Caspian Tern Breeding biology at a colony near Invercargill, New Zealand
76 Notornis, 2002, Vol. 49: 76-90 0029-4470 O The Ornithological Society of New Zealand, Inc. 2002 Breeding biology of Caspian terns (Sterna caspia) at a colony near Invercargill, New Zealand MAIDA L. BARLOW" 11 Salier Crescent, Mt Stuart 7000, Tasmania, Australia JOHN E. DOWDING
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Abstract We studied the breeding biology of a colony of Caspian terns (Sterna caspia) near Invercargill, New Zealand,
during 1992 and 1993. The mean clutch size did not differ between years and averaged 2.04. Measurements of 147 eggs
averaged 64.5 x 44.6 mm; there was no difference in size of A-eggs (1st-laid in a clutch) and B-eggs (2nd-laid) in either
year, but the few C-eggs laid were significantly smaller. The incubation period averaged 27.2 days (range 26-29 days);
some earlier published values of 20-22 days appear to be in error. In 1992, growth rates of A-chicks were significantly
higher than those of B-chicks. Growth rates of A-chicks were significantly higher in 1992 than in 1993. Fledging occurred
at 33-39 days at an estimated average mass of 527 g in 1992 and 501 g in 1993. Minimum productivity was 1.04
and 0.62 chicks fledged pair-' in 1992 and 1993, respectively. Weather during the period of chick growth was much
wetter and windier in 1993 and we suggest that this reduced the ability of parents to feed chicks. Investigator disturbance,
which has been implicated in lower reproductive success in some studies of Caspian terns, did not appear to
have a major impact in our study. We believe this was partly because the birds were habituated to our activities and
partly because of our methodology.
Barlow, M.L.; Dowding, J.E. 2002. Breeding biology of Caspian terns (Sterna caspia) at a colony near Invercargill, New
Zealand. Notornis 49(2): 76-90.
Keywords Caspiantern; Sterna caspia; breeding biology; colonial nesting; clutch size; incubation time; growth rates;New Zealand
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