Nest selection of Chinese egret (Egretta eulophotes) in Wuzhishan Archipelago, Zhejiang
浙江五峙山列岛黄嘴白鹭的巢位选择研究

The Chinese egret(Egretta eulophotes)is a globally endangered species.During July in 2005,we studied nest selection of Chinese egret in Wuzhishan Archipelago of Zhejiang Province.A total of 74 nests were recorded.The results showed that the nests of Chinese egrets were aggregated in space on Mantoushan Islet(0.99 hm2)with an average distance of 119.6 cm between nests,and a minimum of 15 cm.Chinese egrets showed significant preference for the ground under shrubs as their nest site,especially below shrubs higher than 50 cm,followed by sites inside shrubs lower than 64 cm and on top of tussocks.Most nests were sheltered.When selecting nest sites,Chinese egrets chose sites that maximized shelter from typhoon and di-rect sun.Typhoon exposure was the most important factor influencing nest site selection of Chinese egrets,while the amount of high shrubs determined the reproductive success and the future status of Chinese egrets in Wuzhishan Archipelago Nature Reserve.