Changes in activity patterns, agonistic behavior, and territoriality of black ducks (Anas rubripes) during the breeding season in a Nova Scotia tidal marsh

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Abstract
Observations of marked wild black ducks provided a qualitative and quantitative description of hostile interactions between pairs throughout the breeding season. This study was carried out on a tidal estuary on the St. Lawrence estuary shore of Nova Scotia from 1972 to 1974. Interactions occurred first on the communal part of the marsh and later on territories.Territories corresponded to tidal ponds (0.16–3.8 ha) at the marsh periphery and were established only after pairs were on the marsh 30–40 days. Territories were established approximately 5 days before egg laying began and females were responsible for their location. Females spent approximately 45 days on the territory and males stayed 27–32 days. Males remained almost continuously on territories during the prelaying and laying periods but left both females and territories during midincubation.The activity of males and females of pairs was analysed and compared according to three activities: foraging, loafing, and hostility. Females foraged at a faster rate and for longer durations than their mates in both the preterritorial and territorial periods. Hostility by territorial males toward intruding pairs provided seclusion for resident pairs. Changes in the form and intensity of hostility led to the spatial displacement of pairs. The pursuit flight by males was the main mechanism in the establishment and maintenance of territories.

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