King Eider (<i>Somateria spectabilis</i>) Nesting in Association with Long-tailed Skua (<i>Stercorarius longicaudus</i>)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.14430/arctic1705Keywords:
Animal behaviour, Animal distribution, Animal population, Animal reproduction, Bird nesting, King Eiders, Long-tailed Skua, Hold with Hope, GreenlandAbstract
In High Arctic Northeast Greenland King Eiders (Somateria spectabilis) were found nesting in association with solitarily breeding Long-tailed Skuas (Stercorarius longicaudus). The association is demonstrated using spatial statistics analyses and timing of clutch initiations. Long-tailed Skuas' nests were evenly spaced in the 6.1 sq km census area, whereas nine out of ten King Eider nests were located close to five different nests of Long-tailed Skua. It is suggested that the association may be a state of commensalism.
Key words: nest site selection, nesting association, spatial distribution pattern, commensalism, King Eider, (Somateria spectabilis), Long-tailed Skua (Stercorarius longicaudus), Greenland, High Arctic
