Age of first pairing and breeding among Greenland White-fronted Geese

Article Abstract:

A study was conducted to analyze the breeding behavior of the Greenland White-fronted Goose (Anser albifrons flavirostris). A total of 790 White-fronted Geese were banded and observed in southeast Ireland, from 1983 to 1991. The study showed that breeding success among White-fronted Geese was dependent on the age of first pairing and first breeding. Very few birds bred successfully in the first year of pairing, and breeding success remained low until the third and fourth year. Results proved that sexual experience rather than age of maturation was the determining factor in breeding success.

author: Warren, Stephanie M., Fox A.D., Walsh, Alyn, O'Sullivan, Paddy
Ireland, Ornithological research, Geese, White-fronted goose

User Contributions:

Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:

CAPTCHA

Nesting density and communal breeding in American oystercatchers

Article Abstract:

American Oystercatchers (Haematopus palliatus) are monogamous shorebirds, maintaining pair bonds over many years. Communal nesting in the Oystercatcher is a direct consequence of the high nesting densities in superior habitats. A third bird may be accepted because three birds are better for territorial defense. Communal breeding reduces hatching success, and sometimes fledgling success. Polygyny is often associated with communal breeding because of female predominance. Faster male mortality is due to the stress of territorial defense.

author: Nol, Erica, Lauro, Brook, Vicari, Mark
Sexual behavior, Research, Territoriality (Zoology), Animal territoriality, Shore birds, Shorebirds, Oystercatcher, Oystercatchers

User Contributions:

Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:

CAPTCHA

The influence of spring snow depth on White-tailed Ptarmigan breeding success in the Sierra Nevada

Article Abstract:

A study was conducted to examine the co-relation between spring snow levels and the breeding success of White-tailed Ptarmigans (Lagopus leucurus altipetens). Eighty Ptarmigans, progeny of birds introduced from the Rockies of Colorado, were banded and observed in the Sierra Nevada, California, from 1982 to 1987. The study showed that deep snow delayed hatch dates. Snow depth adversely affected breeding success and fledgling survival but had no influence on brood size and the number of breeding Ptarmigans.

author: Johnson, Richard E., Clarke, Jennifer A.
California, Natural history, Bird populations, Sierra Nevada (United States), Ptarmigans

User Contributions:

Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:

CAPTCHA


subjects list: Behavior, Birds, Bird breeding
This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.