And the Atlantic Puffin (Fratercula Arctica)

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

And the Atlantic Puffin (Fratercula Arctica) ENERGY METABOLISM IN THE LOCOMOTOR MUSCLES OF THE COMMON MURRE (URIA AALGE) AND THE ATLANTIC PUFFIN (FRATERCULA ARCTICA) M. BENJAMIN DAVIS AND HELGA GUDERLEY D•partementde biologie,Universit• Laval, Quebec, Quebec GIK 7P4, Canada ABSTRACT.--Tocompare the metabolicsystems that supportthe combinationof flying and diving with thoseused to supportburst flying and sustainedflying, myoglobinconcentrations and maximum enzyme activitieswere determined for selectedenzymes of glycolysis,the Krebs cycle, and amino acid metabolism in the pectoral, supracoracoideus,and sartorius musclesof the Common Murre (Uria aalge),Atlantic Puffin (Fraterculaarctica), Rock Dove (Columbalivia; hereafter "pigeon"), and Ring-neckedPheasant (Phasianus colchicus). Glycolytic enzyme levels in the flight muscleswere lower in the murre and the puffin than in the pheasant,while both glycolyticand Krebs-cycleenzyme levels resembledthose in the pigeon. We believe puffinsand murresdo not rely extensivelyon anaerobicglycolysis during diving. In concordancewith a role in oxygenstorage for diving, the levels of myoglobin in the flight musclesof murres and puffins were higher than those in pigeons or pheasants.They were lower than publishedvalues for penguins,however. In contrastto the trends for pigeon and pheasant muscles,the alcid sartorius muscleshad a considerably lower aerobic orientation than the flight muscles.Received 21 November1986, accepted 9 June1987. IN birds a high anaerobiccapacity, as indi- dives (Scholander 1940), voluntary dives in catedby typesand levels of glycolyticenzymes, ponds are aerobic(Butler and Woakes 1984) and is correlated positively with locomotory pat- free-ranging dives are generally short (re- ternsdemanding burst flying, extensivediving, viewed by Baldwin et al. 1984).The studiesthat or quick maneuvering (Wilson et al. 1963,Kies- established the correlation between diving sling 1977,Mill and Baldwin 1983,Baldwin et depth and glycolyticcapacity for penguins(Mill al. 1984).During theseactivities oxygen tension and Baldwin 1983, Baldwin et al. 1984), how- in musclemay be reducedto the point where ever, did not directly compareenzyme activities ATP is produced from substrate-level phos- in penguinswith thosein terrestrial birds with phorylations coupled to lactateproduction. An- varying locomotorstrategies. The need for such aerobicglycolysis seems the primary sourceof an integrated approach is underlined by the ATP during flight for burst fliers like the Ring- data from mammals. Although early studies necked Pheasant (Phasianuscolchicus; Wilson et suggestedthat diving mammalshad exception- al. 1963, Kiessling 1977). Similarly, the take-off, al glycolytic capacities(Simon et al. 1974), an hovering,and quick directionalchanges of Rock extensive comparison of pyruvate kinase and Doves (Columbalivia; hereafter "pigeon") are lactate dehydrogenaselevels in terrestrial and thought to be anaerobically supported (Pen- marine mammals showed no differences (Cas- nycuick 1968, Parker and George 1975). The tellini et al. 1981).In addition, becauseenzyme functionalutility of the high glycolyticcapacity activities are markedly affected by assaycon- of diving birds is less clear. Anaerobic glycol- ditions,simultaneous determination of enzyme ysiscould fully supportdiving, in analogywith activities in the different speciesis a prerequi- pheasant flight, or it could permit rapid direc- site for rigorous comparison. tional changesduring diving, in analogy with Severalalcid speciesare the ecologicalcoun- pigeonflight. Deeper-divingbirds also may have terparts of penguins in the Northern Hemi- a greater glycolytic capacityrelative to shallow- sphere. Two