Hailey Dedmon, Shorebird Biologist, Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission
Many of Florida’s birds are imperiled due to habitat loss and disturbances to natural nesting habitat. Some species of seabirds and shorebirds regularly nest on open sandy beaches but have started nesting on gravel rooftops as a substitute for beach habitat. These rooftop-nesting seabirds and shorebirds are protected by state and federal law, so it is important to recognize their presence and spread awareness about rooftop nesting. Property owners who maintain these rooftops are important conservation partners and we look forward to continuing to work with them to meet their needs while they provide for the needs of the birds.
Species commonly found nesting on gravel rooftops are least terns, roseate terns, black skimmers, killdeer and American oystercatchers. Nesting season throughout Florida can vary but typically occurs March 1 through September 1.
Least terns, roseate terns, black skimmers and other seabirds nest in large groups known as colonies. Black skimmers and least terns can often be found nesting among each other. Least terns have become highly adapted to nesting on alternative habitats and approximately 50 percent of the statewide nesting population nests on gravel rooftops. Killdeer and American oystercatchers are shorebird species. Shorebirds are solitary nesters, meaning a single pair will nest together and
defend a small territory from other birds.
Both seabird and shorebird pairs construct nests by simply working a shallow depression or scrape into the loose sand or gravel on the rooftop. The female then lays the eggs. Males and females both tend to the nest, taking turns incubating the eggs. Hatch times vary depending on species and range anywhere from 21 to 27 days. Once the chicks hatch, they are highly mobile within two to three days and will roam from the nest. These mobile chicks may accidentally run off the rooftop if the building doesn’t have parapets or chick fencing to prevent falling. If you happen to find a chick on the ground, please notify managers or staff of the building immediately. The managers or staff of the building should contact their regional Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC) shorebird contact so that trained staff and volunteers can assist with returning the chicks to the roof. Chicks must be returned to the roof carefully since colonies are very sensitive to disturbance. It can take anywhere from 19 to 37 days, depending on the species, for these chicks to be able to fly.
When seabird colonies are disturbed, they will flush into the air, often loudly vocalizing and begin dive-bombing to defend their nests and chicks. American oystercatchers are very territorial; once a pair establishes a territory, they will defend that area from other pairs or any perceived threat. Shorebirds, such as oystercatchers, will also exhibit a behavior when disturbed called a “broken wing display” where they feign injury to try and lure a potential predator away from the nest or chicks. When seabirds and shorebirds are flushed, nests and chicks are exposed to predators such as crows or gulls, as well as harsh weather conditions that may cause eggs to spoil and chicks to perish. Additionally, chicks that are not yet able to fly may be scared off the rooftop and fall
to the ground, leaving them exposed to predators. Preventing disturbance to these birds is vital for their survival.
If birds are present on a rooftop, any non-essential maintenance or repairs that disturb the nesting birds should be postponed until after the breeding season. If essential maintenance or repairs are necessary during the nesting season, we recommend the property owner apply for an incidental take permit. More information on how to apply for a permit can be found at www.floridaroof.com/roofbirdspermit. Any harassment or harm, even unintentional, could be considered “take” under State Law, Chapter 68A-27.003, Florida Administrative Code and is therefore unlawful.
Despite challenges, shorebirds and seabirds have been able to adapt to the many changes humans have made to coastal landscapes. The importance of rooftop colonies continues to grow statewide as coastal development reduces the amount of suitable beach nesting habitat. Gravel rooftops are an invaluable resource to our seabirds and shorebirds and with continued efforts, they will remain productive nesting sites for years to come.
Thank you for your support and patience during the 2025 shorebird and seabird breeding season. Please contact us with any questions or concerns. You can find your regional shorebird contact information at www.floridaroof.com/roofbirds.
Hailey Dedmon is the Northeast and North Central Regional Shorebird Biologist with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission (FWC). FWC regional shorebird biologists work collaboratively with Florida Shorebird Alliance partners to achieve conservation goals for state-designated threatened shorebirds and seabirds. They collaborate with FWC’s Division of Law Enforcement on proactive patrols in nesting areas and engage with local partners on habitat management. FWC regional shorebird biologists also aid in monitoring priority nesting areas throughout the state, provide subject matter expertise and conduct education and outreach within local communities.