Activity budgets and movements of black ducks (Anas rubripes) in Prince Edward Island / by T. Earle Hickey, Jr.
Publication details: Montreal, QC : McGill University, 1980.Description: ix, 95 leaves : ill. (some col.) ; 29 cmOnline resources: Abstract: Scan-sampling (76,603 observations) and continuous observation (703 bird hours) of Black Ducks observed between 19 April 1976 and 1 September 1977 were used to document changes in seasonal daily activity in relation to habitat type, tide level, time of day, and wind chill.Behavioral costs were highest during brood rearing and lowest during winter. Ducks fed less and rested more with increasing tide level.Females spent more time feeding than their mates during the winter and breeding season. Feeding was the major acivity of broods. Estimated energy expenditure increased due to costs of thermoregulation with increasing wind chill. Marked birds (272) helped determine movements.In winter, a causeway was used for resting during severe weather and as a nocturnal roost. Alternate areas within 6 km were utilized for feeding during milder weather. Temporal and spatial distribution of marked bird returns indicated that local Black Duck were heavily hunted.| Item type | Current library | Collection | Call number | Status | Date due | Barcode |
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Thesis(M.Sc.)--McGill University, 1980.
Includes bibliographical references.
Scan-sampling (76,603 observations) and continuous observation (703 bird hours) of Black Ducks observed between 19 April 1976 and 1 September 1977 were used to document changes in seasonal daily activity in relation to habitat type, tide level, time of day, and wind chill.Behavioral costs were highest during brood rearing and lowest during winter. Ducks fed less and rested more with increasing tide level.Females spent more time feeding than their mates during the winter and breeding season. Feeding was the major acivity of broods. Estimated energy expenditure increased due to costs of thermoregulation with increasing wind chill. Marked birds (272) helped determine movements.In winter, a causeway was used for resting during severe weather and as a nocturnal roost. Alternate areas within 6 km were utilized for feeding during milder weather. Temporal and spatial distribution of marked bird returns indicated that local Black Duck were heavily hunted.