Feeding activity of ducks in relation to diel emergence of chironomids

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Abstract
The diel emergence of chironomids, an insect group important as food item for both adult and young ducks, was studied in relation to the feeding activity and behaviour of ducks on a northern Swedish lake (66°3′ N, 23°46′ E) during 1975–1978. Emergence and swarming activity of chironomids peaked between 0800 and 1200. Emergence occurred even on windy days, but almost completely ceased during periods of rainy and cold weather. Swarming occurred mainly around 1000 on warm days with little or no wind. During such occasions, a large number of chironomids were observed over the entire surface of the lake. Dabbling ducks fed throughout a 24-h period, but peak feeding coincided with periods of chironomid emergence. Surface feeding by both dabbling and diving ducks on chironomid imagines present on the water surface and on emergent vegetation increased during these periods of chironomid emergence.

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