Working beneath the surface: interplay of biomechanics, physiology and behavioural ecology in diving seabirds

Abstract

ABSTRACT: This Theme Section looks at new approaches in the study of seabird foraging ecology,with particular emphasis on the use of recently developed recording devices attached to birds. It in-cludes studies with energy as a theme, such as the energetics of foraging in Magellanic penguins,how dive efficiency varies with depth in emperor penguin, optimality of stroke frequency in divingseabirds, and how using energy to counteract depth-dependent buoyancy may limit pursuit speedsin hunting imperial shags. A more physiological approach is adopted in two studies, one on the divecapacity of emperor penguins and one on planktivorous auklets. Foraging ecology is examined morebroadly in a study on the foraging behaviour of breeding thick-billed murres while a modellingapproach is used to describe foraging profitability in aucklets (the smallest marine endotherms) feed-ing on pelagic patches. Finally, consideration is given to bird-attached instrument artefacts in pathreconstruction of diving birds using dead-reckoning.KEY WORDS: Diving seabirds · Biomechanics · Energy efficiency · Foraging ecology · Recordingdevices