Timing of pair formation and male acquisition of alternate plumage by three wintering dabbling ducks

2021 ◽  
Vol 135 (1) ◽  
pp. 39-46
Author(s):  
Rodger Titman ◽  
Elise Titman ◽  
Shawn Craik
Keyword(s):  
Anas Platyrhynchos ◽  
Central Valley ◽  
Pair Formation ◽  
The Other ◽  
Dabbling Ducks ◽  
Courtship Display ◽  
Anas Crecca ◽  
Breeding Plumage

Pair formation in ducks is thought to be influenced by the acquisition of breeding plumage, the occurrence of courtship display, or both. We examined the frequency of pair formation in Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), Green-winged Teal (Anas crecca carolinensis), and Northern Shoveler (Spatula clypeata) in the central valley of California in relation to the frequencies of male attainment of breeding plumage and courtship display. Predictions related to two hypotheses are: (1) the timing of pair formation is directly related to the attainment of breeding (definitive alternate) plumage by males, and (2) frequencies of courtship display are highest during pair formation. Most female Mallard were paired by the end of October, with >80% in pairs by early December. Of Northern Shoveler, 90% were paired by early January and 90% of female Green-winged Teal were paired by early February. The highest rates of courtship display by Mallard were observed during October through November, by Northern Shoveler in November, and by Green-winged Teal in November through January. Courtship display was, therefore, relatively frequent at the same time as pair formation for all three species. Northern Shoveler spent less time in courtship display than the other two species. Most (90%) male Mallard had acquired alternate plumage by mid-November, Northern Shoveler by early February, and Green-winged Teal by mid-December. Thus, timing of pair formation coincided with timing of attainment of breeding plumage in Mallard and Green-winged Teal but not Northern Shoveler.

Social experience influences preferences in black ducks and mallards

1989 ◽  
Vol 67 (6) ◽  
pp. 1434-1438 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lynn M. Brodsky ◽  
C. Davison Ankney ◽  
Darrell G. Dennis
Keyword(s):  
Social Preferences ◽  
Anas Platyrhynchos ◽  
Social Experience ◽  
The Other ◽  
Captive Population ◽  
Male And Female ◽  
Potential Mate ◽  
The Social ◽  
Opposite Sex ◽  
Males And Females

The influence of social experience on the preferences for a potential mate in a captive population of black ducks, Anas rubripes, and mallards, Anas platyrhynchos, was examined. Birds were reared from hatching with conspecifics (i.e., female black ducks with male black ducks, female mallards with male mallards), or were cross-fostered with the other species (i.e., female black ducks with male mallards, female mallards with male black ducks). Preferences of individuals were tested in a chamber containing caged black ducks and mallards of the opposite sex. In over 90% (100/109) of the trials, males and females preferred the species that they were raised with since hatching, whether they were of the same species or not. These results demonstrate that social experience influences the social preferences of male and female black ducks and mallards.

Effect of Weekly Hunting Frequency on Rate of Ducks Harvested

2014 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 247-254
Author(s):  
Elizabeth A. St. James ◽  
Michael L. Schummer ◽  
Richard M. Kaminski ◽  
Edward J. Penny ◽  
L. Wesley Burger
Keyword(s):  
North America ◽  
Wildlife Management ◽  
Anas Platyrhynchos ◽  
Public Lands ◽  
Anas Crecca ◽  
Waterfowl Hunting ◽  
Anas Clypeata ◽  
Hunting Frequency ◽  
Wildlife Management Areas ◽  
The Relationship

Abstract Waterfowl hunting is important culturally and economically in North America. Few studies have evaluated the relationship between weekly hunting frequency and rate of ducks harvested. We evaluated the effect of hunting 2 or 4 d/wk on rate of ducks harvested on three Mississippi Wildlife Management Areas, USA, during three waterfowl hunting seasons, December–January 2008–2011. Harvest of all ducks combined, mallard Anas platyrhynchos, northern shoveler Anas clypeata, or green-winged teal Anas crecca per hunter day did not differ between areas hunted 2 or 4 d/wk, but increased with hours spent afield. We suggest Wildlife Management Areas may be hunted 4 d/wk without reducing duck harvest per hunter day. We recommend continued evaluations of weekly hunting frequency on rate of ducks harvested to sustain science-guided management of waterfowl hunting on Mississippi public lands and elsewhere.

