The plasma proteins of some albatrosses and petrels as an index of relationship in the Procellariiformes

Abstract

The plasma proteins of 29 species of albatrosses and petrels were electrophoretically separated in acrylamide gels to clarify relationships at the species-group to family-group levels. Little in the resulting data from 472 birds seriously contests the present classification of the Procellariiformes; much of the biochemical evidence supports, confirms, and clarifies the proposals of conventional taxonomic methodology. The biochemical data give fresh insights into the interrelationships of procellariiform taxa, and highlight intriguing new problems. Sex, season, age, and other sources of non-genetic protein variation are insignificant for taxonomie purposes. Proteins of value for comparison include the transferrins, some α and β globulins, albumins, prealbumins, and non-specific esterases. Genetic variations in the mobility of these proteins are useful at the genus-group level and below. Other proteins are monomorphic at genus and family level, and three are monomorphic in both number and mobility throughout the Procellariiformes; these are useful reference points for calibrating samples on different gels. One conspicuous α protein is absent in the Hydrobatidae but present in all other families; the implications of this are discussed. Polymorphic proteins at the population or species level were not detected; this conspicuous phylogenetic conservatism is discussed with regard to its possible evolutionary significance. Following a summary of the protein data, three categories of defined probability statements, based on the biochemical and other evidence, allow speculative comment on the evolutionary relationships and history of the taxa within the Procellariiformes. The value of further biochemical research into the marine birds is emnhasised.     

The effects of investigator disturbance on procellariiform seabirds: A review

Abstract

Despite long‐held concerns about the effects of researchers on breeding birds, few studies have focused on the impact of investigators on Procellariiformes. In this review, we summarise published investigations concerning the effects of investigators on physiology, behaviour, reproductive success, offspring quality, and population trends of procellariiform seabirds. Many of the smaller procel‐lariid taxa, such as storm‐petrels (Hydrobatidae, and some shearwater Puffinus species) are particularly sensitive to handling during the incubation period, resulting in lowered reproductive success, burrow shifts, and increased divorce between pairs. However, repeated handling of chicks does not seem to have a discernible effect on chick quality. In larger procellariiforms, the presence of researchers within the breeding colony is associated with significant increases in heart rates. Therefore, researchers seeking unbiased estimates of demographic and ecological parameters of birds should be encouraged to measure their own impact and report the findings in the literature, even if they detect no adverse effects of investigator disturbance. Techniques should be developed that ensure the accurate recording of birds’ natural behaviour while minimising the impact of investigator disturbance. If investigators are willing to study disturbance problem s, it should be possible to reduce biases caused by their activities.     

Year‐round movements of sympatric Fork‐tailed (Oceanodroma furcata) and Leach's (O. leucorhoa) storm‐petrels

Long‐distance movements are characteristic of most seabirds in the order Procellariiformes. However, little is known about the migration and foraging ranges of many of the smaller species in this order, especially storm‐petrels (Hydrobatidae). We used Global Location Sensors to document the year‐round movements of sympatrically breeding Fork‐tailed Storm‐Petrels (Oceanodroma furcata) and Leach's Storm‐Petrels (O. leucorhoa) from the Gillam Islands located northwest of Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. In 2016, breeding Fork‐tailed (N = 5) and Leach's (N = 2) storm‐petrels traveled maximum distances of ~1550–1600 km from their colony to a region that has a wide shelf with major canyons creating a highly productive foraging area. After the breeding season, Fork‐tailed Storm‐Petrels (N = 2) traveled to similar areas west of the Gillam Islands, a maximum distance of ~3600 km from the breeding colony, and remained in the North Pacific Ocean and north of the Subarctic Boundary for an average of 5.4 mo. Post‐breeding Leach's Storm‐Petrels (N = 2) moved south to the Eastern Tropical Pacific, west of central Mexico, Ecuador, and northern Peru, an estimated maximum distance of ~6700 km from their breeding colony, and remained there for an average of 7.2 mo. Carbon (δ¹³C) and nitrogen (δ¹⁵N) stable isotope analyses of feathers revealed niche separation between Fork‐tailed (N = 21) and Leach's (N = 53) storm‐petrels. The wide range of δ¹⁵N values in the feathers of Leach's Storm‐Petrels (N = 53) suggests that they foraged at a variety of trophic levels during the non‐breeding season. Our results demonstrate that storm‐petrels have large core foraging areas and occupy vast oceanic areas in the Pacific during their annual cycle. However, given the coarse precision of Global Location Sensors, additional study is needed to identify the specific areas used by each species during both breeding and non‐breeding periods.     

Attraction of petrels to artificial lights in the Canary Islands: effects of the moon phase and age class

The extent and intensity of artificial night lighting has increased with urban development worldwide. The resulting light pollution is responsible for mortality among many Procellariiformes species which show nocturnal activity on their breeding grounds. Here, we report light‐induced mortality of Procellariiformes during a 9‐year study (1998–2006) on Tenerife, the largest island of the Canary archipelago. A total of 9880 birds from nine species were found grounded, the majority being Cory’s Shearwaters Calonectris diomedea (93.4%). For this species the majority of grounded birds were fledglings (96.4%), which fall apparently while leaving their nesting colony for the first time; for the smaller species (storm‐petrels) adult birds were more often grounded than fledglings. For almost all species, grounding showed a seasonal pattern linked with their breeding cycle. Certain phases of the moon influenced grounding of Cory’s Shearwater, with the extent of grounding being reduced during phases of full moon. The percentage of fledglings attracted to lights in relation to the fledglings produced annually varied between species and years (0–1.3% for the Madeiran Storm‐petrel Oceanodroma castro; 41–71% for Cory’s Shearwater). Mean adult mortality rates also varied between species (from 0.4% for the European Storm‐petrel Hydrobates pelagicus and the Cory’s Shearwater, to 2.3% for the Manx Shearwater Puffinus puffinus). Here we show that light‐induced mortality rates are of concern, at least for petrels and small shearwaters. Thanks to efforts involving civil cooperation, 95% of grounded birds have been returned to the wild. To minimize the impact of artificial lights on petrels we recommend several conservation measures: continuing rescue campaigns, alteration of light signatures and reduction of light emissions during the fledging peaks. Furthermore, we recommend that a monitoring program for petrel populations be implemented, as well as further studies to assess the fate of released fledglings and continued research to address why petrels are attracted to lights.     

Origin, age, sex and breeding status of wandering albatrosses (Diomedea exulans), northern (Macronectes halli) and southern giant petrels (Macronectes giganteus) attending demersal longliners in Falkland Islands and Scotia Ridge waters, 2001–2005

A total of 547 sightings of 291 banded wandering albatrosses Diomedea exulans and 21 sightings of 14 banded giant petrels Macronectes spp. were made from toothfish longliners operating on the southern Patagonian Shelf during 2001–2005. This included 25% of the wandering albatrosses with Darvic bands that bred at Bird Island (South Georgia) during this period. Thirteen of the northern Macronectes halli and southern giant petrels Macronectes giganteus had been banded at South Georgia, and there was one sighting of a southern giant petrel from Argentina. Male and female wandering albatrosses of all age classes except young birds (<15 years old) were equally likely to attend longline vessels. Most sightings of all age classes were made during the incubation period and fewest during the brood period. Eighty-six percent of birds sighted had bred at least once before, with half currently breeding and half on sabbatical (i.e. between breeding attempts). Almost half of the wandering albatrosses were sighted on more than one occasion. The data confirms that the southern Patagonian shelf is an important foraging area for wandering albatrosses and northern and southern giant petrels, and that some individuals show consistent associations in multiple years with longline vessels fishing in the region.     

Anatomy of the coracoid and diversity of the Procellariiformes (Aves) in the Oligocene of Europe