of these, the Atlantic Puffin (Fra- diving birds as a backup system proportional tercula arctica) and the Common Murre (Uria to the depths to which they dive. While most aalge),dive to depths of 60 m and 180 m, re- penguin specieshave anaerobiccapacities that spectively (Piatt and Nettleship 1985), using are proportional to their diving depths (Bald- their wings and legs for propulsion and steer- win et al. 1984) and show marked bradycardia ing (Tuck 1961,Spring 1971).Besides being pro- and lactateproduction during forcedlaboratory ficient divers, the alcids migrate over long dis- 733 The Auk 104: 733-739. October 1987 734 DAVISAND GUDERLEY [Auk,Vol. 104 tancesfrom overwintering areas at sea to land shooting as they surfaced (Environment Canada/Ca- for the breeding season.Just as their morphol- nadian Wildlife Permit ASK 18-84 and with the per- ogy representsa compromise between the op- mission of the Newfoundland Wildlife Division). The posingrequirements of diving and flying, their carcasseswere placed in -2øC seawaterduring trans- port back to the wharf (maximum 2 h). There tissues metabolicorganization must be compatiblewith were dissected,wrapped in aluminum foil, and fro- both. For alcids flying and diving are closely zen in 2-methylbutane (EastmanKodak, Rochester, associatedactivities. During the breeding sea- New York) previously chilled in a liquid nitrogen son, foraging dives are sandwiched between bath. Samples were stored at -25øC until assayed. flights between the nest and feeding areas(Har- Five pheasantsand 5 pigeonswere obtainedlive from ris and Hislop 1978). commercialsuppliers, decapitated,and dissectedim- We examined the metabolic organization of mediately. Tissueswere stored as above. the locomotormuscles in puffins and tourresto Enzymeassays.--Muscle samples were freed of con- elucidate the metabolic strategiesthat support nectivetissue and fat, weighed, mincedwith a scalpel, the combinationof diving and flying. To com- and homogenizedwith a Polytron (Brinkman Instru- ments) for 30 s in 10 ml/g ice-cold extraction buffer. pare the metaboliccapacities of thesealcids with For all enzymes except NADP+-linked isocitratede- those of birds whose metabolic strategies are hydrogenase,the extraction buffer was 50 mM im- reasonablywell defined, we studied the Ring- idazole-HC1, 50 mM KC1, 1 mM EDTA, 2 mM 2-mer- necked Pheasant, a burst flyer (Wilson et al. captoethanol(omitted for citrate synthaseassay), pH 1963, Kiessling 1977), and the pigeon, a bird 7.4. For NADP+-linked isocitratedehydrogenase, the capable of sustainedflight (Pennycuick 1968, extraction buffer was 50 mM Pipes [piperazine-NN'- Parker and George 1975).Our specificaims were bis(2-ethanesuphonicacid)], 10 mM MgCI2, 5 mM to compare the metabolic systemsthat support 2-mercaptoethanol,1 mM EDTA, 5 mM MnC12,2 mM extensiveflying and diving with those used to ADP, 5 M glycerol, 0.1 mM phenylmethylsulphonyl support burst or sustainedflying, to examine fluoride, pH 7.4. The homogenatewas centrifugedat whether glycolyticcapacity was proportional to 25,000 x g for 40 min at 4øC(600 x g for 3 min for NADP + isocitratedehydrogenase) in a Sorvall SS-34 diving depth in these alcids, and to compare rotor. The supernatantwas used immediately for the the metabolic organization of the major flight assays.All biochemicalswere obtained from Sigma muscles(pectoral and supracoracoideus)and an ChemicalCo. (St. Louis, Missouri).Enzymes were as- important leg muscle (sartorius) becauseboth sayed with a UV/Vis recording spectrophotometer wings and legs are used in underwater pro- (Varian Cary 210).The cuvettetemperature was main- pulsion. tained at 38 +_ 0.5øCthroughout the assaysusing a Puffinsand tourresare logisticallydifficult to circulatingwater bath.Determinations of activitywere obtain, making