Abstract
The Sabine’s gull (Xema sabini) is a small seabird that breeds in select locations across the circumpolar Arctic, but there have been few studies on its breeding biology, particularly from the high Arctic. We studied nesting phenology, breeding effort, and breeding success of Sabine’s gulls over 5 years at a colony on a small island (Nasaruvaalik) in the Canadian high Arctic. Compared to studies in the low Arctic, nest initiation dates and adult body mass were more consistent across years, and reproductive success was typically higher at Nasaruvaalik Island. These differences may be related to the more predictable food sources available in the nearby polynya upon arrival from migration, as well as the lower predation pressure at our site.
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Acknowledgments
We thank J. Akearok, K. Allard, V. Amarualik, J. Boadway, T. Boadway, C. Duval, A. Fontaine, S. Han, C. Mallory, D. Mallory, O. Mallory, K. McKay, C. Mischler, T. Noah, J. Panipak, M. Pelletier, T. Sailor, and C. Vallerand for field assistance. Financial and logistic support was provided by Environment Canada (CWS), Natural Resources Canada (PCSP), Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (NSTP), University of New Brunswick, Memorial University of Newfoundland, and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council. All work was carried out under appropriate permits, including ACC, CWS, GN, NWB, and INAC.
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Mallory, M.L., Boadway, K.A., Davis, S.E. et al. Breeding biology of Sabine’s gull (Xema sabini) in the Canadian high Arctic. Polar Biol 35, 335–344 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00300-011-1079-x
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00300-011-1079-x