The Astonishing Foraging Strategy of Hurricane Chasing Birds, the Desertas Petrels
The Desertas petrel, a rare oceanic seabird, has astonished scientists with its unusual behavior of chasing tropical cyclones. Unlike most birds that avoid hurricanes, these seabirds exploit the dynamic conditions of storms to enhance their survival and foraging success.
This groundbreaking discovery reveals new insights into the resilience and adaptability of marine life in the face of extreme weather events.
A Seabird's Unconventional Strategy
The Desertas petrels (Pterodroma deserta) nest exclusively on Bugio Island, part of the Desertas archipelago off the coast of Madeira, Portugal. These pigeon-sized seabirds, known for their long, transatlantic flights, have shown a surprising tendency to follow the paths of tropical cyclones during hurricane season.
As reported in Current Biology, scientists from the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution (WHOI) tracked these birds and found that approximately one-third of them actively pursued cyclones, covering thousands of kilometers in their wake.
Harnessing the Power of the Storm
Initially, researchers expected the petrels to avoid the strong winds and rough seas of cyclones. However, the data showed that these birds did not seek refuge in the eye of the storm or divert their course to calmer areas. Instead, they followed the cyclones, taking advantage of the favorable tailwinds and enhanced foraging conditions created by the storms.
As the Washington Post reports, the cyclones' powerful winds cause significant ocean mixing, bringing nutrients and prey species closer to the surface, making them more accessible to the petrel.
A Feast in the Wake of Destruction
Tropical cyclones dramatically alter oceanic conditions, with cold water upwelling and increased surface chlorophyll levels indicating higher primary productivity. This creates an ideal feeding environment for Desertas petrels, according to Science Daily.
Typically, these seabirds feed on small fish, squid, and crustaceans that reside at depths beyond their diving capabilities. However, the storm-induced mixing brings these prey items closer to the surface, providing the petrels with abundant food sources. The study led by Francesco Ventura, a postdoctoral researcher at WHOI, revealed that the petrels reduced their ground speed when encountering strong winds, likely to avoid injury.
Despite the challenging conditions, none of the tracked birds were harmed by the storms, reports Discover Wildlife. "When we saw the data, we nearly fell off our chairs," Ventura said, highlighting the unexpected nature of their findings.
Implications for Marine Ecology
This behavior underscores the adaptability of Desertas petrels and their ability to exploit extreme weather events for survival. By following cyclones, these seabirds benefit from predictably favorable wind conditions and enriched feeding grounds. The research provides valuable insights into how pelagic seabirds and other marine predators can thrive in the dynamic and often harsh ocean environment.
"This study provides valuable insights into the resilience and foraging strategies of pelagic seabirds in the face of extreme weather events," said Caroline Ummenhofer, an associate scientist at WHOI.
The Desertas petrel's unique strategy of chasing tropical cyclones challenges conventional understanding of seabird behavior. This discovery not only highlights the remarkable adaptability of these seabirds but also enhances our understanding of how marine ecosystems respond to extreme weather events.
As researchers continue to study these patterns, they will uncover more about the intricate relationships between oceanic predators and their dynamic environments.