Abstract: Two European species of the Diomedeoididae, an extinct family of procellariiform (tube‐nose) birds, have hitherto been distinguished primarily by size of their limb bones. Here, we describe an Early Oligocene (Rupelian) procellariifom coracoid that in all probability represents the larger species, Diomedeoides lipsiensis, and compare it to the coracoids of smaller diomedeoidids and extant procellariiforms. Using multivariate (Principal Component Analysis) and univariate analyses, we demonstrate that nearly all measurements are heavily size dependent, which makes the proportions and some other shape characters of little use as phylogenetic markers. Among eight measurements, the coracoid corpus width shows the highest correlation (higher than corpus depth) with body mass, permitting a precise calculation of over twofold difference in body mass between D. lipsiensis and smaller species. Among 16 qualitative characters analysed, the majority proved too variable to be used as markers of interfamily relationships and only 2–3, the ventral intermuscular line, sternocoracoid articulation (divided vs. undivided), and, with reservations, epimarginal crest vary consistently between the families. By far the most variable is the acrocoracoid process that tends to be deeper (more elongate dorsoventrally) in larger petrels but not in the albatrosses. However, the detailed shapes of the acrocoracoid heads are highly genus specific and suggest a genus‐level diversity among the Diomedeoididae from the Oligocene of Europe. The common features of the diomedeoidid coracoids are best interpreted as plesiomorphies, which accounts for some similarities to the Oceanitinae (that are probably basal among the crown‐group procellariiforms). The evidence from the coracoid is consistent with a stem‐group position of the Diomedeoididae as previously proposed by others. We emphasize the need of a group‐specific character analysis, primarily of allometries and levels of character variation, prior to a phylogenetic reconstruction.     

Stable isotopes reveal individual variation in migration strategies and habitat preferences in a suite of seabirds during the nonbreeding period

Information on predator and prey distributions is integral to our understanding of migratory connectivity, food web dynamics and ecosystem structure. In marine systems, although large animals that return to land can be fitted with tracking devices, minimum instrument sizes preclude deployments on small seabirds that may nevertheless be highly abundant and hence major consumers. An increasingly popular approach is to use N and C stable isotope analysis of feathers sampled at colonies to provide information on distribution and trophic level for the preceding, and generally little-known, nonbreeding period. Despite the burgeoning of this research, there have been few attempts to verify such relationships. In this study, we demonstrate a clear correspondence between isotope ratios of feathers and nonbreeding distributions of seven species from South Georgia tracked using loggers. This generated a rudimentary isoscape that was used to infer the habitat preferences of eight other species ranging in size from storm petrels to albatrosses, and which could be applied, with caveats, in other studies. Differences in inferred distribution within and between species had major implications for relative exposure to anthropogenic threats, including climate change and fisheries. Although there were no differences in isotope values between sexes in any of the smaller petrels, mean stable C (δ¹³C), but not stable N isotope ratios (δ¹⁵N), tended to be greater in females than males of the larger, and more sexually size-dimorphic species. This indicates a difference in C source (distribution), rather than trophic level, and a correspondence between the degree of sexual size dimorphism in Procellariiformes and the level of between-sex niche segregation.     

Dioscoreaceae fossils from the late Oligocene and early Miocene of Ethiopia

Dioscorea section Lasiophyton leaflets from the late Oligocene (27.23 Ma) and Tacca leaves from the early Miocene (21.73 Ma) of north‐western Ethiopia greatly expand the known fossil record of Dioscoreaceae and represent the earliest and only known records of the Afro‐Asian trifoliate, palmately veined yams (Dioscorea) and bat flowers (Tacca). Both fossils occur in volcaniclastic and clastic sediments associated with a high water table, and the palaeofloral assemblages are indicative of tropical moist forest formations. These fossils provide insight into the evolutionary history of the family in Africa during the mid‐Cenozoic and provide well‐dated taxa that can assist in phylogenetic analyses and evolutionary divergence studies for Dioscoreales and Dioscoreaceae. © 2014 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2014, 175 , 17–28.     

Chemotaxonomische Untersuchungen zur Systematik der R?hrennasen (Procellariiformes)

