Aggressive encounters between tundra swans and greater white-fronted geese during brood rearing
January 1, 1987
Interspecific aggression in waterfowl (Anatidae) is relatively common (McKinney 1965; Kear 1972; Savard 1982, 1984), but interactions leading to mortality of one of the combatants are rarely-observed in the wild. A recent debate (Livezey and Humphrey 1985a, 1985b; Nuechterlein and Storer 1985a, 1985b; Murray 1985) has centered on the proximate and ultimate causes of interspecific territoriality and killing in steamer-ducks (Tachyeres spp.), a group of large-bodies antids. We report here aggressive encounters between Greater White-fronted Geese (Anser albifrons) and Tundra Swans (Cygnus columbianus) during brood rearing on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska, which on two occasions resulted in the death of a White-fronted Goose gosling.
Citation Information
| Publication Year | 1987 |
|---|---|
| Title | Aggressive encounters between tundra swans and greater white-fronted geese during brood rearing |
| DOI | 10.2307/1368496 |
| Authors | Craig R. Ely, David A. Budeau, Una G. Swain |
| Publication Type | Article |
| Publication Subtype | Journal Article |
| Series Title | The Condor |
| Index ID | 70182082 |
| Record Source | USGS Publications Warehouse |
| USGS Organization | Alaska Science Center; Alaska Science Center Biology WTEB; Idaho Cooperative Fish and Wildlife Research Unit |