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Body condition, food habits, and molt status of late-wintering ruddy ducks in California

Southwestern Naturalist
By: , , and 

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Abstract

We studied body condition, food habits, and molt status of late-wintering ruddy ducks (Oxyura jamaicensis) using drainwater evaporation ponds in the southern San Joaquin Valley, California. Levels of body fat and protein were similar by sex but varied by age (adults greater than immatures). Masses of breast and leg muscle protein were greatest in adult males and lowest in immature males, but similar in adult and immature females. Fat and protein levels in late-wintering ruddy ducks were independent of their body size. We detected no differences among sex-age classes in the proportion of animal foods consumed. Aquatic invertebrates composed 85% of the diet; midge larvae (Diptera: Chironomidae) and brine flies (Diptera: Ephydridae) were the principal taxa consumed. Molt score by feather region and overall molt score did not vary by sex or age. Light to moderate molt (25 to 50% molting feathers) was recorded in all feather regions. High levels of body fat and protein were attributed to premigratory hyperphagia and consumption of foods with a high protein:energy ratio.

Suggested Citation

Hohman, W., Ankney, C., Roster, D., 1992, Body condition, food habits, and molt status of late-wintering ruddy ducks in California: Southwestern Naturalist, v. 37, no. 3, p. 268-273.

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Body condition, food habits, and molt status of late-wintering ruddy ducks in California
Series title Southwestern Naturalist
Volume 37
Issue 3
Year Published 1992
Language English
Contributing office(s) Patuxent Wildlife Research Center
Description 268-273
Larger Work Type Article
Larger Work Subtype Journal Article
Larger Work Title Southwestern Naturalist
First page 268
Last page 273
Additional publication details