Nesting Behavior of Herring Gulls: Invasion into Spartina Salt Marsh Areas of New Jersey

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Abstract
Herring gulls [Larus argentatus] have increased in numbers and expanded their breeding range since the turn of the century. They now nest in Spartina salt marshes of southern New Jersey [USA], nesting behavior and success were studied in dry shrub areas, edge Spartina mat areas and wet Spartina areas. Herring gulls constructed larger and deeper nests in wet areas than in dry areas. Natural (tidal effect compacting nest material) and experimental reduction of nest depth resulted in immediate repair only in the wet areas. Experimental removal of nest material from only 1 side of the nest resulted in some repair in all habitats. However, complete repair occurred only in the wet areas. Hatching success varied from 0-100%, depending on the habitat. Nests in dry areas had at least 1 egg hatch in 95-100% of the nests, in wet-dry areas hatching success varied from 45-88% and in the wettest areas none of the eggs hatched. Gulls nesting in Spartina had eggs hatch in 0, 70 and 83% of the nests which directly related to the height of the marsh. Herring gulls can successfully hatch eggs in Spartina if they select high marsh areas.