Baert, J.M.

Heylen, B.C.

Lens, L.

Müller, W.

Stienen, E.W.M.

Open Marine Archive

-  80  -  
Poster  Science in a modern era 
Where to go during winter? Habitat use does not shape variation in 
migratory strategies in lesser black-backed gulls 
 
Heylen Brigitte C.
1-2
, Baert Jan M.
1-2
, Stienen Eric W.M.
3
, Müller Wendt
2
 and Lens Luc
1
 
1
  Terrestrial Ecology Unit (TEREC), Biology department, Ghent University, K.L. Ledeganckstraat 35, 9000 
Ghent, Belgium 
E-mail: brigitte.heylen@ugent.be 
2
  Behavioral Ecology and Ecophysiology Research group (BECO), Biology Department, University of 
Antwerp, Universiteitsplein 1, 2610 Antwerp, Belgium 
3
  Research Institute for Nature and Forest (INBO), Havenlaan 88 box 73, 1000 Brussels, Belgium 
 
Optimal foraging theory predicts that individuals strive to minimise their foraging effort, while at the 
same time maximising their foraging success. Seabirds evolved life histories that involve travelling long 
distances during their annual cycle, and a large extent of intra-specific variation in migration distance is 
assumed to be related to spatio-temporal distribution patterns of their food resources. If so, potential 
costs of migrating over longer distances (e.g. higher energy expenditure and mortality risk, or delayed 
arrival at the breeding sites) can be expected to be offset by reduced competition, fewer predators or 
pathogens, or energetically-favourable foraging conditions. We applied long-term GPS tracking data of 
lesser black-backed gulls breeding in the southern part of the North Sea, to quantify variation in foraging 
effort between wintering sites.  We thereby predicted lower foraging effort with increasing distance from 
the breeding colony, possibly mediated by differential habitat use. Contrary to our expectations, 
however, neither habitat use nor foraging effort differed between wintering regions, and individuals that 
migrated further covered a significantly larger cumulative distance year-round. We hence conclude that 
migration distance is not offset by a lower daily effort during winter, and that migration strategies in this 
species are likely shaped by other cost-benefit trade-offs. 
 
Keywords: habitat use; foraging effort; GPS trackers; Larus fuscus; lesser black-backed gull 
  


Where to go during winter? Habitat use does not shape variation in migratory strategies in lesser black-backed gulls

http://www.vliz.be/imisdocs/publications/318204.pdf

Where to go during winter? Habitat use does not shape variation in migratory strategies in lesser black-backed gulls

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