Intraclutch variation in egg size of Canada geese

1987 ◽  
Vol 65 (12) ◽  
pp. 3044-3047 ◽  
Author(s):  
Yves Leblanc
Keyword(s):  
Egg Size ◽  
Branta Canadensis ◽  
Western Canada ◽  
Canada Geese ◽  
Hormonal Changes ◽  
Egg Formation ◽  
Laying Sequence

Variation in egg size relative to laying sequence was examined for clutches of captive and wild western Canada geese (Branta canadensis moffitti). Eggs laid in the middle of a sequence were very similar in size and were larger than the first and last eggs of a clutch, which did not differ. Intraclutch variation in egg size in Canada geese may be caused by hormonal changes during egg formation and at the onset of incubation.

scholarly journals Nesting Biology of Lesser Canada Geese, Branta canadensis parvipes, along the Tanana River, Alaska

2008 ◽  
Vol 122 (1) ◽  
pp. 29
Author(s):  
Craig R. Ely ◽  
John M. Pearce ◽  
Roger W. Ruess
Keyword(s):  
Clutch Size ◽  
Egg Size ◽  
Branta Canadensis ◽  
Haliaeetus Leucocephalus ◽  
Canada Geese ◽  
Red Foxes ◽  
Nesting Biology ◽  
Bald Eagles ◽  
Nest Sites ◽  
Nest Initiation

Lesser Canada Geese (Branta canadensis parvipes) are widespread throughout interior regions of Alaska and Canada, yet there have been no published studies documenting basic aspects of their nesting biology. We conducted a study to determine reproductive parameters of Lesser Canada Geese nesting along the Tanana River near the city of Fairbanks, in interior Alaska. Fieldwork was conducted in May of 2003, and consisted of locating nests along the riparian corridor between Fairbanks and Northpole, Alaska. Nests were found on gravel islands and shore habitats along the Tanana River, and were most commonly observed among driftwood logs associated with patches of alder (Alnus spp.) and willow (Salix spp.). Peak of nest initiation was 3-8 May, with a range from 27 April to 20 May; renesting was likely. Clutches ranged in size from 2 to 7 eggs and averaged 4.6 eggs. There was a negative correlation between clutch size and date of nest initiation. Egg size (mean mass = 128 g) was similar to other medium-sized Canada Geese. A positive correlation between egg size and clutch size was likely related to female age. Nineteen of 28 nests (68%) were active when visited; nests located on islands with nesting Mew Gulls (Larus canus) were more likely to be active than nests located elsewhere. Evidence at nest sites implicated Bald Eagles (Haliaeetus leucocephalus) and Red Foxes (Vulpes vulpes) as nest predators.

Coccidia of Canada geese(Branta canadensis) at Kortright Waterfowl Park, Guelph, Ontario, Canada, with description of Isospora anseris n.sp.

1981 ◽  
Vol 59 (3) ◽  
pp. 493-497 ◽  
Author(s):  
Robert C. Skene ◽  
O. Remmler ◽  
M. A. Fernando
Keyword(s):  
New Species ◽  
Branta Canadensis ◽  
Canada Geese ◽  
Fecal Samples ◽  
A New Species

A survey of adult Canada geese, Branta canadensis, at Kortright Waterfowl Park in Guelph, Ontario, Canada, showed that 20% of the geese sampled passed small numbers of coccidial oocysts throughout the winter months (October 1975 to February 1976). Four species of coccidia, Eimeria hermani Farr, 1953, E. magnalabia Levine, 1951, E. truncata (Raillet and Lucet, 1891) Wasielewski, 1904, and Tyzzeria parvula (Kotlan, 1933) Klimes, 1963, were identified from the samples examined. A hitherto undescribed Isospora sp. was found in 5% of the fecal samples. It is named Isospora anseris and described as a new species. In the spring goslings were found to be passing E. hermani oocysts between the 8th and 13th day of hatching.

scholarly journals Effects of Environmental Conditions and Parental Quality on Inter- and Intraclutch Egg-Size Variation in the Collared Flycatcher (Ficedula Albicollis)

The Auk ◽  
2005 ◽  
Vol 122 (2) ◽  
pp. 509-522 ◽  
Author(s):  
Rita Hargitai ◽  
János Török ◽  
László Tóth ◽  
Gergely Hegyi ◽  
Balázs Rosivall ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Egg Size ◽  
Size Variation ◽  
Laying Date ◽  
Life History Trait ◽  
Ficedula Albicollis ◽  
Collared Flycatcher ◽  
Egg Formation ◽  
Adaptive Explanation ◽  
Breeding Condition

