BROOD PATCH Meaning and
Definition
-
A brood patch is a term commonly used in ornithology to describe a specific area on the breast or abdomen of birds that undergoes physiological and/or behavioral changes during the breeding season. This patch of skin lacks feathers and is characterized by an increased vascularization and thickening of the underlying tissues. It is specifically developed in certain bird species to provide an optimal environment for incubating and/or brooding their eggs.
During the breeding season, birds develop a brood patch as a result of hormonal changes that occur in response to breeding cues, such as increased daylight or mating displays. This specialized skin patch allows birds to efficiently transfer heat from their body to the eggs or nestlings, promoting successful incubation or brooding. The increased blood supply to the area helps to regulate and monitor temperature, ensuring that the eggs or hatchlings remain warm and protected.
Brood patches vary in size and appearance across bird species. Some species have a well-defined patch of bare skin with enlarged blood vessels, while others may have a more subtle, sparse area of feather loss. The size and location of the brood patch may also vary depending on the specific breeding behaviors of the bird.
Overall, the brood patch is an essential adaptation in avian species that enables successful reproduction by providing optimal conditions for incubation and brooding, contributing to the survival and development of their offspring.
Common Misspellings for BROOD PATCH
- vrood patch
- nrood patch
- hrood patch
- grood patch
- beood patch
- bdood patch
- bfood patch
- btood patch
- b5ood patch
- b4ood patch
- briod patch
- brkod patch
- brlod patch
- brpod patch
- br0od patch
- br9od patch
- broid patch
- brokd patch
- brold patch
- bropd patch
Etymology of BROOD PATCH
The word "brood" comes from the Old English word "brōd", which means offspring or young. It is related to the Old High German word "bruot" and Old Norse word "bróðr", both of which also mean offspring or brood.
The word "patch" comes from the Middle English word "pacche", which originally referred to a piece of material used to cover or mend something.
When combined, "brood patch" refers to a specialized bare or featherless area on the abdomen of birds, particularly in females, that is used for incubating eggs by keeping them warm. The term likely originated from the combination of "brood" in reference to the young or offspring being incubated and "patch" referring to the bare or featherless area on the bird's body.
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
