Feeding Ecology of Ring-Necked Ducks in Northwestern Minnesota

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Abstract
Feeding ecology of ring-necked ducks (A. collaris) was studied in northwestern Minnesota, from April to Aug. 1978-1980. Adult male and female diets were similar throughout reproduction. Food use by adult birds before recrudescence of female gonadal tissue varied by habitat: diets for birds using temporary wetlands were dominated by plant material; animal foods made up 1/2 of the diet of males and females collected on semipermanent and permanent wetlands later used for nesting. The proportion of invertebrates consumed by adult birds increased after the arrival period. Female reproductive protein requirements are drawn primarily from the diet during prelaying and laying. Based on estimated consumption rates, females may feed up to 19 h/day to obtain required protein. Consumption of invertebrates by nonlaying birds suggests that their use can be energetically profitable; however, food selection by prelaying/laying hens on a noncaloric basis (e.g., minerals) may result in expenditure of fat reserves. Juveniles ate mostly invertebrates, but the proportion of animal material in the diet differed between age-classes. Although significant food preferences were exhibited by adults and juveniles, availability played a prominent role in food selection. Food habits of adult and juvenile ring-necked ducks appear to be more generalized than those of congenerics, but there is considerable overlap in the food taxa consumed by diving ducks (tribe Aythyini).

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