We examined digestive tract contents and nitrogen stable isotope ratios in breast muscles of northern fulmars (Fulmarus glacialis) salvaged from squid and large-mesh drift nets in the transitional North Pacific. Lantern fishes (Myctophidae) were the principal prey item found in the digestive tracts. Pieces of unidentified fishes (probably Pacific pomfret Brama japonica) and shredded squid tissue (probably neon flying squid Ommastrephes bartrami) indicate scavenging at fishing operations. Although soft-bodied prey such as Velella were not found in the digestive tracts, δ 15N values suggest that fulmars may feed heavily on such low trophic-level animals.
Citation Information
Publication Year | 1997 |
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Title | Foods of northern fulmars associated with high-seas drift nets in the transitional region of the North Pacific |
DOI | 10.2307/3536846 |
Authors | Patrick J. Gould, William Walker, Peggy H. Ostrom |
Publication Type | Article |
Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
Series Title | Northwestern Naturalist |
Index ID | 70184505 |
Record Source | USGS Publications Warehouse |
USGS Organization | Alaska Science Center |