Nocturnal Foraging by Peruvian Pelicans
Author Information
Author(s): Zavalaga Carlos B., Dell'Omo Giacomo, Becciu Paolo, Yoda Ken
Primary Institution: Graduate School of Environmental Studies, Nagoya University, Nagoya, Japan
Hypothesis
Do Peruvian pelicans actively feed at night or are they merely commuting during the night after foraging during the daytime?
Conclusion
The study demonstrates that Peruvian pelicans undertake nocturnal foraging trips, suggesting a strategy to reduce competition for food.
Supporting Evidence
- All instrumented pelicans undertook nocturnal trips during a 5–7 day tracking period.
- Eighty-seven percent of these trips were strictly nocturnal.
- Pelicans traveled south of the island for single-day trips at a maximum range of 82.8 km.
- Overall, 22% of the tracking period was spent at sea.
- Pelicans spent 77% of the trip time in floating bouts interspersed by short flying bouts.
Takeaway
Peruvian pelicans go out to find food at night instead of just during the day, which helps them avoid competition with other birds.
Methodology
GPS dataloggers were used to track the foraging movements and activities of five incubating Peruvian pelicans over a 5–7 day period.
Potential Biases
Potential bias due to the small sample size and short tracking duration.
Limitations
The study tracked a small number of birds during a short period, which may limit the generalizability of the results.
Participant Demographics
Five incubating Peruvian pelicans from Isla Lobos de Tierra, Perú.
Statistical Information
P-Value
p<0.001
Statistical Significance
p<0.05
Digital Object Identifier (DOI)
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