Effects of clutch sizes and incubation stage on nest desertion in the female Common Eider Somateria mollissima nesting in the high Arctic

Polar Biology ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 29 (5) ◽  
pp. 358-363 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sophie Bourgeon ◽  
François Criscuolo ◽  
Fabrice Bertile ◽  
Thierry Raclot ◽  
Geir Wing Gabrielsen ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
High Arctic ◽  
Common Eider ◽  
Somateria Mollissima ◽  
Incubation Stage ◽  
Nest Desertion

Patterns of intraspecific nest parasitism in the High Arctic common eider (Somateria mollissima borealis)

1994 ◽  
Vol 72 (6) ◽  
pp. 1027-1034 ◽  
Author(s):  
Tor Harry Bjørn ◽  
Kjell Einar Erikstad
Keyword(s):  
Reproductive Effort ◽  
High Arctic ◽  
Common Eider ◽  
Breeding Period ◽  
Somateria Mollissima ◽  
Nest Parasitism ◽  
Nest Sites ◽  
Egg Parasitism ◽  
Intraspecific Nest Parasitism ◽  
Breeding Seasons

Intraspecific nest parasitism was studied during two breeding seasons at two common eider (Somateria mollissima borealis) colonies in Kongsfjord, Svalbard (79°55′N, 12°10′E). The density of breeding eiders differed considerably from year to year and also among colonies. Parasitic eggs were identified through deviations from a normal laying pattern. Parasitic eggs (8%) were laid in 16% of the clutches at the dense colony. The corresponding values on the island with low breeding density were 1.6 and 2% in 1989 and 1990, respectively. Parasitic eggs were laid in clutches of all sizes according to their availability. The parasitizing females laid 70% of their eggs during the host's laying period. Parasitic laying occurred despite the constant availability of suitable nest sites. The hosts did not reduce their clutch size in response to egg parasitism. The rate of egg predation was significantly higher in parasitized than in nonparasitized nests. Parasitic eggs were laid late in the breeding period, suggesting that birds which were immature, in poor body condition, or had previously failed are salvaging some reproductive effort.

scholarly journals The 45thAnnual Report of the California Bird Records Committee: 2019 Records

Western Birds ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 52 (1) ◽  
pp. 2-22
Author(s):  
Thomas A. Benson ◽  
Deborah J. House ◽  
Guy McCaskie ◽  
Alex M. Rinkert ◽  
Adam J. Searcy ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Mojave Desert ◽  
Species Group ◽  
Common Eider ◽  
Somateria Mollissima ◽  
Total List

From its last report through 2019, the California Bird Records Committee reached decisions on 204 records involving 225 individuals of 62 species and one species group, endorsing 176 records of 197 individuals. These include the first accepted state record of the Yellow-browed Warbler (Phylloscopus inornatus), bringing California’s total list of accepted species to 676, of which 13 represent established introductions. Other especially notable records detailed in this report include the state’s third Common Eider (Somateria mollissima), third Common Ringed Plover (Charadrius hiaticula), fourth and fifth Red-flanked Bluetail (Tarsiger cyanurus), a significant incursion of Cassin’s Sparrows (Peucaea cassinii) into the eastern Mojave Desert, and the first Spotted Redshank (Tringa erythropus) in 30 years.

Female sociality in the common eider duck during brood rearing

1982 ◽  
Vol 60 (12) ◽  
pp. 3326-3331 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. K. Schmutz ◽  
R. J. Robertson ◽  
F. Cooke
Keyword(s):  
Maternal Care ◽  
Adaptive Significance ◽  
Common Eider ◽  
Somateria Mollissima ◽  
Brood Rearing ◽  
The Common ◽  
Nutrient Reserves ◽  
Prolactin Hormone

This study investigates the potential adaptive significance of the behavior of female common eider ducks (Somateria mollissima) which have no young of their own ("aunts") but accompany other females and young. "Aunts" exhibited ambivalent aggression and protection toward ducklings. There was no evidence that the presence of "aunts" enhanced the survival of the ducklings they accompanied. Both females which had their clutch removed and females which had not laid eggs behaved as "aunts." The level of circulating prolactin hormone in "aunts" was lower than in incubating females and similar to the basal level of males. We therefore rejected the hypothesis that maternal care was misdirected during hormonal adjustment from breeding to nonbreeding. We suggest that "aunts" which have lost a clutch or brood, spend some time feeding away from the colony, and then return to the nesting grounds after replenishing their nutrient reserves. Upon returning, "aunts" may select sites for nesting in future years. During this time, they are temporarily attracted to broods. We propose that "aunts" flock and fend off predators during an attack in an attempt to seek safety in a flock rather than to protect ducklings of other females.

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