Effect of implanted satellite transmitters on the nesting behavior of Murres

Abstract

We implanted 6 Common Murres (Uria aalge) and 10 Thick-billed Murres (Uria lomvia) with satellite transmitters and compared subsequent presence at the colony, nesting status, and provisioning to a control group that underwent a simple surgical procedure. In the 10 days following implantation, we resighted 10 of 11 control birds at the colony and 6 of 16 implanted birds. Of the birds that returned, 7 of 10 control birds retained breeding status, whereas zero of six implanted birds retained breeding status. We conclude that abdominal implantations alter murre nesting behavior.