Premium
The feeding ecology of five species of gulls (Ayes: Larini) in the inner Bristol Channel
Author(s) -
Mudge G. P.,
Ferns P. N.
Publication year - 1982
Publication title -
journal of zoology
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.915
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1469-7998
pISSN - 0952-8369
DOI - 10.1111/jzo.1982.197.4.497
Subject(s) - biology , herring , population , ecology , seasonal breeder , predation , fishery , zoology , fish <actinopterygii> , demography , sociology
The relative importance of different feeding sites to gulls in the inner Bristol Channel was determined by an analysis of chick regurgitations during the breeding season (1973–76), and by direct counts of birds at feeding sites during the winter (1973–77). About 70% of the local Herring gull population fed at refuse tips throughout the year. Tips were also of considerable importance to Lesser black‐backed gulls in summer and winter, and to Great black‐backed gulls in winter (c. 45% of birds). Common and Black‐headed gulls fed mainly on fields (c.90% and 70% of birds, respectively) and these areas were also used by about 50% of Lesser blackbacked gulls in winter. Littoral and inshore areas were utilized mainly by Great blackbacked gulls throughout the year (c. 50% of birds) and by Lesser black‐backed gulls in summer (c. 20% of birds). Foods provided directly or indirectly by man were clearly of major importance to all species. These findings are discussed in relation to the partitioning of food resources by gulls, their increasing populations and possible control measures.