Marine Ornithology Research Papers - Academia.edu (original) (raw)

2008. Growth rates of Black-legged Kittiwake Rissa tridactyla chicks in relation to delivery rate, size, and energy density of meals. Marine Ornithology 36: 107-114.

This paper treats the occurrence of a Zino's Petrel off the coast of North Carolina on 16 September 1995.

Mounting evidence suggests that tubenose seabirds (Order Procellariiformes) balance the costs of parental care and the maintenance of adult body condition by regulating the duration of foraging trips during the chick-rearing period. In... more

Mounting evidence suggests that tubenose seabirds (Order Procellariiformes) balance the costs of parental care and the maintenance of adult body condition by regulating the duration of foraging trips during the chick-rearing period. In particular, several species exhibit a bimodal foraging strategy, alternating short (nearshore, 1-5 d) and long (offshore, 6-29 d) foraging trips. We conducted a literature review to assess the biogeographic correlates of provisioning strategies among Procellariiform seabirds, focusing our analysis on the taxonomic affiliation, geographic breeding location (i.e., latitude), and the extent of shallow shelves in the vicinity of breeding colonies. Although our statistical analysis indicated no significant differences in foraging strategies among tubenose families, the bimodal pattern has only been documented in the albatrosses (Diomedeidae) and the shearwaters and petrels (Procellariidae), being absent from the storm petrels (Hydrobatidae) and the diving petrels (Pelecanoididae). We also detected a higher incidence of the bimodal strategy in tropical-subtropical and temperate areas, compared to higher latitude polar-subpolar regions. Considering all the species surveyed, the delivery rates (% BM day -1 ) were greatest for the shortest foraging trips and decreased with increasing trip length. Among bimodal species, delivery rates were significantly greater for short (mean = 9.8 % BM day -1 ) than for long foraging trips (mean = 2.6 % BM day -1 ). However, seabirds increased their effective delivery rates by alternating several short foraging trips for every long excursion. The resulting effective dual prey delivery rates, after combining short and long foraging trips, were undistinguishable from those for species with a unimodal foraging strategy. Additionally, we tested whether the use of a bimodal provisioning strategy was related to the spatial and temporal patterns of ocean productivity. We observed significantly greater chlorophyll a concentrations within the more distant foraging grounds (long trip destinations) targeted by bimodal species. Conversely, we did not detect a difference in the variability of chlorophyll a concentrations within the two types of foraging grounds, suggesting that ocean productivity is equally predictable within the areas targeted by long and short provisioning trips. Our results highlight the importance of ocean productivity patterns as determinants of marine bird foraging strategies and distributions during the breeding season.

Development of certain colours in birds is regarded to be a kind of intraspecific communication, which is used by individuals for displaying their physical condition to possible mates or sexual competitors. It is interesting to assess the... more

Development of certain colours in birds is regarded to be a kind of intraspecific communication, which is used by individuals for displaying their physical condition to possible mates or sexual competitors. It is interesting to assess the honesty of this colour signalling, whether more intensely coloured individuals have a greater potential for reproductive success.
In order to check if the beak colouration of the parents is related to reproductive success, 56 clutches of Yellow-legged Gull Larus michahellis from the Ebro Delta (NE Spain) were studied. For each nest, whole volume and weight of the eggs were measured. One parent was captured from each nest, and its beak colouration was measured by using a field spectroreflectometer. The growing clutches were followed-up
for five weeks, and four different indexes of reproductive success were calculated.
Chromatic intensity of the yellow colouration of the parent’s beak showed a significant correlation with the whole volume and weight of the eggs laid. Likewise, this chromatic intensity correlated with the number of surviving chicks at five weeks, and to their physical condition index. These results suggest that beak colouration is an honest signal that may be utilized by Yellow-legged Gulls for selecting those mates with greater
reproductive potential.

This paper treats the literature on the Trinidade/Herald Petrel complex as well as part of the specimen record in the United States. 33 pp.

This paper treats observation of a Bulwer's Petrel in Chesapeake Bay 2 September 2006 following the passage of Tropical Storm Ernesto.

The Peruvian Pelican (Pelecanus thagus) is a common seabird in bays and ports along the Pacific coast of South America. Although this species is relatively common along its distribution, it is classified as endangered. In Chile, there is... more

The Peruvian Pelican (Pelecanus thagus) is a common seabird in bays and ports along the Pacific coast of South America. Although this species is relatively common along its distribution, it is classified as endangered. In Chile, there is a lack of updated information on the timing and stages of the reproductive process of the Peruvian Pelican. The aim of this note was to study the nesting of the peruvian Pelican at Cachagua Island Natural Monument (32°35'S, 71°27'W), in central Chile. Observations were made from November 2014 to March 2015, using the technique of instantaneous sampling. Egg laying started in November and hatching in December, observing lags in synchrony of nesting with egg laying occurring as late as February 2015. We identified the stages of development of the nestlings through the patterns of coloration of their plumage. Nestlings hatched naked and subsequently developed a white down. Timing and stages of nestling development were similar to those reported for nesting sites at lower latitudes, with important lags in reproductive synchrony of nesting by some of the population. In total, we estimated at least 1,500 breeding pairs of the Peruvian Pelican on the island, and at least 2,200 fledglings.

During 2007 and 2008 we visited the islet Roca Huenteyao and the islet Pingüinos, both located in the coast of the Osorno Province, Los Lagos Region, southern Chile. At Huenteyao we were able to ascertain the nesting of Magellanic Penguin... more

During 2007 and 2008 we visited the islet Roca Huenteyao and the islet Pingüinos, both located in the coast of the Osorno Province, Los Lagos Region, southern Chile. At Huenteyao we were able to ascertain the nesting of Magellanic Penguin (Spheniscus magellanicus) and South American Tern (Sterna hirundinacea); at Pingüinos we recorded breeding Magellanic and Humboldt penguins (Spheniscus humboldti), Kelp Gull (Larus dominicanus) and South American Tern. With this report islet Pingüinos becomes the second location where a mixed colony of S. magellanicus and S. humboldti is reported in Chile. Based on the information obtained we conclude that islet Pingüinos is currently the most important site for breeding seabirds in the Osorno Province. Considering the scarce knowledge on breeding sites of S. hirundinacea in Chile and the lack of formal for seabird breeding sites in the Region we strongly recommend the expansion of the Area Marina Protegida de Multiples Usos Lafken-Mapulahual, so as to include the islet Pingüinos. KEY WORDS.-Nesting, seabirds, conservation, Osorno, southern Chile. Manuscrito recibido el 17 de octubre de 2008, aceptado el 12 de febrero de 2009.

Seabird bycatch in industrial fisheries has been the focus of research and conservation concern since the late 980s (e.g. Weimerskirch & Jouventin 987, Bartle 99 , Brothers 99 ). Recent research has explored the impacts of seabird bycatch... more

Seabird bycatch in industrial fisheries has been the focus of research and conservation concern since the late 980s (e.g. Weimerskirch & Jouventin 987, Bartle 99 , Brothers 99 ). Recent research has explored the impacts of seabird bycatch in longline (Tuck et al. 200 , Lewison & Crowder 2003) and in trawl fisheries (Weimerskirch et al. 2000, Sullivan & Reid 2003). Understanding the impact of fisheries bycatch on seabird species involves both quantifying the number of individuals affected (including lethal and sub-lethal effects) and determining the effect, if any, that bycatch could have at the population or community level. Fisheries bycatch is only one of several human-mediated disturbances that may threaten seabird populations. Introduced predators, toxin contamination, disease and other disturbances are also likely to impact negatively upon populations (Arcos et al. 2002, Finkelstein et al. 2003, Weimerskirch 2004). Ideally, the goal is to understand the relative effects of each...

The Richness and abundance of littoral birds in a Marine Protected Area is estimated for 22 species and 12 families. Ardeidae (herons) showed the greatest abundance, while two species of seagulls and one of oyster catchers.

Breeding success of seabirds critically depends on their foraging success offshore. However, studies combining at-sea tracking and visual provisioning observations are scarce, especially for smaller species of seabirds. This study is the... more

Breeding success of seabirds critically depends on their foraging success offshore. However, studies combining at-sea tracking and visual provisioning observations are scarce, especially for smaller species of seabirds. This study is the first in which breeding Sandwich Terns were tracked with GPS-loggers to collect detailed data on foraging habitat use in four breeding seasons. The maximum home range of individual Sandwich Terns comprised approximately 1900 km 2 and the average foraging range was 27 km. Trip durations were on average 135 min with average trip lengths of 67 km. Actual foraging behaviour comprised 35% of the time budget of a foraging trip. Substantial year-to-year variation was found in habitat use and trip variables, yet with the exception of 2012, home range size remained similar between years. Food availability, chick age and environmental conditions are proposed as the main driving factors between inter-and intra-annual variations in trip variables. Our multi-method approach also provided geo-referenced information on prey presence and we conclude that future combining of colony observations and GPS-loggers deployments can potentially provide a near complete insight into the feeding ecology of breeding Sandwich Terns, including the behaviour of birds at sea.

