A 12-Year Study of Nest Box Utilization by Black-Bellied Whistling Ducks

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Abstract
Nest box utilization by black-bellied whistling ducks (D. autumnalis) over a 12 yr (1964-1975) period was 81%. Proximity of water was not critical for this species. The ducks also utilized natural cavities more than 1000 m from water. Of 778 nests of 1 or more eggs, 279 were incubated and 75% of these hatched. At least 70% of all clutches were dump nests with only 15% of the clutches falling within the range (9-18, mean of 13) presumed to be the eggs of a single hen. The remaining 15% of the nests contained less than 9 eggs. About 48% of the eggs in incubated nests produced ducklings but only 20% of 21,982 eggs laid in nest boxes hatched, largely because of desertion from dump nesting.

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