Home Range Use and Spacing in Mallard Anas platyrhynchos Broods

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Abstract
Spacing and home range use of 7 mallard broods were studied in a small lake (5.8 ha) during 1977 and 1978. The broods were well spaced with a various degree of overlap in home range use, which increased with increasing age differences between broods. Increasing overlap with increasing age was found between 2 broods of the same age. Marked individual variation in home range use was found. No distinct, defended brood territories were found, but all broods showed preference for certain sections of the shoreline. The 2 largest broods used more space than the others, and brood hatched late in the season used less space than early ones. Regarding age, no distinct pattern in home range use was found, but 3 broods used the same general areas during their growth period. Spacing pattern also seem to be influenced by other broods present and the female status as a dominance hierarchy seem to exist. Loafing sites, commonly reused, were near preferred feeding areas. Interactions between broods were infrequent. Interbrood competition for invertebrate food during early stages of life may be the ultimate factor regulating spacing. Adaptive value of spacing in mallard broods, spacing mechanism and proximate factors involved are discussed.

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