Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Ecology of spring-migrating Anatidae: a review

  • Review
  • Published:
Journal of Ornithology Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Spring migration is generally considered as a crucial period of the year for many birds, not the least due to its supposed importance for subsequent breeding success. By reviewing the existing literature for Anatidae (ducks, geese, and swans), we show that little is known about their ecology in spring, although some goose species are exceptions. Another general pattern is that the ecology of Anatidae at staging sites is particularly neglected. Existing studies tend to focus on questions dealing with acquisition of nutrient reserves, whereas almost nothing has been published about stopover habitats, time use, microhabitat use, foraging behaviour, food availability, food limitation, diet selection, and interspecific relationships. Besides summarising present knowledge, we identify taxonomic groups and topics for which gaps of knowledge appear the most evident, thereby also highlighting research needs for the future.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Afton AD (1979) Time budget of breeding northern shovelers. Wilson Bull 91:42–49

    Google Scholar 

  • Alisauskas RT (2002) Arctic climate, spring nutrition, and recruitment in mid-continent lesser snow geese. J Wildl Manage 66:181–193

    Google Scholar 

  • Alisauskas RT, Ankney CD (1992a) The cost of egg-laying and its relationship to nutrient reserves in waterfowl. In: Batt BDJ, Afton AD, Anderson MG, Ankney CD, Johnson DH, Kadlec JA, Krapu GL (eds) Ecology and management of breeding waterfowl. University of Minnesota Press, Minneapolis, pp 30–61

    Google Scholar 

  • Alisauskas RT, Ankney CD (1992b) Spring habitat use and diets of midcontinent adult lesser snow geese. J Wildl Manage 56:43–54

    Google Scholar 

  • Alisauskas RT, Ankney CD (1994) Nutrition of breeding female ruddy ducks: the role of nutrient reserves. Condor 96:878–897

    Google Scholar 

  • Alisauskas RT, Eberhardt RT, Ankney CD (1990) Nutrient reserves of breeding ring-necked ducks (Aythya collaris). Can J Zool 68:2524–2530

    Google Scholar 

  • Amano T, Ushiyama K, Fujita G, Higuchi H (2004) Alleviating grazing damage by white-fronted geese: an optimal foraging approach. J Appl Ecol 41:675–688

    Google Scholar 

  • Ankney CD (1984) Nutrient reserve dynamics of breeding and molting brant. Auk 101:361–370

    Google Scholar 

  • Ankney CD, Afton AD (1988) Bioenergetics of breeding northern shovelers: diet, nutrient reserves, clutch size, and incubation. Condor 90:459–472

    Google Scholar 

  • Ankney CD, Alisauskas RT (1991) Nutrient-reserve dynamics and diet of breeding female gadwalls. Condor 93:799–810

    Google Scholar 

  • Ankney CD, MacInnes CD (1978) Nutrient reserves and reproductive performance of female lesser snow geese. Auk 95:459–471

    Google Scholar 

  • Ankney CD, Afton AD, Alisauskas RT (1991) The role of nutrient reserves in limiting waterfowl reproduction. Condor 93:1029–1032

    Google Scholar 

  • Anonymous (1979) Council directive of 2 April 1979 on the conservation of wild birds (79/409/EEC) OJ L 103, 25.4.1979, pp 1

  • Anonymous (2001) Ornis report: key concepts of article 7(4) of directive 79/409/EEC. Period of reproduction and pre-nuptial migration of annex II birds species in the EU

  • Anteau MJ, Afton AD (2004) Nutrient reserves of lesser scaup (Aythya affinis) during spring migration in the Mississippi flyway: a test of the spring condition hypothesis. Auk 121:917–929

    Google Scholar 

  • Arzel C, Elmberg J (2004) Time use, foraging behaviour and microhabitat use in a temporary guild of spring-staging dabbling ducks (Anas spp.). Ornis Fenn 81:157–168

    Google Scholar 

  • Asplund C (1981) Time budgets of breeding mallard in northern Sweden. Wildfowl 32:55–64

    Google Scholar 

  • Barboza PS, Jorde DG (2002) Intermittent fasting during winter and spring affects body composition and reproduction of a migratory duck. J Comp Physiol B 172:419–434

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Béchet A, Giroux JF, Gauthier G, Nichols JD, Hines JE (2003) Spring hunting changes the regional movements of migrating greater snow geese. J Appl Ecol 40:553–564

    Google Scholar 

  • Béchet A, Giroux JF, Gauthier G (2004) The effects of disturbance on behaviour, habitat use and energy of spring staging snow geese. J Appl Ecol 41:689–700

    Google Scholar 

  • Bellrose FC (1978) Ducks, geese and swans of North America. Stackpole, Harrisburg

