BREEDING BIOLOGY OF TRISTRAM'S STORM-PETREL ON LAYSAN ISLAND

摘要: Breeding biology of Tristram's Storm-Petrels (Oceanodroma tristrami) was studied on Laysan Island in the Northwestern Hawaiian Islands from 3 February to 14 June 1991. Adults arrived mid-October November. Most egg laying occurred December and January hatching March. The young fledged late April early at 85-92 days age. Their growth rate best described by logistic curve. did not begin molt remiges until after breeding season. Eggs hatched only nine 27 nests (33%) found during incubation; five these hatchlings (56%). Abandonment rates were identical where we handled adults inspected eggs without handling adults. Because unattended destroyed quickly Finches (Telespiza cantans), suggest that co-occur with finches seldom neglect their as is common among other species storm-petrels. Modifications caused reaching into a burrow (e.g., widening entrance dislodging soil walls) may be perceived adult storm-petrels signal collapse. Received 17 Dec. 1991, accepted 1 1992. Storm-Petrel one least known northern hemisphere Its range restricted western central North Pacific Ocean, largest numbers (perhaps 2000-4000 pairs) occurring Nihoa, Laysan, Pearl Hermes Reef (Rauzon et al. 1985, Harrison 1990). Smaller nest Izu Volcano islands Japan. pelagic distribution thought confined waters near north expanse ocean between Hawaii Japan (Crossin 1974, AOU 1983, 1987). it winter when access remote difficult, little about its biology. Indeed, virtually all published accounts are based brief visits Ely Clapp 1973, Amerson Crossin Rauzon 1985) or inferences drawn hydrobatids (viz In this paper, describe aspects Islands. We also discuss how an endemic predator, Finch influence nesting success incubation behavior Lastly, present hypothesis why incubating so sensitive human disturbance.