Behaviour of petrels in relation to the Moon and artificial lights

Author:

Imber, M. J.

Title:

Behaviour of petrels in relation to the Moon and artificial lights

Periodical:

Notornis, Journal of the Ornithological Society of New Zealand

Year:

1975

Volume:

22

Pages:

302-306

Subject:

Artificial night lighting Petrels

Summary:

This document describes the nocturnal-feeding habits and the behavior patterns of Petrels in relation to moonlit nights and artificial lights, especially with regard to the Procellariidae and Hydrobatidae who visit their breeding places in lesser numbers on moonlit nights. It describes how this may occur since their prey do not come near the surface on these nights which results in poor feeding conditions. It also discusses how Petrels are attracted to artificial lights that are situated near breeding colonies since the prey on which Petrels feed are bioluminescent. As a result, it also asks the questions, "What do birds do when feeding conditions are poor?", and "Do they continue to try to find food or do they wait for better conditions?"

Label:

Birds - General

URL:

https://natlib-primo.hosted.exlibrisgroup.com/permalink/f/1fro764/INNZ7113596590002837

Date:

1975

Collection:

Periodicals