Abstract
The breeding success of four species of herons (Egretta garzetta, Ardeola ralloides, Ardeola ibis, Nycticorax nycticorax) has been studied in the Camargue. Egg-loss and nestling mortality were greater in E. garzetta and N. nycticorax than in A. ralloides. The major causes of mortality were bad weather and asynchronous hatching leading (especially for E. garzetta and N. nycticorax) to poor performances of younger siblings when competing for food with older ones. Predation was of little importance. Breeding success is generally higher in the Camargue than in other european areas studied so far.

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