Black Tern Research Articles

Black Terns (Chlidonias niger) beyond the breeding grounds: Occurrence, relative density, and habitat associations in the northern Gulf of Mexico

Black Terns (Chlidonias niger) beyond the breeding grounds: Occurrence, relative density, and habitat associations in the northern Gulf of Mexico

First-ever satellite tracking of Black Terns (Chlidonias niger): Insights into home range and habitat selection.

Understanding animal movement across the annual cycle is critical for developing appropriate conservation plans, but the large size and high cost of tracking devices can limit the spatial and temporal resolution at which movement data can be collected, especially for small avian species. Furthermore, for species with low breeding site fidelity, the ability to obtain tracking data from small, archival tags is hindered by low recapture rates. We deployed satellite tracking devices on four adult Black Terns (Chlidonias niger), a declining waterbird with low site fidelity, to examine space use and selection of resources within individual breeding home ranges. We also provide a preliminary assessment of habitat use during fall stopover. We found that home ranges were extensive (mean 283.7 km2) and distances travelled from the nest substantially larger (up to 35 km) than previously thought (~2.5 km). Terns showed selection for wetlands and open water on the breeding grounds, but also showed selection for developed areas. This may reflect humans selecting similar landscape features for recreation and development as terns, and suggests that terns can tolerate the light degree of development (e.g. cottages, boat launches, etc.) within our study area. Despite a small sample size, this is the first study to track individual Black Terns at a high resolution with implications for conservation and wetland management practices relevant to the spatial scales at which habitat is used by the species.

Very low prevalence of haemosporidian parasites in two species of marsh terns

Vector-transmitted haemosporidians are among the most common parasites in birds, but our knowledge of the inter-specific patterns of infection rates and the parasite community composition is far from complete because of the unequal distribution of the screening effort across bird families and genera. To assess infection rates and the diversity of haemosporidians from the genera Plasmodium, Haemoproteus, and Leucocytozoon in marsh terns, which represent poorly explored in this regard genus of the family gulls, terns, and skimmers (Laridae), we screened two species: the Whiskered Tern (Chlidonias hybrida) and the Black Tern (Chlidonias niger). We sampled these long-distance migratory birds on breeding grounds: the Whiskered Tern in south-central Poland and north-central Ukraine, and the Black Tern—in north-central Ukraine. We found that birds from both species were infected only sporadically, with prevalence at the population level not exceeding 3.4%. Only parasites from the genera Plasmodium and Leucocytozoon were detected. There was neither an inter-specific difference nor a difference between populations of the Whiskered Tern in infection rates. In total, we registered three lineages—one Plasmodium and two Leucocytozoon—that were previously recorded in other bird species, and two unidentified Plasmodium infections. One of the lineages (Leucocytozoon LARCAC02) represents a specialist parasite with the host range restricted to larids and geographic range restricted to Poland, and two others (Plasmodium SGS1 and Leucocytozoon CIAE02) represent generalist parasites with very broad host and geographic ranges. This study reinforces the existing evidence that terns host parasites from genera Haemoproteus, Plasmodium, and Leucocytozoon only sporadically.

Migration, breeding location, and seascape shape seabird assemblages in the northern Gulf of Mexico.

The Gulf of Mexico supports many seabird species, yet data gaps describing species composition and habitat use are prevalent. We used vessel-based observations from the Gulf of Mexico Marine Assessment Program for Protected Species to identify and characterize distinct seabird assemblages in the northern Gulf of Mexico (within the U.S. Exclusive Economic Zone; nGoM). Using cluster analysis of 17 seabird species, we identified assemblages based on seabird relative density. Vessel-based surveys documented the location, species, and number of seabirds across the nGoM between 2017-2019. For each assemblage, we identified the (co-)dominant species, spatial distribution, and areas of greater relative density. We also assessed the relationship of the total relative density within each assemblage with environmental, spatial, and temporal covariates. Of the species assessed, 76% (n = 13) breed predominantly outside the nGoM basin. We identified four seabird assemblages. Two assemblages, one dominated by black tern and the other co-dominated by northern gannet/laughing gull, occurred on the continental shelf. An assemblage dominated by sooty tern occurred along the continental slope into pelagic waters. The fourth assemblage had no dominant species, was broadly distributed, and was composed of observations with low relative density ('singles' assemblage). Differentiation of assemblages was linked to migratory patterns, residency, and breeding location. The spatial distributions and relationships of the black tern and northern gannet/laughing gull assemblages with environmental covariates indicate associations with river outflows and ports. The sooty tern assemblage overlapped an area prone to mesoscale feature formation. The singles assemblage may reflect commuting and dispersive behaviors. These findings highlight the importance of seasonal migrations and dynamic features across the seascape, shaping seabird assemblages. Considering the potential far-ranging effects of interactions with seabirds in the nGoM, awareness of these unique patterns and potential links with other fauna could inform future monitoring, research, restoration, offshore energy, and aquaculture development in this highly industrialized sea.