    Google Scholar 

  • Benoy GA, Nudds TD, Dunlop E (2002) Patterns of habitat and invertebrate diet overlap between tiger salamanders and ducks in prairie potholes. Hydrobiologia 481:47–59

    Google Scholar 

  • Black JM, Deerenberg C, Owen M (1991) Foraging behaviour and site selection of barnacle geese Branta leucopsis in a traditional and newly colonised spring staging habitat. Ardea 79:349–358

    Google Scholar 

  • Blokpoel H, Richardson WJ (1978) Weather and spring migration of snow geese across southern Manitoba. Oïkos 30:350–363

    Google Scholar 

  • Bluhm CK (1992) Environmental and endocrine control of waterfowl reproduction. In: Batt BDJ, Afton AD, Anderson MG, Ankney CD, Johnson DH, Kadlec JA, Krapu GL (eds) Ecology and management of breeding waterfowl. University of Minnesota Press, Minneapolis, pp 323–364

    Google Scholar 

  • Bonnet X, Bradshaw D, Shine R (1998) Capital versus income breeding: an ectothermic perspective. Oïkos 83:333–341

    Google Scholar 

  • Boyd H, Fox AD (1992) Sexual activity of pink-footed geese Anser brachyrhynchus at a staging area in Iceland. Wildfowl 43:117–120

    Google Scholar 

  • Bromley RG, Jarvis RL (1993) The energetics of migration and reproduction of dusky canada geese. Condor 95:193–210

    Google Scholar 

  • Budeau DA, Ratti JT, Ely CR (1991) Energy dynamics, foraging ecology, and behavior of prenesting greater white-fronted geese. J Wildl Manage 55:556–563

    Google Scholar 

  • Carrière S, Bromley RG, Gauthier G (1999) Comparative spring habitat and food use by two arctic nesting geese. Wilson Bull 111:166–180

    Google Scholar 

  • Choinière L, Gauthier G (1995) Energetics of reproduction in female and male greater snow geese. Oecologia 103:379–389

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Clausen P, Madsen J, Percival SM, Anderson GQA, Koffijberg K, Mehlum F, Vangeluwe D (1999) Light bellied brent goose Branta bernicla hrota: Svalbarg. In: Madsen J, Cracknell G, Fox T (eds) Goose populations of the Western Palearctic: a review of status and distribution. Wetlands international publ no 48, Wetlands International, Wageningen, The Netherlands and National Environmental Research Institute, Rönde, Denmark, pp 312–327

  • Clausen P, Green M, Alerstam T (2003) Energy limitations for spring migration and breeding: the case of brent geese Branta bernicla tracked by satellite telemetry to Svalbard and Greenland. Oïkos 103:426–445

    Google Scholar 

  • Cope DR (2003) Variation in daily and seasonal foraging routines of non-breeding barnacle geese (Branta leucopsis): working harder does not overcome environmental constraints. J Zool 260:65–71

    Google Scholar 

  • Coulter MW (1955) Spring food habits of surface-feeding ducks in Maine. J Wildl Manage 19:263–267

    Google Scholar 

  • Cramp S, Simmons KEL (eds) (1977) Birds of the Western Palearctic, vol 1. Oxford University Press, Oxford

  • Croft B (1999) Nutrient reserves of small Canada geese (Branta Canadensis hutchinsii) nesting in the Central Canadian Arctic. Thesis, University of Saskatewan, Saskatoon, Canada

  • Custer CM (1993) Life history traits and habitat needs of the redhead. In: Waterfowl Management Handbook 13. US Dept of Interior: Washington DC, Fish and Wildl Leaflet 13.1.11

  • Daan S, Dijkstra C, Drent R, Meijer T (1986) Food supply and the annual timing of avian reproduction. In: Acta XIX Congress International Ornithology, pp 392–407

  • Delany S, Scott D (eds) (2002) Waterbird population estimates, 3rd edn. Wetlands international global series no. 12. Wageningen, The Netherlands

  • Derksen DV, Ward DH (1993) Life history strategies and habitat needs of the black brant. In: Waterfowl Management Handbook 13. US Dept of Interior: Washington DC, Fish and Wildl Leaflet 13.1.15

  • DeRoia DM, Bookhout TA (1989) Spring feeding ecology of teal on the Lake Erie marshes. Ohio J Sci 89:3

    Google Scholar 

  • Drent RH (1996) Energetic bottlenecks in the annual cycle migratory wildfowl (Anatidae). Game Wildl 13:615–634

    Google Scholar 

  • Drent RH, Daan S (1980) The prudent parent: energetic adjustments in avian breeding. Ardea 68:225–252

    Google Scholar 

  • Drent RH, Both C, Green M, Madsen J, Piersma T (2003) Pay-offs and penalties of competing migratory schedules. Oïkos 103:274–292

