Seabird Feeding Ecology

Abstract

When not tied to breeding colonies, seabirds can range over vast areas of sea in search of food, and, if necessary, migrate to avoid a hostile winter environment. As the onset of breeding approaches however, they must obtain enough food to undertake the journey to their breeding colonies. During the breeding season itself, in addition to finding food for themselves in the limited areas around colonies, they must find enough food for egg production; when the chicks hatch, they must bring back food of sufficient quality, and at sufficiently short intervals, to support their growing young until fledging. Many seabirds transport food by swallowing it into specially adapted crops or pouches, while others carry food in their bills. Procellariforms have substantially increased their ability to deliver energy to their young by manufacturing stomach oils which are fed directly to the chicks.