determination of in situ meta- done in triplicate. Enzyme activities are expressedas bolic flux impossible.Instead, we measuredthe •tmol of substrate transformed.min •.g • wet mass maximal activitiesof glycolyticand Krebs-cycle of tissue.Enzymes were assayedby following changes in absorbanceat 340 nm, exceptcitrate synthase, which enzymesto assessanaerobic and aerobicpoten- wasassayed at 412 nm. Preliminary experimentswere tial; this has been done in previous studies,in- run to determine the substrate concentrations re- cluding those on penguins (Crabtree and quired to give maximal activities. All pH values were Newsholme 1972,Kiessling 1977, Castellini and adjustedat 38øC.The compositionof the reactionmix- Somero 1981, Mill and Baldwin 1983, Baldwin tures is given below. et al. 1984). We measured myoglobin concen- Aldolase(ALD) (E.C. 4.1.2.13): 0.2 mM NADH, 1.5 trations as an indication of the oxygen stores mM fructose-l,6-bisphosphate, 50 mM triethanol- availableto the muscles(Weber et al. 1974,Pages amine/HC1, excess glycerol-3-phosphatedehydro- and Planas1983) and the levels of enzymesthat genase,triose phosphateisomerase, pH 7.4. Fructose- 1,6-bisphosphatewas omitted for the control.Pyruvate contributeintermediates to the Krebscycle. Be- kinase(PK) (E.C. 2.7.1.40):100 mM KC1,10 mM MgC12, cause we worked with frozen tissues, we mea- 0.2 mM NADH, 5 mM ADP, 5 mM phosphoenolpy- sured only enzymes that are stable to freezing ruvate, 50 mM triethanolamine/HC1, excess lactate (Farrar and Farrar 1983). dehydrogenase,pH 7.4. Phosphoenolpyruvatewas omitted for the control. Lactatedehydrogenase (LDH) MATERIALS AND METHODS (E.C. 1.1.1.27):0.2 mM NADH, 1.5 mM pyruvate for pheasantand pigeon muscleand 2 mM pyruvatefor Experimentalanimals.--Five Common Murres and 5 murre and puffin muscle, 50 mM triethanolamine/ Atlantic Puffins were collectedin early July 1984 at HC1, pH 7.4. Pyruvate was omitted for the control. Witless Bay, Newfoundland (47ø15'N, 52ø40'W) by Citratesynthase (CS) (E.C. 4.1.3.7): 50 mM triethanol- October1987] MetabolicAdaptations toDiving
Recommended publications
  • St Kilda World Heritage Site: Statement of Outstanding Universal Value
    St Kilda World Heritage Site: Statement of Outstanding Universal Value Adopted by UNESCO World Heritage Committee Thirty-seventh session, Phnom Penh, Cambodia, June 2013 http://whc.unesco.org/en/list/387 Property St Kilda State Party United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland Id. N° 387bis Date of inscription 1986 – 2004 - 2005 Brief synthesis The tiny archipelago of St Kilda, lying off the west coast of mainland Scotland, is breathtaking. Formed from the rim of an ancient volcano associated with the opening up of the North Atlantic some 65-52 million years ago, the intensely dramatic, jagged landscape of towering cliffs – some of the highest sea cliffs in Europe – and sea stacks present stark black precipitous faces plunging from steep grass-green slopes in excess of 375m. Scenically, every element appears vertical, except the smooth amphitheatre of Village Bay on Hirta with its relict historic landscape. Exposure to some of the greatest wave heights and strongest wind speeds in Europe plays a major role in shaping the coastal ecology. With nearly one million seabirds present at the height of the breeding season, St Kilda supports the largest seabird colony in the north-east Atlantic, its size and diversity of global significance making it a seabird sanctuary without parallel in Europe. The very high bird densities that occur in this relatively small area, conditioned by the complex and different ecological niches existing in the site and the productivity of the surrounding sea, make St Kilda unique. Of particular significance are the populations of Northern Gannet, Atlantic Puffin and Northern Fulmar.
