Beach Attendance in Magellanic Penguins Spheniscus magellanicus

摘要: Seabirds depend on a variety of terrestrial habitats during the part their life cycle that they spend land. Understanding temporal patterns use these provides insights into ecological requirements, and ultimately helps to direct efforts ensure birds' protection. We investigated Magellanic penguin Spheniscus magellanicus beach attendance at Punta Tombo, Argentina, three breeding seasons understand habitat by juveniles adults in season, day response physical stressors. found beaches colony are actively used season. The number penguins increased as season progressed for both adults, but differed. Juveniles arrived later numbers reflected moulting cycle. In all years, left late January, consistent with pre-moult foraging trip. Adult penguins, other hand, attended larger hot days, suggesting breeders avoid high inland temperatures. More were afternoons, which probably reflects pattern. However, juvenile counts less variable between mornings afternoons than adult counts, indicating more even juveniles. Beaches provide an alternative several key functions throughout age status ambient temperature. Our study highlights importance surrounding colonies guidance spatial layout reserves where occur.