    Google Scholar 

  • DuBowy PJ (1996) Northern shoveler. In: Poole A, Gill F (eds) The birds of North America. The Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia, PA, and The American Ornithologists’ Union, Washington, DC, no 217

  • Dugger BD (1997) Factors influencing the onset of spring migration in mallards. J Field Ornithol 68:331–337

    Google Scholar 

  • Dugger KM, Frederickson LH (1992) Life history and habitat needs of the wood duck. In: Waterfowl management handbook 13. US Dept of Interior: Washington DC, Fish and Wildl Leaflet 13.1.6

  • Dugger BD, Petrie MJ (2000) Geographic variation in foraging rates of pre-incubating female mallards. Can J Zool 78:2241–2243

    Google Scholar 

  • Dwyer TJ (1975) Time budget of breeding gadwalls. Wilson Bull 87:335–343

    Google Scholar 

  • Eadie JM, Mallory ML, Lumsden HG (1995) Common goldeneye (Bucephala clangula). In: Poole A, Gill F (eds) The Birds of North America. The Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia, PA, and The American Ornithologists’ Union, Washington, DC, no 170

  • Ebbinge BS, Spaans B (1995) The importance of body reserves accumulated in spring staging areas in the temperate zone for breeding in dark-bellied brent geese Branta b. bernicla in the high Arctic. J Avian Biol 26:105–113

    Google Scholar 

  • Ebbinge BS, St Joseph A, Prokosch P, Spaans B (1982) The importance of spring staging areas for arctic breeding geese wintering in Western Europe. Aquila 89:249–258

    Google Scholar 

  • Elmberg J, Nummi P, Pöysä H, Gunnarsson G, Sjöberg K (2005) Early breeding teal Anas crecca use the best lakes and have the highest reproductive success. Ann Zool Fenn 42:37–43

    Google Scholar 

  • Ely CR, Raveling DG (1984) Breeding biology of pacific white-fronted geese. J Wildl Manage 48:823–837

    Google Scholar 

  • Ely CR, Raveling DG (1989) Body composition and weight dynamics of wintering greater white-fronted geese. J Wildl Manage 53:80–87

    Google Scholar 

  • Esler D, Grand JB (1994) The role of nutrient reserves for clutch formation by northern pintails in Alaska. Condor 96:422–432

    Google Scholar 

  • Féret M, Gauthier G, Béchet A, Giroux JF, Hobson KA (2003) Effect of a spring hunt on nutrient storage by greater snow geese in southern Québec. J Wildl Manage 67:796–807

    Google Scholar 

  • Flint PL, Fowler AC, Bottitta GE, Schamber J (1998) Observations of geese foraging for clam shells during spring on the Yukon-Kuskokwim delta, Alaska. Wilson Bull 110:411–413

    Google Scholar 

  • Fox AD (2003) The greenland white-fronted goose Anser albifrons flavirostris. The annual cycle of a migratory herbivore on the European continental fringe. PhD Thesis, National Environmental Research Institute, Denmark

  • Fox AD, Madsen J (1981) The pre-nesting behaviour of the greenland white-fronted goose. Wildfowl 32:48–54

    Google Scholar 

  • Fox AD, Madsen J, Stroud DA (1983) A review of the summer ecology of the greenland white-fronted goose Anser albifrons flavirostris. Dan Ornithol Foren Tidsskr 77:43–55

    Google Scholar 

  • Fox AD, Bell DV, Mudge GP (1993) A preliminary study of the effects of disturbance on feeding wigeon grazing on eel-grass Zostera. WSG Bull 68(Special Issue):67–71

    Google Scholar 

  • Francis CM (2000) The relative impact of a spring hunt on snow goose population dynamics. CWS Occas Pap 102:6–16

    Google Scholar 

  • Fredrickson LH, Heitmeyer ME (1991) Life history strategies and habitat needs of the northern pintail. In: Waterfowl Management Handbook 13. US Dept of Interior: Washington DC, Fish and Wildl Leaflet 13.1.3

  • Fredrickson LH (2001) Steller’s eider (Polysticta stelleri). In: Poole A, Gill F (eds) The birds of North America. The Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia, PA, and The American Ornithologists’ Union, Washington, DC, no 571

  • Fritz H, Guillemain M, Guérin S (2000) Changes in the frequency of prospecting fly-overs by marsh harriers Circus aeruginosus in relation to short-term fluctuations in dabbling duck abundance. Ardea 88:9–16

    Google Scholar 

  • Gammonley JH (1995) Nutrient reserve and organ dynamics of breeding cinnamon teal. Condor 97:985–992

    Google Scholar 

  • Gammonley JH, Fredrickson LH (1995) Life history and management of the blue-winged teal. In: Waterfowl Management Handbook 13. US Dept of Interior: Washington DC, Fish and Wildl Leaflet 13.1.8.

