Intermittent breeding in the Herring Gull<i>Larus argentatus</i>and the Lesser Black‐backed Gull<i>Larus fuscus</i>

Abstract

Thirty‐three percent and 37% of adult Herring Gulls Larus argentatus and 34% and 40% of adult Lesser Black‐backed Gulls Larus fuscus , all with some previous breeding experience, failed to breed in 1993 and 1994, respectively. About half of these intermittent breeders of both species failed to breed in both years. Common amongst the intermittent breeders were smaller individuals, birds with low survival chances and relatively unsuccessful breeders.