Effect of interannual variations in sea-surface temperature on egg-laying parameters of black-tailed gulls (Larus crassirostris) at Teuri Island, Japan

Abstract

Sea-surface temperature (SST) directly and indirectly affects the distribution and abundance of prey species for seabirds, so we expect variation in SST to be associated with variation in seabird life history traits. In black-tailed gulls (Larus crassirostris) at Teuri Island in northern Hokkaido, Japan, we investigated the diet of the gulls prior to egg laying in 2004 and 2005, and examined the influences of SST in March or April, when the gulls congregate in the colony, on egg-laying parameters using 13 years of data (1992–2004). The gulls fed on krill (Thysanoessa inermis) and fish prior to the egg laying. Mean first egg dates and clutch sizes were significantly and quadratically related to SST anomalies in March, but were not influenced by SST anomalies in April. There was no significant effect of SSTs in either March or April on egg volume. Sea-surface temperature anomalies in March of the years of early laying (−1 to 1°C) were higher than those in 2001 (−2.2°C), but lower than those in 1992 (+1.2°C) and 2004 (+1.1°C). Thysanoessa inermis congregates to spawn at the sea surface, when SSTs rise 3−4°C. Thus, a mismatch between food availability and the timing of egg production in the gulls could have occurred in these 3 years. This study suggests that SST fluctuations prior to laying are important in breeding success of black-tailed gulls.