Some aspects of the ecology of the ringed plover(charadrius hlaticula) during the breeding season.

Abstract

The Ringed Plover Gharadrlus hiaticula was studied during a period of fieldwork in 1979. Data from this and other studies are used in consideration of certain aspects of the ecology of the species during the breeding season. There were two main areas of study, the mainland (Ross Back Sands, Old Law and Badle Bay) and the island (Lindisfarne).Territories were taken up earlier on the mainland. There was a fall in the. number of territories occupied in 1979, compared to previous years. There is good evidence for site tenacity, with many pairs occupying the same or an adjacent territory year after year. The minimum length of territory occupancy ranged from 15 to more than 94 days. The first egg of 1979 was laid on 2 May. The clutches were of 3 or 4 eggs. The peak of laying and the amount of laying per pair varies from year to-year. The final clutch of 1979 was recorded on 18 July. The interval between territory uptake and the laying of the first egg was longer, the earlier the territory was established. 85% of eggs noted were predated in 1979.The major agent of egg predation was crows. The period of hatching lasts from May to August, The incubation period is usually from 22 to 26 days. The fledging success of 1979 was between 5.8 and 12.57% of eggs laid. The birds spend most of their time feeding on the drier areas of the beach. Invertebrate samples showed much greater potential prey on wet mud areas than on drier sand or muddy-sand areas. Females feed faster than males.