The choice of breeding site is a key reproductive decision for long-li
ved seabirds. Individuals pioneering new sites face unknown risks (e.g
., unfavourable predator regimes, climate), but potential breeders may
derive information about reproductive opportunities from the presence
of conspecifics, just as local enhancement is used to derive informat
ion about local feeding conditions. We suggest here the information ba
rrier hypothesis: the presence of nesting birds may furnish cues about
local breeding conditions (e.g., abundant food, safe places to nest);
this information advantage may deter dispersal to new habitat, even t
hough good breeding sites may be available elsewhere. By settling at a
n established site, individuals gain confidence that local conditions
are favourable for breeding, whereas individuals pioneering new sites
receive no such promise. This information barrier may entice individua
ls to remain at colony sites even when breeding vacancies are few, and
new recruits must queue for openings.