The Size and Layout of Waders’ Nests in the Yakutia Tundra (Nizhnekolymsk District)

Abstract

Studies were carried out in Yakutia (Nizhnekolymsk district) from May 15–20 to August 5–20 in 1984, 1985, 1987, 1988, and 1990. A total of 308 nests of ten wader species were found and described. The sizes of the waders’ nests correspond to those of the birds. The smaller wader species have heavier nests. The nests located in wet habitats are masked to a greater extent; they are deeper and have a thicker litter. The larger species, in which both parents incubate eggs, have the most open nests; these species breed in relatively dry habitats. The nests of small species, in which only one parent incubates eggs, are better equipped and masked; these birds breed in wetter sites. The location, shelters, and layouts of nests are related to the social organization of the species, namely, to the number of the birds incubating eggs.