Mate, Site, and Territory Fidelity in Piping Plovers

Abstract

Breeding-site fidelity, territory retention, and mate fidelity were examined in a color-banded population of monogamous Piping Plovers (Charadrius melodus) breeding at five focal sites in southern Manitoba from 1981 to 1986. Frequent nest destruction by predators and storms provided numerous opportunities for birds to change mates and territories during and among breeding seasons. Between years approximately 70% of surviving adults were site faithful. Males did not return significantly more often than females, and both sexes returned regardless of previous reproductive success. Although former mates were present in subsequent years, 30 of 37 birds changed mates. Birds that changed mates from the previous year and whose mates were present in subsequent years had experienced poorer hatching success the previous season than those that retained mates. Birds that retained mates did not improve their reproductive success over the previous year.