Pterodroma Macroptera Research Articles

Seabird associations with mesoscale eddies: the subtropical Indian Ocean

We investigated seabird-eddy associations in subtropical waters of the southern Indian Ocean during a summer (January) cruise from Amsterdam Island to Western Australia. To determine habitat associations and to enable predictions about foraging strategies, we related the distributions of satellite altimetry data (sea surface height anomalies) to the 3 most abundant taxa in the study area: terns (sooty Sterna fuscata and bridled S. anaethetus) and shearwaters (wedge-tailed Puffinus pacificus) were significantly more common and numerous within convergence zones. However, a step-wise logistic regression model revealed that these seabirds were more strongly associated with other habitat variables, including the distance to breeding colonies and warm sea surface temperature conditions. Great-winged petrels Pterodroma macroptera were widely scattered and did not show associations with convergences or divergences. These contrasting results highlight the need to consider smaller-scale hydrographic features, such as frontal systems, when guantifying seabird associations with mesoscale eddies. Large-scale patterns of ocean circulation and mesoscale variability also seem to play a critical role in determining the extent of seabird-eddy associations. In contrast with previous studies, which have focused on dynamic frontal regions and energetic current systems, we surveyed a region of weak mesoscale variability north of the Subtropical Convergence zone. © Inter-Research 2006.

Corticosterone responses of hand-reared and parent-reared grey-faced petrel chicks (Pterodroma macroptera gouldi)

Hand-reared grey-faced petrel (Pterodroma macroptera gouldi) chicks (Order Procellariformes) that were subjected to a standardised blood sampling protocol immediately before they fledged showed a reduced corticosterone response compared to parent-raised chicks. Serum corticosterone concentrations were lower in hand-reared than parent-reared birds 30 and 60 min after handling was initiated (21.5±6.7 vs. 105.4±7.4 ng/ml at 30 min, and 11.3±3.6 vs. 93.8±11.4 ng/ml at 60 min, respectively). The total integrated corticosterone response and the response corrected for initial corticosterone concentrations were similarly lower in hand-reared than parent-reared birds (927±489 vs. 4639±1924 ng/ml.min, and 529±352 vs. 4110±1896 ng/ml.min, respectively). Habituation to handling associated with hand-rearing, which is expressed as a subdued corticostrone response, is likely to reduce the physiological stress associated with the translocation and reintroduction of these birds. However, the longer-term consequences of this attenuated response remain unclear. Zoo Biol 0:1–8, 2005. © 2005 Wiley-Liss, Inc.

Corticosterone Responses of Grey‐Faced Petrels (Pterodroma macroptera gouldi) Are Higher during Incubation than during Other Breeding Stages

We report the results of the first field study examining seasonal changes in corticosterone responses of typically long-lived birds of the order Procellariiformes. In particular, we examined whether grey-faced petrels Pterodroma macroptera gouldi showed changes in circulating baseline corticosterone concentrations and corticosterone responses to a standardized handling protocol across the breeding season. Such changes have been associated with changes in body condition and variations in energy demands on adult birds through the breeding season. During early incubation, males were in significantly better condition than females that had just completed laying, whereas during late incubation, males were in significantly poorer condition than females. In spite of these differences, there was no significant difference in baseline corticosterone concentrations between sexes or among birds at different reproductive stages. However, we detected significant differences in corticosterone responses associated with a standardized handling protocol at different stages through the breeding season. Responses were significantly greater during incubation compared with the prelay period and late chick rearing. Body condition was weakly and negatively correlated with maximum and total integrated corticosterone level, indicating that some of the individual variability in stress corticosterone responses could be explained by variation in body condition. However, the largest stress response occurred during late incubation and was independent of sex, although males were in relatively poor condition and females in relatively good condition. This period coincided with the breeding stage in which energy constraints on individual adults were higher than at other periods of the reproductive cycle and birds may be physiologically primed for extended fasts.