    [Show full text]
  • Tufted Puffin
    Interpretative Fact Sheet Tufted Puffin (Fratercula cirrhata) The following short article is from the Oregon Coast 101 Species collection used by the Guide and Outfitter Recognized Professional (GORP) training program. These articles are intended to provide interesting facts you can share with your clientele and add value to your services. An Interpretive Fact Sheet has been written about each species. We are currently uploading these blogs and creating the links. Come visit us! Tourism and Business Development College of Business, Oregon State University Extension - Oregon Sea Grant at http://tourism.oregonstate.edu/ Guide and Outfitter Recognized Professional Program https://www.GORPguide.org For more information about the GORP training program see: https://www.gorpguide.org/become-a-gorp-certified-guide Tufted Puffin (Fratercula cirrhata) tourism.oregonstate.edu/tufted-puffin-fratercula-cirrhata/ By colliek2 August 28, 2020 ‘Small Axe’ The tufted puffin is a familiar bird on the Russian and U.S. Pacific coasts. In Russia it is known as ‘toporok’ meaning “small axe.” Not only is this a nod to the shape of the bill but also to one of the main breeding sites, Kamen Toporkov (“Tufted Puffin Rock”) which is an islet offshore Bering Island. Mature, breeding adult Tufted Puffin (royalty free Unsplash) Local Finds We don’t have to go to Russia to see them as they are also found in our backyards (so to speak). This recognizable seabird nests on Oregon headland such as Cape Mears, Cape Lookout, Cape Foulweather, Yaquina Head, and further north at Three Arch Rocks. 1/4 Recognizing The large triangular red-orange bill is definitely unique and is most visible on breeding adults during the summer reproductive season.
    [Show full text]
  • Scotland 2014 Outer Hebrides & the Highlands
    Scotland 2014 Outer Hebrides & the Highlands 22 May – 7 June 2014 St Kilda Wren, Hirta, St Kilda, Scotland, 30 May 2014 (© Vincent van der Spek) Vincent van der Spek, July 2014 1 highlights Red Grouse (20), Ptarmigan (4-5), Black Grouse (5), American Wigeon (1), Long- tailed Duck (5), three divers in summer plumage: Great Northern (c. 25), Red- throated (dozens) and Black-throated (1), Slavonian Grebe (1), 10.000s of Gannets and 1000s of Fulmars, Red Kite (5), Osprey (2 different nests), White-tailed Eagle (8), Golden Eagle (1), Merlin (2), Corncrake (2), the common Arctic waders in breeding habitat, Dotterel (1), Pectoral Sandpiper (1), sum plum Red-necked Phalarope (2), Great Skua (c. 125), Glaucous Gull (1), Puffin (c. 20.000), Short- eared Owl (1), Rock Dove (many), St Kilda Wren (8), other ssp. from the British Isles (incl. Wren Dunnock and Song Thrush from the Hebrides), Ring Ouzel (4), Scottish Crossbill (9), Snow Bunting (2), Risso’s Dolphin (4), Otter (1). missed species Capercaillie, ‘Irish’ Dipper ssp. hibernicus, the hoped for passage of Long-tailed and Pomarine Skuas, Midgets. Ptarmigan, male, Cairn Gorm, Highlands, Scotland, 3 June 2014 (© Vincent van der Spek) 2 introduction Keete suggested Scotland as a holiday destination several times in the past, so after I dragged her to many tropical destinations instead it was about time we went to the northern part of the British Isles. And I was not to be disappointed! Scotland really is a beautiful place, with great people. Both on the isles, with its wild and sometimes desolate vibe and very friendly folks and in the highlands, there seemed to be a stunning view behind every stunning view.