Geographical origin of dabbling ducks wintering in Iberia: sex differences and implications for pair formation

Ibis ◽  
2015 ◽  
Vol 157 (3) ◽  
pp. 536-544 ◽  
Author(s):  
Manuel Parejo ◽  
Juan G. Navedo ◽  
Jorge S. Gutiérrez ◽  
José M. Abad‐Gómez ◽  
Auxiliadora Villegas ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Sex Differences ◽  
Geographical Origin ◽  
Pair Formation ◽  
Dabbling Ducks

Day- and night-time prey availability for waterbirds in a tropical lagoon

1995 ◽  
Vol 73 (5) ◽  
pp. 869-878 ◽  
Author(s):  
Raymond McNeil ◽  
Oscar Díaz Díaz ◽  
Ildefonso Liñero A. ◽  
José R. Rodríguez S.
Keyword(s):  
Prey Availability ◽  
The Other ◽  
Shallow Waters ◽  
Sampling Techniques ◽  
Benthic Organisms ◽  
Dabbling Ducks ◽  
Night Time ◽  
Marsh Birds ◽  
Tropical Lagoon ◽  
Time Availability

One of the main hypotheses formulated to explain why marsh birds, wildfowl, and shorebirds forage at night postulates that the birds prefer to feed at night because the feeding opportunities are most profitable then. To investigate this hypothesis, we compare day- and night-time availability and describe the diel abundance rhythm of swimming and benthic organisms inhabiting the shallow waters of a tropical lagoon complex in northeastern Venezuela. Three sampling techniques were used by day and by night: net sampling for swimming organisms, core sampling for those in the sediments (10 cm deep), and sight counts for organisms on the surface of substrata. Overall, in the case of swimming organisms, fishes, isopods, amphipods, shrimps (Penaeus spp.), and corixids were 3–30 times more abundant at night than during daytime. In general, infaunal organisms were about equally abundant during the day and the night, or slightly more abundant during the day. At the surface, isopods, amphipods, and polychaetes were greater than 10 times more abundant at night than during the day. However, gastropods were slightly more numerous during daytime on the substrata, while pelecypods were about equally numerous during day- and night-time. Fiddler crabs (Uca sp.) were generally more available during daytime. Considering all organisms together, the prey for marsh birds, wildfowl, and shorebirds were significantly more abundant at night. In conclusion, tactile-foraging species (e.g., spoonbills, skimmers, ibises, dabbling ducks, and several species of shorebirds) should profit by foraging only at night and resting during the day, and foraging during daylight only to top up a nighttime deficit. On the other hand, despite limited nighttime visual capacity, some sight-feeding species (e.g., herons, plovers) may take advantage of increased prey availability at night, at least on moonlit nights.

Hybridization between the Mallard and native dabbling ducks: causes, consequences and management.

2014 ◽  
Vol 20 (1) ◽  
pp. 41 ◽  
Author(s):  
P-J Guay ◽  
A Taysom ◽  
R Robinson ◽  
J P Tracey
Keyword(s):  
Introduced Species ◽  
Anas Platyrhynchos ◽  
Management Strategies ◽  
Dabbling Ducks ◽  
Monitoring Techniques ◽  
Duck Species ◽  
Black Duck ◽  
Dabbling Duck ◽  
The Pacific ◽  
The World

Waterbirds are currently facing various threats throughout the world. One threat that is often overlooked is hybridization with introduced species. This threatening process is especially significant for dabbling ducks (Genus Anas). The Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) has been introduced to various parts of the world and now hybridizes and threatens numerous Anas species. In this paper, we review hybridization between Mallards and dabbling ducks with a specific emphasis on threats to the Pacific Black Duck (A. superciliosa). We then present an overview of the potential mechanisms of hybridization and discuss monitoring techniques. We conclude by proposing management strategies and speculating on the future of native dabbling duck species.

