Coloniality and colony structure in Gull-billed TernsGelochelidon nilotica

Abstract

Various aspects of coloniality and colony structure in the Gull-billed Tern was studied at 7 sites in Europe (Fig. 1). Gull-Billed Terns are associated actively with Black-headed GullsLarus ridibundus in N Europe, probably of protective reasons. Inter-nest distance decreased with increasing colony size apparently working as an anti-predator adaptation. Colour morphs of the young may help these to hide in various substrates. The weight of the food-items decreased from small, northern colonies to large, southern colonies. Similarly, niche breadth decreased from small, northern colonies to large, southern colonies. Food-unpredictability in northern colonies may be buffered by the wide variety of food-items. Feeding range decreased from small, northern to large, southern colonies. Communal feeding increased in Denmark from spring to autumn, apparently with increasing prey availability. The Gull-billed Tern performed a slight colony site tenacity and a marked group adherence allowing reuse of abandoned nest sites. In small, northern colonies with dispersed nests deserting flights and slight aggressiveness occurred. Young deserted colonies before fledging. In large, southern colonies with aggregated nests birds behaved very aggressively and performed communal defense of the totally nidifugous young. The adaptive significance of coloniality may have a certain species specific range within which colonies may adapt to the local environment.