how do bird’s eggs retain enough heat to survive when their parents are not actively sitting on them?

Question

I’m sure some of it depends on the species of bird, but I still don’t get it.

In: Biology

Answer 1

They don’t. That’s why penguins and other Arctic birds pretty much stay on the eggs 100% of the time unless transferring to the other parent. The ambient temperature being warm enough allows other birds to not sit on the eggs as often in warmer climates.