The breeding success (timing of laying, hatching, creche formation, causes of failure and posture thermoregulation) of adelie penguins (Pygoscelis adeliae) at Cape Bird, Ross Island

A section of the Northern Rookery at Cape Bird, Ross Island, adelie penguin rookery was chosen as a study area. Birds were caught, banded and given an alpha numeric number for identification purposes. All nest sites in this area were mapped and each nest was inspected daily. Timing of laying and hatching were recorded to determine the role of synchronisation and social stimulation in Adelie breeding. The fate of each egg and chick was monitored to examine causes of mortality. The pattern of movement of marked birds was observed. Data was collected on the different postures and orientation of the adult birds in relation to climatic variables of their microclimate. Parameters measured were light intensity, wind speed and direction, temperature, relative humidity and cloud cover. Chicks of banded birds were marked and weighed at intervals. The occurrence and intensity of creching was noted with reference to climatic conditions and the presence of adults. A census was taken daily to determine what causes creche formation. Postural thermoregulation was recorded by noting the orientation of the chicks bodies under different climatic conditions.