Mate, Site, and Territory Fidelity in Piping Plovers

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Abstract
Breeding-site fidelity, territory retention, and mate fidelity were examined in a color-banded population of monogamous Piping Plovers (Charadrius melodus) breeding at five focal sites in southern Manitoba [Canada] from 1981 to 1986. Frequent nest destruction by predators and storms provided numerous opportunities for birds to change mates and territories during and among breeding seasons. Between years approximately 70% of surviving adults were site faithful. Males did not return significantly more often than females, and both sexes returned regardless of previous reproductive success. Although former mates were present in subsequent years, 30 of 37 birds changed mates. Birds that changed mates from the previous year and whose mates were present in subsequent years had experienced poorer hatching success the previous season than those that retained mates. Birds that retained mates did not improve their reproductive success over the previous year. After nest destruction during the breeding season, most adults kept mates (34/52 pairs) but changed territories. Birds changed territories significantly more often, and moved significantly farther, following nest destruction by storm than following predation. Birds that retained mates during the breeding season fledged more chicks than those that changed.