Oological parameters and nest-building characteristics of the black-headed gull (Larus Ridibundus) in the territory of the North Kazakhstan region

The article presents the results of a study on the nesting biology of the Black-headed Gull (Larus ridibundus) in the North Kazakhstan region. The research covers the spatial distribution of nests, their structural features and parameters, as well as the oomorphic characteristics of eggs. It was shown that the nesting density decreases from the center of the colony to the periphery, which is due to competition for space and the advantages of collective protection against predators. The average nest diameter, diameter, and depth of the nest cup demonstrated moderate to high variability, reflecting adaptation to the climatic conditions of the region. Comparison of construction parameters and materials used with other parts of the range revealed significant differences caused by the ecological characteristics of the habitat. The oomorphic analysis of eggs showed variability in the length, width, and volume of eggs, which also correlates with regional conditions. Egg coloration ranged from brownish to greenish hues, providing camouflage against predators. The obtained data underscore the significance of ecological factors in shaping the nesting and reproductive characteristics of the Black-headed Gull.

1. Gavrin, V.F., Ivanov, A.I., Filimonov, K.P. Pticy Kazahstana. Tom 2. – Alma-Ata: Nauka KazSSR, 1962. – 456 s.

2. Kovshar', A.F. Pticy Tyan'-SHanya. T. 1. – Almaty: Izd-vo Akademii nauk KazSSR, 2019. – 520 s.

3. Gavrilov, E.I. Fauna i rasprostranenie ptic Kazahstana. – Almaty: Kazahskij universitet, 1999. – 234 s.

4. Vilkov V.S., Zuban' I.A. Ekologo-biologicheskaya harakteristika ptic i mlekopitayushchih Severo-Kazahstanskoj oblasti: ucheb.-metod. posobie dlya studentov biol. i ekol. spec. SKGU im. M. Kozybaeva. – Petropavlovsk: SKGU im. M. Kozybaeva, 2013. – 199 s.

5. Prirodnoe rajonirovanie Severnogo Kazahstana. – M.-L.: Izd-vo Akademii nauk SSSR, 1960. – 125 s.

6. Syroechkovskij E. E, Litvin K.E. Gusinye yajca. O chyom oni mogut nam skazat'? // Kazarka. – 2002. № 8. S. 125–148.

7. Obshchaya harakteristika intensivnosti eliminacii v rannem ontogeneze kolonial'nyh vidov ptic [Elektronnyj resurs]. – URL: https://help.fsight.ru/ru/mergedProjects/lib/05_statistics/uimodelling_coeffvar.htm (data obrashcheniya: 02.11.2024).

8. Guidos, S., van Dijk, J., Systad, G., & Landa, A. (2023). Colony‐nesting gulls restrict activity levels of a native top carnivore during the breeding season. Remote Sensing in Ecology and Conservation, 9(4), e326. https://doi.org/10.1002/rse2.326

9. Natusch, D., Lyons, J., & Shine, R. (2017). Safety first: Terrestrial predators drive selection of highly specific nesting sites in colonial-breeding birds. Journal of Avian Biology, 48(4), 567–576. https://doi.org/10.1111/jav.01380

10. Lamekhov YU.G., Bulanova M.A., Lamekhova E.A. Obshchaya harakteristika intensivnosti eliminacii v rannem ontogeneze kolonial'nyh vidov ptic // Samarskij nauchnyj vestnik. 2021. T. 10, № 2. S. 54–60.

11. Kydyraliev, A.K. Pticy ozer i gornyh rek Kirgizii. – Frunze: Ilim, 1990. – 236 s.

12. Ryabicev, V.K. Pticy Urala, Priural'ya i Zapadnoj Sibiri: Spravochnik-opredelitel'. – Ekaterinburg: Ural'skij universitet, 2001. – 512 s.

13. Zaharova, G.A. Izmenchivost' morfometricheskih parametrov yaic ozyornoj chajki (Larus ridibundus) v Belorusskom Poozer'e // Voprosy estestvoznaniya. – 1997. – Vyp. 1. – S. 41–90.

14. Van Bree, P. J. H. (1957). Variations in length and breadth of eggs from a colony of black-headed gulls (Larus r. ridibundus Linnaeus) on the island of Texel. Beaufortia, 5(67), 245–255.