Cooleman, S. & Louette, M. 2010. Taxonomy in Ornithology – Madeira: Seabirds, Practical component, EDIT Summer School 2010. 7 p.

Syllabus

This practical component is mainly to document the diversity of Madeira’s seabirds, which are briefly highlighted in the theoretical lessons about taxonomy in ornithology. Most relevant diagnostic characteristics are indicated in order to compare habitus of related species. The focus is on recognition by habitus and jizz of pelagic bird species, which normally occur during the summer in the open waters of the Atlantic Ocean around the Madeira Islands, in function of planned field excursions. Evening pelagic boat trips go to the waters east of Desertas Islands where “tubenoses” (like Fea’s Petrel Pterodroma feae, Bulwer’s Petrel Bulweria bulwerii, Cory’s Shearwater Calonectris diomedea borealis, etc.) gather (before flying to their nest sites after dusk). Night excursions to the Pico do Areeiro on Madeira Island are organised (via the Parque Natural da Madeira) to visit the breeding colony of the endemic Zino’s Petrels Pterodroma madeira. Species recognition by sound could be additionally clarified in the field.