CONNECTICUT 



Seabirds 



Both of the large gull species are increasing as in the rest of New 

 England (Drury 1973), with herring gulls expanding much more rapidly than 

 great blackbacked gulls (MacKenzie 1961, Drury 1973) (Table 31). 



Comnon tern populations have fluctuated considerably since 1900, with 

 large gaps of years between censuses (MacKenzie 1961, Bull 1964, Nisbet 1973). 

 The large Falkner Island colony comprised 70% of the State population in 1976 

 and 1977 (D. Duffy pers. comm. ). Only three of all the colonies along the 

 coast contained more than 50 pairs in 1977. This species appears to be as 

 abundant today as it ever was in the State, but the future of the large 

 Falkner Island colony is uncertain (D. Duffy pers. comm.) because of ownership 

 settlement. 



Roseate terns, nesting associates of common terns, have not nested in 

 large numbers in the State since the late 1800's when as many as 500 were re- 

 ported (Dutcher 1901). Since 1900, numbers peaked in the period 1945 to 1952 

 (MacKenzie 1961, Nisbet 1973) but later declined apparently due to competition 

 with gulls. In the past 5 years, only 40-60 pairs have been found (Duffy 

 1977, unpubl. notes). 



Least tern numbers may have increased recently but concern for its popu- 

 lation status (Arbib 1976) has probably resulted in more complete censusing. 

 In 1976, seven colonies were located, but in 1977 the entire population was 

 concentrated at only three sites (Duffy unpubl. notes, N. Proctor pers. 

 comm. ). 



Uading Birds 



Comprehensive censuses have been conducted infrequently in this State 

 (Dater 1969). Glossy ibises are slowly increasing in the Chimon Island colony 

 after their initial nesting in 1971 (AFN). Great blue herons have disappeared 

 from coastal Connecticut. Great egret numbers increased from 5 pairs in 1976 

 to 20 pairs in 1977, equaling the previous high count in 1961 (Bull 1964). 

 Similarly, the snowy egret population showed a gain, with 50 pairs nesting at 

 Chimon Island in 1977 (N. Proctor pers. comm.). Cattle egrets are still 

 marginal breeders in the State after their initial nesting in 1971 (AFN). 

 Black-crowns appear to have increased along the coast since 1965 but in 1977 

 almost the entire population nested at Chimon Island (N. Proctor in prep.). 

 Yellow-crowned night herons nest in ^ery small numbers (AFN, RNEB, N. Proctor 

 in prep.), usually in colonies with other species. One pair of Louisiana 

 herons nested at Chimon Island in 1976 (Finch 1976) but was not recorded in 

 1977. A single pair of little blue herons nested at Chimon Island in 1968 

 (Dater 1969), 1971 (AFN), and again in 1977 (N. Proctor pers. comm.). Green 

 herons are widely-distributed in small (5 pairs) numbers along the coast at 15 

 to 20 locations, but records are scarce (N. Proctor in prep.). More nest 

 inland. The rocky shoreline and lack of extensive salt marsh feeding habitat 

 probably explain the wery small wading bird population in Connecticut. 



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