Microhabitat selection by Kelp Gulls, Larus dominicanus, in Patagonia, Argentina

Abstract

We studied the microhabitat selection of Kelp Gulls, Larus dominicanus, at 16 colonies along 2500 km of coastline in Patagonia, Argentina, between 1998 and 2001. We quantified 15 habitat variables at 553 nest-sites and at 422 random points. Kelp Gulls selected particular nest-sites from the available habitat. They selected sites with higher cover within 1 m of the nest, closer to the nearest vegetation, but further from the nearest clearing than random points. Slope also showed a clear pattern, where in most colonies, mean nest values were lower than at random points. The variability and diversity of the selected nest-site features indicate that Kelp Gulls are generalists with respect to nest-site habitat selection. Although Kelp Gulls have preferences for certain nest-site characteristics, these preferences are flexible enough to allow them to take advantage of different microhabitats within the diversity of habitat types observed in their colonies.