BEHAVIOUR OF THE JACKASS PENGUIN CHICK

Abstract

Summary Seddon, P. J. & Y. van Heezik. 1993. Behaviour of the Jackass Penguin Chick. Ostrich 64:8-12. The ontogeny of Jackass Penguin Spheniscus demersus chick behaviour follows the order of development determined for Adelie Pygoscelis adeliae and Yelloweyed Megadyptes antipodes Penguins. Feeding and comfort behaviours occur from day one, followed by locomotion and aggressive behaviours. Jackass Penguin chicks are largely inactive during both the day and at night; chicks less than 20 days old are usually prone beneath the attending adult. Begging, feeding and preening are the major chick activities. Begging and feeding become restricted to late afternoon and evening following the commencement of the post-guard phase when chicks are between 26–45 days old. Feeding episodes last on average less than 30 minutes. The frequency of preening increases as chicks moult from about 40 days.