Activity Budgets of Nonbreeding Green-Winged Teal on Playa Lakes in Texas

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Diurnal activity budgets of nonbreeding green-winged teal (Anas crecca carolinensis) using playa lakes on the Southern High Plains of Texas were investigated from September 1981 through March 1982. Activity patterns were similar between sexes (P > 0.05), but the time allocated to activity categories differed (P < 0.001) throughout the study period. Percentage of time spent feeding in playa wetlands was highest in September-October (23%), a period of heavy molt and fat deposition. Resting was the primary activity throughout winter, reaching a peak (67%) in the coldest period (Dec-Jan). Courtship and locomotion were highest (P < 0.001) during early morning, resting was highest (P < 0.001) during late morning and afternoon, and feeding was highest (P < 0.05) during late afternoon. Correlations among several climatic variables and activities were tested, with ambient temperature appearing to be most influential. Management suggestions include encouraging the production of natural foods that may be providing nonbreeding green-winged teal with essential resources not available from waste grain.

This publication has 3 references indexed in Scilit: