Nest usurpation by a common eider toward a long-tailed duck

Abstract

Intraspecific and non-obligate brood parasitism and nest takeover is well documented in common eiders (Somateria mollissima borealis) nesting in the Arctic. However, we report the takeover of a long-tailed duck (Clangula hyemalis) nest by a female common eider on Nasaruvaalik Island, Nunavut, Canada. The high nesting density due to limited habitat in the region may have contributed to this seemingly risky behaviour, which provides no clear benefits to the eider.

• Nest takeover
• sea ducks
• Somateria mollissima
• Clangula hyemalis
• High Arctic
• limited habitat

Acknowledgements

Thanks to the dedication and passion of Shanti Davis. The observations were made while conducting research on ground nesting seabirds at Nasaruvaalik Island, Nunavut, a project supported by Natural Resources Canada (1300051), Environment Canada Grant (1403025), the Canadian Wildlife Federation Grant (no specific number) and the Nunavut General Monitoring Program (13-EC-22).