The eradication of feral cats (Felis catus) from Little Barrier Island, New Zealand

Feral cats (Felis catus) probably reached Little Barrier Island in about 1870. They contributed to the total extinction of the Little Barrier snipe (Coenocorypha aucklandica barrierensis), the local extinction of North Island saddleback (Philesturnus carunculatus rufusater) and the severe reduction in numbers of grey‐faced petrel (Pterodroma macroptera gouldi), Cook's petrel (P. cookii) and black petrel (Proeellaria parkinsoni), plus the decline of lizard and tuatara species. Sporadic cat control was carried out on Little Barrier from 1897 to 1977. A determined eradication attempt commenced in July 1977 was completed on 23 June 1980. Cage traps, leg‐hold traps, dogs and 1080 poison were used, but leg‐hold traps and 1080 poison were the only effective methods. Altogether, 151 cats were known to have been killed before the eradication was declared complete. Important lessons learnt can be transferred to other feral cat eradication programmes. The responses of the bird populations are described elsewhere (Girardet et. al. 2001).

Nutrient composition of the crop contents of growing and adult grey‐faced petrels (Pterodroma macroptera): A preliminary investigation

We investigated the nutrient composition of the crop contents of grey‐faced petrel (Pterodroma macroptera) adults and chicks Crop content samples were obtained from birds breeding at Bethells Beach, Auckland, New Zealand over a four month period (Sep‐Dec 1997) and bulked according to age 3–5, 6–10, 60–90 d old, and adults Crop content samples were analysed for crude protein, amino acids, gross energy, lipids, tatty acids, ash and minerals All four age groups contained high levels of crude protein (26–60%) and hpid (20–44%), while the ash level was highly variable between age groups (4–41%) In general, the aimno acid pattern of the crude protein fraction was similar between the four age groups except for taunne and several other amino acids in the 3–5 d old group The pattern of fatty acids was similar between the four age groups although mynstic and palmitoleic acid were higher in the free fatty acid and tnglycende traction of the 3–5 d old group The calcium to phosphorus ratio in the tat extracted crop content samples of the 60–90 d old and adult birds was 2 5 and 2 9, respectively The present study provides preliminary information on the nutrient composition of the crop content of growing and adult grey‐faced petrels that can be used to formulate balanced artificial diets for the different lite stages of growth and adulthood of the taiko or magenta petrel, a related, endangered species

Influence of reproductive success on breeding frequency in four southern petrels

Patterns of breeding frequency of White‐headed Pterodroma lessoni, Great‐winged Pterodroma macroptera, White‐chinned Procellaria aequinoctialis and Grey Petrels Proceharia cinerea have been studied at Kerguelen and Crozet Islands. The White‐headed Petrel (summer breeder) followed an essentially biennial cycle with only 13% of successful individuals breeding again the next year. On the other hand, the Great‐winged Petrel (winter breeder) was mainly an annual breeder with 78% of successful birds breeding again the next year. Both White‐chinned (summer breeder) and Grey Petrels (winter breeder) showed a higher breeding frequency than Pterodroma species, with 91% and 93%, respectively, of successful birds returning to breed the following season. These contrasting patterns may be related to the timing of energetic constraints encountered during the interbreeding period, principally the moult and the restoration of breeding condition. It is suggested that these post‐breeding constraints are more marked in winter and in oceanic waters, leading to breeding frequencies being lower than in summer and in neritic waters. The intermediate patterns of breeding frequency found in the Great‐winged Petrel (mainly annual) and the White‐headed Petrel (mainly biennial) show that among Procellariiformes there is a continuum between annual and strictly biennial species.

Notes on the Distribution of the Great-Winged Petrel, Pterodroma macroptera gouldi in the Tasman Sea.

Notes on the Distribution of the Great-Winged Petrel, Pterodroma macroptera gouldi in the Tasman Sea.