    [Show full text]
  • Biological Monitoring at Aiktak Island, Alaska in 2016
    AMNWR 2017/02 BIOLOGICAL MONITORING AT AIKTAK ISLAND, ALASKA IN 2016 Sarah M. Youngren, Daniel C. Rapp, and Nora A. Rojek Key words: Aiktak Island, Alaska, Aleutian Islands, ancient murrelet, Cepphus columba, common murre, double-crested cormorant, fork-tailed storm-petrel, Fratercula cirrhata, Fratercula corniculata, glaucous-winged gull, horned puffin, Larus glaucescens, Leach’s storm-petrel, Oceanodroma furcata, Oceanodroma leucorhoa, pelagic cormorant, Phalacrocorax auritus, Phalacrocorax pelagicus, Phalacrocorax urile, pigeon guillemot, population trends, productivity, red-faced cormorant, Synthliboramphus antiquus, thick-billed murre, tufted puffin, Uria aalge, Uria lomvia. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge 95 Sterling Highway, Suite 1 Homer, AK 99603 January 2017 Cite as: Youngren, S. M., D. C. Rapp, and N. A. Rojek. 2017. Biological monitoring at Aiktak Island, Alaska in 2016. U.S. Fish and Wildl. Serv. Rep., AMNWR 2017/02. Homer, Alaska. Tufted puffins flying along the southern coast of Aiktak Island, Alaska. TABLE OF CONTENTS Page INTRODUCTION ........................................................................................................................................... 1 STUDY AREA ............................................................................................................................................... 1 METHODS ...................................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Breeding Biology of the Horned Puffin on St. Lawrence Island, Bering Sea, with Zoogeographical Notes on the North Pacific Puffins I
    Pacific Science (1973), Vol. 27, No.2, p. 99-119 Printed in Great Britain Breeding Biology of the Horned Puffin on St. Lawrence Island, Bering Sea, with Zoogeographical Notes on the North Pacific Puffins I SPENCER G. SEALY' THE HORNED PUFFIN (Fratercula corniculata) is one of six species ofalcids which regularly nest on Sevuokuk Mountain, 3 km east of Gambell on St. Lawrence Island, Alaska (Fig. 1). During the summers of 1966 and 1967, I conducted on this island a study of the breeding ecology of three of these species, the Parakeet Auklet (Cyc/orrf?ynchuspsittacula), Crested Auklet (Aethia cristatella), and Least Auklet (A. pusilla) (see Sealy, 1968). During these summers some ob­ servations on the breeding biology of the Horn­ ed Puffin were obtained and are reported here. The only life history study ofthis species which spans the entire breeding season is that of Swartz (1966) in the Cape Thompson region, Alaska, some 560 km north of St. Lawrence Island (Fig. 2). Numerous studies of the biology of the con­ generic Common Puffin (Fratercula arctica) of the Atlantic and Arctic oceans are available (e.g., Lockley, 1953; Be1opol'skii, 1957; Uspen­ ski, 1958; Myrberget, 1959, 1961, 1962; Kartas­ chew, 1960; Nettleship, 1972; and others) and some of these will be utilized here for compara­ tive purposes. When available, comparative ob­ servations on the breeding biology of the other Pacific puffins, the Rhinoceros Auklet (Ceror­ hinca monocerata), which is actually a puffin (Storer, 1945), and the Tufted Puffin (Lunda cirrhata) will also be included. DISTRIBUTION The breeding distribution of the Horned Puffin has been mapped recently by Udvardy (1963: 105).
