Study population
The data we present were collected as part of a long-term
individual-based study of a mono-specific common tern colony located on
six artificial concrete islands at the Banter See (53°36′N, 08°06′E) in
Wilhelmshaven, Germany. Fledglings from this colony have been marked
with metal rings since 1984, and subcutaneously injected with
transponders since 1992 (Becker & Wendeln 1997). This
transponder-marking combined with placement of antennae on elevated
platforms on the edges of the colony site and around each nest during
incubation (shared between both parents), allows for a well-described
family structure of all philopatric birds (e.g. Moiron et al.2020).