Exploring demography and spatial behaviour in a generalist seabird using colour rings

Main objective

The main goal of this topic is to explore the demographic parameters and spatial behaviour of Yellow-legged Gulls using data from 3 different breeding colonies, Berlengas Archipelago, Barrier Islands and Oporto city. Survival of different age classes and its evolution over the last 3 decades will be explored. Recruitment, sink and source populations are concepts also to be explored. The influence of age and time on spatial choices of Yellow-legged Gulls will be analysed.

Available data

Adult and juvenile birds are being individually ringing in Berlengas (since 1996), Barrier Islands (since 2020) and Oporto (in 2021) colonies during breeding season. Sigtings on Yellow-legged Gulls by volunteer observers and other enthusiastic people are stored in a long database. The student will have the opportunity to take part of data collection and fieldwork. Also, the entire dataset will be made available for analysis. This topic is developed within the project LIFE SeaBil and LIFE Ilhas Barreira.

Proposed tasks

• Analysis of available data
• Join the monthly fieldwork sessions in Berlengas Archipelago (7 days/session)
• Reading colour rings
• Take part in ringing activities (only late June or July)
• Submit the work in a peer-reviewed journal

Framework of the topic

• Is the topic part of an ongoing project/study? Yes – funded project
• Is there any financial support? Yes: fieldwork/material

Supervisor/tutor

Nuno Oliveira, Departamento de Conservação Marinha | [email protected]

Other opportunities

Topic proposals for internship/Masters theses at SPEA 2024

Volunteering