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Season of moult of African penguins at Robben Island, South Africa, and its variation, 1988 –1998
Abstract
Counts of African penguins Spheniscus demersus in immature and adult plumage in the feather-shedding phase of moult were made at Robben Island at two-weekly intervals over a 10-year period between 1988 and
1998. For both age-classes, most birds moulted between November and January, although small numbers moulted throughout the year. In most years, the peak moult was in late November or December. Immature birds
had a secondary peak in March. In 1994/95 for adults, and 1995/96 for immature birds, moult was less synchronized than in other years. This probably resulted from oiling of about 2 400 penguins in June 1994, following the sinking of the Apollo Sea. Half of those birds were cleaned and released. Their subsequent moult may have been earlier than normal.
1998. For both age-classes, most birds moulted between November and January, although small numbers moulted throughout the year. In most years, the peak moult was in late November or December. Immature birds
had a secondary peak in March. In 1994/95 for adults, and 1995/96 for immature birds, moult was less synchronized than in other years. This probably resulted from oiling of about 2 400 penguins in June 1994, following the sinking of the Apollo Sea. Half of those birds were cleaned and released. Their subsequent moult may have been earlier than normal.
