When do the high-protein meals required by the Yellowthroat spike in demand?
Answer
During the demanding breeding season when feeding young
The need for high-energy, protein-rich food reaches its peak during the demanding breeding season. This increased caloric demand is directly tied to the reproductive cycle, specifically the necessity of feeding developing nestlings. Parents must continuously supply their young with small, protein-dense items to support their rapid growth rates. This requirement drives intense foraging activity, often involving parents bringing back a continuous stream of food items for their broods, which often includes two broods per year in northern ranges.
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