Sexual dimorphism does not translate into foraging or trophic niche partitioning in Peruvian boobies (Sula variegata).

ABSTRACT: Intraspecific competition can lead to sexual segregation of diets or foraging behaviors in seabirds, and in some species the resulting niche partitioning is facilitated by sexual dimorphism. However, environmental stochasticity can mediate intraspecific competition and thus the extent of sex-based partitioning. The Peruvian booby (Sula variegata) is a sexually dimorphic seabird endemic to the Humboldt Current System (HCS), a highly variable environment due to El Niño Southern Oscillation. To determine the extent of sexual partitioning in this species, we quantified the foraging and trophic niches of breeding Peruvian boobies at Isla Guañape Norte, Peru in two years with different oceanographic conditions and nesting propensity. Morphometrics, GPS-tracked foraging behaviors, diets via regur

SUBMITTER: Wang SY 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC11918401 | biostudies-literature | 2025

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature