thumbnail

Breeding ecology of Spectacled Eiders Somateria fischeri in Northern Alaska

Wildfowl
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

Spectacled Eiders Somateria fischeri were studied on the Colville River delta during 1994-1999, prior to oil field development, to document aspects of breeding biology that are poorly known, especially for northern-nesting populations. Both sexes arrived June 6-12; many males remained for only about 10 days. Density on the 178-km2 study area was 0.48 birds/km 2, comparable to densities reported from extensive surveys in western Alaska and Russia. Wetlands with numerous islands and peninsulas were utilised prior to incubation, a little-studied period. Females spent considerably more time feeding than males (56% vs. 18%). Males travelled, rested and were alert more than females, and actively defended females from intruding males. Whole nest survival was 31% and varied substantially between years, as has been demonstrated in other studies. Brood size showed no detectable decline from hatch about July 10 to mid-August, suggesting low mortality during this period, a sharp contrast with results from a study in a lead-contaminated area of western Alaska in which duckling survival to 30 days post-hatch was 34%. The likelihood of adverse impacts on this threatened species, from oil-related or other activities, can be reduced by industry avoiding areas, throughout the summer, with numerous islands, peninsulas and deep water.

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Breeding ecology of Spectacled Eiders Somateria fischeri in Northern Alaska
Series title Wildfowl
Volume 55
Year Published 2005
Language English
Publisher Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust
Contributing office(s) Forest and Rangeland Ecosystem Science Center
Description 16 p.
First page 83
Last page 98
Google Analytic Metrics Metrics page
Additional publication details