Abstract

This study used a GPS tracker to determine characteristics of wintering habitat use by black-tailed gulls on the west coast of Korea. Results of this study showed a southward movement in December and a northward movement in March. The wintering habitat was confirmed to include the southwest coastal island area (Group 1), the inland coastal area (Group 2), and China (Group 3). The wintering home range was the narrowest in October and the widest in December. Home range of Group 1 was increased from November, showing the maximum in December, decreased in February, and then tended to increase again in March. Group 2 showed the widest home range in November and a narrow range of home range from December. Home range of Group 3 showed a mixed pattern of group 1 and group 2. The flight rate was the lowest in January and the highest in March. Day and night flight rates showed significant differences by month. This study identified wintering characteristics of the West Coast population of black-tailed gulls on the West Coast, including their wintering areas, migration periods, and use patterns. These wintering characteristics of black-tailed gull in the west coast area are thought to be affected by environmental factors (such as food resources and fishing activities) and geographical characteristics of the West Coast where many islands are distributed.