Dynamic body acceleration predicts energy consumption

What is it about?

We attached accelerometers to seabirds known as thick-billed murres or Brunnich's guillemots. Accelerometers are electronic devices that measure acceleration. For instance, Nintendo Wiis and smart phones have accelerometers within them to know orientation and movement of the device. Acceleration, as measured by the accelerometers, predicted how much energy seabirds used each day. Birds that had higher acceleration (more movement) expended more energy.

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Why is it important?

Dynamic body acceleration, derived from tiny accelerometers attached to birds, can be used to measure fine-scale energy expenditure in wild birds.