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Petrels, albatrosses, and storm-petrels are among the most beautiful yet least known of all the world's birds, living their lives at sea far from the sight of most people. Largely colored in shades of gray, black, and white, these enigmatic and fast-flying seabirds can be hard to differentiate, particularly from a moving boat. Useful worldwide, not just in North America, this photographic guide is based on unrivaled field experience and combines insightful text and hundreds of full-color images to help you identify these remarkable birds. The first book of its kind, this guide features an introduction that explains ocean habitats and the latest developments in taxonomy. Detailed species accounts describe key identification features such as flight manner, plumage variation related to age and molt, seasonal occurrence patterns, and migration routes. Species accounts are arranged into groups helpful for field identification, and an overview of unique identification challenges is provided for each group. The guide also includes distribution maps for regularly occurring species as well as a bibliography, glossary, and appendixes. The first state-of-the-art photographic guide to these enigmatic seabirdsIncludes hundreds of full-color photos throughoutFeatures detailed species accounts that describe flight, plumage, distribution, and moreProvides overviews of ocean habitats, taxonomy, and conservationOffers tips on how to observe and identify birds at sea

Main conclusions: Tracking movements of highly mobile vertebrates such as gadfly petrels can provide a powerful tool to evaluate and assess the potential need for and location of protected oceanic areas. As more multispecies, year-round data sets are collected from wide-ranging vertebrates, researchers and managers will have greater insight into the location of biodiversity hotspots. These can subsequently inform and guide marine spatial planning efforts that account for both conservation and sustainable use of resources such as commercial fisheries.

Estimations on the influence of evolutionary and ecological forces as drivers of population gene diversity and genetic structure have been performed on a growing number of colonial seabirds, but many remain poorly studied. In particular, the population genetic structure of storm-petrels (Hydrobatidae) has been evaluated in only a few of the 24 recognized species. We assessed the genetic diversity and population structure of the Black Storm-Petrel (Hydrobates melania) and the Least Storm-Petrel (Hydrobates microsoma) in the Gulf of California. The two species were selected because they are pelagic seabirds with comparable ecological traits and breeding grounds. Recent threats such as introduced species of predators and human disturbance have resulted in a decline of many insular vertebrate populations in this region and affected many different aspects of their life histories (ranging from reproductive success to mate selection), with a concomitant loss of genetic diversity. To elucidate to what extent the population genetic structure occurs in H. melania and H. microsoma, we used 719 base pairs from the mitochondrial cytochrome oxidase c subunit I gene. The evaluation of their molecular diversity, genetic structure, and gene flow were performed through diversity indices, analyses of molecular and spatial variance, and isolation by distance (IBD) across sampling sites, respectively. The population genetic structure (via AMOVA and SAMOVA) and isolation by distance (pairwise p-distances and FST/1–FST (using ΦST) were inferred for H. microsoma. However, for H. melania evidence was inconclusive. We discuss explanations leading to divergent population genetic structure signatures in these species, and the consequences for their conservation.

Pelagic seabirds are amongst the most threatened of all avian groups. They face a range of immunological challenges which seem destined to increase due to environmental changes in their breeding and foraging habitats, affecting prey resources and exposure to pollution and pathogens. Therefore, the identification of biomarkers for the assessment of their health status is of considerable importance. Peptidylarginine deiminases (PADs) post-translationally convert arginine into citrulline in target proteins in an irreversible manner. PAD-mediated deimination can cause structural and functional changes in target proteins, allowing for protein moonlighting in physiological and pathophysiological processes. PADs furthermore contribute to the release of extracellular vesicles (EVs), which play important roles in cellular communication. In the present study, post-translationally deiminated protein and EV profiles of plasma were assessed in eight seabird species from the Antarctic, representing two avian orders: Procellariiformes (albatrosses and petrels) and Charadriiformes (waders, auks, gulls and skuas). We report some differences between the species assessed, with the narrowest EV profiles of 50–200 nm in the northern giant petrel Macronectes halli, and the highest abundance of larger 250–500 nm EVs in the brown skua Stercorarius antarcticus. The seabird EVs were positive for phylogenetically conserved EV markers and showed characteristic EV morphology. Post-translational deimination was identified in a range of key plasma proteins critical for immune response and metabolic pathways in three of the bird species under study; the wandering albatross Diomedea exulans, south polar skua Stercorarius maccormicki and northern giant petrel. Some differences in Gene Ontology (GO) biological and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways for deiminated proteins were observed between these three species. This indicates that target proteins for deimination may differ, potentially contributing to a range of physiological functions relating to metabolism and immune response, as well as to key defence mechanisms. PAD protein homologues were identified in the seabird plasma by Western blotting via cross-reaction with human PAD antibodies, at an expected 75 kDa size. This is the first study to profile EVs and to identify deiminated proteins as putative novel plasma biomarkers in Antarctic seabirds. These biomarkers may be further refined to become useful indicators of physiological and immunological status in seabirds—many of which are globally threatened.

