Identification of sex of Adelie penguins from observations of incubating birds

1993 ◽  
Vol 20 (6) ◽  
pp. 725 ◽  
Author(s):  
KR Kerry ◽  
JR Clarke ◽  
GD Else
Keyword(s):  
Egg Laying ◽  
Pygoscelis Adeliae ◽  
Female Presence ◽  
Incubating Birds ◽  
Breeding Seasons ◽  
Adélie Penguins

The suggestion that sex of Adelie penguins, Pygoscelis adeliae, might be assigned by observing which member of the pair (the male) takes the first long incubation shift (Anon. 1991) was examined for each of the 1990-91, 1991-92 and 1992-93 breeding seasons. There was an 8- or 9-day period when more than 90% of the incubating birds were male and a 6- or 7-day period when more than 90% of the birds were female. The dates of these peak periods of male or female presence overlapped by only 2-5 days between the three seasons but were constant to within 2 days relative to the commencement of egg laying. Peak presence of males occurred 15-21 days after the appearance of the first egg in the colony and peak presence of females after 33-36 days from this date. In all three seasons male birds could be identified with 91.8-98.6% accuracy within 15-21 days after the first sighting of an egg. The method provides, therefore, a means of identifying the sex of Adtlie penguins with an accuracy greater than 90% and is applicable to whole colonies containing several hundred pairs without recourse to continuous observations or capturing the birds.

scholarly journals Effects of Flipper Bands on Foraging Behavior and Survival of Adélie Penguins (Pygoscelis Adeliae)

The Auk ◽  
2006 ◽  
Vol 123 (3) ◽  
pp. 858-869 ◽  
Author(s):  
Katie M. Dugger ◽  
Grant Ballard ◽  
David G. Ainley ◽  
Kerry J. Barton
Keyword(s):  
Foraging Behavior ◽  
Radio Frequency Identification ◽  
Ross Sea ◽  
High Survival ◽  
Negative Consequences ◽  
Negative Effects ◽  
Pygoscelis Adeliae ◽  
Variable Effect ◽  
Breeding Seasons ◽  
Adélie Penguins

Abstract Since the 1950s, flipper bands have been used widely to mark penguins (Spheniscidae), but not without concerns regarding possible negative effects on survival and fitness. As part of a demographic study of Adélie Penguins (Pygoscelis adeliae) in the western Ross Sea, Antarctica, we investigated effects of flipper bands on foraging-trip duration and food loads, as well as apparent survival, during four breeding seasons (2000-2003), using mark-recapture and radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology. Foraging-trip durations were ∼8% (3.5 h) longer, on average, for banded compared with unbanded birds, but the effect varied among years. Food loads did not differ between banded and unbanded birds, but males carried heavier food loads than females. Flipper bands decreased apparent annual survival by 11–13% during 2000-2003, but over a longer time period (1996-2003) we observed high annual variability, including years of high survival for banded birds. Males had slightly higher survival than females in both banded and unbanded birds. Mechanisms resulting in band effects on foraging behavior and survival, the variable effect of bands by season, and the potential ameliorating effect of age or experience on the effects of bands need further investigation in Adélie and other penguin species. We recognize a need to understand and balance the negative consequences of flipper bands for penguins against the beneficial gains in information associated with their use. Effets du Baguage à l'Aileron sur le Comportement de Recherche Alimentaire et la Survie de Pygoscelis adeliae

scholarly journals Coordination of Incubation Routines and Mate Choice in Adélie Penguins (Pygoscelis adeliae)

The Auk ◽  
1988 ◽  
Vol 105 (3) ◽  
pp. 428-432 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lloyd S. Davis
Keyword(s):  
Mate Choice ◽  
Trip Duration ◽  
Pygoscelis Adeliae ◽  
Mating Patterns ◽  
Breeding Seasons ◽  
Adélie Penguins

Abstract I studied the mating patterns and foraging-trip durations for a colony of Adélie Penguins (Pygoscelis adeliae) over two consecutive breeding seasons. Foraging-trip duration was not predicted by the time spent fasting before leaving the nest, but was consistent with the time remaining until hatching of the chicks. Consequently, foraging trips of pairs that successfully coordinated their incubation routine were complementary. The complementarity was due at least in part to the assortative effects of mate choice. Pairs that successfully coordinated the first three foraging trips remained together the next season; pairs that did not, separated. I argue that Adélie Penguins should retain their mates if partners are synchronous in their arrival at the rookery the next year and that, therefore, pairs unable to coordinate incubation must also be unlikely to coordinate their arrival at the rookery the next season.