  • Gammonley JH, Heitmeyer ME (1990) Behavior, body condition, and foods of buffleheads and lesser scaups during spring migration through the Klamath Basin, California. Wilson Bull 102:672–683

    Google Scholar 

  • Ganter B, Cooke F (1996) Pre-incubation feeding activities and energy budgets of snow geese: Can food on the breeding grounds influence fecundity? Oecologia 106:153–165

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ganter B, Larsson K, Syroechkovsky EV, Litvin KE, Leito A, Madsen J (1999) Barnacle goose Branta leucopsis: Russia/Baltic. In: Madsen J, Cracknell G, Fox T (eds) Goose populations of the Western Palearctic: a review of status and distribution. Wetlands International Publ No 48, Wetlands International, Wageningen, The Netherlands and National Environmental Research Institute, Rönde, Denmark, pp 270–283

  • Gardarsson A, Einarsson A (1994) Responses of breeding duck populations to change in food supply. Hydrobiologia 279/280:15–27

    Google Scholar 

  • Gates RJ, Caithamer DF, Moritz WE, Tacha TC (2001) Bioenergetics and nutrition of Mississippi Valley population canada geese during winter and migration. Wildl Monogr 146

  • Gauthier G (1993) Feeding ecology of nesting greater snow geese. J Wildl Manage 57:216–223

    Google Scholar 

  • Gauthier G, Tardif J (1991) Female feeding and male vigilance during nesting in greater snow geese. Condor 93:701–711

    Google Scholar 

  • Gauthier G, Bédard J, Huot J, Bédard Y (1984) Spring accumulation of fat by greater snow geese in two staging habitats. Condor 86:192–199

    Google Scholar 

  • Gauthier G, Giroux JF, Bédard J (1992) Dynamics of fat and protein reserves during winter and spring migration in greater snow geese. Can J Zool 70:2077–2087

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gauthier G, Bêty J, Hobson KA (2003) Are greater snow geese capital breeders? New evidence from a stable isotope model. Ecology 84:3250–3264

    Google Scholar 

  • Gill JA, Norris K, Potts PM, Gunnarsson TG, Atkinson PW, Sutherland WJ (2001) The buffer effect and large-scale population regulation in migratory birds. Nature 412:436–438

    CAS  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Giroux JF, Bergeron R (1996) Spring diet of sympatric greater snow geese and canada geese in Southern Québec. Can J Zool 74:950–953

    Google Scholar 

  • Glutz von Blotzheim U (ed) (1990) Handbuch der Vögel Mitteleuropas. Band 2 Anseriformes, 2nd edn. Aula, Wiesbaden

  • Grand JB (1992) Breeding chronology of mottled ducks in a Texas coastal marsh. J Field Ornithol 63:195–202

    Google Scholar 

  • Gruenhagen NM, Fredrickson LH (1990) Food use by migratory female mallards in northwest Missouri. J Wildl Manage 54:622–626

    Google Scholar 

  • Guillemain M, Caldow RWG, Hodder KH, Goss-Custard JD (2003) Increased vigilance of paired males in sexually dimorphic species: distinguishing between alternative explanations in wintering eurasian wigeon. Behav Ecol 14:724–729

    Google Scholar 

  • Guillemain M, Fritz H, Klaassen M, Johnson AR, Hafner H (2004) Fuelling rates of garganey (Anas querquedula) staging in the Camargue, southern France, during spring migration. J Ornithol 145:152–158

    Google Scholar 

  • Guillemain M, Arzel C, Mondain-Monval JY, Schricke V, Johnson AR, Simon G (2006) Spring migration dates of teal (Anas crecca) ringed in the Camargue, Southern France. Wildl Biol (in press)

  • Heitmeyer ME (1988) Body composition of female mallards in winter in relation to annual cycle events. Condor 90:669–680

    Google Scholar 

  • Heitmeyer ME, Vohs PA Jr (1984) Characteristics of wetlands used by migrant dabbling ducks in Oklahoma, USA. Wildfowl 35:61–70

    Google Scholar 

  • Hepp GR (1984) Dominance in wintering Anatinae: potential effects on clutch size and time of nesting. Wildfowl 35:132–134

    Google Scholar 

  • Hohman WL, Taylor TS, Weller MW (1988) Annual body weight change in ring-necked ducks (Aythya collaris). In: Weller MW (ed) Waterfowl in winter. Univ Minnesota Press, Minneapolis, pp 257–269

    Google Scholar 

  • Hupp JW, Zacheis AB, Anthony RM, Robertson DG, Erickson WP, Palacios KC (2001) Snow cover and snow goose Anser caerulescens caerulescens distribution during spring migration. Wildl Biol 7:65–76