Despite being listed as endangered, substantial morphological and behavioral variation exists within Black-capped Petrel (Pterodroma hasitata) populations. To examine the population genetic structure of the Black-capped Petrel, we amplified Cytochrome Oxidase 1 sequences from museum specimens collected during 1970–1980 off the coast of North Carolina, USA. These sequences revealed a 1.2% fixed genetic difference between dark and light morphs. Individuals with intermediate plumage all grouped phylogenetically with the light morph. Combined with significant differences in body size and phenology, our genetic results suggest breeding isolation of the dark and light morphs. Consistent with other Pterodroma species, our results imply that the Black-capped Petrel may comprise two distinct, reproductively isolated taxa. Further knowledge about the genetic identity of birds at specific nesting colonies will be valuable for geographic delineation of populations.

I observed a Yellow-footed Gull (Larus livens) capture an apparently healthy Black Storm-Petrel (Oceanodroma melania) near a breeding colony of petrels in the Bay of La Paz, Baja California Sur, Mexico. The petrel was caught after it left the colony, approximately 75 m from shore, when it was forced to the water's surface by the gull, and apparently consumed. This represents the first report of a Yellow-footed Gull killing a storm-petrel, as well as the first record of larid predation on Black Storm-Petrels. It is unusual also, because the petrel was captured at sea, rather than directly on a breeding colony.

This paper analyzes the spatiotemporal variation and the causes of seabird bycatch by the Uruguayan pelagic longline fleet in a region of the Atlantic Ocean where the world's highest historical rates of seabird bycatch were recorded. The study is based on data obtained by the Uruguayan Observers Program in 29 trips, conducted from 1998 to 2004, totalling about 648,000 hooks. The bird capture per unit of effort (BCPUE) for the studied period was 0.42 birds/1,000 hooks. The highest BCPUE values were recorded in the period May-November. Three zones were identified, with BCPUEs of 2.50 birds/1,000 hooks (very high); 0.78 birds/1,000 hooks (high) and 0.04 birds/1,000 hooks (low). Though these BCPUE values are lower than those historically reported, some are still high in global terms. Night setting was found to be effective in reducing seabird bycatch, but it is necessary to implement additional measures as seabirds have access to bait also by night, especially during the more luminous moon phases.

To assess the importance of both conspecifics and heterospecifics as cues to prey location, we analyzed patterns of seabird species co-occurrence along shipboard transects conducted near South Georgia (55°S, 35°W) during the austral summer. Using data collected over 9 d and 1500 km ocean, we focused on the behavior of 4 seabird species that are abundant in Antarctic waters: black-browed albatrossThalassarche melanophrys, white-chinned petrelProcellaria aequinoctialis, prionPachyptilaspp., and diving petrelPelecanoidesspp. We identified and recorded the behavior of the nearest neighbors of focal, flying individuals and demonstrated strong intraspecific associations for all 4 species. More conspecific neighbors of prions and diving petrels were also observed flying than expected due to chance. This result suggests that these birds may forage co-operatively with conspecifics. In contrast, more heterospecific neighbors were feeding than expected, and more heterospecific neighbors of white-chinned petrels, prions, and diving petrels were black-browed albatross and groups of penguins and Antarctic fur sealsArctocephalus gazellathan expected by chance. We show that associations among foraging birds are not random and are not due to species-specific differences in foraging habitat. We present methods that can be used to measure and compare the strength of intra- and interspecific association among predators at sea. Our results suggest that local enhancement is an important component of the foraging strategies of Antarctic seabirds.