Zusammenfassung Bei 37 Arten aus 15 Gattungen und allen Familien der Procellariiformes wurde als Beitrag zur Klassifikation die Komposition der Bürzelwachse untersucht. Die Ergebnisse werden mit denen anderer Untersuchungen zu den Verwandtschaftsbeziehungen der Röhrennasen verglichen.A. Familien-interne VerhältnisseDiomedeidae (Albatrosse): Die Albatrosse sind von den übrigen Röhrennasen deutlich abgesetzt, zeigen zu ihnen aber doch auch klare Bindungen. Die GattungenDiomedea undPhoebetria sind gut unterscheidbar. Die großen ArtenD. epomophora undD. exulans stehen einander ferner als äußere Merkmale vermuten lassen.D. melanophris nimmt unter den südlichen Mollymauks keine Sonderstellung ein.Procellariidae (Sturmvögel): Die Procellariidae erweisen sich auch in dem hier geprüften Merkmal als ausgesprochen heterogene Familie, in der mehrere Untergruppierungen erkennbar sind, die nur teilweise den Gattungen entsprechen.1. Fulmarus-Gruppe(Fulmarus, Thalassoica, Macronectes): WährendMacronectes eigenständige Wachszusammensetzungen besitzt, sindFulmarus undThalassoica nicht sicher trennbar.2.Pterodroma: Von den übrigen untersuchten Arten(Pt. lessoni, Pt. brevirostris, Pt. inexpectata) istPt. cookii deutlich verschieden. Es wird daher eine Ausgliederung aus der Gattung empfohlen.3.Halobaena: H. caerulea müßte nach der Wachszusammensetzung eindeutig zuPachyptila gestellt werden.4.Pachyptila: Die bisherigen Vorstellungen über die Beziehungen der Walvogel-Arten zueinander werden bestätigt.5.Procellaria: P. (Adamastor) cinerea ist mit den anderen Arten der Gattung eng verwandt.6.Puffinus: P. griseus undP. tenuirostris bilden eine Verwandtschaftseinheit. Sie sind von den anderen untersuchten Arten(P. gavia/huttoni, P. assimilis) stark verschieden.7.Calonectris: C. diomedea gehört nach den Bürzelwachsen zuPuffinus (P. gavia/huttoni; P. assimilis).Hydrobatidae (Sturmschwalben): Nur Arten aus 3 Gattungen konnten untersucht werden.Fregetta undGarrodia zeigen eine hohe Übereinstimmung.Oceanites oceanicus unterscheidet sich von diesen Arten deutlich.Pelecanoididae (Lummensturmvögel): Die beiden untersuchten ArtenP. georgicus undP. urinatrix besitzen identische Wachsmuster.B. Beziehungen der Familien und Gattungen zueinander.Da die Muster der Alkohole weit weniger variieren als die der Fettsäuren, wird die Repräsentation unterschiedlicher evolutiver Differenzierungsstufen angenommen und diskutiert. Danach ergeben sich bei den Procellariidae zwei Gruppierungen. 1.Fulmarus-Gruppe —Pachyptila — Halobaena — Pterodroma (ausgenommenPt. cookii) und 2.Procellaria undPuffinus mit weniger enger Bindung. Die Hydrobatidae und Pelecanoididae zeigen Affinitäten zur ersten Gruppe. ZwischenProcellaria und den Diomedeidae ist ein Zusammenhang möglich.C. Beziehungen der Procellariiformes zu anderen Vogelordnungen.Die Wachsmuster legen einen gemeinsamen Ursprung der Procellariiformes und Sphenisciformes nahe. Weniger enge Beziehungen können zu den Charadriiformes (Laridae, Alcidae),Phaethon und den Gaviiformes bestehen. Die Bürzelwachszusammensetzungen der übrigen Pelecaniformes (Pelecanidae, Phalacrocoracidae) und der Podicipediformes deuten nicht auf eine enge Verwandtschaft zu den Röhrennasen hin.Aus dem Vergleich von Arten unterschiedlicher, ökologischer Anpassung (vorwiegend fliegend — vorwiegend tauchend) läßt sich keine adaptive Beeinflussung der Wachskompositionen ableiten.

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Chemotaxonomical investigations on the systematics of the Tubenoses (Procellariiformes)

