Abstract
BackgroundThe extent to which pairs remain together during the annual cycle is a key question in the behavioural ecology of migratory birds. While a few species migrate and winter as family units, for most the extent to which breeding partners associate in the non-breeding season is unknown. The Arctic Tern (Sterna paradisaea) has one of the longest migrations of any species, and the aim of this study was to establish whether or not partners remain together after breeding.MethodsLeg-mounted geolocators were fitted to breeding pairs of Arctic Terns nesting on the Farne Islands, Northumberland, UK. The devices were recovered for analysis the following year.ResultsAnalysis of data for the six pairs which returned the following year showed that partners departed from the colony at different times after breeding and migrated independently to different Antarctic regions. Partners also departed from the Antarctic and turned to the breeding colony independently. One third of the pairs divorced on return.ConclusionsFor long-distance migrants reliant on unpredictable foraging opportunities, it may not be viable to remain as pairs away from the breeding colony. Synchrony in arrival times at the breeding colony may maximise the chance of retaining a familiar partner, but could be affected by environmental factors in wintering areas or along migration routes.
Highlights
The extent to which pairs remain together during the annual cycle is a key question in the behavioural ecology of migratory birds
For migratory species, the extent to which mating partners remain together during the annual cycle is a key question in avian behavioural ecology with implications for reproductive success through the continuation of productive partnerships and parental care
Arctic Terns can be added to the list of migratory seabirds with no apparent pair association outside the breeding areas: partners departed from the colony at different times, leading to spatial separation throughout migration
Summary
The extent to which pairs remain together during the annual cycle is a key question in the behavioural ecology of migratory birds. The extent to which mating partners remain together during the annual cycle is a key question in avian behavioural ecology with implications for reproductive success through the continuation of productive partnerships and parental care. Pair bonds facilitate biparental care (Cockburn 2006) which can increase offspring survival if extended after fledging (LópezIdiáquez et al 2018) Both parents of longlived species such as geese, swans and cranes remain together and migrate as a family with their offspring to non-breeding areas (Scott 1980; Black 2001; Alonso et al 2004; Johnsgard and Mangelsen 2015). In terns (Sternidae), post-fledging care may be provided by both parents
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