Nest and nest site characteristics of great Crested grebe (Podiceps cristalus). Influence on hatching success
1993
Marechal, C. (Liege Univ., (Belgium). Lab. d'Ethologie et de Physiologie Animale)
The study aimed at determining the influence of nest and nest-site characteristics on breeding success in a population of great Crested grebes nesting on an old meander of the river Meuse on the Belgium-Dutch border. Evolution of clutches has been followed during two breeding seasons (1991 and 1992). The features of the nests and the nest-sites have been subjected to a multivariate analysis. It is difficult to distinguish clearly between successful and unsuccessful nests during the same year. Moreover, most characteristics are not constant any year. Only two parameters seem to have the same effects on nesting success in 1991 and 1992 : the distance from nest to nearest neighbour and the water level in nest site. Nests distant from another nest and in deep water were less successful. Other possible causes of nesting failure have been tackled (investigator disturbance, bad weather conditions, fall of eggs, clutch-destruction by human)
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