nesttemperature

Nesttemperature is the thermal condition inside a nest, reflecting the ambient heat, metabolic heat from developing embryos, and behavioral or mechanical insulation that collectively determine the microclimate experienced by eggs, embryos, and young. It is a key variable in ecological and physiological studies because small deviations from optimal ranges can affect development rate, viability, and survival.

In birds, incubation is usually performed by one or both parents, maintaining a temperature close to the parent’s body temperature. Nest temperature is thus species-specific and relies on factors such as nest architecture, insulation, and parental attendance. Stability of nest temperature is important; prolonged exposure to excessive heat or cold can slow development, increase mortality, or cause deformities.

Other taxa and contexts also rely on nest temperature. In reptiles and some amphibians, temperature inside the nest can influence embryo development and, in species with temperature-dependent sex determination, the ratio of male to female offspring. Beekeeping and the maintenance of artificial brood nests aim for a relatively narrow range, typically around 34–36°C, to optimize larval growth and brood health. Insects and other nest builders may adjust microclimate through building materials, nest depth, or tube and cavity design.

Measurement of nest temperature is commonly done with data loggers, thermocouples, or infrared sensors. In ecological research and conservation, monitoring nesttemperature helps assess habitat suitability, the impacts of climate change, and the effectiveness of nest-protection or artificial nesting programs. See also incubation, thermo-regulation, and brood rearing.