AbstractEgg size is a particularly important life-history trait mediating maternal influences on offspring phenotype. Females can vary their egg-size investment in relation to environmental circumstances, their own breeding condition, and the quality of their mate. Here we analyzed inter- and intraclutch variation in egg size in the Collared Flycatcher (Ficedula albicollis) on the basis of eight years of data. According to our results, mean egg size increased with female condition, but did not differ among young, middle-aged, and old females. The male’s age, body size, and forehead patch size did not influence egg size; thus, we found no evidence for differential investment in egg size in relation to male quality. We found no effect of laying date on egg size when controlling for ambient temperature during the egg formation period, yet temperature had a significant effect on egg size. That result indicates proximate constraints on egg formation. Furthermore, we report on annual differences in intraclutch egg-size variation. Egg size increased within clutches in years with a warm prelaying period; whereas in years when the weather during that period was cold, there was no significant intraclutch trend. Proximate considerations seem to explain the observed patterns of intraclutch egg-size variation; however, we cannot reject the adaptive explanation. Mean egg size and intraclutch egg-size variation were unrelated to clutch size. Therefore, we found no evidence for a trade-off between size and number of eggs within a clutch.

An Analysis of Function in the Formation Flight of Canada Geese

The Auk ◽  
1988 ◽  
Vol 105 (4) ◽  
pp. 749-755 ◽  
Author(s):  
John P. Badgerow
Keyword(s):  
Energy Savings ◽  
Direct Method ◽  
Formation Flight ◽  
Branta Canadensis ◽  
Canada Geese ◽  
Complex Behavior ◽  
Visual Contact ◽  
Multiple Hypotheses ◽  
Optimal Function ◽  
Analysis Of Function

Abstract I analyzed formations of Canada Geese (Branta canadensis) with a single, direct method of testing predictions from multiple hypotheses. The results support both energetic (aerodynamic) advantage and orientation communication through visual contact as functions of this complex behavior. Comparison of observed positioning patterns with criteria for optimal function suggests priority may be given to the maximization of energy savings within limits imposed by environmental and other constraints.

scholarly journals Distribution and use of brood-rearing and moulting sites of the Atlantic population of Canada Geese (Branta canadensis) in Nunavik, Quebec

2015 ◽  
Vol 129 (3) ◽  
pp. 229
Author(s):  
Richard C. Cotter
Keyword(s):  
Branta Canadensis ◽  
Hudson Bay ◽  
Canada Geese ◽  
Nesting Ecology ◽  
Brood Rearing ◽  
Atlantic Population ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Shallow Bay ◽  
Over Time ◽  
Coastal Lowlands

The Atlantic population of Canada Geese (Branta canadensis) nests in the coastal lowlands of eastern Hudson Bay and southwestern Ungava Bay in Nunavik, Quebec. Although many aspects of the nesting ecology of this and other northern populations of Canada Geese have been studied and published, there is a paucity of information on the use of brood-rearing and moulting sites. Based on 18 years of band and recapture data from an ongoing banding program, this paper presents the distribution of brood-rearing and moulting sites and the use of these sites over time. Along Hudson Bay and Ungava Bay, the most important brood-rearing and moulting areas are the stretch of coastal lowlands between the Mariet River and Shallow Bay and between Rivière aux Feuilles and Virgin Lake, respectively. Of all adult geese captured during the banding program (n = 41 924), 7.5% (standard error [SE] 0.13%) were recaptures, that is, birds that had previously been caught and banded; annual recapture rates ranged from 5.1% to 11.4%. The mean and median distances between the site of first recapture and the original site of capture were 4.3 km (SE 0.22 km) and 1.5 km, respectively. Juveniles moved, on average, 5.4 km farther than adults and males moved 1.4 km farther than females. Among geese banded as juveniles, males moved twice as far as females: 11.5 km versus 5.7 km.