    Google Scholar 

  • Jacobsen OW (1989) Feeding behaviour of breeding wigeon Anas penelope in relation to diet and seasonal emergence of chironomids. WSG Bull 57:14–15

    Google Scholar 

  • Jeske CW (1996) Migration strategies of North American Anatinae. Game Wildl 13:207–219

    Google Scholar 

  • Keith LB (1961) A study of waterfowl ecology on small impoundments in southeastern Alberta. Wildl Monogr 6:1–88

    Google Scholar 

  • King JR (1974) Seasonal allocation of time and energy resources in birds. In: Paynter RA (ed) Avian Energetics. Nuttall Ornithol Club 15, pp 4–70

  • Klaassen M (2002) Relationships between migration and breeding strategies in arctic breeding birds. In: Berthold P, Gwinner E, Sonnenschein E (eds) Avian migration. Springer, Berlin Heidelberg New York, pp 237–249

    Google Scholar 

  • Kokko H, Pöysä H, Lindström J, Ranta E (1998) Assessing the impact of spring hunting on waterfowl populations. Ann Zool Fenn 35:195–204

    Google Scholar 

  • Korshgen CE, George LS, Green WL (1985) Disturbance of diving ducks by boaters on a migrational staging area. Wildl Soc Bull 13:290–296

    Google Scholar 

  • Krapu GL (1981) The role of nutrient reserves in mallard reproduction. Auk 98:29–38

    Google Scholar 

  • Krapu GL, Reinecke KJ (1992) Foraging ecology and nutrition. In: Batt BDJ, Afton AD, Anderson MD, Ankney CD, Johnson DH, Kadlec JA, Krapu GL (eds) Ecology and management of breeding waterfowl. University of Minnesota Press, Minneapolis, pp 1–30

    Google Scholar 

  • Krapu GL, Klett AT, Jorde DG (1983) The effect of variable spring water conditions on mallard reproduction. Auk 100:689–698

    Google Scholar 

  • Krapu GL, Reinecke KJ, Jorde DG, Simpson SG (1995) Spring-staging ecology of midcontinent greater white-fronted geese. J Wildl Manage 59:736–746

    Google Scholar 

  • LaGrange TG, Dinsmore JJ (1988) Nutrient reserve dynamics of female mallards during spring migration through Central Iowa. In: Weller MW (ed) Waterfowl in winter. University of Minnesota Press, Minneapolis, pp 287–297

    Google Scholar 

  • LaMontagne JM, Barclay RMR, Jackson LJ (2001) Trumpeter swan behaviour at spring migration stopover areas in southern Manitoba. Can J Zool 79:2036–2042

    Google Scholar 

  • LaMontagne JM, Jackson LJ, Barclay RMR (2003) Characteristics of ponds used by trumpeter swans in a spring migration stopover area. Can J Zool 81:1791–1798

    Google Scholar 

  • Lebret T (1947) The migration of teal, Anas crecca crecca L., in Western Europe. Ardea 36:79–131

    Google Scholar 

  • Lima SL (1986) Predation risk and unpredictable feeding conditions: determinants of body mass in birds. Ecology 67:377–385

    Google Scholar 

  • Lindberg MS, Sedinger JS, Flint PL (1997) Effects of spring environment on nesting phenology and clutch size of black brant. Condor 99:381–388

    Google Scholar 

  • Lindström Å (1995) Stopover ecology of migrating birds: some unsolved questions. Isr J Zool 41:407–416

    Google Scholar 

  • Lindström Å, Piersma T (1993) Mass changes in migrating birds: the evidence for fat and protein storage re-examined. Ibis 135:70–78

    Google Scholar 

  • Longcore JR, McAuley DG, Hepp GR, Rhymer JM (2000) American black duck (Anas rubripes). In: Poole A, Gill F (eds) The birds of North America. The Academy of Natural Sciences, Philadelphia, PA, and The American Ornithologists’ Union, Washington, DC, no 481

  • MacCluskie MC, Sedinger JS (2000) Nutrient reserves and clutch-size regulation of northern shovelers in Alaska. Auk 117:971–979

    Google Scholar 

  • Madsen J (1985) Relations between change in spring habitat selection and daily energetics of pink-footed geese Anser brachyrhynchus. Ornis Scand 16:222–228

    Google Scholar 

  • Madsen J (1995) Impacts of disturbance on migratory waterfowl. Ibis 137:S67–S74

    Google Scholar 

  • Madsen J (1998) Experimental refuge for migratory waterfowl in Danish wetlands. I. Baseline assessment of the disturbance effects of recreational activities. J Appl Ecol 35:386–397

