Aerial Feeding by a Black-tailed Gull Larus crassirostris on Japanese Halfbeaks Hyporhamphus sajori Startled by Car Headlights

Abstract

At a fishing port in Hokkaido, Japan, a Black-tailed Gull Larus crassirostris was observed feeding on startled Japanese halfbeaks Hyporhamphus sajori that jumped into the air when the sea surface was illuminated by car headlights. This note documents a unique way in which artificial lights can provide feeding opportunities for seabirds.