Timing of annual molt in the Glaucous Gulls of northern Alaska
Johnston DW. 1961. Timing of annual molt in the Glaucous Gulls of northern Alaska. The Condor. 63(6):474-478
In the Cape Thompson region of arctic Alaska, the Glaucous Gull (Larus hyperboreus) lays its eggs in late May or early June. Adults begin their annual molt before or soon after the eggs are laid, that is, by the end of May. This early molt is believed to be an adaptation whereby this species is able to complete, or nearly complete, both breeding and molt during the abbreviated summer period. Glaucous Gulls were found nesting in two distinct habitats: (1) on precipitous sea cliffs and (2) on small islands or peninsulas or at the edge of lagoons and lakes. The cliff-inhabiting individuals bred before those at the lagoons. The timing of nesting is not necessarily related to an abundant supply of eggs and/or young of kittiwakes since other food items are readily available throughout the summer.
- Type
- Journal Article
- Authors
- Johnston, David
- Units
- ARCN , BELA , CAKR , GAAR , KOVA , NOAT
- Keywords
- Corvus corax, Larus hyperboreus, North Slope