Breeding season management is unlikely to improve population viability of a data-deficient migratory species in decline

A major challenge in conservation is developing effective approaches to mitigate population declines in the face of ongoing environmental change. For migratory species, it is often more feasible to implement management during periods of stationarity, like the breeding season, when populations are less mobile. However, such management strategies are only successful if the demographic rates targeted (e.g., reproductive rates) contribute substantively to population growth. Thus, evaluation of population growth rate sensitivity to variation in demographic parameters is needed to determine the most effective conservation strategies. This is especially true for small and declining populations that require targeted and urgent action to mitigate declines under current and future environmental change. Here, we used a coupled integrated population model-Bayesian population viability analysis (IPM-BPVA) to estimate demographic rates and population viability within the context of climatic and management-related changes for a data-deficient, declining population of black terns in the Upper Midwestern United States. We found that current conservation efforts during the breeding season are unlikely to reverse the declines observed within the last decade (from an average of 307 breeding pairs in 2013 to 53 in 2022). Rather, interventions aimed at increasing adult survival are projected to reduce local extinction probability by 30–46 % compared to no additional management or management targeting other rates, depending on the climate scenario. Our results highlight the importance of enhancing management efforts for migratory species during migration and nonbreeding periods, which constitute a much larger, and generally riskier, proportion of the annual cycle compared to the breeding season.

NESTING PECULIARITIES AND INTERLAY VARIABILITY OF THE STERNIDAE FAMILY BIRDS’ EGGS IN THE PRIPYAT RIVER MIDDLE STRECH FLOODPLAN

Purpose: to analyze the nesting features of birds of the Sternidae family living in the floodplain meadow of the Pripyat River. Methodology. For research, the route method was used, in which bird nests were identified during direct examination of the territory of the floodplain meadow. Hard-to-reach areas of the meadow were surveyed from a boat. To assess the morphological parameters of the eggs of birds of the Sternidae family, the eggs were measured using a caliper. The length (L) and diameter of the eggs (B) were measured. Based on the measurements, the index of intra-laying variability (iv) was determined. During the study period, 245 eggs of birds of the Sternidae family were measured, of which 88 eggs were in the Common tern, 60 eggs in the Little tern, 51 eggs in the White-winged tern and 46 eggs in the Whiskered tern. Scientific novelty. It has been established that the formation of multispecies colonies of birds of the Sternidae family makes it possible to qualitatively use territories favorable for nesting and provides protection of nests from raptors to accompanying bird species. The smallest intra-laying variability of the studied egg parameters was found in the common and barnacle tern, which is an indicator of the birds’ adaptability to nesting conditions. Conclusions. The nesting of White-winged black and Whiskered tern is directly dependent on floodwater level. A gradual decrease in the level of floodwaters leads to the drying up of the floodplain meadow and the impossibility of building nests, since these species build nests on aquatic plants or floating bogs. Nesting of Little and Common tern is limited by biotic factors, such as predation by Corvidae birds and other animals, as well as anthropogenic factors - people resting on the shore, fishermen and locals visiting the meadow, which in turn creates a disturbance factor for the birds. Among the bird species considered, the maximum value of the index of intra-variability of eggs laying in egg diameter (iv) was found for White-winged black tern (iv = 4.10 ± 0.52). The minimum value of this index is observed in Whiskered tern (iv = 3.41 ± 0.39). It should be noted that differences in this index among Common tern are less pronounced than among Marsh tern The maximum value of the index of intra-variability of eggs laying (iv) was found for Little Tern (iv = 5.42 ± 0.65). The minimum value of this indicator was found in Common tern (iv = 3.90 ± 0.44). For Marsh tern (Whiskered and White-winged black tern), the value of the index of intra-variability of eggs laying length (iv) does not differ significantly.

