First nesting records of the Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica in Colombia
First nesting records of the Gull-billed Tern Gelochelidon nilotica in Colombia
Keywords:
breeding, Colombia, Gelochelidon nilotica, Gull-billed Tern, Pacific coastAbstract
The Gull-Billed Tern (Gelochelidon nilotica) is a boreal migrant and winter resident along South America’s coasts; and breeding has been recorded only in Ecuador. It is considered an occasional visitor to both Colombian coasts. In 1999 we studied a colony with 20 pairs in Sanquianga National Park and in 2000, we observed adults in breeding plumage and one unsuccessful nesting attempt. These constitute the first breeding records of this species in Colombia. We provide information on behavior of nesting adults, features of the nests and nesting area and threats to the colony of G. nilotica in Colombia. Exploration of other potential nesting areas on the Pacific coast is needed to clarify the status of G. nilotica in Colombia.
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References
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