Spacing behaviour of breeding buffleheads (Bucephala albeola) on ponds in the southern boreal forest / by Richard Hallam Donaghey
Material type:
TextSeries: Thesis ; (M.Sc.)Publication details: Edmonton, AB : University of Alberta, 1975.Description: xvii, 216 leaves : ill., maps ; 28 cmOnline resources: Abstract: Spacing behaviour of buffleheads was studied for three field seaons to determine the nature of the spacing system(s) and its (their) adaptive significance. Breeding pairs and females with broods were observed intensively from elevated blinds at a bog pond and less intensively at a cattail and a lily pond. Buffleheads were caught and individually colour-marked with nasal saddles. Umarked paired males and their marked mates were watched daily at the bog pond and their social interactions recorded during all phases of the breeding cycle. Colour-marked female buffleheads with broods were observed intensively at a bog pond over a 23-day period, and less intensively at the other ponds. Agonistic behaviour patterns of buffleheads were described and quantified in terms of encounters. Spatial relationships among buffleheads were recorded by plotting the positions of individuals engaged in agonistic encounters.Paired males established and defended pair-spaces largely by fighting and evicting c
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Electronic Report
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Thesis(M.Sc.)--University of Alberta, 1975.
Includes bibliographical references (leaves 210-216).
Spacing behaviour of buffleheads was studied for three field seaons to determine the nature of the spacing system(s) and its (their) adaptive significance. Breeding pairs and females with broods were observed intensively from elevated blinds at a bog pond and less intensively at a cattail and a lily pond. Buffleheads were caught and individually colour-marked with nasal saddles. Umarked paired males and their marked mates were watched daily at the bog pond and their social interactions recorded during all phases of the breeding cycle. Colour-marked female buffleheads with broods were observed intensively at a bog pond over a 23-day period, and less intensively at the other ponds. Agonistic behaviour patterns of buffleheads were described and quantified in terms of encounters. Spatial relationships among buffleheads were recorded by plotting the positions of individuals engaged in agonistic encounters.Paired males established and defended pair-spaces largely by fighting and evicting c