Pincoya Swallow

from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Pincoya Swallow
Systematics
Class : Birds (aves)
Order : Tubular noses (Procellariiformes)
Family : Southern petrels (Oceanitidae)
Genre : Oceanites
Type : Pincoya Swallow
Scientific name
Oceanites pincoyae
Harrison et al., 2013

The Pincoyasturmschwalbe ( Oceanites pincoyae ) is a species of seabird from the family of the southern petrels (Oceanitidae). The species name refers to the Pincoya , a water spirit from the Chilote mythology. After Seamus Enright and Michael O'Keeffe published photos of unidentified petrels from the waters of the Chiloé Archipelago in 2009, these birds were researched in 2011 and scientifically described as a new species in 2013 .

features

The Pincoyas Tern reaches a length of about 16 cm and a weight of 22 to 30 g. It is a small species of petrel with long legs, an angular tail and a white horseshoe markings on the upper tail, which is typical of the species in the genus Oceanites . A characteristic, distinctive, white band runs over both wing surfaces. The head and the underside are predominantly black-brown. The fresh plumage shows a silvery-gray wash in good light. The white upper tail coverts form a striking horseshoe and contrast sharply with the black-brown rump and tail. The outermost pair of control springs have a white base along two thirds of its length. The upper wings are black-brown, with the exception of the lighter large and middle arm-coverts and the inner large hand coverts, which are highlighted by clear white seams and which contrast strongly with the other upper wings both in flight and in the resting position. These wing surfaces are most noticeable in fresh plumage. The outer flags of the large hand covers have thin white hems. The innermost arm wings and the longest umbrella feathers have thinner white hems. The underwings are dark except for a contrasting white band along the large arm and hand covers. The latter have a brownish subterminal spot on the outermost feathers.

Vocalizations

Foraging groups emit incessant, loud, sparrow-like chatter.

distribution

Occurrences were discovered in the Seno de Reloncavi (Reloncavi Sound), near Puerto Montt and in the region of the Chacao Canal near the island of Chiloé in southern central Chile.

habitat

The pincoya tern is apparently most common in the sheltered inland waters of the Chilean fjord system, where the water depth reaches 100 to 200 m. So far, no records are known of the high seas zone. Accumulations of many specimens foraging for food have been observed in both calm and rough seas.

Eating behavior

The ecology and foraging behavior are unique among the terns of the southern hemisphere. This includes the so-called "mouse-run", in which the wings are folded and the barrels are half submerged, as well as repeated diving under the surface when looking for food. Foot splash is common, sometimes followed by immersion to collect food below the surface of the water. Sometimes the birds dive underwater using their feet as propulsion. The foraging takes place individually or in pairs. However, hundreds of them can be seen at good feeding grounds.

Reproductive behavior

Nothing is known about the reproductive behavior. Based on the moulting data , it is assumed that the breeding season begins in early October with the arrival of the birds in the colonies. Egg-laying will probably begin in mid-November and the young will fledge between mid and late February. Presumably an egg will be laid.

status

In 2014, the Pincoyastur Swallow was included in the “ data deficient ” category of the IUCN Redlist. The inventory is estimated at around 3000 copies. The Seno de Reloncavi and the Chiloé Sea are protected internal waters. Increased human activity in nearby Puerto Montt could indicate an increased risk of ship accidents and water pollution. Commercial salmon and mussel farms and the use of polystyrene buoys from which tiny particles detach and are then swallowed by the terns could pose additional hazards . The discovery of the nesting grounds would be an important step for an adequate protection of this species.

literature

  • Peter Harrison, Michel Sallaberry, Chris P Gaskin, Karen A Baird, Alvaro Jamarillo, Shirley Maria Metz, Mark Pearman, Michael O'Keeffe, Jim Dowdall, Seamus Enright, Kieran Fahy, Jeff Gilligan and Gerard Lillie (2013). A new storm-petrel species from Chile . The Auk 130 (1): 180-191.

Web links