Predation on roseate tern eggs by European starlings in the Azores

Neves, Verónica C.; Panagiotakopoulos, Sotirios; Ratcliffe, Norman

http://hdl.handle.net/10400.3/1113

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Authors

Neves, Verónica C.

Panagiotakopoulos, Sotirios

Ratcliffe, Norman

Abstract(s)

Predation by the European starling (Sturnus vulgaris) was the main reason for roseate tern (Sterna dougallii) hatching failure on Vila islet, Azores, one of the species’ largest colonies in Europe. Observations showed that single or small groups of starlings were responsible for predation events and that tern nest defense against starlings was generally ineffective. Daily nest survival rate was 94.2% in 2002 and 90.0% in 2003. Nesting success was estimated using a simulation model that allowed for renesting following failure and was 0.42 in 2002 and 0.17 in 2003. These values are considerably lower than the 0.97 nesting success at Rockabill, Ireland, one of the main European colonies, for the period 2000-2003. The sensitivity and importance of the roseate tern population in the Azores are discussed in relation to predation. Management strategies to reduce predation could include non-lethal control of starlings, destruction of starling nests and prevention from nesting in the vicinity of tern colonies.