Pelagic seabirds exhibit plasticity in foraging characteristics in relation to oceanographic conditions. This should be particularly relevant in tropical marine environments where food resources are naturally more unpredictable. We studied how inter-annual variations (2013–2018) in tropical oceanographic conditions (driver of oceanic productivity) can influence the spatial and trophic ecology of Cape Verde shearwater (Calonectris edwardsii) during the breeding season. During years of poor oceanographic conditions around the colony, birds engaged in longer trips to West Africa, showed higher spatial and behavioural consistency, and presented a wider isotopic niche. Opposite patterns were generally found for years of good oceanographic conditions, when birds foraged more on their colony surroundings. New foraging areas off West Africa were highlighted as relevant, especially during years of poor environmental conditions. This study highlights the need for long-term studies to assess variation in foraging areas and foraging decisions by seabird populations.

远洋海鸟在与海洋条件有关的觅食特性上表现出可塑性。这在自然无法预测食物资源的热带海洋环境中尤其重要。我们研究了热带海洋条件（海洋生产力的驱动因素）的年际变化（2013-2018）如何影响佛得角剪力水（Calonectris edwardsii）的空间和营养生态在繁殖季节。在殖民地周围恶劣的海洋条件下的数年中，鸟类长时间前往西非旅行，表现出较高的空间和行为一致性，并表现出更广泛的同位素生态位。在多年良好的海洋条件下，通常会发现相反的模式，当时鸟类在其殖民地环境中觅食更多。特别是在恶劣的环境条件下，西非沿海地区的新觅食区具有重要意义。这项研究强调需要进行长期研究，以评估觅食区域的变化和海鸟种群的觅食决策。