Improved breeding success of great-winged petrels Pterodroma macroptera following control of feral cats Felis catus at subantarctic Marion Island : J. Cooper & A. Fourie, Bird Conservation International, 1(2), 1991, pp 171–175

Improved breeding success of great-winged petrels Pterodroma macroptera following control of feral cats Felis catus at subantarctic Marion Island : J. Cooper & A. Fourie, Bird Conservation International, 1(2), 1991, pp 171–175

The Use of Tritiated Water to Determine Protein and Lipid Utilization in Fasting Birds: A Validation Study in Incubating Great-Winged Petrels, Pterodroma macroptera

To obtain reference data for the estimation of energy metabolism from body mass (BM) loss in long-term fasting Procellariiformes, we determined the loss of water, lipid, and protein by analysis of body composition in great-winged petrels, Pterodroma macroptera, during the incubation fast. We also examined the validity of the use of total body water (TBW) loss alone to calculate protein and lipid loss. Body composition analysis showed that, during the major part of the 17-d fast, water, lipid, and protein contribute a constant 35.7%, 50.8%, and 13.5%, respectively, of BM loss. The energy content of lipid (adipose triglycerides) was found to be 39. 4 kJ/g. The energy equivalent of BM loss was 22.3 kJ/g; 90% and 10% of energy originated from lipid and protein utilization, respectively. The 376% contribution of water loss to BM loss, estimated from measurement of TBW by using tritiated water, was similar to that obtained by direct analysis of body composition. The loss of protein and lipid was estimated from TBW loss as determined by using tritiated water, with the assumption that water and protein are lost in direct proportion to their content in lipid-free nonbony tissues (LFM). Calculations were based on the finding from analysis of body composition that the percent water content of LFM from which protein is catabolized remains steady during the fast (72.9%). Furthermore, the dry LFM lost is ≥295% protein. This yieldedprotein and lipid losses, and an energy equivalent of BM loss, identical to those obtained by direct analysis of body composition. A good estimate of BM loss composition in long-term fasting petrels may, therefore, be obtained from determination of TBW loss using labeled water. This could be extrapolated to other birds.

Improved breeding success of Great-winged Petrels Pterodroma macroptera following control of feral cats Felis catus at subantarctic Marion Island

SummaryA population of feral domestic cats Felis catus has existed at subantarctic Marion Island since 1951. From 1977 to 1990 an ongoing programme has utilized an introduced disease, shooting and gin-trapping in an endeavour to control cat numbers, with the eventual aim of their eradication. Burrowing petrels (Procellariidae) form the majority of the cats' diet. The breeding success of the winter-breeding Great-winged Petrel Pterodroma macroptera has varied between nil and 20.5% in the period from 1979 to 1984, due primarily to cat predation of chicks causing up to 100% mortality. In 1990, by which time cat numbers had been greatly reduced from their 1970s' peak, Great-winged Petrels had a breeding success of 59.6%, with chick mortality being zero. No signs of cat predation were observed. This finding provides good reason to continue the control programme until cats are finally eradicated from Marion Island.

Incubation routines and foraging‐trip regulation in the Grey‐faced Petrel Pterodroma macroptera gouldi

In Grey‐faced Petrels Pterodroma macroptera gouldi parental care during the 55‐day incubation period is mainly achieved by three long shifts (two by the male) when one partner is ashore while the other forages at sea. This situation would seem to carry high risks of parental desertion and failure of the hatching chick to receive a meal before its yolk sac is exhausted. We examined incubation routines of 51 pairs of Grey‐faced Petrels to investigate factors implicated in parental desertion and in the duration of the final foraging trip before hatching. The duration of the final long foraging trip (by the female) during incubation is not predicted by the time spent fasting on the nest but by the time elapsed since laying. Desertions accounted for 6.5% of egg losses. Eggs were deserted not after the delay of the foraging bird to return to the nest, but when the incubating bird departed early in the incubation spell. Desertions were not a response to critically depleted energy reserves.

Energy requirements for growth of Salvin's Prions Pachyptila vittata salvini, Blue Petrels Halobaena caerulea and Great‐winged Petrels Pterodroma macroptera

Energy expenditures of Salvin's Prions Pachyptila vittata salvini, Blue Petrels Halobaena caerulea and Great‐winged Petrels Pterodroma macroptera during growth were estimated from measurements of oxygen consumption. Total energy expended during growth was calculated to be 6877 kJ and 10206 kJ for the smaller Salvin's Prions and Blue Petrels, respectively, and 22697 kJ for the larger Great‐winged Petrels. A further 2390 kJ, 3067 kJ and 11801 kJ, respectively, was calculated to be accumulated as body tissue. Food requirements for growth, estimated from energy requirements, diets and assimilation efficiencies were estimated to amount to 1519 g and 932 g for Salvin's Prions and Blue Petrels, respectively, and 4577 g for Great‐winged Petrels.