    [Show full text]
  • Skomer Island Puffin Factsheet
    Skomer Island Puffin Factsheet The Atlantic Puffin is the best-known of the British auks – its colourful and slightly clown-like appear- ance makes it immediately recognisable. The Puffin’s short wings are used for ‘flying’ under- water in search of fish; large wings would be a dis- advantage but small wings make flying in the air rather more difficult and the birds must beat their wings rapidly to stay aloft. The Puffin’s beak is only distinctively-coloured in summer; the large red and grey scutes or horny plates together with the fleshy yellow rosette in the corner of the mouth are grown late winter for use in display. After the breeding season they are moulted. The winter bill is relative- ly small and constricted at the base, and blackish in colour as is the face. Populations Formerly much more common in southern Brit- ain, there are now few Puffin colonies south of the Scottish border. Unfortunately, their numbers across the UK and Europe have plummeted leading to the species declared vulnerable to global extinction, with further declines of be- tween 50-79% estimated by 2065. Warming seas, caused by climate change and overfishing, affecting Puffins’ food sources are thought to be one of the main threats to this bird species. The Wildlife Trust’s Skokholm and Skomer Islands play a vital part to the Puffin population and although the species is declining in other parts of the world, incredibly 2017’s Puffin count on Skomer came up as the highest since modern records began with a whopping 25,227 individuals.
    [Show full text]
  • The Development of Ornithology on St Kilda
    á á A St Kildan and his catch of fulmars. (Photograph N. Rankin) tt, Natural Environment Research ACouncil Institute of TerrestrialEcology Birds of St Kilda M P. Harris S Murray å 1 INSMUTE OF TERRESTRIALECOLOGY LIBRARY !,3ERVICE I EDIN3ti RGH LAB 0 RA TO ::.i;ES BUSH ESTATE, PEMCUi'K 1 m0 I nTHLANEH25 00 B London: Her Majesty's StationeryOffice INSTITUTE OF TERRESTRIAL ECOLOGY © Crown copyright 1989 LIBRARY First published in 1978 by SERVICE Institute of Terrestrial Ecology Second impression with minor corrections 1989 7 MAR 1990 ISBN 0 11 701423 0 p COVER PHOTOGRAPHS (M. P. Harris) StIt k--1/4 %AS O Right Puffin ccuxeciitt 04 t :9) Top left Boreray and the Stacs Lower left Gannets Half title A St Kildan and his catch of fulmars (Photograph N. Rankin) Frontispiece Top section of the main gannet cliff below the summit of Boreray, July 1975 (Photograph M. P. Harris) The INSTITUTE OF TERRESTRIAL ECOLOGY is one of 15 component and grant-aided research organizations within the Natural Environment Research Council. The Institute is part of the Terrestrial and Freshwater Sciences Directorate, and was established in 1973 by the merger of the research stations of the Nature Conservancy with the Institute of Tree Biology. It has been at the forefront of .ecological research ever since. The six research stations of the Institute provide a ready access to sites and to environmental and ecological problems in any part of Britain. In addition to the broad environmental knowledge and experience expected of the modern ecologist, each station has a range of special expertise and facilities.
    [Show full text]
  • SHOREBIRDS (Charadriiformes*) CARE MANUAL *Does Not Include Alcidae
    SHOREBIRDS (Charadriiformes*) CARE MANUAL *Does not include Alcidae CREATED BY AZA CHARADRIIFORMES TAXON ADVISORY GROUP IN ASSOCIATION WITH AZA ANIMAL WELFARE COMMITTEE Shorebirds (Charadriiformes) Care Manual Shorebirds (Charadriiformes) Care Manual Published by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums in association with the AZA Animal Welfare Committee Formal Citation: AZA Charadriiformes Taxon Advisory Group. (2014). Shorebirds (Charadriiformes) Care Manual. Silver Spring, MD: Association of Zoos and Aquariums. Original Completion Date: October 2013 Authors and Significant Contributors: Aimee Greenebaum: AZA Charadriiformes TAG Vice Chair, Monterey Bay Aquarium, USA Alex Waier: Milwaukee County Zoo, USA Carol Hendrickson: Birmingham Zoo, USA Cindy Pinger: AZA Charadriiformes TAG Chair, Birmingham Zoo, USA CJ McCarty: Oregon Coast Aquarium, USA Heidi Cline: Alaska SeaLife Center, USA Jamie Ries: Central Park Zoo, USA Joe Barkowski: Sedgwick County Zoo, USA Kim Wanders: Monterey Bay Aquarium, USA Mary Carlson: Charadriiformes Program Advisor, Seattle Aquarium, USA Sara Perry: Seattle Aquarium, USA Sara Crook-Martin: Buttonwood Park Zoo, USA Shana R. Lavin, Ph.D.,Wildlife Nutrition Fellow University of Florida, Dept. of Animal Sciences , Walt Disney World Animal Programs Dr. Stephanie McCain: AZA Charadriiformes TAG Veterinarian Advisor, DVM, Birmingham Zoo, USA Phil King: Assiniboine Park Zoo, Canada Reviewers: Dr. Mike Murray (Monterey Bay Aquarium, USA) John C. Anderson (Seattle Aquarium volunteer) Kristina Neuman (Point Blue Conservation Science) Sarah Saunders (Conservation Biology Graduate Program,University of Minnesota) AZA Staff Editors: Maya Seaman, MS, Animal Care Manual Editing Consultant Candice Dorsey, PhD, Director of Animal Programs Debborah Luke, PhD, Vice President, Conservation & Science Cover Photo Credits: Jeff Pribble Disclaimer: This manual presents a compilation of knowledge provided by recognized animal experts based on the current science, practice, and technology of animal management.
