Nesttemperaturen

Nesttemperaturen refers to the thermal conditions inside a nest, which are critical for the development and survival of offspring. The temperature within a nest is shaped by ambient climate, nest architecture and materials, and behavioral regulation by the occupants. Stable nesttemperaturen support proper embryo development in eggs and healthy brood rearing in young.

In birds, eggs are incubated by parental contact, with typical incubation temperatures around 37.5–38.5°C for many species. Natural nests show variation in temperature due to factors such as nest location, insulation, and humidity. Deviations from the optimal range can affect development rate, hatchability, and chick vigor, though effects vary by species and stage.

In social insects such as honeybees, the brood nest is maintained at about 34–36°C. Workers regulate temperature through collective behaviors, including wing fanning to cool and clustering or metabolic heat production to heat the brood area. This thermoregulation is essential for brood development and colony health.

Measurement and study of nesttemperaturen employ sensors and data loggers placed within or near nests, as well as infrared thermography for noninvasive assessment. Such monitoring supports ecological research, nest-box design for birds, and management practices in apiculture.

Applications and implications include artificial incubation and controlled nest environments when natural conditions are insufficient, and improved nest-box or hive designs to maintain stable temperatures. Climate change and habitat alterations can shift nesttemperaturen, influencing reproductive success and population dynamics in wild and managed species.