Habitat selection and hatching success of the Common Sandpiper Actitis hypoleucos in Italy

Abstract

Data were collected on the breeding biology of Common Sandpipers (Actitis hypoleucos) nesting in the middle course of Brenta River (NE Italy) in 1997. Birds occupied the territories from the end of March and laying mainly occurred in the second and third decade of April. Nests were found on sandy gravel beds, in the immediate vicinity of running water. Hatching success was low (58%), mostly due to predation by mammals. Human disturbance by sun-bathers dramatically restricts the areas suitable for breeding and therefore requires protection measures.