    [Show full text]
  • Merlewood RESEARCH and DEVELOPMENT PAPER No 84 A
    ISSN 0308-3675 MeRLEWOOD RESEARCH AND DEVELOPMENT PAPER No 84 A BIBLIOGRAPHICALLY-ANNOTATED CHECKLIST OF THE BIRDS OF SAETLAND by NOELLE HAMILTON Institute of Terrestrial Ecology Merlewood Research Station Grange-over-Sands Cumbria England LA11 6JU November 1981 TABLE OF CONTENTS INTRODUCTION 1-4 ACKNOWLELZEMENTS 4 MAIN TEXT Introductory Note 5 Generic Index (Voous order) 7-8 Entries 9-102 BOOK SUPPUNT Preface 103 Book List 105-125 APPENDIX I : CHECKLIST OF THE BIRDS OF SBETLAND Introductar y Note 127-128 Key Works : Books ; Periodicals 129-130 CHECKLI5T 131-142 List of Genera (Alphabetical) 143 APPENDICES 11 - X : 'STATUS' IJSTS Introductory Note 145 11 BREEDING .SPECIES ; mainly residem 146 111 BREEDING SPECIES ; regular migrants 147 N NON-BREEDING SPECIES ; regular migrants 148 V NON=BREEDING SPECIES ; nationally rare migrants 149-150 VI NON-BREEDING SPECIES ; locally rare migrants 151 VII NON-BREEDING SPECIES : rare migrants - ' escapes ' ? 152 VIII SPECIES RECORDED IN ERROR 153 I IX INTRDWCTIONS 154 X EXTINCTIONS 155 T1LBLE 157 INTRODUCTION In 1973, in view of the impending massive impact which the then developing North Sea oil industry was likely to have on the natural environment of the Northern Isles, the Institute of Terrestrial Ecology was commissioned iy the Nature Conservancy Council to carry out an ecological survey of Shetland. In order to be able to predict the long-term effects of the exploitation of this important and valuable natural resource it was essential to amass as much infarmation as passible about the biota of the area, hence the need far an intensive field survey. Subsequently, a comprehensive report incorporating the results of the Survey was produced in 21 parts; this dealt with all aspects of the research done in the year of the Survey and presented, also, the outline of a monitoring programme by the use of which it was hoped that any threat to the biota might be detected in time to enable remedial action to be initiated.
