Feeding Ecology of Canada Geese (Branta Canadensis Interior) in Sub-Arctic Inland Tundra During Brood-Rearing

• Published in: The Auk
• Main Authors: Cadieux, Marie-Christine, Gauthier, Gilles, Hughes, R. John
• Other Authors: Burger, A. E.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Oxford University Press (OUP) 2005
• Subjects: Arctique*; Branta canadensis; Carex aquatilis; Empetrum nigrum; Eriophorum; Tundra
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.1093/auk/122.1.144; http://academic.oup.com/auk/article-pdf/122/1/144/29690272/auk0144.pdf

Abstract The diet of adult Canada Geese (Branta canadensis interior) and their goslings was determined during the brood-rearing season in a freshwater tundra habitat using esophageal contents from 25 adult females, 27 adult males, and 59 goslings. Habitat use by geese and the availability and quality of aboveground biomass in wet sedge meadows and around ponds in lichen-heath tundra were also evaluated throughout the summer. During the first four weeks of brood-rearing, adult Canada Geese ate primarily graminoids (>65%), especially leaves of the short form of Carex aquatilis and Eriophorum spp., which had the highest nitrogen concentration (2.5–3.5%). Although graminoids were also important for goslings, they consumed a greater variety of other plant species (68%) than adults, especially in the first two weeks, possibly because of their inexperience. Late in the brood-rearing period, as the nitrogen concentration of graminoid plants declined, adults shifted to a diet composed mainly of berries (>40%, mostly Empetrum nigrum). At that time, goslings consumed fewer berries (24%) and maintained a higher proportion of nitrogen-rich plants in their diet (53% leaves, mostly graminoids) than adults, presumably to complete their growth. Plant species consumed by geese over the summer indicated a preference for high-quality plants (i.e. those with a high nitrogen concentration). Consequently, wet sedge meadow, the habitat that offered plant species of highest quality, was the habitat most heavily used throughout the summer, particularly around peak hatch. Goose grazing had no effect on seasonal production of aboveground biomass of graminoids, probably because of the relatively low density of the goose population. Écologie alimentaire de Branta canadensis interior pendant la période d’élevage des jeunes dans un milieu d’eau douce sub-arctique