University of Tasmania
Browse

File(s) not publicly available

Moult in adult Royal Penguins, Eudyptes schlegel

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-16, 13:03 authored by Hull, CL, J Wilson, Kirsten le MarKirsten le Mar
Mass change during moult was measured in Royal Penguins at Macquarie Island during 1995, in order to estimate the energetic costs and prey-consumption rates required to fuel the moult. Masses of 30 birds were taken during each of the following stages: upon their return from the pre-moult foraging trips; in the middle of the moult; and at the completion of moulting. During the 36-day pre-moult foraging trip individuals increased in mass by 3 kg, accumulating 83.3 g day-1. The moult lasted 28 days and 99% of birds moulted at their breeding sites. During moult birds lost 46-47% of their pre-moult mass, with males expending an estimated 57997 kJ and females 57229 kJ during this period. It was estimated that 1.39 × 107 kg of food are required to fuel this stage in the life cycle of Royal Penguins at Macquarie Island, which therefore constitutes an important component of their overall energy budget.

History

Publication title

Emu

Volume

101

Pagination

173-176

ISSN

0158-4197

Department/School

Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies

Publisher

CSIRO Publishing

Place of publication

Collingwood, Australia

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Assessment and management of coastal and estuarine ecosystems

Usage metrics

    University Of Tasmania

    Exports

    RefWorks
    BibTeX
    Ref. manager
    Endnote
    DataCite
    NLM
    DC