What primarily constitutes the summer diet of the Sabine's Gull on the Arctic tundra breeding grounds?
Answer
Insects and their larvae, including springtails and midges
During the high Arctic summer when they are established on their breeding grounds, the focus of the Sabine's Gull diet shifts entirely to terrestrial and freshwater environments. The primary components secured near their ground nests, which are often by low marshy tundra or freshwater pools, are small invertebrates. Specifically, this includes insects and their larvae, cataloged items ranging from terrestrial and aquatic beetles, craneflies, mosquitoes, midges, and flower flies (Syrphidae). While they consume other items like mollusks and arachnids, insects form the central pillar of this seasonal diet.
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