King penguins can detect two odours associated with conspecifics

Abstract

Recent studies on olfaction in penguins have focused on their use of odours while foraging. It has been proposed for some seabirds that an olfactory landscape shaped by odours coming from feeding areas exists. Islands and colonies, however, may also contribute to the olfactory landscape and may act as an orienting map. To test sensitivities to a colony scent we studied whether King penguins (Aptenodytes patagonicus) could detect the smell of sand, feathers or feces by holding presentations beneath their beaks while they naturally slept on the beach. Penguins had a significantly greater response to the feathers and feces presentations than to sand. Although only a first step in exploring a broader role of olfaction in this species, our results raise the possibility of olfaction being used by King penguins in three potential ways: (1) locating the colony from the water or the shore, (2) finding the rendezvous zone within the colony where a chick or partner may be found, or (3) recognizing individuals by scent, as in Humboldt penguins (Spheniscus demersus).

Odour of King Penguin feathers analysed using direct thermal desorption discriminates between individuals but not sexes

“…). Variations between individual VOC profiles found in our study might give rise to the observed differential responses of adult King Penguins to faeces and feathers of other adult King Penguins (Cunningham & Bonadonna ). However, chemical variation could also be influenced by other factors such as age (Martín & López ) and reproductive state (Caro et al .…”

“…Olfaction might also be important in social communication as already reported in Humbolt Penguins Spheniscus humboldti, which show kin recognition based on olfactory cues (Coffin et al 2011). Odours from feathers and faeces may also relay information on individual identity, enabling recognition of their partner among a large number of individuals, and orientate animals back to the colony after foraging (Cunningham & Bonadonna 2015).…”

“…). In a recent study, King Penguins Aptenodytes patagonicus responded differentially to the smell of sand, feathers or faeces when exposed to samples while asleep (Cunningham & Bonadonna ). In addition, Nesterova et al .…”

“…). Odours from feathers and faeces may also relay information on individual identity, enabling recognition of their partner among a large number of individuals, and orientate animals back to the colony after foraging (Cunningham & Bonadonna ).…”

“…However, penguins may also use chemical cues, at least food-related odour in foraging (Cunningham et al 2008, 2017, Wright et al 2011. In a recent study, King Penguins Aptenodytes patagonicus responded differentially to the smell of sand, feathers or faeces when exposed to samples while asleep (Cunningham & Bonadonna 2015). In addition, Nesterova et al (2009) reported that King Penguin chicks only successfully orientated towards their colony at night when placed downwind of the colony after having been removed from the nest.…”