NOLET BA (1988) Breeding success of some coastal birds in a Herring Gull Larus argentatus colony. LIMOSA 61 (2): 79-84.

In the fifties and sixties, a serious decline in breeding numbers of coastal birds occurred along the Dutch coast, caused by dumping of pesticides. In contrast with Eider Soma/eria mollissima, Oystercatcher Haema/opus os/ralegus, and Herring Gull Larus argenta/us, Common Tern Sterna hirundo, and Arctic Tern S. paradisaea did not recover fully. In order to gain insight in this difference the breeding success of these species on Rottumeroog was measured in 1986. Breeding success of Herring Gull appeared to be in accordance with the breeding density on the island. Breeding success of Eider, Oystercatcher, and Common and Arctic Tern were relatively low compared to other areas. Provisional calculations indicate that successes are too low to explain the population growth rates found in the area. Predation by Herring Gulls of eggs of Eiders and chicks of Oystercatchers, and Common and Arctic Terns is regarded as the main cause of the low breeding success in these species. Some measures are proposed to improve the situation. ##### Common Eider Somateria mollissima European Herring Gull Larus argentatus Eurasian Oystercatcher Haematopus ostralegus Common Tern Sterna hirundo Arctic Tern Sterna paradisaea = Sterna macrura

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