B. W. Tobalske

Hummingbirds rapidly respond to the removal of vision and control a sequence of rate-commanded maneuvers in milliseconds

This study shows hummingbirds control rapid flight maneuvers using rate-commanded movements and respond to vision loss after a critical time during escape sequences.

Hummingbirds use wing inertial effects to improve maneuverability

This study identifies how hummingbirds use wing inertial effects to enhance maneuverability during flight by splitting wingbeat cycles into agility and stability phases.

Small deviations in kinematics and body form dictate muscle performances in the finely tuned avian downstroke

The paper investigates how kinematic and body form variations in doves affect pectoralis muscle performance during flight, finding that adjusting wing angles mid-downstroke improves aerodynamic efficiency and tendon tensioning.

Thermal acclimation in a non-migratory songbird occurs via changes to thermogenic capacity, but not conductance

This study shows that cold-acclimated black-capped chickadees increase their thermogenic capacity through higher metabolic rates and lean mass but do not change their thermal conductance.

Three-dimensional actuation of hummingbird wings requires diverse effects from the primary flight muscles

This study develops a functional model of hummingbird musculoskeletal system to reveal how primary flight muscles generate three-dimensional wing actuation through diverse effects.

Multi-modal locomotor costs explain sexual size but not shape dimorphism in a leaf-mimicking insect

The paper examines how body size affects locomotor performance in male leaf insects and finds that larger males have worse flight and landing performance, but body shape trade-offs do not explain sexual dimorphism in shape.

Body temperature maintenance acclimates in a winter-tenacious songbird

This study shows that Dark-eyed Juncos adjust both heat production and conservation mechanisms during cold acclimation to improve body temperature regulation over time.