Movements and wetland selection by brood-rearing black ducks

James K. Ringelman; Jerry R. Longcore

doi:10.2307/3808551

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Movements and wetland selection by brood-rearing black ducks

James K. Ringelman·Jerry R. Longcore

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Abstract

Movements and wetland selection by brood-rearing black ducks ( Anas rubripes ) were studied in Maine during 1977-80. Eight radio-marked hens moved their broods an average of 1.2 km from the nest to rearing pond, but only 1 hen initiated secondary brood movements. Half of the 85 broods reared in the study area used only 3 wetlands, and most rearing ponds contained active beaver ( Castor canadensis ) colonies. Brood-rearing hens preferred Emergent ponds over lakes and Evergreen Scrub-Shrub wetlands, and did not occupy Dead Scrub-Shrub, Unconsolidated Bottom, or Aquatic Bed wetlands. Rearing ponds were large and possessed extensive areas of flooded mountain alder ( Alnus incana ), willow ( Salix spp.), and herbaceous vegetation. Wetlands avoided by brood-rearing hens were those with large areas of open water, submergent aquatics, or ericaceous shrub vegetation.

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Journal of Wildlife Management Article

Source-reported bounding extent: 43.059825° to 47.459686° latitude; -71.084334° to -66.950569° longitude. This indicates report coverage, not an exact sampling location. View area on OpenStreetMap.

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James K. Ringelman, Jerry R. Longcore. 1982. Movements and wetland selection by brood-rearing black ducks. https://doi.org/10.2307/3808551

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