Australia is home to a spectacular diversity of birdlife, from parrots and penguins to emus and vibrant passerines.Birds of Australiacovers all 714 species of resident birds and regularly occurring migrants and features more than 1,100 stunning color photographs, including many photos of subspecies and plumage variations never before seen in a field guide. Detailed facing-page species accounts describe key identification features such as size, plumage, distribution, behavior, and voice. This one-of-a-kind guide also provides extensive habitat descriptions with a large number of accompanying photos. The text relies on the very latest IOC taxonomy and the distribution maps incorporate the most current mapping data, making this the most up-to-date guide to Australian birds. Covers all 714 species of resident birds and regularly occurring migrantsFeatures more than 1,100 stunning color photosIncludes facing-page species accounts, habitat descriptions, and distribution mapsThe ideal photographic guide for beginners and seasoned birders alike

Between November 1994 and May 1996, observations on the interactions between seabirds and trawl vessels were conducted on five Patagonian coastal fisheries between 41° and 52° S. Twenty- three seabird species used food made available by fishing operations. Mean number of species recorded per day varied between 2.5 and 6, depending on the fishery and was significantly lower in the Bahía Engaño area. The highest number of species (17) was observed at the Golfo San Matías area. Kelp Gulls (Larus dominicanus) and Black-browed Albatrosses (Diomedea melanophris) were the most important seabirds, both in frequency of occurrence and numbers, followed by White-chinned Petrels (Procellaria aequinoctialis) or South American Terns (Sterna hirundinacea), depending on the fishery. Kelp Gulls were present between 91.6 and 100% of days at all fisheries except for Bahía Grande (28.6%), with numbers which varied between a few and 600 birds (means between 148.2-178.8 birds). Black-browed Albatrosses were present between 92.2 and 100% of days at all fisheries except for Bahía Engaño (7.3%), with numbers that varied between one and 375 birds (means between 53.7-123.7 birds). Most other species were either present in small numbers or were rarely observed. Seabirds obtained prey during discarding activities or from the net. Seabird mortality as a result of incidental captures was very low, with only one Imperial Cormorant (Phalacrocorax atriceps) and one Magellanic Penguin (Spheniscus magellanicus) killed during 394 hauls on 124 trips in the five fishing areas. Coastal trawl fisheries appear to have a small impact on Patagonian seabirds in terms of incidental mortality, but might have a significant effect through the provision of fishing waste, especially for Kelp Gull and Black-browed Albatross populations. /// Entre Noviembre de 1994 y Mayo de 1996 se efectuaron observaciones sobre las interacciones entre aves marinas y barcos de arrastre en cinco pesquerías costeras Patagónicas. Veintitrés especies de aves marinas aprovecharon el alimento provisto por las operaciones pesqueras en todos los caladeros. El número medio de especies registradas por día varió entre 2.5 y 6, dependiendo de la pesquería. El mayor número de especies (17) se registró en el Golfo San Matías. La Gaviota Cocinera Larus dominicanus y el Albatros Ceja Negra Diomedea melanophris fueron las aves marinas más importantes en las flotas costeras, tanto en frecuencia de ocurrencia como en abundancia, seguidas por el Petrel Negro Procellaria aequinoctialis o el Gaviotín Sudamericano Sterna hirundinacea dependiendo del área considerada. Las Gaviotas Cocineras estuvieron presentes entre el 91.6 y el 100% de los días en todos los caladeros excepto Bahía Grande (28.6%), en números que variaron entre unas pocas hasta 600 aves (medias entre 148.2 y 178.8 aves). Los Albatros Ceja Negra estuvieron presentes entre el 92.2 y 100% de los días en todas las pesquerías excepto Bahía Engaño (7.3%), en números que variaron entre 1 y 375 aves (medias entre 53.7 y 123.7 aves). La mayoría de las otras aves marinas estuvieron presentes en bajo número o fueron raramente observadas. Las aves marinas obtuvieron presas durante las actividades de descarte o directamente de la red durante el izado, y capturaron presas traídas a la superficie durante el arrastre. La mortalidad de aves marinas debido a capturas incidentales fue muy baja; solamente un Cormorán Imperial Phalacrocorax atriceps y un Pingüino de Magallanes Spheniscus magellanicus fueron muertos durante 394 arrastres (124 viajes) en los cinco caladeros. Las flotas costeras de arrastre Patagónicas parecen tener un bajo impacto sobre las aves marinas en términos de captura incidental, pero podrían tener un efecto significativo a través de la provisión de descarte, especialmente para las poblaciones de Gaviota Cocinera y Albatros Ceja Negra.