The role of reproductive success in colony-site selection and abandonment in black skimmers ( Rynchops niger) ( New Jersey).

Abstract

Black skimmers were studied in New Jersey. Frequent colony-site shifts occurred. Although in one year fledging success was nearly zero due to flood tides, in most years tides destroyed less than 25% of the colonies, while predators destroyed up to 50% of the colonies. Skimmers usually abandoned unsuccessful sites and continued to nest in successful sites. Colony abandonment was greater in colonies subjected to predation pressures than in those subjected to flooding. This difference probably related to the high predictability of future low reproductive success when a colony was destroyed by predators (high probability of future loss) compared to floods (low predictability). -from Author