Feeding ecology of nonbreeding populations of larids off Deer Island, New Brunswick.

Abstract

The distribution of birds in the area followed prey distribution, with Bonaparte's gull Larus philadelphia frequenting areas with surface euphausiid concentrations and the common tern Sterna hirundo and arctic tern S. paradisaea occupying areas harboring schools of small fish. Feeding distribution patterns were associated with the combined effects of tide phases and bottom topography on the availability of surface prey. Bonaparte's gull fed predominantly on euphausiids and insects. Arctic tern fed frequently on euphausiids and a variety of small fish. Common tern took only small fish. - from Authors