Mate retention in Giant Canada Geese

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Abstract
Of 73 pairs of Giant Canada Geese (Branta canadensis maxima) in which both members of the pair were marked with individually identifiable neckbands, 68 (93%) remained together for as long as both members were alive or retained their markers. Collectively, these data represent 183 years of pair histories (sum of pairs × years of records). One pair that had raised a brood in the summer they were captured and marked separated during the next breeding season; neither re-paired with another bird, and then they rejoined the following autumn and remained together for five consecutive breeding seasons (and winters). Members of four (5.5%) pairs obtained new mates while their former mates were still alive. Of 17 surviving members of pairs in which the mate died (or disappeared) over winter, 15 (88%) re-paired. Data on reproductive success of 4 of these new pairs were not obtained, but 10 of 11 of the other new pairs successfully reared broods.

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