Nest characteristics determine nest microclimate and affect breeding output in an Antarctic seabird, the Wilson's storm-petrel.

ABSTRACT: The importance of nest characteristics for birds breeding in the extreme climate conditions of polar regions, has been greatly understudied. Nest parameters, like nest orientation, exposure and insulation, could strongly influence microclimate and protection against precipitation of the nest, thereby affecting breeding success. A burrow nesting seabird, the Wilson's storm-petrel (Oceanites oceanicus) is an excellent model species to investigate the importance of nest characteristics, as it is the smallest endotherm breeding in the Antarctic. Here, we investigated the effects of nest parameters such as internal nest dimensions, nest micro-topography and thermal properties of the nest burrow and the influence of weather conditions on breeding output, measured as hatching success, chick survi

SUBMITTER: Michielsen RJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC6564424 | biostudies-literature | 2019

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature