King Eider (<i>Somateria spectabilis</i>) Nesting in Association with Long-tailed Skua (<i>Stercorarius longicaudus</i>)

Аннотация

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