Differential responses of tropical Roseate Terns to aerial intruders throughout the nesting cycle

Article Abstract:

A study was conducted to determine the responses of Roseate Terns (Sterna dougallii) to aerial predation during the breeding season. 63-pairs of Roseate Terns were observed in a colony in Culebra, Puerto Rico, in 1990. The study showed that Laughing Gulls were the main aerial predators, and carried out raids during the early breeding stages and in the early morning. Roseate Terns responded aggressively and successfully during the early nesting stage but became less offensive later on. They were, however, unsuccessful in defending their young against ground predators such as crabs.

Analysis, Predation (Biology), Ornithological research, Bird eggs, Bird nests, Aggressive behavior in animals, Animal aggression, Sea birds, Gulls, Seabirds

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Differences in diet and chick provisioning between adult Roseate and Sandwich Terns in Puerto Rico

Article Abstract:

Diet preferences and the chick provisioning behavior of adult Roseate Terns and Sandwich Terns were compared to determine if similarities exist in their prey base during different stages in the breeding cycle. Where Roseate Terns ate dwarf herrings and anchovies and fed their chicks with dwarf herrings and sardines, Sandwich Terns consumed silversides and sardines, and fed their chicks with sardines and dwarf herrings. Findings further showed that, although both species fed on almost the same type of fish, the proportions by which these were eaten varied.

Natural history

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Effects of interference competition on the foraging activity of tropical Roseate Terns

Article Abstract:

The effects of interference competition brought by small and large monospecific and mixed-species flocks on the foraging success and behavior of Roseate Terns was examined. Results showed that Roseate Terns reduced foraging attempts with increasing mixed-species flock size and that foraging attempt frequency was not influenced by monospecific Roseate Tern flock size. Findings suggest that terns avoid large flocks preferentially, resulting in lower foraging success.

Research, Competition (Biology)

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