Unpaired Drake Avoidance Behaviour and Mate Recognition by Female Mallard, Anas platyrhynchos, During the Spring Breeding Season

Authors

  • Nancy M. MacKinnon Tantramar Wetlands Centre, Tantramar Regional High School, 223 Main Street, Sackville, New Brunswick E4L 3A7

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22621/cfn.v123i1.676

Keywords:

Mallard, Anas platyrhynchos, courtship, rähb call, acoustic communication, mate recognition, Sackville Waterfowl Park, New Brunswick

Abstract

An observation of a female Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) avoiding unpaired drakes, in breeding season, until reuniting with her mate after audio recognition of the rähb call. This observation supports the supposition that this vocalization by the male Mallard is a response to separation from the female and functions as a contact call in mate recognition.

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Issue

Vol. 123 No. 1 (2009)

Section

Notes

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