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Volume 53, No. 2

Volumes > 38 (2010-->)

Volumes 28-37 (2000-09)

Volumes 18-27 (1990-99)

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Breeding phenology and reproductive success of larid species nesting in Cuba.


Authors

ANTONIO GARCIA-QUINTAS1,2*, DENNIS DENIS3, CHRISTOPHE BARBRAUD4, & SOPHIE LANCO1
1Institut de Recherche pour le Développement, Unité mixte de recherche - Marine Biodiversity, Exploitation and Conservation (MARBEC), Université de Montpellier, Ifremer, CNRS, IRD, France
2Centro de Investigaciones de Ecosistemas Costeros, Cuba *(agquintas86@gmail.com)
3Museo Nacional de Historia Natural, Habana Vieja, Cuba
4Centres d'Etudes Biologiques de Chizé (UMR7372), Centre National de la Recherche Scientifique - La Rochelle Université, 79360 Villiers en Bois, France

Citation

Garcia-Quintas, A., Denis, D., Barbraud, C., & Lanco, S. 2025. Breeding phenology and reproductive success of larid species nesting in Cuba.. Marine Ornithology 53: 243 - 249
http://doi.org/10.5038/2074-1235.53.2.1643

Received 08 February 2024, accepted 20 February 2025

Date Published: 2025/10/15
Date Online: 2025/08/26
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Key words: breeding performance, gulls, phenological phases, seasonality, terns, tropical seabirds

Abstract

Breeding phenology is a life history trait that influences reproductive success and population dynamics, yet it remains poorly studied in tropical seabird species. The Caribbean constitutes a breeding hotspot for seabirds, although information about their phenology and reproductive success is limited. We characterized the breeding phenology and reproductive success of seven larid species during the 2021 breeding season on three cays in Cuba. To document breeding phenological phases, we conducted weekly surveys and used camera traps. We also recorded the number of nests, eggs and fledglings. Overall, the breeding phenology of the studied species was seasonal and relatively synchronous, occurring primarily from May to August. The phenological pattern exhibited in this larid community may reflect increased prey availability during the rainy season in Cuba. Additionally, denser vegetation cover—resulting from higher rainfall—may offer greater protection against predators, particularly because most of the species are summer residents. Reproductive success was high (≥ 50% per pair) for Laughing Gull Leucophaeus atricilla, Sooty Tern Onychoprion fuscatus, and Roseate Tern Sterna dougallii in all cays, while Bridled Tern O. anaethetus and Royal Tern Thalasseus maximus exhibited variable reproductive performance between cays. Sandwich Tern T. sandvicensis exhibited moderate reproductive success (40%-49%). Landscape features at nesting sites appeared to strongly affect the reproductive success of both Bridled Tern and Royal Tern.

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Search by author or title:

Browse previous volumes:

Volumes > 38 (2010-->)

Volumes 28-37 (2000-09)

Volumes 18-27 (1990-99)

Volumes 5-17 (1978-89) a.k.a 'Cormorant'