At-sea activity and diving behavior of a radio-tagged Marbled Murrelet in central California

Waterbirds
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Abstract

Radio-telemetry was used to continuously monitor the at-sea activity of an adult Marbled Murrelet (Brachyramphus marmoratus) nesting in Santa Cruz County, California. From 05.39 h on 28 May 1997, to 05.14 h on 29 May 1997, the murrelet was followed by tracking teams at Año Nuevo Bay. Between 05.44 h and 20.19 h on 28 May, the bird engaged in eleven dive bouts, with a mean duration of 18.8 ± 5.4 min. Mean dive duration was 24.8 ± 15.7 s; mean surface between dives was 15.2 ± 12.7 s. No dives were initiated after 20.19 h. The bird spent 12.3% of the at-sea period and 23.4% of daylight hours engaged in diving bouts. This relatively small amount of time spent diving allows for considerable flexibility in activity budget.

Suggested Citation

Henkel, L.A., Burkett, E.E., Takekawa, J.Y., 2004, At-sea activity and diving behavior of a radio-tagged Marbled Murrelet in central California: Waterbirds, v. 27, no. 1, p. 9-12, https://doi.org/10.1675/1524-4695(2004)027[0009:AAADBO]2.0.CO;2.

ISSN: 19385390 (online)

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title At-sea activity and diving behavior of a radio-tagged Marbled Murrelet in central California
Series title Waterbirds
DOI 10.1675/1524-4695(2004)027[0009:AAADBO]2.0.CO;2
Volume 27
Issue 1
Year Published 2004
Language English
Publisher The Waterbird Society
Contributing office(s) Western Ecological Research Center
Description 4 p.
First page 9
Last page 12
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