Seasonal and annual variation in the diet of breeding and non-breeding Wilson's storm-petrels on King George Island, South Shetland Islands - Research portal of Justus Liebig University Giessen:

Journal article

Seasonal and annual variation in the diet of breeding and non-breeding Wilson's storm-petrels on King George Island, South Shetland Islands

Authors list: Quillfeldt, P

Publication year: 2002

Pages: 216-221

Journal: Polar Biology

Volume number: 25

Issue number: 3

ISSN: 0722-4060

DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00300-001-0332-0

Publisher: Springer

Abstract:
The diet of breeding and non-breeding Wilson's storm-petrels (Oceanites oceanicus) was analysed over four breeding seasons on King George Island, South Shetland Islands, in order to test if there are changes in diet composition within and between seasons. Krill was the most important food item, followed by myctophid fish and amphipods. Breeding birds showed a clear seasonal pattern of diet, with krill decreasing and alternative prey increasing from the incubation to the chick-rearing period. Non-breeders were not found to change their diet composition. The data suggest that Wilson's storm-petrels selectively choose alternative prey to krill in order to meet the nutrient demands of their chicks. In years of low food availability, Wilson's storm-petrels may have a limited option of prey choice.

Authors/Editors

- Uni.-Prof. Dr. Petra Quillfeldt

Citation Styles

Harvard Citation style: Quillfeldt, P. (2002) Seasonal and annual variation in the diet of breeding and non-breeding Wilson's storm-petrels on King George Island, South Shetland Islands, Polar Biology, 25(3), pp. 216-221. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00300-001-0332-0

APA Citation style: Quillfeldt, P. (2002). Seasonal and annual variation in the diet of breeding and non-breeding Wilson's storm-petrels on King George Island, South Shetland Islands. Polar Biology. 25(3), 216-221. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00300-001-0332-0