Summary The chemical composition of the uropygial gland waxes from 37 species of 15 genera and of all procellariiform families has been analysed for classification reasons. The results were compared with those of other investigations on the relationships of tubenoses.A. Family-internal relations.Diomedeidae (albatrosses): Although albatrosses show significant relationships to other tubenoses they are clearly separated from them. The generaDiomedea andPhoebetria can be clearly distinguished. The large speciesD. epomophora andD. exulans are more distant from one another than can be supposed from outer characters.Diomedea melanophris does not take a special position within the southern mollymawks.Procellariidae (petrels): According to the characters analysed in this study the Procellariidae were found to be a markedly heterogenous family in which several subunits can be distinguished which only in parts correspond to the genera.1.Fulmarus-group(Fulmarus, Thalassoica, Macronectes): Macronectes exhibits a typical wax composition, whereasFulmarus andThalassocia cannot be separated positively.2.Pterodroma: Pt. cookii is definitely different from the other species investigated(Pt. lessoni, Pt. brevirostris, Pt. inexpectata). Thus, a separation ofPt. cookii from this genus is recommended.3.Halobaena: According to the wax composition,H. caerulea should be placed undoubtedly toPachyptila.4.Pachyptila: The present opinion about the relationship within the prions is confirmed.5.Procellaria: P. (Adamastor) cinerea is closely related to other species of this genus.6.Puffinus: P. griseus andP. tenuirostris form a closely related unit. They differ, however, significantly, from the other species investigated(P. gavia/huttoni, P. assimilis).7.Calonectris: According to the preen wax compositionC. diomedea belongs toPuffinus (P. gavia/huttoni, P. assimilis).Hydrobatidae (storm petrels): Species of only 3 genera were investigated.Fregetta andGarrodia exhibit high conformity.Oceanites oceanicus differs significantly from these species.Pelecanoididae (diving petrels): The two species investigatedP. georgicus andP. urinatrix possess identical wax patterns.B. Interrelationships of families and genera.Since the patterns of the alcohols vary less than those of the fatty acids, a representation of different evolutive steps of differentiation is supposed and discussed. Accordingly, two groups can be distinguished within the Procellariidae: (1)Fulmarus-Group —Pachyptila — Halobaena — Pterodroma (exceptPt. cookii) and (2)Procellaria andPuffinus which are less closely linked. Hydrobatidae and Pelecanoididae show affinities to the first group. A relationship betweenProcellaria and Diomedeidae seems to be possible.C. Relationships between Procellariiformes and other orders.The wax patterns suggest a common origin of the procellariiform and sphenisciform birds. Less significant relationships could exist between them and the charadriiform (Laridae, Alcidae), the gaviiform birds(Gavia stellata), and toPhaethon. The preen wax composition of other pelecaniform (Pelecanidae, Phalacrocoracidae) and podicipediform species do not indicate a particularly close relationship to the tubenoses.No adaptive influence on the wax composition can be deduced from a comparison of species with different ecological differentiation (predominantly flying — predominantly diving).

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Herrn Prof. Dr. Wilhelm Meise zum 80. Geburtstag gewidmet     

Fowl play and the price of petrel: long-living Procellariiformes have peroxidation-resistant membrane composition compared with short-living Galliformes

The membrane pacemaker hypothesis predicts that long-living species will have more peroxidation-resistant membrane lipids than shorter living species. We tested this hypothesis by comparing the fatty acid composition of heart phospholipids from long-living Procellariiformes (petrels and albatrosses) to those of shorter living Galliformes (fowl). The seabirds were obtained from by-catch of commercial fishing operations and the fowl values from published data. The 3.8-fold greater predicted longevity of the seabirds was associated with elevated content of peroxidation-resistant monounsaturates and reduced content of peroxidation-prone polyunsaturates and, consequently, a significantly reduced peroxidation index in heart membrane lipids, compared with fowl. Peroxidation-resistant membrane composition may be an important physiological trait for longevous species.     

Where two oceans meet: distribution and offshore interactions of great-winged petrels Pterodroma macroptera and Leach’s storm petrels Oceanodroma leucorhoa off southern Africa

During seabird surveys off southern Africa, great-winged petrel Pterodroma macroptera and Leach’s storm petrel Oceanodroma leucorhoa were widespread and relatively common. Similar aerial displays, frequent (social) interactions, a tendency to “huddle” in tight (mixed) gatherings and interactions during foraging inspired a study of their behaviour and distribution. Both species peaked at >2,000-m-deep ocean waters, with lower densities over the shelf and with Leach’s storm petrels (ca. 0.5 km⁻²) twice as abundant as great-winged petrels (ca. 0.25 km⁻²). The results suggest half a million great-winged petrels and well over a million Leach’s storm petrels occurring over deep waters off southern Africa. Active fishing vessels elevated background densities of petrels in some areas, indicating the utilisation of discarded material, but in most areas hardly any fisheries were encountered and on the shelf with no discernable effect on petrel densities. Both species showed an association with meso-scale hydrographic features in the Agulhas current retroflection region. High densities of Leach’s storm petrels occurred in offshore areas with steep salinity and sea surface temperature gradients. No such tendency was found in great-winged petrels. Great-winged petrels spent relatively little time feeding during daylight (10.3% of birds observed) in comparison to Leach’s storm petrels (66.2%), but were frequently seen to join feeding Leach’s storm petrels where they profited from the searching skills of Leach’s. Both species performed displays as individuals, in pairs, in larger groups and in mixed-species groups. Tight gatherings of petrels swimming at sea (huddling) occurred, consisting either of one species or both. When disturbed, such flocks would disperse after take off and often engage in aerial displays. It is speculated that the formation of these flocks is part of the anti-predator strategy of petrels against attacks from under water.     

A new genus and species of filamentous microfossil of cyanobacterial affinity from Early Silurian fluvial environments (lower Massanutten Sandstone,Virginia, USA)

Fossils reported previously from the Early Silurian (Llandovery) lower Massanutten Sandstone (Virginia, USA) are formally described here as Prattella massanuttense gen. & sp. nov. Organization into cellular filaments embedded in extracellular matrix, the sizes of cells and filaments and the fluvial origin of deposits that host the fossils are all consistent with cyanobacterial affinity. Prattella massanuttense combines preservation as carbonaceous compression at a macroscopic scale with cellular preservation by mineral replacement of cell contents at a microscopic scale. These fossils provide the earliest direct evidence for the occurrence of cyanobacteria in fluvial habitats and add to the knowledge of terrestrial ecosystems that hosted early stages of land plant evolution. © 2009 The Linnean Society of London, Botanical Journal of the Linnean Society, 2009, 160 , 284–289.     

Range expansion and hybridization in Round Island petrels (Pterodroma spp.): evidence from microsatellite genotypes

Historical records suggest that the petrels of Round Island (near Mauritius, Indian Ocean) represent a recent, long‐distance colonization by species originating from the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. The majority of petrels on Round Island appear most similar to Pterodroma arminjoniana, a species whose only other breeding locality is Trindade Island in the South Atlantic. Using nine microsatellite loci, patterns of genetic differentiation in petrels from Round and Trindade Islands were analysed. The two populations exhibit low but significant levels of differentiation in allele frequencies and estimates of migration rate between islands using genetic data are also low, supporting the hypothesis that these populations have recently separated but are now isolated from one another. A second population of petrels, most similar in appearance to the Pacific species P. neglecta, is also present on Round Island and observations suggest that the two petrel species are hybridizing. Vocalizations recorded on the island also suggest that hybrid birds may be present within the population. Data from microsatellite genotypes support this hypothesis and indicate that there may have been many generations of hybridization and back‐crossing between P. arminjoniana and P. neglecta on Round Island. Our results provide an insight into the processes of dispersal and the consequences of secondary contact in Procellariiformes.     

The phylogeny of charadriiform birds (shorebirds and allies) – reassessing the conflict between morphology and molecules

Multiple molecular analyses provide a congruent and well‐supported phylogeny of the charadriiform family‐level taxa, which conflicts with previous hypotheses based on osteological data. In order to revise the latter and to identify new characters of phylogenetic significance, skeletons of most charadriiform family‐level taxa were examined and 49 characters analysed. Tree topology was sensitive to outgroup choice, but the result of the analysis rooted with Columbidae (doves and pigeons) recovered a monophyletic Scolopaci, Charadrii, and nonturnicid Lari. With regard to the inclusion of Alcidae and Glareolidae in the Lari, the results of the present study are also in better concordance with the new molecular phylogenies than previous analyses of morphological data. Furthermore, for the first time an apomorphy of a clade including Thinocoridae, Pedionomidae, Rostratulidae, and Jacanidae was identified. Inclusion of Turnicidae in the Lari could not be supported, but there is no strong morphological evidence for an alternative placement. Pluvianus shares derived osteological features with the Burhinidae, and its position in the molecular analyses likewise cannot be corroborated with morphological data. Based on the topology of the molecular consensus tree, the ancestral state of selected characters is reconstructed. It is finally noted that recent calibrations of molecular analyses, which indicate an origin of extant charadriiform lineages in the Cretaceous, are based on incorrectly identified fossils. © 2011 The Linnean Society of London, Zoological Journal of the Linnean Society, 2011, 161 , 916–934.     

