Evaluating the prudence of parents: daily energy expenditure throughout the annual cycle of a free-ranging bird, the macaroni penguin Eudyptes chrysolophus

Green, Jonathan A.; Boyd, Ian L.; Woakes, Anthony J.; Warren, Nicholas L.; Butler, Patrick J.. 2009 Evaluating the prudence of parents: daily energy expenditure throughout the annual cycle of a free-ranging bird, the macaroni penguin Eudyptes chrysolophus. Journal of Avian Biology, 40 (5). 529-538. 10.1111/j.1600-048X.2009.04639.x

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Abstract/Summary

We measured daily energy expenditure (DEE) continuously for a whole year in a free ranging bird, the macaroni penguin Eudyptes chrysolophus. We combined these measurements with concurrently recorded foraging behaviour, and literature information on body mass and dietary factors to estimate prey consumption rates and foraging success. DEE was at a maximum during late chick-rearing but was equally high during all other active phases of the breeding season. DEE was approximately 4xresting metabolic rate, which accords with established theory and suggests a common 'energetic ceiling' throughout the summer period. However, whether this represents a maximum in physiological capacity, or a rate which optimises fitness is still unclear. Rates of prey consumption and foraging success followed different patterns from daily energy expenditure. Daily prey consumption was high as the penguins prepared for long fasts associated with moulting and incubation but relatively low during chick-rearing, when foraging areas were restricted and foraging success lower. It appears that the energy intake of macaroni penguins is subject to extrinisic or environmental constraints rather than to intrinsic physiological limits.

Item Type:	Publication - Article
Digital Object Identifier (DOI):	10.1111/j.1600-048X.2009.04639.x
Programmes:	BAS Programmes > Global Science in the Antarctic Context (2005-2009) > DISCOVERY 2010 - Integrating Southern Ocean Ecosystems into the Earth System
ISSN:	0908-8857
NORA Subject Terms:	Marine Sciences Zoology Ecology and Environment
Date made live:	02 Nov 2010 08:50 +0 (UTC)
URI:	https://nora.nerc.ac.uk/id/eprint/10973

Item Type:

Publication - Article

Digital Object Identifier (DOI):

10.1111/j.1600-048X.2009.04639.x

Programmes:

BAS Programmes > Global Science in the Antarctic Context (2005-2009) > DISCOVERY 2010 - Integrating Southern Ocean Ecosystems into the Earth System

ISSN:

0908-8857

NORA Subject Terms:

Marine Sciences
Zoology
Ecology and Environment

Date made live:

02 Nov 2010 08:50 +0 (UTC)