Skip to main content
U.S. flag

An official website of the United States government

Habitat use and movements of canvasback broods in southwestern Manitoba

January 1, 1991

Canvasback (Aythya valisineria) broods (n = 69) accompanying marked females were observed during five summers in southwestern Manitoba. We evaluated movements of broods of different age classes ( 14 days old, 15-28 days old, and >28 days old) among ponds of different size and wetland class. Of 202 brood sightings, 7% occurred on seasonal ponds, 81% on semipermanent ponds, and 12% on permanent ponds. Pond size ( 0.2 ha vs. >0.2 ha) was a significant factor in brood use whereas wetland class was not. Canvasback broods used larger ponds as brood age class increased. Broods moved an average of 195 m between sightings. Eighty-three percent of broods observed within seven days of hatching (n = 46) had moved from the nesting pond. No significant differences in frequency or distance of movements were detected among years or among brood age classes. Extensive movements among ponds of various sizes and classes emphasize the importance of wetland complexes for providing diverse habitats needed for nesting and brood-rearing canvasbacks.

Publication Year 1991
Title Habitat use and movements of canvasback broods in southwestern Manitoba
Authors J. E. Austin, J.R. Serie
Publication Type Article
Publication Subtype Journal Article
Series Title Prairie Naturalist
Index ID 1001402
Record Source USGS Publications Warehouse
USGS Organization Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center