Wilson's Storm Petrels Oceanites oceanicus Recognise the Olfactory Signature of Their Mate

Chemical signals in birds have rarely been considered as recognition cues. Nevertheless, recent experiments showed that several petrel species are able to recognize their nest by smell, and in at least one species even their mate. But the use of smell may be different across the petrel species and olfactory nest recognition appears to be dependent on species’ breeding biology. To increase our knowledge of individual olfactory recognition in petrels and the relationships between breeding biology and use of smell, we tested Wilson’s storm petrels Oceanites oceanicus in Antarctica. In previous experiments, these birds failed to home if rendered anosmic, but the method employed to obtain anosmia (potentially stressing birds) and the fact that they breed in 24‐h daylight suggest that they might use visual, rather than olfactory, cues to recognize their nest. Our birds were tested in T‐maze experiments where nest odours or partner odours were presented. Wilson’s storm petrels preferred odours of their own nest and mate. Results on olfactory nest recognition confirm and complete previous results, viz. anosmic Wilson’s storm petrels do not home. Storm petrels olfactory mate recognition suggests that this ability may be widespread in burrowing petrels and implements olfactory nest recognition.     

Flight speed of seabirds in relation to wind speed and direction

We studied flight speed among all major seabird taxa. Our objectives were to provide further insight into dynamics of seabird flight and to develop allometric equations relating ground speed to wind speed and direction for use in adjusting seabird density estimates (calculated from surveys at sea) for the effect of bird movement. We used triangulation at sea to estimate ground speeds of 1562 individuals of 98 species. Species sorted into 25 “groups” based on similarity in ground speeds and taxonomy. After they were controlled for differences inground speed, the 25 groups sorted into eight major “types” on the basis of response to wind speed and wind direction. Wind speed and direction explained 1664% of the variation in ground speed among seabird types. For analyses on air speed (ground speed minus apparent wind speed), we divided the 25 groups according to four flight styles: gliding, flap-gliding, glide-flapping and flapping. Tailwind speed had little effect on air speed of gliders (albatrosses and large gadfly petrels), but species that more often used flapping decreased air speed with increase in tailwinds. All species increased air speeds significantly with increased headwinds. Gliders showed the greatest increase relative to increase in headwind speed and flappers the least. With tailwind flight, air speeds were greatest among species with highest wing loading for each flight style except gliders, which showed no relationship. For headwind flight, species with higher wing loading had higher air speeds; however, the relation was weaker in flappers compared with species using some amount of gliding. In contrast, analyses for air speed ratio (i.e. difference between air speed in acrosswinds [with no apparent wind] and speed flown into headwinds, or with tailwinds, divided by speed acrosswind) revealed that among species using some flapping, and with lower wing loading (surface-feeding shearwaters, small gadfly petrels, storm petrels, phalaropes, gulls and terns), adjusted air speeds more than those with higher wing loading (alcids, “diving shearwaters”, “Manx-type shearwaters”, pelicans, boobies and cormorants). As a result, most flappers of low wing loading flew much faster than V_mr (the most energy efficient air speed per distance flown) when flying into headwinds. We suggest that better-than-predicted gliding performance with acrosswinds and tailwinds of large gadfly petrels, compared with albatrosses, resulted from a different type of “soaring” not previously described in seabirds.     

Phyllobothrium discopygi n. sp. (Cestoda: Tetraphyllidea) from Chile,with a critical comparison of the affinities of P. auricula van Beneden, 1858 and P. foliatum Linton, 1890

Phyllobothrium discopygi n. sp. is described from the spiral valve of Discopyge tschudi Heckel, 1846 (Torpedinidae) taken in the Pacific Ocean off Coquimbo, San Antonio and Antofagasta, Chile, Specimens are described from whole-mounts, sections and SEM. Phyllobothrium discopygi is distinguished from other tetraphyllidean cestodes of the genus Phyllobothrium van Beneden, 1849 by a bifurcate scolex with bothridia joined in pairs, short neck, testes number and distribution, and morphology of the vitelline follicles and ovary. Phyllobothrium foliatum Linton, 1890 is considered a junior synonym of P. auricula van Beneden, 1858 following comparisons of P. auricula from D. pastinaca, Linton's holotype of P. foliatum from D. centroura and fresh specimens from D. centroura taken in waters near Woods Hole, Massachusetts. A meristic comparison of the adult worms is presented.     

