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Publications

USGS Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center staff publish results of their research in USGS series reports and in peer-reviewed journals. Publication links are below.  Information on all USGS publications can be found at the USGS Publications Warehouse.

Filter Total Items: 1930

Habitat use, survival, and causes of mortality among mallard broods hatched near the James River in North Dakota Habitat use, survival, and causes of mortality among mallard broods hatched near the James River in North Dakota

Habitat use and survival by nine mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) broods from nests on the James River floodplain and adjacent drift plain were monitored during summer 1987. Radio-marked broods were relocated an average of 22% of the time in the river channel, 22% in oxbow ponds, 43% in a large sewage lagoon complex, and 13% in basin wetlands. Four of the six broods hatched on the floodplain...
Authors
Gary L. Krapu, C.R. Luna

Seasonal pattern of reverse mounting in the groove-billed ani (Crotophaga sulcirostris) Seasonal pattern of reverse mounting in the groove-billed ani (Crotophaga sulcirostris)

We observed reverse mounting behavior in a color-banded population of Groove-billed Anis (Crotophaga sulcirostris) in Costa Rica. Sex was determined with measurements and laparotomies. Reverse mounting appeared nearly identical to mounting by males. Of 27 mountings in which at least one bird was banded, 15 were reverse mountings. Only reverse mountings (11 observations) were observed in...
Authors
B. S. Bowen, Rolf R. Koford, S.L. Vehrencamp

Feeding ecology of waterfowl wintering on evaporation ponds in California Feeding ecology of waterfowl wintering on evaporation ponds in California

We examined the feeding ecology of Northern Pintails (Anas acuta), Northern Shovelers (A. clypeata), and Ruddy Ducks (Oxyura jamaicensis) wintering on drainwater evaporation ponds in California from 1982 through 1984. Pintails primarily consumed midges (Chironomidae) (39.3%) and widegeongrass (Ruppia maritima) nutlets (34.6%). Shovelers and Ruddy Ducks consumed 92.5% and 90.1% animal...
Authors
N.H. Euliss, R. L. Jarvis, D.S. Gilmer

Habitat use and movements of canvasback broods in southwestern Manitoba Habitat use and movements of canvasback broods in southwestern Manitoba

Canvasback (Aythya valisineria) broods (n = 69) accompanying marked females were observed during five summers in southwestern Manitoba. We evaluated movements of broods of different age classes ( 14 days old, 15-28 days old, and >28 days old) among ponds of different size and wetland class. Of 202 brood sightings, 7% occurred on seasonal ponds, 81% on semipermanent ponds, and 12% on...
Authors
J. E. Austin, J.R. Serie

Standing crops and ecology of aquatic invertebrates in agricultural drainwater ponds in California Standing crops and ecology of aquatic invertebrates in agricultural drainwater ponds in California

We examined standing crops and ecology of aquatic invertebrates in agricultural drainwater evaporation ponds in California from October 1982 to March 1983 and September 1983 to March 1984. Evaporation ponds supported low diversities but high standing crops of aquatic invertebrates. A water boatman (Trichocorixa reticulata) and a midge (Tanypus grodhausi) were the most abundant...
Authors
N.H. Euliss, R. L. Jarvis, D.S. Gilmer

Wigeongrass (Ruppia maritima): a literature review Wigeongrass (Ruppia maritima): a literature review

Wigeongrass (Ruppia maritima L.) is a submersed macrophyte of nearly cosmopolitan distribution and worldwide importance as a waterfowl food. Unfortunately, the plant no longer inhabits vast areas disturbed by human activities. Taxonomic status of the plant is uncertain, especially in North America. In mild climates, in habitats subject to environmental extremes, the plant behaves as an...
Authors
Harold A. Kantrud

An evaluation of techniques to measure contour feather molt in ducks An evaluation of techniques to measure contour feather molt in ducks

We evaluated 3 techniques (air jet, flat skin, grab sample) to assess molt in dead waterfowl (green- winged teal [Anas crecca] and king eider [Somateria spectabilis]). The air jet technique was fast and required no specimen preparation. The flat skin technique required lengthy preparation time after which molt was assessed quickly. Both techniques underestimated the extent of molt (P 0...
Authors
Rodger D. Titman, Marie-Christine LaGrenade, Michael R. Miller

Homing and reproductive habits of mallards, gadwalls, and blue-winged teal Homing and reproductive habits of mallards, gadwalls, and blue-winged teal

We studied mallard (Anas platyrhynchos), gadwall (A. strepera), and blue-winged teal (A. discors) populations on 2 study areas of 22.6-km2 each in central North Dakota during 1976-81. Data regarding rates of return of females to natal or previously used nesting areas, nest site selection, and productivity of hens of different ages were collected from 1,166 nasal-marked and 2,142 banded...
Authors
John T. Lokemoen, Harold F. Duebbert, David E. Sharp

Sago pondweed (Potamogeton pectinatus L.): A literature review Sago pondweed (Potamogeton pectinatus L.): A literature review

Sago pondweed (Potamogeton pectinatus L.) is a submersed macrophyte of nearly cosmopolitan distribution. The plant is of worldwide importance as a waterfowl food but also can be a nuisance in irrigation canals and recreational areas. The plant reproduces by many different means, depending on habitat and environmental stress. Several genetic ecotypes have evolved. Most important as...
Authors
Harold A. Kantrud
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