Some causal and functional correlates of creching in young white pelicans pelecanus erythrorhynchos
Evans, R.M.
Canadian Journal of Zoology 62(5): 814-819
1984
ISSN/ISBN: 0008-4301 Accession: 006440357
Field observations and laboratory studies were conducted to examine the hypothesis that creching in white pelicans (P. erythrorhynchos) constitutes a substitute for parental protection from predators and thermoregulation. Pelicans began to form creches at 17 .+-. 2 days of age, in close correlation with temporary parental desertion of the nest. Once formed, creches were large and dense overnight when parents were normally absent from the colony, then broke up during the day when parents returned to feed their young. In the absence of parents, social attractions between young, facilitated by disturbance and a possible diurnal rhythm, accounted for the onset of creching. Density within creches, but not creche formation, was relatedto temperature. Creching began only after the young were to large to be molested by herring gulls, and no other sources of predation were seen. Laboratory measurements of O2 consumption indicated a small (15.9%) but significant saving in energy from huddling at 10.degree. C, but not at 20.degree. or 30.degree. C. Energy saved by creching in the absence of parents could be an important function of overnight creching in this species. Some similarities and differences in creching in pelicans and adelie penguins are discussed.