P. Yorio et Pd. Boersma, CAUSES OF NEST DESERTION DURING INCUBATION IN THE MAGELLANIC PENGUIN (SPHENISCUS-MAGELLANICUS), The Condor, 96(4), 1994, pp. 1076-1083
We quantified the causes and rate of nest desertions in Magellanic Pen
guins (Spheniscus magellanicus) during the egg stage at Punta Tombo, A
rgentina. Incubating Magellanic Penguins rarely deserted. The average
desertion rate during seven years was 11% (SD = 9.2%). Desertions were
poorly correlated with the length of the incubation spell and only 25
% of the desertion could be accounted for by delayed nest relief. Body
condition at the start of the incubation spell appears to be the most
important factor in determining desertions. Penguins that deserted we
re lighter for their body size at the time of egg laying than penguins
that did not desert. Desertion was significant and common during the
first part of incubation, the time when females are present. Flooded n
ests were more likely to be deserted than nonflooded nests, but desert
ions from flooding were few. High temperatures did not increase desert
ion during incubation, thus it is unlikely that heat stress is an impo
rtant cause of nest desertion. An individual's body condition appears
to be the most important factor in explaining desertion but behavior o
f the mate and other factors can play a role.