Effects of mate removal on incubation behavior and reproductive success of female Wood Ducks

Article Abstract:

The effect of the presence of male Wood Ducks during the incubation period on reproductive success of female Wood Ducks was studied. Results showed that paired and widowed females had only slight differences with respect to incubation constancy, incubation period, body mass, or nesting and hatching success. However, paired females had a greater possibility of producing second broods than widowed females. Thus, the presence of the male may be beneficial where breeding seasons are long and there is a strong possibility for future reproduction activities.

Sexual behavior, Animal reproduction

Effect of mate removal on nest success of female Wood Ducks

Article Abstract:

The effects of mate removal during egg-laying and early incubation on the nest success of female Wood Duckswere studied. Male ducks were removed from some of the nest boxes in Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge, GA just prior to the completion of clutches or early in the incubation period. The nest success of widowed and non-widowed female ducks were then compared using a G-test of independence. No significant difference was observed between the hatching success and nest success of the two groups.

Research, Bird breeding

Patterns of nest attendance in female Wood Ducks

Article Abstract:

Research concerning the effects on incubation periods of differing female Wood Duck nest attendance patterns is presented. Temperature data loggers were used to monitor 44 female ducks.

Behavior, Natural history, Waterfowl, Bird eggs, Bird nests, Eufaula, Oklahoma