Bird Research
Online ISSN : 1880-1595
Print ISSN : 1880-1587
ISSN-L : 1880-1587
Short Communications
Characteristics of roofs utilized by Slaty-backed Gulls Larus schistisagus for nesting in coastal Northwest Hokkaido, Japan
Makoto Hasebe
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2013 Volume 9 Pages S13-S18

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Abstract

I investigated the characteristics of roofs that were used by Slaty-backed Gulls Larus schistisagus for nesting, and the positions of the nests on the roofs, in Haboro and Tomamae fishing ports along the Japan Sea coast of Northwest Hokkaido in June 2011 and 2012. A total of 23 nests were observed in 2011, and 27 nests in 2012. The gulls preferred flat roofs, or sloped roofs with snow guards attached, that ensure the stability of nest. The preferred nest position was roof edges. The edges appear to provide the nesting gulls the benefits of easy observation of the surrounding area and easy take off. Of the nests in 2012, 59% were located at the same positions of the same roofs as those of 2011. As a further study, to cope with the expected increase of conflict between gulls and humans, it is important to evaluate the habitat quality of roofs as breeding sites for gulls in coastal areas by investigating the breeding success rate of roof-nesting gulls, and then comparing breeding success with that found in natural sites such as Teuri Island.

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© 2013 by Japan Bird Research Association
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