An initial estimate of age at first return and breeding in Madeiran Stormpetrels Oceanodroma castro

The Madeiran Storm-petrel Oceanodroma castro is classified as “Rare” in Europe; however, its population dynamics and its demographic parameters remain unknown. Here, we provide the first estimates of the age at first return to the colony and age at first breeding in this species, using our data from a five-year demographic study conducted in the Azores (subtropical northern Atlantic). On average, Madeiran Storm-petrels return to their birth colony during their third year. They can breed when two years old, and the reproductive performances of first-time breeders are similar to those of experienced individuals.