Abstract
Studies of nest success in mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) typically focus on upland nesting habitats but mallards also nest over water where their success rates may differ from upland habitats. We monitored overwater and upland mallard nests in southwestern Manitoba as part of other ongoing research projects during 1985-91. Nest success estimates (Mayfield method) were higher (P = 0.005) for overwater nests (43.9%; n = 47) than for upland nests (12.2%; n = 49). Overwater nests were more likely (P = 0.0002) to be parasitized (primarily by redheads; Aythya americana) than were upland nests (11% vs. 0% parasitized, respectively). Parasitized nests contained an average of 1.2 fewer (P = 0.03) mallard eggs and had 23% lower (P = 0.006) egg success than unparasitized nests, but these costs were not sufficient to offset the large advantage in nest success that was associated with overwater nesting
Published Version
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