ENERGY EXPENDITURE DURING INCUBATION IN FOUR SPECIES OF SUB-ANTARCTIC BURROWING PETRELS

Summary Brown, C. R. 1988. Energy expenditure during incubation in four species of sub-Antarctic burrowing petrels. Ostrich 59:67-70. Energy expenditures of incubating Whitechinned Procellaria aequinoctialis, Greatwinged Pterodroma macroptera, Kerguelen Lugensa brevirostris and Blue Petrels Halobaena caerulea were measured from rates of oxygen consumption and compared to those of resting, non-breeding birds. Incubating metabolic rates tended to be lower than basal metabolic rates but not significantly so. The maintenance of metabolic rates at basal levels during incubation may allow petrels to conserve energy during the long incubation shift while the partner is away foraging at sea.

Development of homeothermy in chicks of sub-Antarctic burrowing petrels

The development of homeothermy was studied in chicks of five species of sub-Antarctic burrowing petrels. Chicks of white-chinned and blue petrels were capable of maintaining body temperatures of 37° to 40°C at ambient temperatures between 5° and 30°C within one day of hatching. On average, chicks of grey petrels, great-winged petrels and Salvin’s prions attained homeothermy within five days of hatching, but some individuals exhibited well-developed homeothermy within 24 h of hatching. Chicks demonstrated a high capacity for heat production and maximum cold-induced oxygen consumptions ranged from 2,57 ml 02 g-1 h-1 in white-chinned petrel chicks to 4,94 ml 02 g-1 h-1 in the much smaller blue petrel chicks. The rapid development of homeothermy in burrowing petrel chicks is regarded as an adaptation in pelagic seabirds, in that it frees the adults both to replace energy reserves used during incubation and to forage for the chicks as soon as possible after hatching. In burrowing petrels it is reportedly facil...

The effect of catFelis catuspredation on three breeding Procellariidae species on Marion Island

Breeding success of Pterodroma macroptera, Procellaria aequinoctialis and Pachyptila vittata salvini in three cat-free and three control areas were used to evaluate the effects of cat Felis catus predation on the avifauna of Marion Island. Breeding success of all three species was significantly higher in the combined cat-free areas than in the combined control areas. However, breeding success in one cat-free area failed to show a significant difference from its particular control area, probably as a result of higher skua (Catharacta antarctica) predation inside the cat-free area. Chicks of P. macroptera and P. aequinoctialis were especially vulnerable to cat predation, since cats can enter their nesting burrows. P. macroptera was seriously affected by cat predation because it is the most abundant of only two winter-breeding petrels. Significant changes in the number of nest visits by these petrels during their breeding season followed hatching dates, which in turn were concomitant with, or were followed b...

Burrow densities and nest site preferences of petrels (Procellariidae) at the Prince Edwards Islands

The nest-site preferences of six burrowing petrel species, Salvin's prion Pachyptila vittata salvini, blue petrel Halobaena caerulea, great-winged petrel Pterodroma macroptera, Kerguelen petrel Pterodroma brevirostris, soft-plumaged petrel Pterodroma mollis and white-chinned petrel Procellaria aequinoctialis, in the northeastern part of Marion Island (Prince Edward Island group, southern Indian Ocean) were analyzed by step-wise multiple regression. The nest-site characteristics measured were slope angle, soil depth and moisture content, percentage cover by stones or boulders and percentage cover by each of seven major plant species. The major nest-site preferences were: exposed areas with shallow soil (Salvin's prion); steep coastal slopes (blue petrel); sheltered well-drained slopes with deep soil (great-winged petrels); wet areas along drainage lines (Kerguelen petrel); steep slopes (soft-plumaged petrel); and areas with deep soil (white-chinned petrel). Similar species showed no significant avoidance of nest sites where there were burrows of potential competitors but did tend to nest spread out over different habitats. Burrow densities were determined in six habitat and seven vegetation types. Salvin's prion was the most abundant species (81% of burrows, with a maximum density of 279 burrows ha-1) and used both burrows and natural cavities for nesting. For all species combined, burrow densities at Marion Island were lower than in comparable habitats and vegetation types at neighbouring Prince Edward Island. Depredation by feral house cats Felis catus, absent from Prince Edward Island, is assumed to be largely responsible for this difference.

