Characteristics and functions of the lining of Piping Plover nests in the Great Lakes region.

Abstract

Great Lakes Piping Plovers nest on gravel beaches and line their nests with primarily light-colored fragments smaller than 0.5 cm. Through constructing artificial piping plover nests with different types of linings in the field and in the laboratory, I explored three possible functions of the nest lining. Linings may serve to reduce the amount of water retained in the nests after rain. Protection from sand deposition is not a function of the nest lining under normal wind conditions. Light-colored fragments remain cooler than unlined sand scrapes or scrapes lined with dark fragments. From simulations, I found that when adults are not incubating, the temperature in the nests increases significantly. Therefore, human disturbances which interrupt incubation may be detrimental to hatching success.