Factors Affecting Colony Size and Breeding Parameters of Eared Grebe (Podiceps nigricollis) in Carp Ponds

Abstract

Understanding important factors for breeding Eared Grebes (Podiceps nigricollis) is essential for its conservation. We aimed to study the impact of some factors on nests and breeding success in this species in fishponds (S Poland). Number of Eared Grebe nests were counted on particular carp ponds. Pond size, vegetation cover, number of nests in colonies of associated gull or tern species, and age of stocked common carp (Cyprinus carpio) were determined for all ponds with nests. We also investigated the relationship between nest size, material used to construct them and clutch size. Number of Eared Grebe nests positively correlated with number of breeding pairs of associated colonial species (terns or gulls). Selection of the breeding site by the Eared Grebe can be explained by appropriate nest protection by large colonies of associated species (Whiskered Tern Chlidonias hybrida and Black-headed Gull Chroicocephalus ridibundus). Nest size was not related to clutch size. A negative relationship between breeding success and number of nests of Eared Grebe was found. Food is a not limiting factor for the Eared Grebe on fishponds with extensive production, and presumably other factors such as weather conditions may explain the low breeding success of this species.