Weak genetic structure, shared nonbreeding areas, and extensive movement in a declining waterbird

AbstractUnderstanding population mixing, movements, and connectivity of populations is an important first step towards effective conservation, particularly for long distance migrants that are suffering the greatest population declines, as this allows researchers to recognize how populations may face different risks throughout the annual cycle. We combined population genetic and individual tracking data to quantify the genetic structure and full-cycle movements of the declining North American Black Tern (Chlidonias niger surinamensis). A total of 147 genetic samples were collected from 9 breeding colonies across the range (Maine, Ontario, Michigan, Iowa, Wisconsin, Nebraska, Saskatchewan, and Oregon), and 19 light-level geolocators were recovered from 3 colonies (Ontario, Michigan, and Saskatchewan). Our results demonstrated weak genetic structure, and tracking data demonstrated the use of shared nonbreeding areas between central (Saskatchewan) and eastern (Ontario and Michigan) breeding populations. Our tracking data also provide novel evidence of long-distance breeding dispersal (~1,400 km between breeding locations across years) based on an individual tracked across multiple years, as well as short distance dispersal (~2.5–57 km) based on new recovery locations of 6 tracked individuals. Our results are consistent with the hypothesis that the shared use of nonbreeding areas influences physical condition, timing of departure, and subsequent reproductive timing in such a way as to facilitate dispersal across the breeding range and contribute to weak genetic structure among breeding populations. This study is the first to explore population genetics and migration of North American Black Terns. Extensive movement of individuals may pose a challenge from a conservation perspective as important areas and habitats throughout the annual cycle may be difficult to predict, and future studies should build on our work via extensive mark-resight effort using color bands, tracking individuals from more breeding sites, and examining carry-over effects to further investigate when in the annual cycle populations are most limited.

Branchiopodataenia bazaletica sp. n., a Parasite of the Black Tern (Chlidonias niger) from Georgia.

Branchiopodataenia bazaletica sp. n. (Cestoda, Cyclophyllidea) is described from the black tern, Chlidonias niger L., after re-examination of material deposited in the helminthological collection of the Institute of Zoology, Ilia State University, Institute of Zoology in Tbilisi, Georgia. The cestodes were collected from Bazaleti Lake in Georgia and originally identified as Wardium cirrosa, as labeled on the slides. Cestodes were examined using light microscopy. Detailed examination of the morphology of these specimens showed that they belong to the genus Branchiopodataenia and are described as a new species. The presence of 10 aploparaksoid hooks with an elongate handle, three testes, and chitinoid latch-like structure in the copulative part of the vagina support the assignment of the new species to Branchiopodataenia. The new species has rostellar hooks 48-52 in length, a long, armed cirrus, and long copulative part of the vagina. Branchiopodataenia bazaletica sp. n. differs from its congeners by the size of rostellar hooks and by the shape of the cirrus and vagina.

Functional Wetland Loss Drives Emerging Risks to Waterbird Migration Networks

Migratory waterbirds (i.e., shorebirds, wading birds, and waterfowl) rely on a diffuse continental network of wetland habitats to support annual life cycle needs. Emerging threats of climate and land-use change raise new concerns over the sustainability of these habitat networks as water scarcity triggers cascading ecological effects impacting wetland habitat availability. Here we use important waterbird regions in Oregon and California, United States, as a model system to examine patterns of landscape change impacting wetland habitat networks in western North America. Wetland hydrology and flooded agricultural habitats were monitored monthly from 1988 to 2020 using satellite imagery to quantify the timing and duration of inundation—a key delimiter of habitat niche values associated with waterbird use. Trends were binned by management practice and wetland hydroperiods (semi-permanent, seasonal, and temporary) to identify differences in their climate and land-use change sensitivity. Wetland results were assessed using 33 waterbird species to detect non-linear effects of network change across a diversity of life cycle and habitat needs. Pervasive loss of semi-permanent wetlands was an indicator of systemic functional decline. Shortened hydroperiods caused by excessive drying transitioned semi-permanent wetlands to seasonal and temporary hydrologies—a process that in part counterbalanced concurrent seasonal and temporary wetland losses. Expansion of seasonal and temporary wetlands associated with closed-basin lakes offset wetland declines on other public and private lands, including wildlife refuges. Diving ducks, black terns, and grebes exhibited the most significant risk of habitat decline due to semi-permanent wetland loss that overlapped important migration, breeding, molting, and wintering periods. Shorebirds and dabbling ducks were beneficiaries of stable agricultural practices and top-down processes of functional wetland declines that operated collectively to maintain habitat needs. Outcomes from this work provide a novel perspective of wetland ecosystem change affecting waterbirds and their migration networks. Understanding the complexity of these relationships will become increasingly important as water scarcity continues to restructure the timing and availability of wetland resources.

