Seasonal variation in the diet of blue penguins ( Eudyptula minor ) at Oamaru, New Zealand | Notornis and Birds New Zealand

[摘要] The diet of blue penguins (Eudyptula minor) at Oamaru, New Zealand was examined by stomach flushing. The 22 species identified comprised 14 fishes, 1 cephalopod and 7 crustaceans. Slender sprat (Sprattus antipodum) accounted for more than half of the diet throughout most of the year while Graham’s gudgeon (Grahamichthys radiata) and arrow squid (Nototodarus sloanii) were also important seasonally. Prey were either small, schooling, nearshore species or pelagic juveniles of larger species.

[学科分类] 动物科学

[关键词] Blue Penguin;diet;Eudyptula minor;New Zealand;sprat;Sprattus.