Evidence of links between haematological condition and foraging behaviour in northern gannets (Morus bassanus).

ABSTRACT: Haematological analyses can reveal the physiological condition of birds, which are known to efficiently disguise symptoms of stress and disease. However, the interpretation of such analyses requires species-specific baseline data, which are lacking for most free-living seabird species. We provide baseline reference data for several haematological parameters in northern gannets (Morus bassanus) and combine this with telemetry and dietary data to understand the links between haematological condition and foraging behaviour. Blood samples were collected from breeding northern gannets in July 2017 (n = 15) and 2018 (n = 28), which were also equipped with GPS tags. Smears were prepared for performing blood cell counts, including immature erythrocyte and microcyte percentages

SUBMITTER: Malvat Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC7277282 | biostudies-literature | 2020 May

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature