Alula removal technique for identifying wings of released waterfowl

Journal of Wildlife Management
By: , and 

Links

Abstract

A technique for marking waterfowl ducklings less than 1 day old was developed to permit subsequent identification in the hand. Marking was accomplished by removing the alulae from wings of mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) ducklings with a small scissors or clipper. No differences in growth rate, behavior, or flight capability were noted between clipped and nonclipped birds. Thirty-five hundred ducklings were clipped when less than 1 day old, and 1,880 of these birds were subsequently examined at 4 1/2 weeks of age. Significant (P <0.01) differences in successful removal of right and left alulae indicate that right-handed persons should exercise more care when clipping left wings than when clipping right wings. Alula removal appears to be effective for marking the wings of waterfowl.

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Alula removal technique for identifying wings of released waterfowl
Series title Journal of Wildlife Management
DOI 10.2307/3799500
Volume 34
Issue 1
Year Published 1970
Language English
Publisher Wiley
Contributing office(s) Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center
Description 4 p.
First page 137
Last page 140
Additional publication details