The imperial cormorant (Phalacrocorax atriceps) is one of the most abundant cormorant species in the Chilean channels and fjords. Although its reproductive and non-reproductive distributions have been studied, works on its diet are... more

The imperial cormorant (Phalacrocorax atriceps) is one of the most abundant cormorant species in the Chilean channels and fjords. Although its reproductive and non-reproductive distributions have been studied, works on its diet are inexistent. This paper describes the diet and determines the dominance and diversity of the prey consumed during the winter periods of 2011 and 2014 in Caulín Bay, Chiloé, southern Chile. A total of 73 pellets were collected (30 in 2011 and 43 in 2014). Prey were identified and classified into three categories: fishes (53.57%), cephalopods (39.29%) and crustaceans (7.14%). When prey consumption was analyzed according to their distribution in the water column, we observed statistically significant differences in a preference of benthic demersal over pelagic prey.

Recognition of individual animals is crucial to being able to answer many pure and applied research questions in zoology. Marking members of species that undergo large changes in size during development can be particularly challenging.... more

Recognition of individual animals is crucial to being able to answer many pure and applied research questions in zoology. Marking members of species that undergo large changes in size during development can be particularly challenging. This paper describes successful methods used to mark Australian Pelicans Pelecanus conspicillatus, which show mass changes of over two orders of magnitude during development. Re-sightings until the end of 2011 were recorded for birds marked between 1990 and 2003. Comparison of re-sighting rates among the different marking techniques used, their cost, practicality of application in the field and associated animal welfare issues were taken into account when choosing the best techniques. Marking eggs with non-toxic, felt-tipped pens worked well, except under wet conditions. Custom-made " velcro " wing tags worked well for nestlings. The " velcro " tags can also be used on the leg to mark small crèche-young until they are large enough for Allflex™ cattle ear tags to be used as patagial tags. The high re-sighting rates of patagial tags on fledged pelicans (>61%) demonstrated their superior utility compared with butt-ended, stainless steel leg bands (re-sightings 1.3%). Stainless steel leg bands detached from 22/311 (7%) pelicans concurrently leg-banded and patagially-tagged. The techniques described here were used sequentially to mark individual pelicans throughout their life span. They provide practical, cost-effective and safe methods for marking individual pelicans and other similar-sized birds.

"[This paper] takes us on a flight from Lindisfame to Scandinavia and the Low Countries. While slightly disappointing, since it reveals Reginald's limited knowledge of the names for different species of birds, it provides new... more

"[This paper] takes us on a flight from Lindisfame to Scandinavia and the Low Countries. While slightly disappointing, since it reveals Reginald's limited knowledge of the names for different species of birds, it provides new lexicographical material not recorded in dictionaries." Year's Work in English Studies 71 (1993) 149.

This paper treats a shearwater of genus Puffinus initially identified as P. tenuirostris off the coast of Virginia 18 January 1998. In 2014, after more study of this species and congeners, the authors believe the record should be treated... more

This paper treats a shearwater of genus Puffinus initially identified as P. tenuirostris off the coast of Virginia 18 January 1998. In 2014, after more study of this species and congeners, the authors believe the record should be treated as P. griseus/tenuirostris.

This paper treats observation and identification of an immature Black-browed Albatross off the coast of Virginia 6 February 1999.

We reviewed all the organisms that are known to parasitize auks (Aves: Alcidae). Of the 23 extant auk species, parasites have been described from 19 species; no published information was found on parasites of Xantus's Murrelet... more

We reviewed all the organisms that are known to parasitize auks (Aves: Alcidae). Of the 23 extant auk species, parasites have been described from 19 species; no published information was found on parasites of Xantus's Murrelet Synthliboramphus hypoleucus, Craveri's Murrelet S. craveri, the Japanese Murrelet S. wumizusume or the Long-billed Murrelet Brachyramphus perdix. Our survey identified 184 taxa parasitic or pathogenic on auks. Endoparasitic microorganisms included 21 viruses, 13 bacteria, 3 dinoflagellates, 6 protozoa and 3 fungi. Other endoparasitic organisms included 57 platyhelminth (34 digenean, 23 cestode), 9 acanthocephalan and 22 nematode taxa. Ectoparasites (all arthropods) included 2 pentastomid, 14 acari and 30 insect taxa. We reviewed published information on the effects that these parasites have on the biology of auks. Most studies did not investigate relationships between the ecology, the breeding condition or the physiologic state of the birds and the presence of parasites. Even though episodes of mass mortality of seabirds are periodically recorded, few of those episodes have been exclusively linked to parasitic infestations. Viral isolates from auks have been recorded from several breeding colonies, but their epizootiologic consequences are unknown. Bacterial isolates, of which the most noteworthy species is the Lyme disease-causing agent Borrelia burgdorferi (sensu lato), have been recorded in auks and their tick ectoparasite Ixodes uriae. A few life cycles of digeneans and cestodes recorded from auks have been determined. Growing evidence indicates prey switching by auk species alters their endoparasitic fauna. Ectoparasitic organisms often play a role in transmitting endoparasites and may affect the reproductive success of their hosts. Some links have been clearly established; many others are only implied and urgently need close attention. The role of parasitism in host population dynamics and as reservoirs is discussed in the context of seabird ecology as a whole.