Diet segregation in Adélie penguins: some individuals attempt to overcome colony-induced and annual foraging challenges

2020 ◽  
Vol 645 ◽  
pp. 205-218
Author(s):  
M Massaro ◽  
DG Ainley ◽  
JA Santora ◽  
P Quillfeldt ◽  
A Lescroël ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Isotopic Niche ◽  
Individual Quality ◽  
Pygoscelis Adeliae ◽  
Euphausia Crystallorophias ◽  
Dietary Fish ◽  
Competition For Food ◽  
Colonial Breeding ◽  
Breeding Seasons ◽  
Isotope Analyses ◽  
Adélie Penguins

Intraspecific competition for food can be especially high in colonial breeding seabirds. To minimize colony-induced or annual foraging challenges, diet may vary among individuals, but few studies have simultaneously investigated the effects of both extrinsic conditions (e.g. colony or year effects) and parameters of an individual (e.g. sex, age or individual quality) on diet in seabirds. Using stable isotope analyses, we studied the diet of 214 Adélie penguins Pygoscelis adeliae of known sex, age and breeding quality, nesting in 2 colonies on Ross Island, Antarctica, over 3 breeding seasons. During the study, δ15N and δ13C isotope values were lower in penguins breeding at Cape Crozier compared to those at Cape Bird, revealing a difference in prey proportions. Cape Bird penguins were estimated to consistently consume more energy-rich silverfish Pleuragramma antarctica, while birds at Cape Crozier ate more crystal krill Euphausia crystallorophias. We also found inter-annual differences in diet, with a higher dietary fish proportion in both colonies during 2011. Males had significantly higher δ15N values, indicating a higher fish consumption than females. This sexual segregation in diet was particularly pronounced at Cape Bird, where the overall isotopic niche was wider than at Cape Crozier. Differences in diet among adults of varying ages only existed at Cape Bird, where middle-aged penguins consumed more fish than old and young penguins. This study provides evidence that Adélie penguin diet is largely driven by annual, seasonal and local abundances of prey, with only some individuals selectively foraging for more nutritional prey if prey choices are present.

Maintenance of nest quality in Adélie penguins Pygoscelis adeliae: an additional benefit to life in the center

Polar Biology ◽  
2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Virginia Morandini ◽  
Katie M. Dugger ◽  
Amélie Lescroël ◽  
Annie E. Schmidt ◽  
Grant Ballard
Keyword(s):  
Additional Benefit ◽  
Pygoscelis Adeliae ◽  
Nest Quality ◽  
Adélie Penguins

Annual Productivity and Its Measurement in a Multi-Brooded Passerine, the Eastern Bluebird

The Auk ◽  
1979 ◽  
Vol 96 (3) ◽  
pp. 562-572
Author(s):  
Benedict C. Pinkowski
Keyword(s):  
Success Rate ◽  
Age Groups ◽  
Nesting Success ◽  
Egg Laying ◽  
Success Rates ◽  
Sialia Sialis ◽  
Eastern Bluebird ◽  
Annual Productivity ◽  
Eastern Bluebirds ◽  
Breeding Seasons

Abstract Breeding and demographic parameters are examined for 434 Eastern Bluebirds (Sialia sialis) attempting 324 nests in southeastern Michigan during 1968-1977. Nesting birds spent an average of 10.4 weeks (63.9% of a 16.2-week season) in the study area. Only 154 (35.5%) of the nesting birds remained for entire breeding seasons; these season-long residents averaged 2.14 nests/season and had a higher success rate (68.4%) and presumably greater productivity (5.6 young · pair−1 · season −1) than other birds because site fidelity depends on nesting success. Although two seasonal peaks for egg-laying were observed, only 75 of 357 birds (21.0%) successfully raised two broods. Evidence is presented to suggest that birds observed for only part of a season initiated nests at the same rate while in and not in the study area, so that an average annual productivity value of 5.0 young · pair−1 · season −1 is calculated for all nesting birds from the observed success rate (57.1%) and mean length of stay in the area. Estimated average productivity of yearlings (4.3 young · pair−1 · season −1) was lower than that of adults (5.7 young · pair−1 · season −1) although nesting success rates were similar in the two age groups.

