Nocturnal Hypothermia in Seasonally Acclimatized Mountain Chickadees and Juniper Titmice

We measured body temperature of Mountain Chickadees (Poecile gambeli) and Juniper Titmice (Baeolophus ridgwayi) at different times of day and under a range of ambient temperatures in order to determine the use of nocturnal hypothermia in seasonally acclimatized small passerines. Our findings show both species used nocturnal hypothermia year-round. Depth of hypothermia was inversely correlated to body mass in Juniper Titmice but not in Mountain Chickadees. In both species, depth of hypothermia did not vary seasonally but nocturnal body temperature was regulated 3–11 C lower than daytime values. Nocturnal energy savings range from 7%–50% in chickadees and from 10%–28% in titmice. These nocturnal energy savings translate into ecologically important reductions in daily energy expenditures for these two species.