Factors affecting the number and mortality of seabirds attending trawlers and long-liners in the Kerguelen area

The factors affecting the number and the mortality rates of seabirds attending long-liners and trawlers fishing in the Kerguelen area were studied during four successive seasons (1994–1997), based on observations carried out onboard by dedicated observers. Twenty-four species of seabirds were observed attending fishing vessels, representing an average of 591 birds/census. The total numbers attending varied mainly according to the year, the cloud cover and the presence of offal from long-liners. The dumping of offal increased the numbers of birds attending the vessel, especially when the offal could be easily handled by birds. The activity of the vessels also affected the numbers attending, birds being more abundant during line setting and trawl hauling. White-chinned petrels were the most abundant ship-following seabirds, followed by black-browed albatrosses, giant petrels and cape petrels. The number of white-chinned petrels, black-browed and grey-headed albatrosses attending fishing vessels increased in the time between spring and autumn, whereas it was the reverse situation for giant petrels and cape petrels. Four species of seabirds were caught by fishing gear, mainly by long-lines: white-chinned petrels, and black-browed, grey-headed and wandering albatrosses. Taking into account the number of birds from each species attending long-liners and known to be potential by-catch, some species appear to be more susceptible to being caught than others. White-chinned and grey-headed albatrosses are caught in much higher proportions than the numbers present, whereas black-browed albatrosses are caught in lower numbers. Giant petrels are abundant around long-liners but were never caught. In long-liners, most birds were killed when the lines were set during the day or when the deployment of the scaring device was not successful, with an overall figure of 0.47 birds/1000 hooks. Only one albatross was caught when the lines were set during the night. White-chinned petrels represented 92.2% of all birds killed by long-liners. The number of birds caught varied significantly among months and among years. The type of bait used also affected the catch rate. The catch rate was related to the number of birds attending the long-liner only for black-browed albatrosses. Most birds killed by trawlers were entangled by the netsonde cable. The efficiency of mitigation measures in order to reduce seabird mortality is discussed and it is stressed that night setting is the most efficient way to reduce mortality and should be enforced everywhere when possible. However, further methods should be developed to reduce the mortality of species active at night, especially white-chinned petrels whose populations in the Indian Ocean may by threatened by long-line fisheries. Accepted: 15 October 1999     

Giant petrels as predators of albatross chicks

Giant petrels Macronectes spp. are not thought to be important predators of albatross chicks, although they are known to kill pre-fledging Thalassarche and Phoebetria albatrosses. We report the first records of predation of healthy great albatross Diomedea spp. chicks, killing wandering albatrosses D. exulans at night on sub-Antarctic Marion Island. Breeding success of this species has decreased markedly in the area where attacks occurred, suggesting that giant petrel predation events are a recent phenomenon. Mouse attacks on wandering albatross chicks may have contributed to the development of this hunting technique. We also report the first observations of giant petrel predation on pre-fledging grey-headed albatross T. chrysostoma chicks as well as additional records of sooty albatross P. fusca chicks being targeted. Only adult northern giant petrels M. halli have been confirmed to kill albatross chicks on Marion Island. Given the threatened status of wandering albatrosses, and the importance of Marion Island for this species, monitoring of their breeding success is necessary to assess whether the predation of chicks by giant petrels spreads around the island.     

Four closely related but forgotten species of Rhipidocotyle Diesing, 1858 (Digenea: Bucephalidae) in fishes from European seas

The following species of Rhipidocotyle are described: R. minima (Wagener, 1852) from Chelidonichthys gurnardus, C. lastoviza and Aspitrigla cuculus at various localities off the British Isles; R. nicolli n. sp. from A. cuculus off Plymouth, SW England; R. triglae (van Beneden, 1870) from C. lucernus in the Gulf of Marseilles, western Mediterranean; and R. viperae (van Beneden, 1870) from Echiichthys vipera at various localities off the British Isles. The distinguishing features of the species are discussed in detail. A list of the bucephalid species reported from the Mediterranean Sea is appended.