Brood Patch
Definition
A brood patch is an area of bare, highly vascularised skin on a penguin's belly that develops during the breeding season to provide direct heat transfer to the egg. The feathers in this region either fall out or are plucked, and the skin becomes engorged with blood vessels close to the surface. The brood patch allows the incubating parent to maintain the egg at a stable temperature for development. In emperor penguins, the brood patch works in concert with the brood pouch, which covers and insulates the bare skin and egg from the external environment.
Related Terms
Related Species
Species where brood patch is especially relevant.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does brood patch mean in penguin biology?
A brood patch is an area of bare, highly vascularised skin on a penguin's belly that develops during the breeding season to provide direct heat transfer to the egg. The feathers in this region either fall out or are plucked, and the skin becomes engorged with blood vessels close to the surface. The brood patch allows the incubating parent to maintain the egg at a stable temperature for development. In emperor penguins, the brood patch works in concert with the brood pouch, which covers and insulates the bare skin and egg from the external environment.