Effects of nest type and location on reproductive success of the Magellanic Penguin Spheniscus magellanicus

FRERE, E.; GANDINI, P.; & BOERSMA, P.

Marine Ornithology

South African Seabird Group

Año: 1992 vol. 20 p. 1 - 6

1018-3337

Nest type and location within the colony influenced egg and chick survival of the Magellanic Penguin (Spheniscus magellanicus) at Punta Tombo, Argentina. In a more central part of the colony, 6.3% of the eggs compared to 23.1% of the eggs in a more peripheral area were lost to predators. Reproductive success was higher in the central area (73.4%) than in the peripheral area (51.3%). Temperature decreased more slowly in burrows than in bushes at night, and more slowly in bushes than in burrows during the day. Burrows had the most constant thermal environment which reduced incubation time. Predation was highest in bush nests that provided little cover. Both bush and burrow nests had similar reproductive success.