The Breeding Population of Eurasian Spoonbill platalea Leucorodia in Briere (loire-atlantique, west France).

27 Mar The Breeding Population of Eurasian Spoonbill platalea Leucorodia in Briere (loire-atlantique, west France).

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Abstract

English Abstract

During the spring of 2004, a thorough
census of breeding Spoonbills in the Briere
took place. The species was first found breeding
on the reserve in 1992 with three pairs, in 2004
75 to 8 0 pairs were found at the same site. Nest
are found on the ground among reed beds. Taking
into account the existence of a 2 9 pair colony outside
the reserve the Briere population of Spoonbills
in over a 100 pair strong, bringing the total French
population to near a 1 80 pairs in total. This survey
highlight the importance of the Briere for
Spoonbills and the attraction of this species for
nature reserves. Population dynamics for the
species is characterised by a mean productivity of
2.2 fledged juveniles per nests and a very high
nest success rate.