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This study assessed the role of shading behaviour in the thermoregulation of incubating crowned plovers (Vanellus coronatus). Core bird body temperature was measured with an implanted telemeter. Shading behaviour occurred predominantly in summer. Ambient conditions were most extreme at ground level, with the effect of direct solar exposure being significantly lower at a height of 5 cm. Bird behaviour was correlated with real egg and core bird temperature under different ambient conditions. Shading behaviour was shown to play an important role in maintaining incubating bird temperatures at a constant level rather than been used primarily to cool eggs. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.