Beyond habitat: effects of conspecific and heterospecific aggregation on the spatial structure of a wetland nesting bird community

Nest location is a key factor influencing reproductive success in birds, and habitat choice is considered the main way in which birds select nest sites. Less attention has been devoted to the demand for proximity to other bird nests, which can provide additional profit, namely defense against predators. Here we analyzed the contributions of habitat, and conspecific and heterospecific aggregation to the spatial arrangement of breeding birds in a model bird community. We surveyed a pristine Siberian wetland bird community with the aim to locate all bird territories or nests, in 1993 and 2013. Habitat explained much of the nest site choice, but the nests were aggregated both intra‐ and inter‐specifically more than the spatial pattern of the habitat could explain. In particular, ducks, grebes and some waders bred nearby the most abundant active nest defenders, such as gulls and terns. Heterospecific associations were particularly pronounced in 2013, when the community was impoverished and one common active defender (white‐winged black tern Chlidonias leucopterus) was replaced by a less numerous but aggressive predator (Mongolian gull Larus mongolicus). The results suggest that spatial pattern in bird nests may be influenced by the (dis)appearance of one or a few species, which can play a role as umbrella or predator species. Integration of factors supporting the breeding of umbrella species, such as gulls, may became key targets for comprehensive conservation measures in large wetlands.

Ecology of Laridae under conditions of unstable hydrological regime: colony sizes and synchronization of reproduction

The problem of criteria for distinguishing colonies from similar socio-demographic structures (mainly in terms of nesting density) is highly relevant and has remained in the focus of attention of ornithologists for a long time. The synchronization of reproduction in a colony is one of the criteria which require special development. Based on particular works (1972–2005), I present synchronization of the reproduction of gulls in colonies of different sizes. In contrast to previous studies, this paper uses a specially developed Index of Synchronization of Bird Breeding (Isr) to study this phenomenon, making it relatively easy to determine its level. The index distinguishes between different species of birds of this group: 75.7% (white-winged black tern) and 97.6% (black-headed gull) of the total variability of synchronization of breeding birds in colonies. Frequent failure of nesting attempts often causes repeated (compensatory) reproduction, which in the case of a mass manifestation significantly reduces the synchronization of the nesting period in colonies and thus significantly reduces this indicator. It is proved that a higher synchronization of reproduction characterizes small colonies (up to 50 nests). In all species of gulls, the beginning of reproduction in different colonies differs in terms of the appearance of the first eggs by 1–10 days and at the beginning of mass egg-laying – by 1–18 days. To the same extent, they differ in the timing of the hatching of eggs. In small colonies, the total egg-laying period is shorter by 34.9–49.7% compared to larger colonies. My observations show that large colonies are formed by the nesting of several small colonies on one plot. This phenomenon is noticeable during periods of mass re-nesting of birds after a high loss of nests (up to 69.5% or more) because of severe flooding. Differences in the breeding periods of colonies that differ in size appear when several small colonies with different breeding periods of birds are combined into one larger colony. This phenomenon is well detected in the formation of several sub-colonies and in the differences in the timing of reproduction of different parts of a large colony.

Ecology of Laridae under conditions of unstable hydrological regime: colony sizes and synchronization of reproduction

The problem of criteria for distinguishing colonies from similar socio-demographic structures (mainly in terms of nesting density) is highly relevant and has remained in the focus of attention of ornithologists for a long time. The synchronization of reproduction in a colony is one of the criteria which require special development. Based on particular works (1972–2005), I present synchronization of the reproduction of gulls in colonies of different sizes. In contrast to previous studies, this paper uses a specially developed Index of Synchronization of Bird Breeding (Isr) to study this phenomenon, making it relatively easy to determine its level. The index distinguishes between different species of birds of this group: 75.7% (white-winged black tern) and 97.6% (black-headed gull) of the total variability of synchronization of breeding birds in colonies. Frequent failure of nesting attempts often causes repeated (compensatory) reproduction, which in the case of a mass manifestation significantly reduces the synchronization of the nesting period in colonies and thus significantly reduces this indicator. It is proved that a higher synchronization of reproduction characterizes small colonies (up to 50 nests). In all species of gulls, the beginning of reproduction in different colonies differs in terms of the appearance of the first eggs by 1–10 days and at the beginning of mass egg-laying – by 1–18 days. To the same extent, they differ in the timing of the hatching of eggs. In small colonies, the total egg-laying period is shorter by 34.9–49.7% compared to larger colonies. My observations show that large colonies are formed by the nesting of several small colonies on one plot. This phenomenon is noticeable during periods of mass re-nesting of birds after a high loss of nests (up to 69.5% or more) because of severe flooding. Differences in the breeding periods of colonies that differ in size appear when several small colonies with different breeding periods of birds are combined into one larger colony. This phenomenon is well detected in the formation of several sub-colonies and in the differences in the timing of reproduction of different parts of a large colony.

