thumbnail

Breeding canvasbacks: a test of a habitat model

Prairie Naturalist
By: , and 

Links

  • The Publications Warehouse does not have links to digital versions of this publication at this time
  • Download citation as: RIS | Dublin Core

Abstract

Schroeder (1984) proposed a habitat suitability model for breeding canvasbacks (Aythya valisineria) based on the size, water regime, and emergent vegetation of wetlands. We evaluated the model with data from surveys of canvasbacks on 2265 wetlands in North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota. The model proved inadequate as a predictor of canvasback pair density; the correlation between values produced by the model and canvasback pair densities was r = 0.0023 (P = 0.911). There were, however, suggestions of (1) higher canvasback density and frequency of occurrence on wetlands with more open interiors, and (2) a relation between canvasback density and wetland size that varied according to wetland permanence. We recommend that the model be improved by testing these relations, and possibly by incorporating determinants of water quality or pondweed (Potamogeton spp.) occurrence.
Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Breeding canvasbacks: a test of a habitat model
Series title Prairie Naturalist
Volume 21
Issue 4
Year Published 1989
Language English
Contributing office(s) Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center
Description 10 p.
Larger Work Type Article
Larger Work Subtype Journal Article
Larger Work Title Prairie Naturalist
First page 193
Last page 202
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details