En bahía Lenca, Seno de Reloncaví, sur de Chile, registramos la fluctuación estacional y nidificación del pato quetru no volador Tachyeres pteneres. Encontramos un incremento en la abundancia poblacional durante la estación invernal y un... more

En bahía Lenca, Seno de Reloncaví, sur de Chile, registramos la fluctuación estacional y nidificación del pato quetru no volador Tachyeres pteneres. Encontramos un incremento en la abundancia poblacional durante la estación invernal y un declive para la estación de verano. Hacia el término del verano 2007 observamos tres parejas reproductivas, de las cuales sólo dos parejas fueron observadas con polluelos, una pareja con dos polluelos y la otra con cuatro polluelos. Palabras clave: pato vapor, fluctuación estacional, nidificación, Seno de Reloncaví, sur de Chile.

This paper treats seven species of gadfly petrel (Pterodroma) documented in the western North Atlantic as of 1998. Birding World 11: 341-354.

This paper treats the identification and distribution of Bermuda Petrel, or Cahow.

Chatham Albatross Thalassarche eremita and Waved Albatross
Phoebastria irrorata are rare and endangered species encountered in west coast of Southamerica. In this scientific note are reported for south Peru.

HAMZA, A., MAMAT, I.B.H. & ABDULLAH, M.T. 2019. Results of a seabird survey at the southern Seribuat Archipelago, Johor, Malaysia. Marine Ornithology 47: 49–53. Thirty-one seabird species are found in Malaysia, and a few still breed on... more

HAMZA, A., MAMAT, I.B.H. & ABDULLAH, M.T. 2019. Results of a seabird survey at the southern Seribuat Archipelago, Johor, Malaysia. Marine Ornithology 47: 49–53. Thirty-one seabird species are found in Malaysia, and a few still breed on rocky outcrops and small islands in the southern Seribuat Archipelago. A century-long egg harvest by local fishermen in the area is believed to have caused extirpation of several breeding populations. To update the status of seabirds in the southern section of the Seribuat Archipelago, a two-day survey was conducted in August 2017. Twentytwo islands were selected and surveyed by boat observation and colony visits. In total, over 6 200 birds were counted, representing five tern species: Bridled Tern Onychoprion anaethetus, Black-naped Tern Sterna sumatrana, Great Crested Tern Thalasseus bergii, Roseate Tern Sterna dougallii, and the Lesser Crested Tern T. bengalensis. The first two species are confirmed breeders, whereas the remaining species are eithe...

SMITH, R.S., WELDON, L.M., HAYWARD, J.L. & HENSON, S.M. 2017. Time lags associated with effects of oceanic conditions on seabird breeding in the Salish Sea region of the northern California Current System. Marine Ornithology 45: 39–42.... more

SMITH, R.S., WELDON, L.M., HAYWARD, J.L. & HENSON, S.M. 2017. Time lags associated with effects of oceanic conditions on seabird breeding in the Salish Sea region of the northern California Current System. Marine Ornithology 45: 39–42. The effect of sea surface temperature (SST), as a proxy for more general oceanic conditions, on seabird reproduction includes a time lag. In this short communication, we use model-selection techniques to determine the time of year SST should be measured in the Salish Sea in order to best explain the variability in reproductive success the following breeding season at a Glaucous-winged Gull Larus glaucescens colony on Protection Island, Washington State, US. Average SST values computed from September and October before the breeding season were the best predictors of egg cannibalism and hatching success.

