Repeated observations of a Cape gannet Morus capensis on the coast of Patagonia, Argentina

REBSTOCK, G. A.; AGÜERO, M. L.; BOERSMA, P. D.; EBERT, L. A.; GÓMEZ LAICH, A.; LISNIZER, N.; SVAGELJ, W. S.; TRIVELLINI, M. M.

OSTRICH

NATL INQUIRY SERVICES CENTRE PTY LTD

Año: 2010 vol. 81 p. 167 - 169

0030-6525

The Cape Gannet Morus capensis is a seabird endemic to southern Africa, breeding at only six localities, three in Namibia and three in South Africa. In spite of this relatively restricted distribution, vagrants of this species have been reported in Australia, New Zealand, Amsterdam Island (Indian Ocean), Spain, Argentina, Brazil, and Perú. During the 2007/2008 and 2008/2009 austral breeding seasons an adult Cape Gannet was sighted by several people at Punta Tombo (44º03´S, 65º18´W) and Punta León (43º05´S, 64º30´W), Argentina. In both locations, the bird was identified as an adult gannet by its shape, white body plumage, yellowish-buff head, and green lines on the legs and feet. The Cape Gannet was always close to or in a colony of Imperial Cormorants Phalacrocorax atriceps or a mixed colony of Imperial Cormorants and Rock Shags P. magellanicus. Our sightings of only one Cape Gannet at a time within a few weeks of each other in 2007 and 2008 were probably of the same individual. We also think it likely that it was the same individual in both years at the cormorant colonies.