Prevalence of three-chick nests in Adelie Penguins Pygoscelis adeliae at Cape Crozier, Ross Island
In 2017/18, we recorded multiple instances of Adelie Penguin Pygoscelis adeliae nests containing three chicks at Cape Crozier, Ross Island, Antarctica. In one sub-colony, 0.67 % of nests had three chicks, or two chicks and one egg. We found that some Adelie Penguin pairs were willing to brood three chicks, as well as chicks that were not their own. Many factors could lead to supra-normal clutches and broods, including foreign eggs added to a nest, adoption of chicks belonging to other parents, and double-yolked eggs. In order to understand the true cost of colonial breeding in large Adelie Penguin colonies and to assess the source of chicks or eggs in supra-normal clutches and broods, we conclude that future studies should examine the frequency of supra-normal clutches and broods and analyze the genetics of chicks within sub-colonies.
Citation Information
Publication Year | 2019 |
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Title | Prevalence of three-chick nests in Adelie Penguins Pygoscelis adeliae at Cape Crozier, Ross Island |
Authors | Virginia Morandini, Amelie Lescröel, Dennis Jongsomjit, Suzanne Winquist, Annie Schmidt, Grant Ballard, Peter Kappes, Katie Dugger |
Publication Type | Article |
Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
Series Title | Marine Ornithology: Journal of Seabird Research and Conservation |
Index ID | 70215265 |
Record Source | USGS Publications Warehouse |
USGS Organization | Coop Res Unit Seattle |