Annual variation in return rate, mate and nest-site fidelity in breeding Gentoo and Macaroni Penguins

Article Abstract:

A study was conducted to examine yearly variations in nest-site and mate fidelity and return rate among breeding resident Gentoo (Pygoscelis papua) and migratory Macaroni (Eudyptes chrysolophus) Penguins. The two species of penguins were banded and observed from 1986 to 1990 at Bird Island, South Georgia. The number of penguins returning to the same colony in subsequent breeding seasons was found to vary. Gentoo Penguins rarely returned to the same mates while Macaroni Penguins demonstrated a high degree of mate loyalty. Although the degree of nest-site fidelity was found to be high among both species, females coupled mate change with nest-site change more frequently than males.

author: Williams, T.D., Rodwell, S.
Birds, Bird breeding, South Georgia Island

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Diving behavior of emperor penguins nurturing chicks at Coulman Island, Antarctica

Article Abstract:

The general features of emperor penguin foraging commutes are determined for the largest known colony of the Aptenodytes forsteri species. The study was conducted a month prior to fledging, when the chicks experience maximum growth. Time/depth recorders were mounted on five adult emperor penguins to gather research data. The behavioral data showed the aerobic dive limit (ADL) to be almost double that of the calculated ADL, which implies that less than 5% of all dives were greater than the ADL. The diving efficiency is found to decline by 50% between 100 m and 300 m dives.

author: Kooyman, G.L., Kooyman, T.G.
Analysis, Ornithological research, Antarctic regions, Seafood gathering

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Stress, corticosterone, and heterophil to lymphocyte ratios in free-living Adelie Penguins

Article Abstract:

Research concerning the use of blood tests to determine stress levels in Adelie Penguins living on Torgersen Island in the Antarctic Peninsula is presented. The relationships between levels of corticosterone, heterophil and lymphocyte and stress were studied.

author: Vleck, Carol M., Vertalino, Nicole, Vleck, David, Bucher, Theresa L.
Health aspects, Research, Physiological aspects, Adrenocortical hormones, Lymphocytes, Adelie penguin, Water birds, Antarctic Peninsula

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subjects list: Behavior, Natural history, Penguins
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