Breeding of the south American tern (sterna hirundinacea) on anchored boats in coquimbo, northern Chile

Abstract

We report the breeding attempt of South American Terns (Sterna hirundinacea) on three boats in Coquimbo, northern Chile. The first breeding attempt was reported in winter 2011 where at least one chick fledged. From April to June 2015, all nests on the boats were monitored. We recorded eggs and chicks during May and early June. However, towards the end of June, no eggs or chicks were recorded in the nests, and a Chimango Caracara (Phalcoboenus chimango) was observed preying on chicks in one nest. In April and May 2017, breeding attempts on boats were also monitored and nests with eggs and one chick were recorded. However, at the end of May all nests were empty. This unusual nesting site for South American Terns is apparently regularly used in the area despite its virtually null breeding success.