The status of breeding birds at Harmony Point, Nelson Island, South Shetland Islands, Antarctica in summer 1995-96

SILVA MP, M FAVERO, R CASAUX & A BARONI.

MARINE ORNITHOLOGY

Año: 1998 vol. 26 p. 75 - 78

1018-3337

A survey of breeding birds was carried out in summer 1995/96 at Harmony Point, Site of Special Scientific Interest No. 14, Nelson Island, South Shetland Islands, Antarctica. A total of 12 species was recorded: Gentoo Penguin Pygoscelis papua (3347 breeding pairs), Chinstrap Penguin P. antarctica (89 685), Southern Giant Petrel Macronectes giganteus (746), Pintado or Cape Petrel Daption capense (479), Wilson’s Storm Petrel Oceanites oceanicus and Black-bellied Storm Petrel Fregetta tropica (10 3), Imperial Cormorant Phalacrocorax atriceps (45), Kelp Gull Larus dominicanus (128), Subantarctic Skua Catharacta antarctica(61), South Polar Skua C. maccormicki (10), Antarctic Tern Sterna vittata (173) and Greater Sheathbill Chionis alba (144). Population size and distribution of species breeding in the area are updated and possible factors related to changes occurring during a short time period discussed.