Survival of northern pintail ducklings on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska

The Condor
By:  and 

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Abstract

We studied survival rates of Northern Pintail (Anas acuta; hereafter pintail) broods and ducklings along the lower Kashunuk River on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska. Survival rates were determined for 770 ducklings in 111 broods. Brood sizes at hatch were smaller in 1993 versus 1991 and 1992. Duckling survival rates were lower than those reported in previous studies and differed among years. Survival rates of ducklings declined with hatching date at a rate of 0.6% per day. Most mortality occurred during the first 10 days after hatch. Duckling survival rates were correlated with reported annual and seasonal variation in nesting success. This covariation probably results in large geographic and annual fluctuations in pintail production on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta. Early nesting pintails had better nesting success and duckling survival, which may offset higher nutritional costs of early nesting through higher recruitment.

Publication type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Title Survival of northern pintail ducklings on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska
Series title The Condor
DOI 10.2307/1369507
Volume 98
Issue 1
Year Published 1996
Language English
Publisher Cooper Ornithological Society
Contributing office(s) Alaska Science Center, Alaska Science Center Biology WTEB, Coop Res Unit Atlanta
Description 6 p.
First page 48
Last page 53
Country United States
State Alaska
Other Geospatial Kashunuk River, Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta
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