THE DIET OF CHICKS OF GREATWINGED, KERGUELEN AND SOFTPLUMAGED PETRELS AT THE PRINCE EDWARD ISLANDS

Summary Schramm, M. 1986. The diet of chicks of Greatwinged, Kerguelen and Softplumaged Petrels at the Prince Edward Islands. Ostrich 57: 9–15. Stomach contents of chicks of Greatwinged Petrels Pterodroma macroptera, Kerguelen Petrels P. brevirostris and Softplumaged Petrels P. mollis collected at the Prince Edward Islands were analysed. Chicks of all three species were fed primarily on cephalopods (90%, 70% and 89% by mass of solids in the stomach contents, respectively) supplemented by crustaceans (6% in P. macroptera, 24% in P. brevirostris and 10% in P. mollis) and fishes. The prey species taken are broadly similar but potential interspecific competition for food is presumably reduced, since the petrels have different breeding seasons with non-overlapping chick-rearing periods.

The Breeding Biologies of the PetrelsPterodroma Macroptera, P. BrevirostrisandP. Mollisat Marion Island

SUMMARYSCHRAMM, M. 1983. The breeding biologies of the petrels Pterodroma macroptera, P. brevirostris and P. mollis at Marion Island. Emu 83: 75–81.The Great-winged Petrel Pterodroma macroptera, Kerguelen Petrel P. brevirostris and Soft-plumaged Petrel P. mollis breed in different habitats at different times of the year at Marion Island. P. macroptera breeds in inland slopes during winter, brevirostris breeds in flat marshy areas during early summer and mollis breeds during late summer in coastal slopes. Nesting-burrows of macroptera and mollis have a similar simple design but burrows of brevirostris have a drainage system to cope with their waterlogged breeding habitat.Incubation periods are similar (56, 49 and 50 days in macroptera, brevirostris and mollis respectively), but fledging periods are very different (61 days in brevirostris and 91 days in mollis). The species rear chicks at different times, presumably to help reduce interspecific competition for food. In all species, the chicks are fed mostly squid, but meals of brevirostris chicks contain most crustaceans and fish. Differences in quality of meals in part explain the faster growth of brevirostris compared to macroptera or mollis. The timing of breeding influences the vulnerability of each species to predators, which is reflected in differences in breeding success (53%, 7% and 0% in brevirostris, mollis and macroptera respectively).

Anuropus novaezealandiae, a new species of Anuropodidae (Isopoda: Flabellifera) from New Zealand

Abstract Anuropus novaezealandiae n.sp. is described from a single specimen from the regurgitation ofa grey-faced petrel (Pterodroma macropteragouldi) on Whale Island, New Zealand. Specific variation and distribution in Anuropus are discussed, and a key to the species is given.

SUMMER SEABIRD DISTRIBUTIONS IN DRAKE PASSAGE, THE CHILEAN FJORDS AND OFF SOUTHERN SOUTH AMERICA

SummaryThe paper summarizes observations on the pelagic distributions of sea‐birds in Drake Passage and off southern South America, collected by ship‐borne observers between December 1969 and April 1970, and in March and April 1972. The birds' distributions have been related to sea surface temperatures and, in the case of the Chilean fjords, to water types defined in terms of temperature and salinity; a partial attempt has been made to relate them to the distribution of the macroplankton.The boundary between the ranges of Phalacrocorax albiventer and P. atriceps in the Chilean fjords is much farther west than previously reported, and there is some evidence that it has moved westwards within the last 20 years. It is suggested that its position is determined by oceanographic rather than climatic factors.A sighting of Pterodroma macroptera in Cockburn Channel is the first record of this species for Chile. Exceptionally southerly records of Lobipes lobatus in Magellan Strait, and Pterodroma mollis south of the Antarctic Convergence are also described. An apparent decline in the numbers of Pterodroma neglecta at Masatierra, Juan Fernandez, is noted.