    [Show full text]
  • TUFTED PUFFIN Fratercula Cirrhata
    Alaska Seabird Information Series TUFTED PUFFIN Fratercula cirrhata Conservation Status ALASKA: Not At Risk N. AMERICAN: Moderate Concern GLOBAL: Least Concern Breed Eggs Incubation Fledge Nest Feeding Behavior Diet May-Sept 1 40-53 d 45-55 d burrow, crevice surface dive fish, squid, other invertebrates Life History and Distribution Tufted puffins (Fratercula cirrhata) are highly decorative seabirds. Breeding adults have huge orange bills, legs, and feet, white faces, and long golden feather tufts that curl back from each side of the head. In late summer, they lose their tufts and the bright colors of the bill turn to a dull reddish-brown. Diet is one of the fascinating details of Tufted Puffin st ur biology. Chicks are fed almost entirely tiny fish which the wh parents catch underwater and collect, lined up head to tail, De nna across their bills. They routinely hold 5-20 fish in their o mouths while returning to the nest. Puffins use their S D tongues to hold the fish against the spiny palate in their mouths while opening their bill to catch more fish. USFW This species prefers high, steep areas for nesting. Although they are about the size of a crow, they are twice Alaska Seasonal Distribution as heavy with short, stubby wings. The wings are used for AK Region Sp S F W “flying” underwater in pursuit of food; this same feature Southeastern * U U U R makes them poor aerial flyers. Tall cliffs make for easy Southcoastal * C C C R take-offs and give newly fledged puffins assistance in Southwestern * C C C U getting up enough airspeed for their first flight.
    [Show full text]
  • Isle of May National Nature Reserve Annual Report 2017
    ISLE OF MAY NATIONAL NATURE RESERVE ANNUAL REPORT 2017 Bex Outram David Steel 2017 Contents 1 BIOLOGICAL RECORDING ..................................................................................................................... 2 1.1 Introduction to breeding seabirds .............................................................................................. 2 1.2 Population monitoring of cliff-nesting seabirds ......................................................................... 2 1.2.1 Sections and timings ............................................................................................................... 2 1.2.2 Cornerstone plot counts ......................................................................................................... 2 1.3 Results of cliff-nesting seabirds .................................................................................................. 3 1.3.1 Fulmar ..................................................................................................................................... 3 1.3.2 Shag ......................................................................................................................................... 3 1.3.3 Kittiwake ................................................................................................................................. 4 1.3.4 Guillemot................................................................................................................................. 5 1.3.5 Razorbill..................................................................................................................................
    [Show full text]
  • Horned Puffin
    Alaska Species Ranking System - Horned Puffin Horned Puffin Class: Aves Order: Charadriiformes Fratercula corniculata Review Status: Peer-reviewed Version Date: 11 February 2019 Conservation Status NatureServe: Agency: G Rank:G5 ADF&G: Species of Greatest Conservation Need IUCN:Least Concern Audubon AK:Red S Rank: S5 USFWS: BLM: Final Rank Conservation category: V. Orange unknown status and either high biological vulnerability or high action need Category Range Score Status -20 to 20 0 Biological -50 to 50 -22 Action -40 to 40 4 Higher numerical scores denote greater concern Status - variables measure the trend in a taxon’s population status or distribution. Higher status scores denote taxa with known declining trends. Status scores range from -20 (increasing) to 20 (decreasing). Score Population Trend in Alaska (-10 to 10) 0 Unknown. All trend estimates are out of date and reliable estimates are difficult to obtain (Denlinger 2006). Distribution Trend in Alaska (-10 to 10) 0 In the mid-1980s, a small colony became established on Cooper Island, east of Utqiaġvik (Divoky 2010). Statewide trends are unknown. Status Total: 0 Biological - variables measure aspects of a taxon’s distribution, abundance and life history. Higher biological scores suggest greater vulnerability to extirpation. Biological scores range from -50 (least vulnerable) to 50 (most vulnerable). Score Population Size in Alaska (-10 to 10) -10 Estimated at 921,000 individuals (Denlinger 2006). Range Size in Alaska (-10 to 10) -2 During breeding, inhabits coastal regions and oceanic islands from Cape Lisburne west to the Aleutian Islands and south to southeast Alaska (Piatt and Kitaysky 2002a). A small colony also occurs on Cooper Island in the Beaufort Sea (Denlinger 2006).
    [Show full text]