Guidelines for people approaching breeding groups of Adélie penguins (Pygoscelis adeliae)

Polar Record ◽  
1998 ◽  
Vol 34 (191) ◽  
pp. 287-292 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melissa Giese
Keyword(s):  
Heart Rate ◽  
Natural Disturbances ◽  
Measurable Effect ◽  
Pygoscelis Adeliae ◽  
Heart Rates ◽  
Incubation Behaviour ◽  
Breeding Groups ◽  
Least Disturbance ◽  
South Polar ◽  
Adélie Penguins

AbstractIncreases in the number of people travelling to Antarctica has led to more frequent interactions between people and Antarctic wildlife, yet the effects of visitation on the animals has received limited scientific assessment. This study conducted experiments to measure the responses of incubating Adélie penguins (Pygoscelis adeliae) to controlled human approaches to determine which approach distances and approach styles caused the least disturbance to the birds. Three minimum approach distances were tested: 30, 15, and 5 m. Approaching penguins to 30 m had no measurable effect on either their behaviour or heart rate, while approaching as close as 15 m significantly elevated their heart rates above resting, undisturbed levels even though there was no behavioural indication of this response. Approaching penguins to 5 m significantly interrupted the penguins' incubation behaviour, with the potential to cause egg-cooling. Approaches to 5 m elevated heart rates above those measured when birds were undisturbed, approached to either 15 or 30 m, or exposed to ‘natural’ disturbances (that is, other penguins or south polar skuas, Catheracta maccormicki). The study also identified certain Adelie penguin behaviours that may be indicative of disturbance in response to human visitation. People visiting breeding penguins could learn to identify these behaviours, so they can monitor and modify any effects of their visit.

Predation of Adélie penguins (Pygoscelis adeliae) by leopard seals (Hydrurga leptonyx) in Prydz Bay, Antarctica

1995 ◽  
Vol 73 (5) ◽  
pp. 1001-1004 ◽  
Author(s):  
T. Rogers ◽  
M. M. Bryden
Keyword(s):  
Prydz Bay ◽  
Pygoscelis Adeliae ◽  
Hydrurga Leptonyx ◽  
Fast Ice ◽  
Ice Edge ◽  
Adélie Penguins

The behaviour of leopard seals, Hydrurga leptonyx, feeding on Adélie penguins, Pygoscelis adeliae, was investigated between November 1993 and January 1994 in Prydz Bay, Antarctica. The seals were distributed along the fast-ice edge in locations where departing penguins congregated. Five different hunting techniques were observed, four of which were used through most of the summer. Individual leopard seals favoured specific hunting techniques. Hitherto, penguin hunting was believed to be carried out primarily by a few male seals; in this study, however, the predation observed involved many different individuals of both sexes. It is estimated that six leopard seals feeding in this area over a period of 120 days would consume 2.7% of the adult penguin population.

scholarly journals To slide or stride: when should Adélie penguins (Pygoscelis adeliae) toboggan?

1991 ◽  
Vol 69 (1) ◽  
pp. 221-225 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rory P. Wilson ◽  
Boris Culik ◽  
Dieter Adelung ◽  
N. Ruben Coria ◽  
Hugo J. Spairani
Keyword(s):  
Energy Expenditure ◽  
Stride Length ◽  
Stride Frequency ◽  
Pygoscelis Adeliae ◽  
Additional Energy ◽  
High Incidence ◽  
The Coefficient Of Friction ◽  
Almost All ◽  
Leg Movements ◽  
Adélie Penguins

We noted whether Adélie penguins (Pygoscelis adeliae), when travelling over snow, walked or tobogganed according to gradient, snow friction, or snow penetrability. Both walking and tobogganing penguins reduced stride length and stride frequency, and thus speed, with increasing uphill gradient although tobogganing birds travelled faster and with fewer leg movements. The incidence of tobogganing increased with decreasing friction between penguin and snow. The percentage of penguins tobogganing was also highly positively correlated with increasing snow penetrability. Penguins walking on soft snow must expend additional energy to pull their feet through the snow, whereas tobogganing birds do not sink. It is to be expected that Adélie penguins would utilize the most energetically favourable form of travel which, under almost all conditions, appeared to be tobogganing. Although tobogganing appears to be energetically more efficient than walking, rubbing the feathers over snow increases the coefficient of friction in unpreeened plumage. We propose that a high incidence of tobogganing necessitates increased feather care and that the decision whether to walk or toboggan probably represents a balance between immediate energy expenditure and subsequent energy and time expended maintaining plumage condition.

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