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Homing and Reproductive Habits of Mallards,
Gadwalls, and Blue-winged Teal

by

John T. Lokemoen¹, Harold F. Duebbert²,
and David E. Sharp³

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This resource is based on the following source (Northern Prairie Publication 0748):

Lokemoen, John T., Harold F. Duebbert, and David E. Sharp. 1990.  Homing and 
     reproductive habits of mallards, gadwalls, and blue-winged teal. Wildlife 
     Monographs 106.

This resource should be cited as:

Lokemoen, John T., Harold F. Duebbert, and David E. Sharp. 1990.  Homing and 
     reproductive habits of mallards, gadwalls, and blue-winged teal.  Wildlife 
     Monographs 106.  Jamestown, ND: Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center 
     Online.  http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/birds/homingdk/index.htm 
     (Version 05JAN2000).

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Table of Contents

• Abstract
• Introduction
  
• Study Area
  
• Methods
  • Definitions
    
  • Nest Data
    
  • Nest Habitat
    
  • Nesting Statistics
    
  • Capturing, Aging, and Marking
    
  • Return Rate and Homing Rate Statistics and Survival Estimates
    
  • Recapture, Habitat Conditions, and Age Related Analyses
    
• Results
  • Relationship of Hen Age to Productivity
    
    • Spring Arrival Dates
      
    • Nest Initiation Dates
  • Nesting
    
    • Nest Distribution
      
    • Nest Site Selection
      
    • Nesting Success and Breeding Success
  • Clutch Size
    
  • Return Rates and Homing Rates
    
  • Nasal Marker Biases
    
  • Duckling Survival and Return Patterns
    
  • Direct Band Recovery Rates
    
• Discussion
  
  • Relationship of Hen Age to Arrival Date, Nesting Period,
    Clutch Size, and Breeding Success
    
  • Nesting
    
  • Return Rates and Homing Rates
    
  • Duckling Survival and Return Patterns
    
  • Direct Band Recovery Rates
    
• Conclusions
  
• Literature Cited

Figures

• Figure 1 -- Koenig and Woodworth Study Areas
• Figure 2 -- Age and Previous Success of Resident Gadwall Hens
• Figure 3 -- Nest Initiation Period of Resident Mallard Hens
• Figure 4 -- Nest Initiation Period of Resident Mallard Hens
• Figure 5 -- Nest Initiation Period Related to Age
• Figure 6 -- Regressions of Incubated Clutch Sizes

Tables

• Table 1 -- Vegetative Composition and Density
• Table 2 -- Breeding Pairs
• Table 3 -- Number of Nasal Marked
• Table 4 -- Nests
• Table 5 -- Comparison of Characteristics
• Table 6 -- Age-related Productivity
• Table 7 -- Return Rates and Homing Rates (Mallard Hens)
• Table 8 -- Pattern of First Returns
• Table 9 -- Return Rates and Homing Rates (Gadwall Hens)
• Table 10 -- Return Rates and Homing Rates (Blue-Winged Teal Hens)
• Table 11 -- Relationship of May Pond Numbers
• Table 12 -- Comparison of Recapture Rates
• Table 13 -- Probability
• Table 14 -- Direct Band Recoveries
• Table 15 -- Direct Band Recoveries (successful and unsuccessful)
• Table 16 -- Reports of AHY and HY (Mallard)
• Table 17 -- Reports of AHY and HY (Gadwall)
• Table 18 -- Calculated Population Change and Homing

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¹U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, P.O. Box 2096, Jamestown, ND 58402
²U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, P.O. Box 2096, Jamestown, ND 58402
Present address: 629 East Adolphus, Fergus Falls, MN 56537.
³ U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center, P.O. Box 2096, Jamestown, ND 58402
Present address: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Federal Building, Fort Snelling, Twin Cities, MN 55111.

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Wildlife Monographs

A Publication of The Wildlife Society

Roy L. Kirkpatrick, Editor
Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Sciences
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
Blacksburg, VA 24061

Consulting Editors for this Issue:

Robert J. Blohm U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Office of Migratory Bird Management Patuxent Wildlife Research Center Laurel, MD   24061

Harold H. Prince Department of Fisheries and Wildlife Michigan State University East Lansing, MI   48824-1222

Dennis G. Raveling Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Biology University of California Davis, CA   95616-5270

Editorial Assistant:
Thelma J. Kirkpatrick

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© The Wildlife Society, Inc. 1990

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