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The Black-winged Ground Dove, Metriopelia melanoptera, inhabits a range of environments within the Andean highlands of South America, where temperatures can vary widely depending on altitude, season, and time of day. As ground-dwelling birds, Black-winged Ground Doves are subject to fluctuations in temperature that can influence their behavior, physiology, and habitat preferences.

In high-altitude areas, such as the Andean mountains, temperatures can be significantly cooler compared to lower elevations. Black-winged Ground Doves are adapted to withstand colder temperatures, thanks to their insulating plumage and physiological mechanisms for thermoregulation. These birds may fluff up their feathers to trap air and retain body heat or seek sheltered microhabitats to escape harsh weather conditions.

During the breeding season, warmer temperatures may stimulate reproductive behaviors in Black-winged Ground Doves, including courtship displays, nest-building, and incubation of eggs. However, excessive heat can also pose challenges for these birds, particularly if it leads to dehydration, heat stress, or reduced food availability. In response, Black-winged Ground Doves may seek out shaded areas or water sources to cool down and replenish fluids.

Temperature fluctuations throughout the day can also influence the activity patterns of Black-winged Ground Doves. These birds may be most active during the cooler early morning and late afternoon hours when temperatures are more moderate. During the hottest part of the day, they may reduce activity levels and seek refuge in shaded areas to conserve energy and avoid overheating.

In wintering areas at lower elevations, temperatures may be milder, allowing Black-winged Ground Doves to forage more actively and expend less energy on thermoregulation. However, even in warmer climates, fluctuations in temperature can still impact the behavior and physiology of these birds. Sudden drops in temperature, for example, may trigger roosting behavior as Black-winged Ground Doves seek out communal roost sites for warmth and protection.

These events may disrupt feeding and foraging activities, damage habitats, and increase the risk of mortality for vulnerable individuals, particularly nestlings or birds undergoing moulting. Climate change may exacerbate the frequency and intensity of such extreme weather events, further impacting the survival and distribution of Black-winged Ground Doves and other avian species.

Understanding the temperature preferences and tolerances of Black-winged Ground Doves is essential for their conservation and management, especially in the face of ongoing climate change. Conservation efforts should focus on preserving habitat quality, providing access to suitable microhabitats for thermoregulation, and minimizing anthropogenic disturbances that could disrupt natural temperature regimes. By considering the thermal ecology of Black-winged Ground Doves, researchers and conservationists can develop targeted strategies to mitigate the impacts of climate change and ensure the long-term survival of these birds in their native habitats.