Date Approved
2011
Degree Type
Open Access Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science (MS)
Department or School
Biology
Committee Member
Peter Bednekoff, PhD, Chair
Committee Member
Steve Francoeur, PhD
Committee Member
Mike Kielb, M.Sc.
Abstract
Common terns are declining in the Great Lakes region and represent a population relatively distinct from that of eastern North America. On an artificial site, I studied the substrate and vegetation preference and productivity of nesting terns at two scales: general habitat and nest-site. Terns nested later and less successfully in large river rock (13 to 25-cm diameter) compared to more diverse substrate and limestone (2.5-5.0 cm) when it was free of dead vegetation. Within a habitat, terns chose to nest where substrate was most diverse in rock size, soil, and non-vegetative debris. Percent standing cover did not affect hatching success, but did have a positive effect on fledging success. I monitored predation and nocturnal desertion and determined the behavior was variable between pairs and the detection of a black-crowned night heron (Nycticorax nycticorax) predating chicks at night did not lengthen the nocturnal nest desertion time of common terns.
Recommended Citation
Norwood, Gregory J., "Nest-site selection, nocturnal nest desertion, and productivity in a common tern (sterna hirundo) colony at Detroit River, Michigan" (2011). Master's Theses and Doctoral Dissertations. 346.
https://commons.emich.edu/theses/346
Comments
Additional committee member: Cara Shillington, PhD