Comparative Population Biology of Four Prions (Genus Pachyptila) from the Indian Ocean and Consequences for Their Taxonomic Status

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Abstract
We studied the morphometrics, breeding biology, genetics, and calls of Pachyptila desolata, P. salvini, P. belcheri, and P. turtur in the southern Indian Ocean. Multivariate analysis of the measurements of live birds revealed some overlap among closely related taxa. Comparisons of biological data provided evidence for ecological segregation between taxa, based mainly on phenology of breeding but also on diet. Calls differed significantly between taxa, and multivariate analysis showed no overlap between sympatric taxa. These data were then compared with data from other taxa (P. crassirostris and macgillivrayi) and from different localities. We support the recognition at the species level of each of the four study taxa.