RHODE ISLAND 



SeabJrds 



Populations of both great black-backed and herring gulls have increased 

 rapidly in Rhode Island (Drury 1973) (Table 30). Reversing the Massachusetts 

 pattern, the Rhode Island population of herring gulls continues to increase, 

 while great black-backed gulls may be declining. 



Common tern numbers have fluctuated since the early part of the century 

 but appear to have been relatively stable since the 1960's (Clement and 

 Woodruff 1962). They generally nest in small colonies on rocks in Narragan- 

 sett Bay (Ferren in prep.). 



Roseate tern numbers dwindled during the 1940' s and disappeared after 

 1951, probably due to the expansion of the gull population (Ferren in prep.). 

 In 1977, only one pair was found. They may nest at four other sites. 



Least terns appear to be in jeopardy in the State, having declined to 

 only 13 pairs in 1976, the lowest figure since 1929 (Ferren in prep.). In 

 1977, there was a modest rebound. 



Wading Birds 



Glossy ibises first nested in the State in 1972 at Gould Island and 

 increased to 160 pairs after moving to Hope Island. 



Great egrets have increased slowly since they first began nesting in 1965 

 (Ferren in prep.). Snowy egret numbers have fluctuated since their initial 

 nesting in 1965, but reached a peak of 180 pairs in 1977 at Hope Island. 

 Similarly, cattle egrets increased from 1964 to 1974, declined in 1975 and 

 1976, but reached a record 110 pairs in 1977 (Ferren in prep.). Small numbers 

 of little blue herons have nested in the State since 1967 (Ferren in prep.) 

 and increased at Hope Island in 1977. Black-crowned night herons were abundant 

 in the early part of the century, declined during the 1950's and 1960's but 

 are increasing now (Ferren in prep., Drury pers. comm.). Yellow-crowned night 

 herons have never been common. Only one to three pairs have been reported at 

 Gould or Block Island (AFN, Ferren in prep.). Green herons are more abundant 

 than their numbers suggest because their nesting habits make them difficult to 

 census. In 1977, one pair was found nesting at each of two sites. 



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