Foraging behavior of Long-tailed Ducks in a ferry wake
Northeastern Naturalist
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Abstract
Clangula hyemalis (Long-tailed Ducks) were observed diving in the wake of the Nantucket Island ferry during December over a 5-year period (2005–2009). The unusual diving behavior appeared to be related to foraging, but could not be confirmed. Long-tailed Ducks typically feed on more mobile prey than most other diving ducks, and it is speculated that the propeller wash in shallow water dislodged or disturbed prey and provided an enhanced feeding opportunity. Long-tailed Ducks collected while feeding in a disturbed area near a clamming boat not far from the ferry channel were feeding predominantly on Crangon septemspinosa (Sand Shrimp) that apparently had been dislodged by the clamming operation.
| Publication type | Article |
|---|---|
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Title | Foraging behavior of Long-tailed Ducks in a ferry wake |
| Series title | Northeastern Naturalist |
| DOI | 10.1656/045.019.0112 |
| Volume | 19 |
| Issue | 1 |
| Year Published | 2012 |
| Language | English |
| Publisher | Humboldt Field Research Institute |
| Publisher location | Steuben, ME |
| Contributing office(s) | Patuxent Wildlife Research Center |
| Description | 5 p. |
| Larger Work Type | Article |
| Larger Work Subtype | Journal Article |
| Larger Work Title | Northeastern Naturalist |
| First page | 135 |
| Last page | 139 |
| Time Range Start | 2005-12-01 |
| Time Range End | 2009-12-31 |
| Country | United States |
| State | Massachusetts |
| Other Geospatial | Nantucket Island |
| Google Analytic Metrics | Metrics page |