Coloniality in Terns: The Role of Social Feeding

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Abstract
Aspects of foraging and colonial breeding in 6 Atlantic tern species [Sterna paradisea, S. hirundo, S. dougallii, S. albifrons, S. maxima and Gelochelidon nilotica] are compared. Inshore-feeders (gull-billed and least terns) tended to have the smallest colonies, mid-range feeders (common and arctic terns) had intermediate colonies, while the distant foraging roseate and royal terns had the largest colonies. Consistencies were found between group foraging tendency and foraging zone. Species foraging at greater distances fed in groups more readily than inshore-feeders. Similar correlations existed among terns in Europe and alcids in British Columbia [Canada] suggesting that the phenomenon may be widespread. Colonial nesting may not only deter predators but also increase searching efficiency over a range of foraging areas where food distribution is patchy and unpredictable.