Effect of Climatic Factors on Nesting of the Sandhill Crane Antigone canadensis in West Chukotka

Abstract

Climate change is well-pronounced in high latitudes. The quick westward expansion of the sandhill crane breeding range in Eurasia requires an analysis of the impact of the species on Arctic ecosystems. We employ data about 223 sandhill crane nests in the Chaun Lowland, West Chukotka. We investigate the date of clutch onset, clutch sizes, egg sizes, nest density, and nesting success. We test the above parameters against climatic characteristics of the site in order the learn their effect on the reproductive potential of the species. The most important climatic characteristics that determine the increase in nest density, clutch and egg sizes, earlier clutch onset, and higher nesting success included the first frost-free day, the integrated characteristic of May (cold or warm according to the sum of positive temperatures), and the sum of average daily temperatures in the second half of May. The maximum reproductive potential of the sandhill crane is realized under conditions of warm and early spring.