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Résumé :
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The eggs and nests of the Little Tern were studied during a five-year monitoring project (2009–13) along a section of Morocco’s Atlantic coast. We examined breeding characteristics, including egg measurements, colorimetry, homochromy, and nest features. Nests, located on rocky islands or beaches, ranged from simple depressions in the sand to mounds of sandstone or limestone, sometimes lined with materials such as shell fragments. The shortest distance between neighbouring nests was 4 m. Egg measurements showed an average major axis of 31.6 mm (± 1.2), diameter of 23.5 mm (± 0.7), weight of 9 g (± 0.6), and volume of 8.5 cm³ (± 0.6). The eggs, similar in shape and colour to those of other seabirds, had background colours ranging from sand, cream, and light grey to grey-green and olive, with spots in shades of dark grey, green-grey, brown, or black. Little Terns are migratory breeders, arriving in April to form pairs and nest in Morocco, while some overwinter in the region. This study aims to provide detailed measurements and nest characteristics, to distinguish the species from other seabirds, support scientific research, and advocate for the protection of the species and its nesting sites.
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