Energetics of Reproduction and Foraging in Adelie Penguins

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Adelie penguins, Pygoscelis adeliae, are the most abundant of the Antarctic penguins and are important components of the Antarctic marine ecosystem. The breeding ecology, behavior, and thermal physiology of Adelies have been extensively studied by a variety of investigators, but many aspects of their ecological and reproductive energetics have not been described. In previous NSF- funded research, the effects of temperature and weather (e.g., wind and sunlight) on the energy costs of thermoregulation in breeding Adelies and their chicks were determined. The purpose of this research is to measure rates of energy consumption and changes in body composition in breeding Adelies, and to simultaneously study their foraging behavior. This will enable us to determine reproductive effort. The isotopic technique of doubly labeled water (DLW) will be used to determine both energy flux and body composition, at various times throughout the breeding season. The behavior, physiology, and energetics of diving during foraging trips will be studied with computerized time-depth recorders (TDR). Simultaneous DLW and TDR studies will provide information on foraging costs and foraging efficiency. Stomach content analysis will reveal what the birds are eating. Diet information combined with DLW measurements will allow calculation of rates of food consumption, and, hence, the trophic impact of breeding Adelies on the surrounding marine ecosystem.