What internal cues stimulate molting? (1 Viewer)

A

AJP

Guest

• Mar 7, 2014

• #1

I can't seem to find information readily online. Cornell simply says,

Molting occurs in response to a mixture of hormonal changes brought about by seasonal changes. The entire process is complex and many questions remain regarding how the process is controlled.

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I don't need an incredibly detailed biological explanation, but I'm curious what hormones or other internal cues (not external, i.e. photoperiod) trigger molting. Can anyone direct me to literature about this, or answer directly?

 

njlarsen

Gallery Moderator

Opus Editor

Supporter

• Mar 7, 2014

• #2

I think for most of us, the external triggers are much easier to talk about.

Niels

 

chris butterworth

aka The Person Named Above

• Mar 7, 2014

• #3

The methodology behind moult in birds is hormonal but I think the OP is after the external reason/s behind the biochemistry. Day length is one of the most common reasons that I can think of, off hand, as well as decreasing levels of testosterone / oestrogen after the breeding season.

 

A

AJP

Guest

• Mar 7, 2014

• #4

Chris, thanks for the response. I'm familiar with the external cues but was just wondering what hormones are released by the external cues. I honestly don't need to know for any one reason in particular, just curiosity. I'll hunt down an ornithologist friend next week and ask him.