The South American Tern (Sterna hirundinacea) is a endemic seabird on the coasts of South America. The present work describes its nesting in the Caicura Islands (41° S), southern Chile, providing information on the number of nests, eggs... more

The South American Tern (Sterna hirundinacea) is a endemic seabird on the coasts of South America. The present work describes its nesting in the Caicura Islands (41° S), southern Chile, providing information on the number of nests, eggs and chicks, during three consecutive reproductive seasons (2013-14, 2014-15, 2015-16). Egg laying began in November, with chicks observed in December, and fledglings in January. Most of the nests featured only one egg. The total eggs per season were 295, 386 and 313, respectively. The hatching rate was significantly different between the three seasons, increasing over time from 41.2%, 62.5% and 82.8%, respectively. The cumulative total of chicks per season was 119, 249 and 223, respectively. The total chick mortality was near to 10%. The Kelp Gull (Larus dominicanus) was identified as the main predator of eggs and chicks of the South American Tern. Finally, the Caicura Islands are the second most important site in Chile for the reproduction of the South American Tern.

COLABUONO, F.I. & VOOREN, C.M. 2007. Diet of Black-browed Thalassarche melanophrys and Atlantic Yellow-nosed T. chlororhynchos Albatrosses and White-chinned Procellaria aequinoctialis and Spectacled P. conspicillata Petrels off southern... more

COLABUONO, F.I. & VOOREN, C.M. 2007. Diet of Black-browed Thalassarche melanophrys and Atlantic Yellow-nosed T. chlororhynchos Albatrosses and White-chinned Procellaria aequinoctialis and Spectacled P. conspicillata Petrels off southern Brazil. Marine Ornithology 35: 9-20.

SUMMARY YORIO, P., BERTELLOTTI, M., GANDINI, P. & FRERE, E. 1998. Kelp Gulls Larus dominicanus breeding on the Argentine coast: population status and relationship with coastal management and conservation. Marine Ornithology 26: 11–18.

The Eastern Pacific Brown Booby Sula leucogaster brewsteri is an ubiquitous seabird throughout the Gulf of California, northwestern Mexico, where it nests on several islands (Everett & Anderson 1991). On a number of islands it is one of... more

The Eastern Pacific Brown Booby Sula leucogaster brewsteri is an ubiquitous seabird throughout the Gulf of California, northwestern Mexico, where it nests on several islands (Everett & Anderson 1991). On a number of islands it is one of the major nesters, with colonies numbering in the thousands and, on two islands, tens of thousands. Despite being widespread and common, little information about the ecology of Brown Boobies has been published. Knowledge of their diet is important because of their abundance and because of the large numbers of other fisheating homeotherms with which they share the habitat. It is also important because of the presence of an intensive fishery near some of the breeding colonies.

We investigated the distribution and abundance of Little Penguins Eudyptula minor at 12 known colony locations on mainland southeastern Tasmania, Australia. Surveys of scientific journals, unpublished field surveys and oral records were... more

We investigated the distribution and abundance of Little Penguins Eudyptula minor at 12 known colony locations on mainland southeastern Tasmania, Australia. Surveys of scientific journals, unpublished field surveys and oral records were compiled to assess the historical distribution (before 1996) of this species within a 150-km radius of Hobart. Current status of each site was assessed by conducting surveys of the areas of historical distribution during the 2002/03 breeding season. Transects were used to conduct burrow counts, supplemented by counts of penguins coming ashore at night. Of the 12 colonies examined, four have disappeared and two have decreased appreciably in size within the last decade. Potential causes of these decreases include predation by introduced vertebrates, habitat modification and destruction and incidental drowning in recreational gillnets.

We summarize data relating to the length and mass of prey items delivered by Thick-billed Murres Uria lomvia to nestlings, or otherwise deposited on breeding ledges, at a number of colonies in Nunavut, Canada. These data are augmented... more

We summarize data relating to the length and mass of prey items delivered by Thick-billed Murres Uria lomvia to nestlings, or otherwise deposited on breeding ledges, at a number of colonies in Nunavut, Canada. These data are augmented from specimens taken by divers in the Nuvuk Islands area of northeastern Hudson Bay. Together, these records allowed us to develop predictive equations for estimating mass from length for the fishes Stichaeus punctatus, Mallotus villosus, Leptoclinus maculatus, Gymnelus spp., Eumesogrammus praecisus, Ammodytes spp., all Cottidae, Triglops spp., Liparis spp., and all squid (Gonatus spp.) over the range of sizes typically delivered to murre nestlings. We also provide energy content on a dry weight and wet weight basis for several of these fishes and invertebrates. In addition, we list all prey species delivered to nestling Thick-billed Murres in the Hudson Strait and northern Hudson Bay regions over the past three decades.

Fig. 1. Distribution and most southerly records of the Leach's Storm Petrel. Black indicates breeding areas, grey indicates wintering areas.