Competition for nest sites between Kelp Gulls (Larus dominicanus) and terns (Sterna maxima and S. eurygnatha) in Patagonia

QUINTANA, F.; YORIO, P.

AUK

Año: 1998 vol. 115 p. 1068 - 1071

0004-8038

Seabirds frequently nest in mixed-species colonies (Burger 1985). Several studies have shown differences in habitat and nest-site use among seabirds (Buckley and Buckley 1980, Croxall and Prince 1980, Fasola and Canova 1992). However, some degree of overlap in habitat and nest-site requirements may exist between species resulting in interspecific competition that often leads to nest-site displacement or even the replacement of one species by another (Buckley and Buckley 1980, Burger 1985). Spatial interactions between seabirds can be more intense in areas where habitat is limited or when the population of one of the species is expanding (Burger and Shisler 1978, Trivelpiece and Volkman 1979, Duffy 1983, Ainley 1990).