E. Nol et al., SOURCES OF VARIATION IN CLUTCH SIZE, EGG SIZE AND CLUTCH COMPLETION DATES OF SEMIPALMATED PLOVERS IN CHURCHILL, MANITOBA, The Condor, 99(2), 1997, pp. 389-396
Variation in clutch size, egg size and clutch completion dates was stu
died in a population of Semipalmated Plovers (Charadrius semipalmatus)
over 5 summers in Churchill, Manitoba. Clutch size variation was grea
test in 1992, a year of unusually low summer temperatures, with almost
25% of clutches containing less than four eggs. More eggs were left u
nhatched in the nest in 1992 than in any other year. Clutch completion
dates were negatively correlated with the average temperature during
the pre-laying period. Synchrony of nesting was greatest in 1994, the
warmest year. Egg volume and mass were not reduced as a result of the
cold summer, and the Variation in egg volume and mass attributable to
differences among females was similar and significant in all years. Re
peatabilities of all egg measurements were high. Egg volume was modera
tely correlated with female body mass but not with female wing length
nor female condition (mass/wing length), a result consistent with that
found in other shorebirds. Egg size did not vary consistently with la
ying order, suggesting strong selection for uniformity in egg size wit
hin a clutch.