Wintering strategies of female mallards related to dynamics of lowland hardwood wetlands in the upper Mississippi delta / Mickey E. Heitmeyer
Material type: TextPublication details: Columbia, MO : University of Missouri-Columbia, 1985.Description: xxii, 377 leaves : ill. ; 29 cmOnline resources: Abstract: Habitat dynamics of lowland hardwood wetlands and the wintering ecology of female mallards were studied from 1980-1983 in the Mingo Basin of southeastern Missouri. The Mingo Swamp is a complex of wetland types that are interconnected and distributed along broad elevational gradients in response to depth and timing of flooding. On-site rainfall,backwater flooding, and headwater flooding are the major water sources and are differentially important in maintaining community structure and function in different regions of the Mississippi Delta. Female mallards undergo a complete body molt (the prebasic molt) in late winter. The Alternate and Basic plumages of female mallards are different and provide camouflage for females in winter and summer habitats. The prebasic molt is completed by an individual in 6-7 weeks and intensity of feather replacement is greatest in middle-late stages. The timing of the molt is influenced by age, pairing status, and habitat conditions.The physiological condItem type | Current library | Collection | Call number | Status | Date due | Barcode |
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Thesis(Ph.D.)--University of Missouri-Columbia, 1985.
Includes bibliographical references (leaves 342-360).
Habitat dynamics of lowland hardwood wetlands and the wintering ecology of female mallards were studied from 1980-1983 in the Mingo Basin of southeastern Missouri. The Mingo Swamp is a complex of wetland types that are interconnected and distributed along broad elevational gradients in response to depth and timing of flooding. On-site rainfall,backwater flooding, and headwater flooding are the major water sources and are differentially important in maintaining community structure and function in different regions of the Mississippi Delta. Female mallards undergo a complete body molt (the prebasic molt) in late winter. The Alternate and Basic plumages of female mallards are different and provide camouflage for females in winter and summer habitats. The prebasic molt is completed by an individual in 6-7 weeks and intensity of feather replacement is greatest in middle-late stages. The timing of the molt is influenced by age, pairing status, and habitat conditions.The physiological cond