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Selected Works of Scott A. Shaffer
Article
Data loggers in artificial eggs reveal that egg-turning behavior varies on multiple ecological scales in seabirds
The Auk: Ornithological Advances (2017)
  • Corey A. Clatterbuck, San Jose State University
  • Lindsay C. Young, Pacific Rim Conservation
  • Eric A. VanderWerf, Pacific Rim Conservation
  • Alexander D. Naiman, Standford University
  • Geoff C. Bower, Stanford University
  • Scott A Shaffer, San Jose State University
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Abstract
In most avian species, egg-turning behavior during incubation is vital for proper embryonic development and hatching success. However, changes in turning behaviors are rarely studied across different temporal scales (e.g., day–night or across incubation phases), though the timing of incubation behaviors affects reproductive success. We used data loggers encapsulated in artificial eggs to measure turning rates and angle changes of eggs in Western Gull (Larus occidentalis) and Laysan Albatross (Phoebastria immutabilis) nests. We examined diurnal and daily cycles in egg-turning behaviors across early, middle, and late incubation phases. Our results indicate that (1) egg-turning behaviors remain similar throughout incubation, resulting in a consistent environment for developing chicks; (2) egg-turning rates and angle changes vary according to diurnal cycles and day length in each species; and (3) egg-turning rates, but not angle changes, were similar between species. Egg-turning behaviors may vary among species according to seasonality and geography, and using consistent methodologies to measure egg turning will further clarify the role of egg turning in avian life history and ecology.
Keywords
  • biologging,
  • egg rotation,
  • egg turning,
  • incubation,
  • laysan albatross,
  • parental care,
  • western gull
Disciplines
Publication Date
March 29, 2017
DOI
10.1642/AUK-16-143.1
Publisher Statement
Originally published in The Auk: Ornithological Advances Vol. 134, Issue: 2 by the American Ornithological Society on March 29, 2017. The article is also available online at this link.


Citation Information
Corey A. Clatterbuck, Lindsay C. Young, Eric A. VanderWerf, Alexander D. Naiman, et al.. "Data loggers in artificial eggs reveal that egg-turning behavior varies on multiple ecological scales in seabirds" The Auk: Ornithological Advances Vol. 134 Iss. 2 (2017) p. 432 - 442 ISSN: 0004-8038
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/scott_shaffer/55/
Creative Commons license
Creative Commons License
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons CC_BY-NC-ND International License.