The Behavior of the Male Antilope Cervicapra L., Its Development According To Age and Social Rank

Behaviour ◽  
1981 ◽  
Vol 76 (1-2) ◽  
pp. 62-125 ◽  
Author(s):  
François Feer ◽  
Gérard Dubost
Keyword(s):  
Individual Differences ◽  
Dominance Hierarchy ◽  
Qualitative Difference ◽  
The Other ◽  
Physical Contact ◽  
Large Individual ◽  
Courtship Display ◽  
High Ranking ◽  
In The Wild ◽  
Antilope Cervicapra

AbstractA population of Antilope cervicapra L. was studied from 1971 to 1976 in the park of Clères, north of Rouen (France). The animals range freely over an area of more than 6 ha, which seems similar to the habitat used by the species in the wild. The social behaviors of the ♂ ♂ blackbuck have been recorded and counted, according to the herd in which each animal lives, and his hierarchical rank. The population splits into a number of social units. Females and young are grouped into a herd that occupies the best grasslands. The strongest ♂ establishes a territory in this area, which he defends against other ♂ ♂ . The other adult or young ♂ ♂ form a bachelor herd that lives on a large grassland on the opposite end of the park. Certain times of day the highest ranking ♂ ♂ in the dominance hierarchy leave the bachelor herd and defend territories adjacent to the harem. The 9 9 sometimes pass through these territories. From time to time the hierarchy changes, and certain ♂ ♂ replace the territorial ♂ ♂ , which in turn rejoin the bachelor herd. Adjacent ♂ ♂ territories divide the 9 ♀ home range. Many threats and parallel displays take place on the borders between neighboring territories. The territorial limits are determined only by the ♂ with the smallest territory, regardless of the identity or strength of his neighbor. The number of territories grows regularly with the size of the harem. The blackbuck ♂ shows 6 different marking behaviors that mature as the animal grows. There is generally no qualitative difference in marking behavior between ♂ ♂ ; however the territorial ♂ performs a more complete urination-defecation sequence than the others and he only emits the barking. All ♂♂ have similar "Flehmen" display, but the α- ♂ shows it more often than other ♂ ♂, as do adults compared to young ♂ ♂ ; the urine of 9 9 releases "Flehmen" more often than that of ♂ ♂ . The courtship display is complex and requires maturation. Yearlings and two-year-old ♂ ♂ perform it indistinctly and direct it incompletely towards any conspecific. Adult ♂ ♂ perform the complete courtship display towards 9 9 , but there is much homosexual mounting. The α- ♂ directs sexual behaviors only towards 9 ♀. In A. cervicapra society, young ♂♂ with 9 -like appearance are often treated by adult ♂♂ as if they were 9 9 . The main type of play is play-sparring. There are 8 agonistic behaviors. In general these are directed towards animals of lower rank. The dominance display is a social agonistic display that develops progressively with age and is only complete in adults. It has the same form when directed towards either ♂ ♂ or 9 ♀. The main characteristic of the behavior of the blackbuck is the avoidance of physical contacts and the preponderance of visual gestures. There is no visible dominance hierarchy among harem 9 ♀ . The strongest ♂ lives with the 9 9 . All the other ♂ ♂ belonging to the bachelor troup are ordered in a linear hierarchy with occasional equal or triangular relationship. Sick or wounded ♂ ♂ may be temporarily outside of the hierarchy. The youngest ♂ ♂ are at the bottom of the hierarchy and only compete with adults at about 3 years of age, when they may also become territorial or harem ♂♂. The α- ♂ is not replaced by the strongest bachelor, but by a ♂ of middle rank. The β- ♂ never becomes α-♂, nor vice versa. Among bachelors there are two independent hierarchies: one leading to α status, and one to β, with no passage from one to the other. Individual ♂ ♂ belong to either one or the other category. Most harem ♂ ♂ are younger than other territorial ♂ ♂ . There is no difference in marking behavior between bachelors, but territorial ♂ ♂ are distinguished by more types of behavior, given more completely and more frequently. There are large individual differences in tendency to play, which is inversely related to the rank in the hierarchy: the α-♂ never plays. Each ♂ has 4 to 6 partners for play. Choice of partners depends directly on rank: high ranking ♂ ♂ (2-5) only play with much lower ranking individuals, thus exluding those in close competition in the hierarchy. Those in the lower half of the herd (6-11), in contrast, are unconstrained and play with partners of any rank. The agonistic behaviors are more often directed towards animals of lower but close rank. Among hornless or small-horned individuals ( 9 9 and young ♂ ♂) there are many encounters involving butting and sparring, but among older ♂ ♂ the more violent engagements involving physical contact are rare. There are large individual differences in agonistic behavior. In general the higher the rank, the more aggressive is the ♂. In contrast to play, each animal has aggressive encounters with all the others in the herd. There is non-random choice of partners, however: high ranking ♂♂ (2-6) most often threaten those of neighboring rank, while those at the bottom of the hierarchy (7 + below) most frequently engage with ♂♂ 5 ranks above them. We thus have a parallel system of aggression between the two halves of the hierarchy: ♂ 7 with ♂ 2, ♂ 8 with ♂ 3, etc... The sharp division of this herd into two halves according to partners for combat corresponds precisely with that seen in relation to play behavior. In the park of Clères, Antilope cervicapra shows a behavior and social organization identical to that of several African Bovidae of open spaces which have been studied in the wild.

scholarly journals The Role of Moisture Pathways on Snowfall Amount and Distribution in the Payette Mountains of Idaho

2020 ◽  
Vol 148 (5) ◽  
pp. 2033-2048
Author(s):  
Matthew D. Cann ◽  
K. Friedrich
Keyword(s):  
Sierra Nevada ◽  
Central Valley ◽  
Heavy Precipitation ◽  
The United States ◽  
The Other ◽  
Atmospheric Conditions ◽  
Intermountain West ◽  
The Pacific ◽  
Precipitation Events

Abstract The pathways air travels from the Pacific Ocean to the Intermountain West of the United States are important for understanding how air characteristics change and how this translates to the amount and distribution of snowfall. Recent studies have identified the most common moisture pathways in the Intermountain West, especially for heavy precipitation events. However, the role of moisture pathways on snowfall amount and distribution in specific regions remains unclear. Here, we investigate 24 precipitation events in the Payette Mountains of Idaho during January–March 2017 to understand how local atmospheric conditions are tied to three moisture pathways and how it impacts snowfall amount and distribution. During one pathway, southwesterly, moist, tropical air is directed into the Central Valley of California where the air is blocked by the Sierra Nevada, redirected northward and over lower terrain north of Lake Tahoe into the Snake River Plain of Idaho. Other pathways consist of unblocked flows that approach the coast of California from the southwest and then override the northern Sierra Nevada and southern Cascades, and zonal flows approaching the coast of Oregon overriding the Oregon Cascades. Air masses in the Payette Mountains of Idaho associated with Sierra-blocked flow were observed to be warmer, moister, and windier compared to the other moisture pathways. During Sierra-blocked flow, higher snowfall rates, in terms of mean reflectivity, were observed more uniformly distributed throughout the region compared to the other flows, which observed lower snowfall rates that were predominantly collocated with areas of higher terrain. Of the total estimated snowfall captured in this study, 67% was observed during Sierra-blocked flow.

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