    Google Scholar 

  • Madsen J (2001) Spring migration strategies in pink-footed geese Anser brachyrhynchus and consequences for spring fattening and fecundity. Ardea 89(special issue):43–55

    Google Scholar 

  • Mainguy J, Bety J, Gauthier G, Giroux JF (2002) Are body condition and reproductive effort of laying greater snow geese affected by the spring hunt? Condor 104:156–161

    Google Scholar 

  • Manson C (2005) Migratory bird subsistence harvest in Alaska; Harvest regulations for migratory birds in Alaska during the 2005 season; Final rule. Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service 50 CFR Part 92. Federal Register 70(67)

  • Markkola J, Niemelä M, Rytkönen S (2003) Diet selection of lesser white-fronted geese Anser erythropus at a spring staging area. Ecography 26:705–714

    Google Scholar 

  • Martin AC, Uhler FM (1939) Food of game ducks in the United States and Canada. US Dep Agricult Techn Bull no 634

  • Mathers RG, Montgomery WI (1997) Quality of food consumed by over-wintering pale-bellied brent Branta bernicla hrota and wigeon Anas penelope. Biol Environ Proc R Irish Acad 97B:81–89

    Google Scholar 

  • Matthews JVT (1982) The control of recreational disturbance. In: Scott DA (ed) Managing wetlands and their birds. IWRB, Slimbridge, pp 325–330

    Google Scholar 

  • McKinney F (1965) The spring behavior of wild steller’s eiders. Condor 67:273–290

    Google Scholar 

  • McKinney F (1986) Ecological factors influencing the social systems of migratory dabbling ducks. In: Rubenstein DI, Wrangham RW (eds) Ecological aspects of social evolution. Birds and mammals. Princeton University Press, New Jersey, pp 153–171

    Google Scholar 

  • McLandress MR, Raveling DG (1981a) Hyperphagia and social behavior of canada geese prior to spring migration. Wilson Bull 93:310–324

    Google Scholar 

  • McLandress MR, Raveling DG (1981b) Changes in diet and body composition of canada geese before spring migration. Auk 98:65–79

    Google Scholar 

  • Meijer T, Drent R (1999) Re-examination of the capital and income dichotomy in breeding birds. Ibis 141:399–414

    Google Scholar 

  • Merne OJ, Boertmann D, Boyd H, Mitchell C, Briain MÓ, Reed A, Sigfusson A (1999) Light-bellied brent goose Branta bernicla hrota: Canada. In: Madsen J, Cracknell G, Fox T (eds) Goose populations of the Western Palearctic: a review of status and distribution. Wetlands International Publ No 48, Wetlands International, Wageningen, The Netherlands and National Environmental Research Institute, Rönde, Denmark, pp 298–311

  • Mitchell C, Sigfusson A (1999) Greylag goose Anser anser: Iceland. In: Madsen J, Cracknell G, Fox T (eds) Goose populations of the Western Palearctic: a review of status and distribution. Wetlands International Publ no 48, Wetlands International, Wageningen, The Netherlands and National Environmental Research Institute, Rönde, Denmark, pp 162–171

  • Mooij JH, Faragó S, Kirby JS (1999) White-fronted goose Anser albifrons albifrons. In: Madsen J, Cracknell G, Fox T (eds) Goose populations of the Western Palearctic: a review of status and distribution. Wetlands International Publ no 48, Wetlands International, Wageningen, The Netherlands and National Environmental Research Institute, Rönde, Denmark, pp 94–128

  • Moore FR, Kerlinger P, Simons TR (1990) Stopover on a gulf coast barrier island by spring trans-gulf migrants. Wilson Bull 102:487–500

    Google Scholar 

  • Newton I (2004) Population limitation in migrants. Ibis 146:197–226

    Google Scholar 

  • Nilsson L, Van den Bergh L, Madsen J (1999a) Taiga bean goose Anser fabalis fabalis. In: Madsen J, Cracknell G, Fox T (eds) Goose populations of the Western Palearctic: a review of status and distribution. Wetlands international publ no 48, Wetlands International, Wageningen, The Netherlands and National Environmental Research Institute, Rönde, Denmark, pp 20–36

  • Nilsson L, Follestad A, Koffijberg K, Kuijken E, Madsen J, Mooij J, Mouronval JB, Schricke V, Voslamber B (1999b) Greylag goose Anser anser: northwest Europe. In: Madsen J, Cracknell G, Fox T (eds) Goose populations of the Western Palearctic: a review of status and distribution. Wetlands international publ no 48, Wetlands International, Wageningen, The Netherlands and National Environmental Research Institute, Rönde, Denmark, pp 20–36

  • Nolet BA, Drent RH (1998) Bewick’s swans refuelling on pondweed tubers in the Dvina Bay (White Sea) during their spring migration: first come, first served. J Avian Biol 29:574–581