A study of Canada geese, Branta canadensis, nesting on islands in southeastern Alberta

1970 ◽  
Vol 48 (2) ◽  
pp. 235-240 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kees Vermeer
Keyword(s):  
Egg Laying ◽  
Water Levels ◽  
Branta Canadensis ◽  
Canada Goose ◽  
Canada Geese ◽  
Uniform Spacing ◽  
Incubation Periods

Canada goose clutches situated on islands in Dowling Lake and Lake Newell, Alberta, were checked from laying to hatching. Egg-laying intervals averaged 1.87 days and incubation periods 26.8 days. The distribution of nests showed a significant deviation from randomness in the direction of uniform spacing. Causes of extensive hatching failure at Dowling Lake were predation and desertion. Predation by coyotes was facilitated by low water levels. A preference for nesting on islands appears to be a mechanism to counteract mammalian predation.

The development and pathogenesis of Leucocytozoon simondi in Canada and domestic geese in Algonquin Park, Ontario

1976 ◽  
Vol 54 (5) ◽  
pp. 634-643 ◽  
Author(s):  
Sherwin S. Desser ◽  
Andrée K. Ryckman
Keyword(s):  
Red Blood Cells ◽  
Peripheral Blood ◽  
Blood Cells ◽  
Primary Infection ◽  
Clinical Signs ◽  
Peripheral Circulation ◽  
Branta Canadensis ◽  
Canada Geese ◽  
Severe Anemia ◽  
Branta Canadensis Interior

The development of Leucocytozoon simondi was studied in naturally and experimentally infected Branta canadensis maxima, Branta canadensis interior, and Anser domesticus. The number of mature round gametocytes in the peripheral blood of the Canada geese increased between days 9 and 15 post exposure (PE) and decreased rapidly thereafter. Mean peak parasitemias recorded on day 13 PE were (per 1000 red blood cells (RBC)): 8 gametocytes in B.c. maxima, 16 gametocytes in B.c. interior, and 17 gametocytes in A. domesticus. About 3 weeks PE, gametocytes disappeared from the peripheral circulation and were not observed again during the autumn, winter, and spring in birds kept in the laboratory.Haematocrit determinations in the Canada geese revealed a low fluctuating anemia during the primary infection which subsided by day 21 PE. A more severe anemia was recorded in A. domesticus with a mean low packed RBC value of about 18% on day 11 PE. Immature and mature hepatic schizonts were observed in the Canada and domestic geese between days 3 and 8 PE. Neither megaloschizonts nor elongate gametocytes were seen. Clinical signs, pathology, and mortality commonly associated with L. simondi infection in ducks were not observed. Hypotheses are advanced to explain reports of severe pathogenesis associated with L. simondi infections in Canada geese in other localities.

Prevalence and Genotype Distribution of Chlamydia psittaci in Feral Canada Geese (Branta canadensis) in Belgium

2013 ◽  
Vol 13 (6) ◽  
pp. 382-384 ◽  
Author(s):  
Veerle Dickx ◽  
Isabelle D. Kalmar ◽  
Paul Tavernier ◽  
Daisy Vanrompay
Keyword(s):  
Chlamydia Psittaci ◽  
Branta Canadensis ◽  
Canada Geese ◽  
Genotype Distribution

Pathology of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus (H5N1) Infection in Canada Geese (Branta canadensis); Preliminary Studies

2009 ◽  
Vol 46 (5) ◽  
pp. 966-970 ◽  
Author(s):  
J. L. Neufeld ◽  
C. Embury-Hyatt ◽  
Y. Berhane ◽  
L. Manning ◽  
S. Ganske ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Avian Influenza ◽  
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza ◽  
Branta Canadensis ◽  
Canada Geese ◽  
Highly Pathogenic ◽  
Nervous Systems ◽  
H5n1 Infection ◽  
Pathogenic Avian Influenza ◽  
Virus H5n1 ◽  
Age Related

Susceptibility of Canada geese ( Branta canadensis) to highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) virus (H5N1) infection was studied by inoculating 10 naïve (antibody-negative) animals (5 adults and 5 juveniles) with A/chicken/Vietnam/14/05 (H5N1) virus. In the adults, 1 of 5 became infected, and 4 of 5 remained normal; in the juvenile group, 5 of 5 became infected. The pathology observed in the affected animals was similar to that reported in natural occurrences. Peripheral and parasympathetic nervous systems were examined and found infected, as well as cerebrospinal fluid-contacting neurons. In some locations with significant virus infection in cells, the expected inflammatory reaction was absent or very mild. Immunohistochemistry was used to locate influenza A virus nucleoprotein in brain, spinal cord, respiratory and digestive systems, pancreas, heart, and peripheral and parasympathetic nervous systems. Further studies are needed to explain age-related differences in susceptibility.

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