Diet Components of Waterfowl Wintering in Virginia
Understanding the diets of waterfowl is critically important to the preservation and conservation of waterfowl on the eastern coast of Virginia. Diets of waterfowl have been intensely studied over the past century but the diets of Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos), Gadwalls (Anas strepera), and Canada G...
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ODU Digital Commons
2016
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| Online Access: | https://digitalcommons.odu.edu/undergradsymposium/2016/biologicalsciences1/4 |
| Summary: | Understanding the diets of waterfowl is critically important to the preservation and conservation of waterfowl on the eastern coast of Virginia. Diets of waterfowl have been intensely studied over the past century but the diets of Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos), Gadwalls (Anas strepera), and Canada Geese (Branta canadensis) have not been studied in southeastern Virginia, an important wintering stopover area for migrating waterfowl. The most common seed species found in all samples was Pennsylvania smartweed and Smith’s bulrush. Waterfowl have high nutritional demands when migrating and a higher preference for natural grain because of its high carbohydrate and mineral content. |
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