Can there be an input from philosophical debates on a better use of nature? Towards an improvement of nature rights in environmental economics

This contribution will deal with granting rights to nature. We will define nature rights as a social process of creating institutions which are linked to philosophical discourses on nature perceptions. The idea is to use different narratives in order to understand how nature rights have and can be accomplished/derived by humans. Then we will give hints for future directions of right detection embedded in eco-systems. We will specifically focus on right derivation needed for contracting with nature. We take beaver, wolf and black tern as examples and generalize on case specific findings. All of them need habitats and landscapes in which they can live. The mes­sage is that landscapes and habitats are part of nature rights and that they must be also addressed, not only nature rights for individual species. Additionally, we will use different strains of thought to get hints on practical nature rights establishment.

Highly Conservative Pattern of Sex Chromosome Synapsis and Recombination in Neognathae Birds.

We analyzed the synapsis and recombination between Z and W chromosomes in the oocytes of nine neognath species: domestic chicken Gallus gallus domesticus, grey goose Anser anser, black tern Chlidonias niger, common tern Sterna hirundo, pale martin Riparia diluta, barn swallow Hirundo rustica, European pied flycatcher Ficedula hypoleuca, great tit Parus major and white wagtail Motacilla alba using immunolocalization of SYCP3, the main protein of the lateral elements of the synaptonemal complex, and MLH1, the mismatch repair protein marking mature recombination nodules. In all species examined, homologous synapsis occurs in a short region of variable size at the ends of Z and W chromosomes, where a single recombination nodule is located. The remaining parts of the sex chromosomes undergo synaptic adjustment and synapse non-homologously. In 25% of ZW bivalents of white wagtail, synapsis and recombination also occur at the secondary pairing region, which probably resulted from autosome−sex chromosome translocation. Using FISH with a paint probe specific to the germline-restricted chromosome (GRC) of the pale martin on the oocytes of the pale martin, barn swallow and great tit, we showed that both maternally inherited songbird chromosomes (GRC and W) share common sequences.

Collapse of a Black Tern Colony (Chlidonias niger) as a Result of Climate Change Driven Lake-Level Extremes and Anthropogenic Habitat Alteration

Collapse of a Black Tern Colony (Chlidonias niger) as a Result of Climate Change Driven Lake-Level Extremes and Anthropogenic Habitat Alteration

Dual visible‐thermal camera approach facilitates drone surveys of colonial marshbirds

AbstractWaterbirds are important indicators of wetland health, and understanding their status and trends is necessary for appropriate management and conservation. However, certain species are challenging to survey due to their sensitivity to disturbance and the difficulty of accessing their breeding habitats. This is especially true for colonially breeding marshbirds, for which a multi‐species survey protocol that maximizes accuracy of counts and minimizes disturbance does not exist. Small drone aircraft have shown promise for conducting accurate and low‐disturbance surveys of colonial waterbirds. However, complex marsh vegetation structures and the cryptic nature of some marshbird nests make them difficult to detect in aerial imagery. We used synchronous high‐resolution visible imagery (0.8–2 cm/pixel) and thermal‐infrared imagery (6–16 cm/pixel) captured from a drone to count nests of five species of marshbirds at eight colonies in Saskatchewan, Canada. We compared counts from the imagery to those obtained from traditional ground‐based surveys, generally considered the most accurate survey method for these species. The two types of imagery proved highly complementary, as heat signatures helped detect and confirm nests not easily spotted in the visible imagery, while the detailed visible imagery allowed species identification. For four species (Western Grebe Aechmophorus occidentalis, Franklin's Gull Leucophaeus pipixcan, Forster's Tern Sterna forsteri, and Black‐crowned Night‐Heron Nycticorax nycticorax), drone‐based counts (range 74–1524 nests per colony) were within 5% of ground‐based counts (range 75–1582), while for smaller Black Tern Chlidonias niger colonies (range 3–7 nests), counts from the two methods were always within one nest of each other. Furthermore, an assessment of flight behavior before, during, and after drone surveys found no significant evidence of disturbance by the drone. Our drone‐borne dual visible‐thermal camera approach proved promising for surveying colonial marshbirds and could potentially be implemented in a range of situations where wildlife subjects are difficult to survey with visible or thermal imagery alone.