    Google Scholar 

  • Nudds TD (1992) Patterns in breeding waterfowl communities. In: Batt BDJ, Afton AD, Anderson MG, Ankney CD, Johnson DH, Kadlec JA, Krapu GL (eds) Ecology and management of breeding waterfowl. University of Minnesota Press, Minneapolis, pp 540–567

    Google Scholar 

  • Odum EP, Connell CE, Stoddard HL (1961) Flight energy and estimated flight ranges of some migratory birds. Auk 78:515–527

    Google Scholar 

  • Ogilvie MA, Boertmann D, Cabot D, Merne O, Percival SM, Sigfusson A (1999) Barnacle goose Branta leucopsis: Greenland. In: Madsen J, Cracknell G, Fox T (eds) Goose populations of the Western Palearctic: a review of status and distribution. Wetlands international publ no 48, Wetlands International, Wageningen, The Netherlands and National Environmental Research Institute, Rönde, Denmark, pp 246–256

  • Owen M, Black JM (eds) (1990) Waterfowl ecology. Blackie, Glasgow and London

  • Owen RB Jr, Reinecke KJ (1979) Bioenergetics of breeding dabbling ducks. In: Bookhout TA (ed) Waterfowl and wetlands: an integrated review. LaCrosse Printing, La Crosse, pp 71–93

    Google Scholar 

  • Paquette GA, Ankney CD (1998) Diurnal time budgets of american green winged teal Anas crecca breeding in British Columbia. Wildfowl 49:186–193

    Google Scholar 

  • Paulus SL (1984) Activity budgets of nonbreeding gadwalls in Louisiana. J Wildl Manage 48:37l–380

    Google Scholar 

  • Paulus SL (1988) Time-activity budgets of nonbreeding Anatidae: a review. In: Weller MW (ed) Waterfowl in winter. University of Minnesota Press, Minneapolis, pp 135–152

    Google Scholar 

  • Pennycuick CJ (1975) Mechanics of flight. In: Farmer DS, King JR (eds) Avian biology, vol 5. Academic, London, pp 1–75

  • Pettifor RA, Caldow RWG, Rowcliffe JM, Goss-Custard JD, Black JM, Hodder KH, Houston AI, Lang A, Webb J (2000) Spatially explicity, individual-based, behavioural models of the annual cycle of two migratory goose populations. J Appl Ecol 37(Suppl 1):103–135

    Google Scholar 

  • Prop J, Deerenberg C (1991) Spring staging in brent geese Branta bernicla: feeding constraints and the impact of diet on the accumulation of body reserves. Oecologia 87:19–28

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Prop J, DeVries J (1993) Impact of snow and food conditions on the reproductive performance of barnacle geese Branta leucopsis. Ornis Scand 24:110–121

    Google Scholar 

  • Prop J, Black M, Shimmings P (2003) Travel schedules to the high-arctic: barnacle geese trade-off the timing of migration with accumulation of fat deposits. Oïkos 103:403–414

    Google Scholar 

  • Raveling DG (1978) The timing of egg laying by northern geese. Auk 95:294–303

    Google Scholar 

  • Riddington R, Hassal M, Lane SJ, Turner PA, Walters R (1996) The impact of disturbance on the behaviour and energy budgets of brent geese Branta bernicla. Bird Study 43:269–279

    Google Scholar 

  • Ringelman JK (1990) Habitat management for molting waterfowl. In: Waterfowl Management Handbook 13. US Dept of Interior: Washington DC, Fish and Wildl Leaflet 13.4.4

  • Robinson JA, Aldridge NS, Wright L, Culzac LG (2003) Invertebrate food supply and breeding success of mallards Anas platyrhynchos at flooded gravel quarries in Southern Britain. Ardea 91:3–9

    Google Scholar 

  • Rodway MS (1998) Activity patterns, diet, and feeding efficiency of harlequin ducks breeding in northern Labrador. Can J Zool 76:902–909

    Google Scholar 

  • Savard JP (1988) Winter, spring and summer territoriality in barrow’s goldeneye: characteristics and benefits. Ornis Scand 19:119–128

    Google Scholar 

  • Schummer ML, Eddleman WR (2003) Effects of disturbance on activity and energy budgets of migrating waterbirds in South-central Oklahoma. J Wildl Manage 67:789–795

    Google Scholar 

  • Seymour NR (1974) Territorial behaviour of wild shovelers at Delta, Manitoba. Wildfowl 25:49–55

    Google Scholar 

  • Skyllberg U, Hansson P, Bernhardtson P, Naudot E (2005) The roost-feeding area complex of taiga bean goose Anser f. fabalis in the Ume River Delta Plains, Sweden—foraging patterns in comparison with greylag goose Anser anser, whooper swan Cygnus cygnus and eurasian crane Grus grus. Ornis Svec 15:73–88

