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Spatial foraging segregation by close neighbours in a wide-ranging seabird
Filipe R Ceia1, Vitor H Paiva, Ricardo S Ceia
1Department of Life Sciences, Marine and Environmental Research Centre (IMAR/CMA), University of Coimbra, 3004-517, Coimbra, Portugal, ceiafilipe@zoo.uc.pt.
Oecologia
|October 14, 2014
Summary
Two Cory's shearwater sub-colonies showed partial spatial foraging segregation, with birds from each colony utilizing distinct areas. Despite differing ocean conditions, they exploited similar habitats and prey during chick-rearing.
Area of Science:
- Marine Ecology
- Behavioral Ecology
- Ornithology
Background:
- Central-place foraging seabirds intensify resource use near colonies.
- High density in adjacent colonies can drive foraging segregation.
- Spatial foraging segregation in closely adjacent, wide-ranging seabird colonies is poorly understood.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate foraging segregation between two closely spaced Cory's shearwater sub-colonies.
- To determine if proximity influences foraging areas and resource use in wide-ranging seabirds.
Main Methods:
- GPS loggers deployed on 43 adult Cory's shearwaters (Calonectris borealis) during chick-rearing.
- Simultaneous tracking of birds from two sub-colonies separated by 2 km.
- Stable isotope analysis of blood samples to assess diet.
Main Results:
- Partial spatial segregation observed in 84.2% of local foraging trips (≤1 day, ≤16 km).
- Breeding sub-colony location influenced foraging trip direction, creating sub-colony-specific areas.
- No significant differences in exploited habitat or estimated diets, despite differing oceanographic conditions.
Conclusions:
- Cory's shearwaters exhibit partial spatial foraging segregation between adjacent sub-colonies.
- Foraging segregation is driven by colony location, leading to distinct foraging areas.
- Birds may prioritize similar habitat types and prey resources within their respective foraging ranges.
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