Lesser Black-backed Gulls Larus fuscus nesting in an inland urban colony: the importance of earthworms (Lumbricidae) in their diet

2008/11/01 by John C. Coulson, John Coulson, Becky A. Coulson · 8 citations
Environmental Science · Agricultural and Biological Sciences · Immunology and Microbiology · #Avian ecology and behavior #Invertebrate Taxonomy and Ecology #Bird parasitology and diseases

paper · pdf · doi:10.1080/00063650809461535

Abstract

Abstract Capsule Earthworms can be an important food of birds breeding inland and on the coast. Aims To identify food and feeding sites of Lesser Black-backed Gulls Larus fuscus breeding on buildings in Dumfries, Scotland. Methods Direct observations were made of feeding behaviour, and 181 regurgitated pellets, obtained from flat roofs where only Lesser Black-backed Gulls nested, were analysed. Food items were identified using standard techniques with microscopic examination used to identify the presence of earthworm chaetae. Results Lesser Black-backed Gulls breeding in Dumfries fed extensively on earthworms and insects obtained from agricultural land (55% of pellets). They also fed on landfill (23% of pellets) and marine sites (12% of pellets), but they did not take fish or fish offal. Conclusions Previous studies on the food of large gulls have often overlooked the importance of earthworms because of the lack of macro-remains in stomachs and pellets. New studies are required to establish the general extent of earthworm consumption in these large gulls. Keywords: Lesser Black-backed GullLarus fuscusfoodfeedingearthwormsDumfriesinland breedingurbanpellets

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