Duck nesting in fields of undisturbed grass-legume cover
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Abstract
A study of dabbling duck (Anatinae) nesting was conducted during 1971-73 on nine 12- to 54-ha Cropland Adjustment Program fields in the prairie pothole region of north-central South Dakota. The tall, dense vegetation was comprised of introduced cool-season grasses and legumes, primarily smooth bromegrass (Bromus inermis), intermediate wheatgrass (Agropyron intermedium), and alfalfa. Complexes of temporary, seasonal, and semipermanent wetlands surrounded the fields at densities of 1.5-8.1 basins/km2 and areas of 9.4-17.2 ha/km2. Of the 620 nests studied, 38 percent were of blue-winged teal (Anas discors), 24 percent were of mallards (A. platyrhynchos), and 24 percent were of gadwalls (A. strepera). Densities of nests of all species averaged 67, 114, and 47 nests/km2 (3-yr av 77/km2). Calculated hatching rates were 69, 58, and 32 percent (av 56) for the 3 years. Hatchability of eggs in successful nests averaged 97.1 percent. Averages of 4.0, 6.2, and 1.2 ducklings were hatched per hectare in 1971, 1972, and 1973, respectively (3-yr av 3.7/ha).
Study Area
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Duck nesting in fields of undisturbed grass-legume cover |
| Series title | Journal of Wildlife Management |
| DOI | 10.2307/3800154 |
| Volume | 40 |
| Issue | 1 |
| Year Published | 1976 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Wiley |
| Contributing office(s) | Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center |
| Description | 11 p. |
| First page | 39 |
| Last page | 49 |
| Country | United States |
| State | South Dakota |
| Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |