Breeding ecology of interior least terns on the unregulated yellowstone river, montana

摘要

We investigated the breeding ecology of Interior Least Terns (Stern antillarum athalassos) on the unregulated Yellowstone River, Montana. In 1994-1996, we estimated hy- drologic patterns, population size, habitat use, and breeding success along 200 km of river. We sampled habitat availability on 105 km of river during the 1995 breeding season. In 1994, river flows peaked early and were low throughout the breeding season. In 1995 and 1996, flows were more typical of the long-term-average hydrograph. Annual variation in estimates of the breeding population and the timing of nesting corresponded with annual variation in hydrology.