Sexual segregation in the foraging distribution, behaviour, and trophic niche of the endemic Boyd’s shearwater (Puffinus lherminieri boydi)

Studies on sex-specific segregation in foraging behaviour and trophic niche have been focussed large dimorphic seabirds, with less information small monomorphic species. Here, we used mini-GPS loggers, habitat suitability models, stable isotopes to assess sex differences the movements, spatial distribution, ecology of Boyd’s shearwaters Puffinus lherminieri boydi Raso Islet (16°36’ N, 24°35’ W), Cabo Verde, during chick-rearing periods 2018–2019. The existence sexual was tested short (< 1 day) long trips (≥ day). Females engaged slightly longer more distant trips, reaching northerly regions when compared males, although were pronounced trips. Spatial overlap within between sexes low, indicating a pattern, albeit slight, distribution adult breeders. Habitat models revealed higher contribution sea surface temperature height for respectively, regardless sex. Stable isotope analysis that both occupied similar isotopic niches mixing model no diet differences. In absence size dimorphism, these findings may indicate differential energetic demands not manifest strong or prey preferences, however, be perceptible provisioning behaviour. Thus, it is possible other factors involving distinct parental investment chick-provisioning, such as sensitivity chick begging, could help explain occurrence shearwater.