Nesting biology of laughing gulls in relation to agricultural chemicals in south Texas USA 1978-1981

The Wilson Bulletin
By: , and 

Links

Abstract

Various aspects of the breeding biology of Laughing Gulls (Larus atricilla) have been studied extensively in Florida (Dinsmore and Schreiber 1974, Schreiber et al. 1979, Schreiber and Schreiber 1980), New Jersey (Bongiorno 1970, Burger and Beer 1976, Burger 1976, Montevecchi 1978), and Massachusetts (Noble and Wurm 1943), but little is known of their yearly fledging success in Texas or elsewhere. The Laughing Gull is a common colonial nester along most of the Texas coast, second only to the Cattle Egret (Bubulcus ibis) in breeding abundance; however, the Laughing Gull may be threatened in Texas because of suspected declines at certain traditional nesting locales (Blacklock et al. 1979). Since Laughing Gulls often nest in proximity to agricultural and industrial areas, we were concerned that environmental pollutants might be adversely affecting productivity. In 1978-1981 we conducted studies along the south Texas coast to learn more about the nesting ecology of Laughing Gulls and to evaluate the effects of environmental contaminants on reproduction.

Study Area

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Nesting biology of laughing gulls in relation to agricultural chemicals in south Texas USA 1978-1981
Series title The Wilson Bulletin
Volume 95
Issue 4
Year Published 1983
Language English
Publisher Wilson Ornithological Society
Contributing office(s) Upper Midwest Environmental Sciences Center
Description 12 p.
First page 540
Last page 551
Country United States
State Texas
County Cameron County, Nueces County, Willacy County
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details