Research Using Captive Waterfowl

Dr. Patricia Brennan of Yale University is currently conducting a comparative study of sexual development and mating strategies of lesser scaup (Athya affinis) and ruddy ducks (Oxyura jamaicensis) using captive birds maintained at LRWC.  Dr. Brennan hopes to continue her current research to examine the effects of social environment on phallus growth using 4 different species of ducks with a breath of mating systems:  lesser scaup, ruddy duck, Laysan teal (Anas laysanensis) and Mandarin duck (Aix galericulata).  These species will provide a range of duck mating systems, from temporary pair bonds and high levels of forced copulations (ruddy ducks), to seasonal pair bonds and low levels of forced copulations (Mandarin duck).  The proposed 3-year study will measure different reproductive variables, including body size, plumage coloration, androgen levels and sperm production, in addition to evaluating the effects of social environment on the sexual development of male ducks.  This study will also examine the association between levels of androgens and forced copulating behavior, and as the ducks get older, the effects of age on phallus size.

 

Ian Gereg has started the second year of his research for a Master of Science Degree in Wildlife Management at the State University of New York, College of Environmental Science and Forestry,  in Syracuse.  Ian is investigating the growth rates, development, and behavior of a wide variety of waterfowl species which are isolated in their own genus.  This includes oddities like the coscoroba swan (Coscoroba coscoroba), marbled teal (Marmaronetta angustirostris), and magpie goose (Anseranas semipalmata). The second year of his research includes evaluating feather development and molt chronology in juvenile waterfowl.  Research into early development, behavior, and plumage cycles can lead to a greater understanding of their natural history and relationships/interactions with associated species.

 

The LRWC captive collection has been integrated into the pilot study for the Mallard Satellite Telemetry Project.  Much of the preliminary work for this project has focused on using captive birds to evaluate how different models of transmitters perform when placed on the back of a duck using a Teflon-ribbon backpack harness.  For more information about this study, visit the Mallard Satellite Telemetry page.

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