The influence of fledgling number and hatching order on return rates of Common Terns Sterna hirundo

Natal characteristics of Common Terns Sterna hirundo that returned as prospecting pre-breeders to their home colony in a coastal brackish water lake in North-western Germany were compared with those that did not return. No influence of either fledgling number or hatching order on return rates (mean 41%) could be found. These findings indicate that during the stage of post-fledging care, individual parental quality becomes less important for the survival of the offspring.