Combining field and aviary approaches to monitor incubation in ducks: importance of clutch size, body mass and weather

Abstract

Capsule Clutch size and female body mass play major roles in duck incubation behaviour. Aims To investigate the effects of incubation stage, clutch size, body size, body mass and weather on incubation attentiveness. Methods Incubation behaviour was monitored with Temperature Data Loggers (TDLs). Nest temperature fluctuations were recorded both in the field in Common Pochards Aythya ferina and in aviaries in Mallards Anas platyrhynchos using TDLs deposited either in the nest (Pochards) or in a dummy egg placed in the clutch (Mallards). Both methods allowed data collection on incubation attentiveness. Results Incubation attentiveness increased over the incubation period and with clutch size for both species. Body size appeared to affect incubation rhythms in Mallards only. Female Pochards were found to reload their nest with fresh material in response to precipitation events, presumably owing to the rise in water level. Conclusions Clutch size and female body mass play major roles in duck incubation behaviour. Climatic events can also be prominent factors influencing incubation behaviour. We describe for the first time the nesting behaviour of Pochard females and show that they have the capacity to adjust nest topology in response to a rise in water level following rain.