Reproductive success of least terns and black skimmers in southeastern North Carolina

UNCW Author/Contributor (non-UNCW co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Katrina M. Roman (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina Wilmington (UNCW )
Web Site: http://library.uncw.edu/

Abstract: One mixed colony of Least Terns and Black Skimmers at Wrightsville Beach, N.C., was monitored to determine the reproductive success of these birds from 2003- 2005. Nests were visited, on average, every 3 days from April through July of each year. Mean clutch size differed significantly for both Least Terns and Black Skimmers among years. In 2005, there were significantly more 1-egg clutches for both species. Nest success differed significantly by clutch size for both species in 2005, and total nest success (2003-2005) also differed significantly for both species, with 1-egg clutches having much lower nest success. Hatching success differed significantly by clutch size in Least Terns in 2003 and 2005 and in Black Skimmers in 2005, and total hatching success (2003-2005) also differed significantly for both species among years. In Least Terns, 2-egg clutches had significantly greater hatching success in 2003 and 1-egg clutches had significantly lower hatching success in 2005. Overall (2003-2005), 2-egg clutches had the greatest hatching success and 1-egg clutches had the least. In Black Skimmers, hatching success increased as clutch size increased in 2005 and overall. There was a negative correlation between number of nests and nest success for both Least Terns and Black Skimmers, and number of eggs and hatching success for both Least Terns and Black Skimmers. This research provides important baseline data that may be used for conservation efforts for Least Terns and Black Skimmers in managed coastal habitats.

Additional Information

Publication
Thesis
A Thesis Submitted to the University of North Carolina Wilmington in Partial Fulfillment of the Requirements for the Degree of Master of Science
Language: English
Date: 2009
Keywords
Black skimmer--Nests, Black skimmer--North Carolina--Reproduction, Wildlife management--North Carolina--Wrightsville Beach, Least tern--North Carolina--Reproduction
Subjects
Black skimmer -- North Carolina -- Reproduction
Least tern -- North Carolina -- Reproduction
Wildlife management -- North Carolina -- Wrightsville Beach
Black skimmer -- Nests

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