Relationship between nest sites of common terns and vegetation on the Eastern Headland, Toronto Outer Harbour

• Published in: Canadian Journal of Zoology
• Main Authors: Blokpoel, H., Catling, P. M., Haymes, G. T.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Canadian Science Publishing 1978
• Subjects: Animal Science and Zoology; Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics; Common tern; Sterna hirundo
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/z78-277; http://www.nrcresearchpress.com/doi/pdf/10.1139/z78-277

The distribution of common tern (Sterna hirundo) nests relative to vegetation and objects (rocks and sticks) was studied on the Eastern Headland of the Toronto Outer Harbour in 1977. The vegetative cover in one study plot ranged from 0–10% to 91–100%, with a mean of 16%. In that plot the vegetative cover near nests ranged from 0–10% to 81–90%, with a mean of 44%. In the second study plot where plants were widely scattered, the great majority of the nests were situated next to plants or objects. Possible advantages and disadvantages of this behaviour are briefly discussed.