Journal of Ornithology

, Volume 147, Issue 2, pp 354–366 | Cite as

Spatial patterns in at-sea behaviour during spring migration by little gulls (Larus minutus) in the southeastern North Sea

Original Article
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Abstract

At-sea distribution of seabirds has been studied on different scales and with different focus in many parts of the world. However, factors and/or processes causing certain patterns are often not easily explained. This also holds true for fast migrating species of international conservation concern, such as the little gull (Larus minutus) in the German Bight (southeastern North Sea). In this study, we used multiyear distributional data in combination with behavioural observations and food sampling to investigate spatial and temporal patterns and their possible causes during spring migration. The results show a highly focussed migration pattern during the last week of April and the first week of May. The river Eider seemed to play an important role as main migration route. Highest numbers were found either close to the mainland or close to the offshore islands. Little gulls used certain subareas for intense feeding (i.e. the region near Helgoland and the outlet of river Elbe) and others for migration. Hydrographic phenomena such as fronts and foam lines play an important role within the feeding sites and strongly influence behaviour and distribution. Feeding behaviour as well as samples of probable prey revealed different quality of feeding sites according to the energy density of the most abundant probable food items (drowned insects versus zooplankton and fish). In conclusion, the area utilisation of L. minutus during spring migration in the German Bight showed a clear pattern, and sites with main feeding action should be regarded as sensitive for little gulls, at least during spring migration.

Keywords

Little gull Habitat use Behaviour Distribution Migration 
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Notes

Acknowledgements

This study was based on survey data collected with the financial support of the Federal Environmental Ministry, the Federal Agency for Nature Conservation, the Ornithologische Arbeitsgemeinschaft für Schleswig-Holstein & Hamburg e.V., and the Freunde und Förderer der Inselstation der Vogelwarte Helgoland e.V.. The Staatliches Umweltamt Itzehoe in cooperation with the Nationalparkamt Schleswig-Holsteinisches Wattenmeer provided the opportunity to use the research vessel Elbsande for bird recordings and collection of food samples. R. Mundry assisted with statistical issues. V. Dierschke improved an earlier version of this manuscript.

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Copyright information

© Dt. Ornithologen-Gesellschaft e.V. 2005

Authors and Affiliations

  1. 1.Research and Technology Centre (FTZ)University of KielBüsumGermany

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