Nest Site Selection by Common Goldeneyes in Response to Habitat Features Influenced by Acid Precipitation

Abstract

The choice of nest sites is an important component of breeding behaviour because it can influence reproductive success. We examined the effects of habitat quality on nest site selection by Common Goldeneyes Bucephala clangula in an acid-stressed area near Sudbury, Ontario. Females used fishless wetlands more often prior to incubation, and nested more frequently in nest boxes erected on these wetlands. Within fishless wetlands, female goldeneyes preferred boxes on wetlands that were more isolated from other waterbodies. We conclude that goldeneyes selected high quality, fishless wetlands because these habitats provide an abundant supply of invertebrate foods needed for reproduction.