    Google Scholar 

  • Stock M (1993) Studies on the effects of disturbances on staging brent geese: a progress report. WSG Bull 68(Special issue):29–34

    Google Scholar 

  • Summers RW, Underhill LG (1987) Factors relating to breeding production of brent geese Branta b. bernicla and waders (Charadrii) on Taimyr Peninsula. Bird Study 34:161–171

    Google Scholar 

  • Swanson GA (1977) Diel food selection by Anatinae on a waste-stabilization system. J Wildl Manage 41:226–231

    Google Scholar 

  • Swanson GA, Meyer MI, Adomatis VA (1985) Foods consumed by breeding mallards on wetlands of south-central North Dakota. J Wildl Manage 49:197–203

    Google Scholar 

  • Tamisier A, Dehorter O (1999) Camargue. Canards et foulques. Centre Ornithologique du Gard, Nimes

  • Taylor TS (1978) Spring foods of migrating blue-winged teals on seasonally flooded impoundments. J Wildl Manage 42:900–903

    Google Scholar 

  • Teunissen W, Spaans B, Drent R (1985) Breeding success in brent in relation to individual feeding opportunities during spring staging in the Wadden Sea. Ardea 73:109–119

    Google Scholar 

  • Thomas VG (1983) Spring migration: the prelude to goose reproduction and a review of its implications. In: Boyd H (ed) First Western Hemisphere waterfowl and waterbird symposium. Canadian Wildlife Service, Ottawa

  • Thorn TD, Zwank PJ (1993) Foods of migrating cinnamon teal in central New Mexico. J Field Ornithol 64:452–463

    Google Scholar 

  • Van Eerden MR (1984) Waterfowl movements in relation to food stocks. In: Evans PR, Goss-Custard JD, Hale WG (eds) Coastal waders and wildfowl in winter. Cambridge University Press, Cambridge, pp 84–100

    Google Scholar 

  • Van der Wal R, Van Lieshout S, Bos D, Drent RH (2000) Are spring staging brent geese evicted by vegetation succession? Ecography 23:60–69

    Google Scholar 

  • Vangilder LD, Smith LM, Lawrence RK (1986) Nutrient reserves of premigratory brant during spring. Auk 103:237–241

    Google Scholar 

  • Witter MS, Cuthill IC (1993) The ecological costs of avian fat storage. Phil Trans R Soc Lond B 340:73–92

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wypkema RCP, Ankney CD (1979) Nutrient reserve dynamics of lesser snow geese staging at James Bay, Ontario. Can J Zool 57:213–219

    Google Scholar 

  • Zacheis A, Hupp JW, Ruess RW (2001) Effects of migratory geese on plant communities of an Alaskan salt marsh. J Ecol 89:57–71

    Google Scholar 

  • Zimin VB, Artemyev AV, Lapshin NV (2002) Survey of spring migrations and stopovers in the Olonets fields in Karelia. In: Noskov GA, Czajkowski A, Fertikova KP (eds) Study of the status and trends of migratory bird populations in Russia, Fourth issue. OMPO special publication, St Petersburg, Worlds and Family, pp 18–28

  • Zwarts L (1976) Density-related processes in feeding dispersion and feeding activity of teal (Anas crecca). Ardea 64:192–209

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgements

We are very grateful to Jacqueline Crivelli at the library at Station Biologique de la Tour du Valat for her valuable help during the literature compilation. We would also like to thank Hannu Pöysä, Jean-Marie Boutin, Vincent Schricke, Carol Fouque, Marc Lutz and Preben Clausen for constructive comments while preparing this review. This work was supported by grants V-124-01 and V-98-04 from the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency to Johan Elmberg, and by a PhD grant to Céline Arzel from the French Game and Wildlife Service (Office National de la Chasse et de la Faune Sauvage).

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. CNERA Avifaune Migratrice, Office National de la Chasse et de la Faune Sauvage, La Tour du Valat, Le Sambuc, 13200, Arles, France

    C. Arzel & M. Guillemain

  2. Department of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Kristianstad University, 291 88, Kristianstad, Sweden

    C. Arzel & J. Elmberg

  3. Laboratoire d’Ecologie des Hydrosystèmes, Université Paul Sabatier, 118 route de Narbonne, 31062, Toulouse, France

    C. Arzel

Authors
  1. C. Arzel
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. J. Elmberg
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. M. Guillemain
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to C. Arzel.

Additional information

Communicated by F. Bairlein

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Arzel, C., Elmberg, J. & Guillemain, M. Ecology of spring-migrating Anatidae: a review. J Ornithol 147, 167–184 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10336-006-0054-8

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10336-006-0054-8

Keywords

Search

Navigation