The growth of Fe, Ni and Co on vicinal Au(1 1 1) surfaces was investigated in a submonolayer range using scanning tunneling microscopy. We found that dosed Fe atoms are adsorbed at the lower corners of {1 1 1} steps, and form one-dimensional (1D) nanostructures. Similar behavior was observed for Ni, but the 1D nanostructures show smoother forms. In contrast, dosed Co atoms are adsorbed at both upper and lower corners of the steps and form a periodic array of bilayer Co adislands. Minima of adsorption energy at the intersections between the discommensuration lines and the steps, relatively high diffusivity of Ni adatoms, and high surface energy of Co are suggested by the qualitative discussions comparing the growth mode of these metals. (C) 2004 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.