baseline for future analyses involving the influence of various human activities in American robin behavior and weight dynamics.
