Ecology of Sterna hirundo
 
Main Ref. SAUP Database, 2006
Remarks A coastal species (Ref. 356), found in the beach, shoreline, islands and pelagic zone (Ref. 116102). Primarily forages inshore. In the North Sea off the east coast of Scotland and northern England, they are known to partially feed on the sandeel, Ammodytes marinus. Breeding pairs share incubation and chick-rearing duties in nesting colonies (Ref. 95711). Displays dipping behavior (Ref. 356). They surface-feed by scooping prey from the water and carry it in their bills. Adults feed their chicks with regurgitated food (Ref. 95711).

Aquatic zones / Water bodies

Marine - Neritic Marine - Oceanic Brackishwater Freshwater
Marine zones / Brackish and freshwater bodies
  • supra-littoral zone
  • littoral zone
  • sublittoral zone
  • epipelagic
  • mesopelagic
  • epipelagic
  • abyssopelagic
  • hadopelagic
  • estuaries/lagoons/brackish seas
  • mangroves
  • marshes/swamps
  • rivers/streams
  • lakes/ponds
  • caves
  • exclusively in caves
Highighted items on the list are where Sterna hirundo may be found.

Habitat

Substrate
Substrate Ref.
Special habitats
Special habitats Ref.

Associations

Ref. Daunt, F., S. Wanless, P.R. Simon, H.J. Greenstreet, K.R. Hamer and M.P. Harris, 2008
Associations colony-forming/symphorism;
Associated with
Association remarks Form nesting colonies (Ref. 95711).
Parasitism

feeding

Feeding type mainly animals (troph. 2.8 and up)
Feeding type Ref. Daunt, F., S. Wanless, P.R. Simon, H.J. Greenstreet, K.R. Hamer and M.P. Harris, 2008
Feeding habit hunting macrofauna (predator)
Feeding habit Ref. Daunt, F., S. Wanless, P.R. Simon, H.J. Greenstreet, K.R. Hamer and M.P. Harris, 2008

Trophic Level(s)

Estimation method original sample unfished population Remark
Troph s.e. Troph s.e.
From diet composition 4.43 0.78 Troph of recruits/juv..
From individual food items 4.30 0.92 Trophic level estimated from a number of food items using a randomized resampling routine.
Ref. Safina, C., R.H. Wagner, D.A. Witting and K.J. Smith, 1990
Ref. [ e.g. 3742]
Glossary [ e.g. cnidaria]
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