Breeding biology and nesting site selection by the spur‐winged plover Hoplopterus spinosus in the Evros Delta, NE Greece

Abstract

The breeding biology of the spur‐winged plover Hoplopterus spinosus was studied in the Evros Delta during 2003. Nest selection was studied at a microhabitat level. The factors found to affect this selection were: distance from the nearest bush, sum of angles of optical scope on a radius of 50m, sum of angles of optical scope on a radius of 100m and distance from the nearest conspecific nest. The logistic regression model identified the factors: sum of angles of optical scope on a radius of 100m, surface covered by water, surface covered by bare ground and surface covered by the dominant plant as important microhabitat features for the prediction of the nest location. Regarding breeding performance, hatching success was estimated at 42%, while fledging success was estimated at 41%. Irregular flooding and trampling by grazing animals were the main factors found to affect nest failure. Management proposals for the protection of the species were given in relation to these factors.

Keywords:

• spur‐winged plover
• Evros Delta
• breeding biology
• nesting site selection
• Greece

Acknowledgements

E.M. is most grateful to Professor Vassilis Goutner for his help in the realization of the survey and for the provision of literature. We are indebted to Assist. Professor Triantafillos Akriotis for his help during the survey, to Giorgos Handrinos ornithologist, Professor Anastasios Legakis, Professor Yoram Yom‐Tov and Haralambos Alivizatos ornithologist for the provision of literature. Finally, we would like to thank the Evros Development Company for the equipment they provided in the context of the Life Project “Restoration and Conservation Management of Drana Lagoon in the Evros Delta”.