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In Canterbury, Caspian terns (
Hydroprogne caspia) nest mainly as single pairs associated with colonies of black-backed gulls (
Larus dominicanus) on shingle riverbeds. Of 37 nests studied, 28 (75%) hatched and 20 (54%) produced a total of 21 flying young, each pair raising an average of 0.6 young per season. The low productivity is attributed to reduced prey availability.