Factors Affecting Incubation Rhythms of Northern Shovelers

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Abstract
Nesting behavior of wild northern shovelers (A. clypeata) was studied in 1974 and 1975 near Delta, Manitoba, Canada. Laying and incubation rhythms are described and adaptive aspects of the incubation rhythm discussed. Factors affecting total time spent off the nest per day, recess frequency and recess duration are investigated with simple correlation and multiple regression analysis. In smaller individuals, environmental factors increasingly affect anatid incubation rhythms. Small size and concomitant critical dependence on food resources during incubation have apparently been important in the evolution of the northern shoveler''s incubation behavior. The relationship of fasting endurance to body size has probably been of fundamental importance in the evolution of avian incubation behavior.

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