Factors affecting nest site selection and reproductive success of tundra nesting shorebirds ...

• Main Author: Smith, Paul A.
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: University of British Columbia 2009
• Subjects: Arenaria interpres; Nunavut; Red Phalarope; Ruddy Turnstone; Tundra
• Online Access: https://dx.doi.org/10.14288/1.0091257; https://doi.library.ubc.ca/10.14288/1.0091257

I studied patterns of nest site choice and reproductive success in tundra nesting shorebirds at East Bay, Nunavut, to determine the factors that affect nest success in habitats with limited structural complexity. From 2000-2002,1 monitored the nests of five species: Black-bellied Plover (Pluvialis squatarola), Red Phalarope (Phalaropus fulicaria), Ruddy Turnstone (Arenaria interpres), White-rumped Sandpiper (Calidris fuscicollis) and Semipalmated Plover (Charadrius semipalmatus). For all species, I evaluated the influence of habitat, food availability, nest distribution and parental behaviour on nest success. I found strong patterns of non-random nest placement and clear evidence of habitat preferences. However, I found little evidence that variation in nest habitat was related to variation in success within or between species. Shorebirds did not prefer to nest in habitats where food was most abundant. Nest success was not consistently higher in preferred nest habitats. Instead, reproductive success may be ...