Variation in Leach’s Storm-petrel (Hydrobates leucorhous) reproductive success and phenology across seven colonies in Atlantic Canada

Abstract

Leach’s Storm-petrel (Hydrobates leucorhous) is an abundant seabird experiencing population declines globally. This study aimed to compare reproductive success and phenology across seven storm-petrel colonies in Atlantic Canada and assess the role of differences in environmental and colony specific variables. I found significant differences in phenology and reproductive success across colonies, but environmental and colony specific variables were only related to variation in hatch date. Specifically, I found that as colony size and air temperature (AT) increased hatch date occurred earlier. General, non-statistically important, trends showed hatch success decreased with increased sea surface temperature (SST) and colony size, and increased with increased AT, Chlorophyl a concentration [Chl a], and latitude: and fledge success decreased with increased SST and AT (increased with Chl a, colony size, and latitude increase). I recommend continued monitoring and protocol standardization to improve monitoring, management, and conservation of this species.