Territorial behaviour by prairie pothole blue-winged teal

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Abstract
The territorial behaviour of wild blue-winged teal (Anas discors) was studied in pothole country near Minnedosa, Manitoba, through observation of marked individuals.Aggressive behaviour in the form of threat, rush, and pursuit flight contributed to the establishment and maintenance of blue-winged teal territories. Paired males were intolerant toward all other members of their species. Pursuit flights, which were most successful in expelling intruders from territories, increased dramatically during nest establishment and territory delineation.Territories averaged 0.69 ha and consisted of one or two potholes or portions thereof. They were discrete, well defined areas which remained stable from the time of nest site selection to the 3rd week of incubation.Blue-winged teal territories provide exclusive feeding areas for females where they are free from harassment during the nesting period. The female may thus channel her energy to the production of progeny while her mate protects his genetic investment from attempted rape.