Black Tern Nest-site Fidelity in an Unstable Habitat: a Preliminary Study

We investigated the adult Black Tern (Chlidonias niger) return rate and nest-site fidelity in unstable habitats in the Kaniv reservoir (Middle Dnieper, Ukraine) where a regular weather impact such as heavy rains and storms leads to a destruction of nesting colonies. 278 adult birds were tagged with colored rings in 12 Black Tern colonies during the nesting season in 2012-2019. 44 Black Tern birds were resighted or recaptured in eight colonies. The return rate was 15.8 % and it declined rapidly in 3 years. 29 returning terns were noted within the same colonies where the birds had been tagged initially, 15 ones were seen in other colonies, but the majority of them were found no farther than 2 km from the initial colony. The site fidelity mean rate was 66 %. Olgin colony showed a high nest-site fidelity rate, while it was much lower in others. Such variations occurred because of the loss of first clutches caused by unfavorable weather conditions. In the middle of May, strong waves, storms and heavy rains regularly destroyed nesting colonies located in habitats poorly protected by water plant vegetation. Terns relocated their colonies to build new nesting clutches but commonly not farther then 2 km from their first colonies.

Black Tern (Chlidonias niger) Nest Success and Incubation Behavior in Northern Michigan, United States

Nest success and chick survival are difficult to determine in Black Terns (Chlidonias niger) due to cryptic nests and chicks, challenging to access nest locations, and potential detrimental effects on nest success from increased disturbance in the colony. Nest success and attendance rates were documented in a Black Tern colony in northern Michigan, USA, in 2017 and 2018 using nest cameras and weekly site visits to overcome these challenges. Nest success was estimated at 74% (95% CI = 41%-91%) in 2017 and 81% (95% CI = 61%-92%) in 2018. Mean nest attendance during the late incubation stage (86%) was significantly higher than during the early stage (77%); and time of day had a significant effect on nest attendance rates, with adult Black Terns spending more time on the nest at night. When chicks reached 6 days post-hatch, mean diurnal nest attendance dropped to 35% or lower. Nocturnal nest attendance remained high until the chicks were 6 or more days old, then nest attendance declined precipitously. These findings may provide further insight into the use of nest cameras and potential factors limiting Black Tern nest success and chick survival in the Great Lakes.

Birds of the Ramsar site Estação Ecológica de Taiamã and buffer zone, Pantanal wetlands, Brazil

The Estação Ecológica de Taiamã (EET) is one of the Ramsar sites in the Pantanal wetlands of Brazil. We present an annotated list of bird species recorded between 2015 and 2018, along with a compilation of existing data for this area. In our sampling, 207 species were recorded, with 76% documented. We have the first record of Chlidonias niger (Linnaeus, 1758) for the Pantanal and Central region of Brazil. Another 30 species are new records for EET, such as the migrant Hirundo rustica Linnaeus, 1758. The general list comprises 24 orders, 60 families, and 278 species, of which 160 were assigned to the primary list and 118 to the secondary list. This study will aid in the conservation of biodiversity in the Pantanal. The EET and its buffer zone are important for maintaining biodiversity and expanding its boundaries may further promote the conservation of birds in Brazilian wetlands.

Terns (Sterninae) in the collection of the Slovenian Museum of Natural History

Abstract The catalogue presents the data on all specimens of terns (Sterninae) that have been inventoried into the ornithological collection of the Slovenian Museum of Natural History (PMS). The catalogue includes data on preserved as well as lost specimens. The data have been collected from all inventory books at hand in the Slovenian Museum of Natural History. By the end of 2019, 66 different specimens of eight tern species have been recorded in the ornithological collection, of which 56 specimens are still preserved. Most specimens were collected in the 1940–1970 period. The largest number of specimens concerns the Black Tern Chlidonias niger and Common Tern Sterna hirundo. Among the collected terns, the specimens found in Slovenia predominate. Five specimens originate from other countries, specifically Eritrea, Oman, Serbia and Croatia.