Two Weeks Old 5/31/03
Being born last has its disadvantages; by the end of the second week the third chick is markedly smaller than its siblings. Even though they were likely born on three consecutive days there is less of a size difference between chick one and two than between chick two and three. Note the enlarged crop on the chick near the ruler; certainly it was well fed. The chicks have doubled and nearly tripled in size in one week. Biologists find the greatest energy demand is between week 2-3. Instances of mortality on the Atlantic Coast are normally highest during this period; thus biologists deduce that food shortages are the root cause.
Note the following natural defense mechanisms: The chicks are well camouflaged; their light stripe resembles the top of a stick and their dark sides look like the shaded area. In last week’s slide two chicks (probably 8 & 9 days old) had already learned to lie low - a defense from aerial predation. This week all three chicks assume this posture as the mother sounds a warning call.
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