Aythya Fuligula Research Articles

Lead concentrations in livers of Maryland waterfowl with and without ingested lead shot present in gizzards.

The significance of lead poisoning in waterfowl caused by ingestion of spent lead shot has long been recognized (WETMORE, 1919) as has the adverse impact on waterfowl populations (BELLROSE, 1959). The majority of observations on lead shot ingestion by waterfowl have been with dabbling duck species. Much less work has been done on diving ducks and geese although the problem of lead toxicity in these species has been studied by such as DIETER et ai.(1976) and DIETER (1979) working with canvasback ducks (Aythya valisineria), DANELL et al. (1977) working w~c~ards(~ ferina), tufted ducks (Aythya fuligula) and goldene--~ (-Bucephala clangula~a-6-d--COOK & TRAINER (1966) working with Canada geese (Branta canadensis). Techniques are available for monitoring the presence of ingested lead shot in gizzards of waterfowl such as direct examination of dead birds and fluoroscopic methods for live or dead birds. These are somewhat limited insofar as ingested lead pellets may be eroded relatively rapidly and/ or excreted leaving no direct evidence of recent acute lead ingestion regardless of presence of ingested lead shot. The present report is concerned with comparison of liver lead concentrations in 14 species of waterfowl with and without ingested lead shot present in their gizzards.

Experiments in dispersal of phytoplankton by ducks

Eight species of freshwater plankton algae were fed to three species of duck. No viable cells of any of the algal species were found in faeces from Australian white-eye or tufted duck. Growth of the diatom Asterionella formosa was found in two cultures inoculated from the faeces of mallard and the significance of this result in relation to the dispersal of algae by ducks is discussed.

Sailing on reservoirs and its effects on water birds

There is increasing pressure to develop many existing water spaces in Britain for recreational activities. This trend will increase disturbance to water bird populations. This paper considers these problems and suggests the sorts of information which are needed for formulating multi-purpose amenity plans for water spaces, where a conservation interest exists. The study at the Brent Reservoir in north-west London has shown that a few species of wildfowl, e.g. Anas platyrhynchos, Aythya fuligula, Aythya ferina, still use the reservoir in autumn and winter despite an intensification of sailing activities. This use and the successful breeding of Podiceps cristatus and other species of water birds depends on the existence of a large enough part of the reservoir which is shallow and marshy and not accessible to boats. As there is some suggestion that larger flocks are more sensitive to disturbance than smaller ones, refuges may be made more effective by proper screening.

Bird Census in Isanuma, Saitama Prefecture, in 1975

The author reports of the results of monthly bird census in Isanuma area of Saitama Prefecture from January to December 1975. Bird counts were made three times a month (70 minutes for each cenus) along a road of 2.3 km around Isanuma marsh. This marsh is surrounded by human habitation and rice fields and represents a typical habitat in suburban area. Birds observed by the author belong to 21 families, 52 species and 2 species of domestic birds (pigeon and duck). There were 32 residents, 8 summer visitors, 2 transisients and 12 wintering birds for the year. The conspicuous species of the habitat were Sturnus cineraceus 16.9%, Passer montanus 14.54%, Podiceps ruficollis 13.25%, Aythya fuligula 9.99%, Anas poecilorhyncha 9.32%, Anas crecca 4.95%, Hypsipetes amaurotis 4.45%, and soon.An analysis of avifaunal changes was made by calculating the following ratios and indices for each species.Occurrence rate: months recorded/12 months (%).Average number: total count of a species/months recorded.Relative species dominance: average number/average number of most numerous species (%).Index of abundance: occurrence rate x average numberDensity: total count of a species/total hours spent.The most influential factor on the avifaunal changes was the water level of the marsh, which affects both the bird populations and human activities in the area.

The Epidermal Structure of the Bill Tip Organ in Ducks

The epidermal structure of the bill tip organ of the mallard duck (Anas platyrhynchos L.), the tufted duck (Aythya fuligula L.) and the shoveler (Anas clypeata L.) was studied using scanning electron microscopy. Structural details were discussed in relation to functional differences of the three species.

Bioenergetics of tufted duck (Aythya fuligula) at Loch Leven, Kinross.

SynopsisThe tufted duck was chosen as the subject of an energy study at Loch Leven because it is a diving duck which feeds mainly from within the loch and it is present throughout the year, about 500 to 600 pairs nest annually.Using data from population counts, breeding biology and feeding studies and the analysis of body and egg composition an energy budget for the population has been computed. The values for respiration, R, are calculated on the basis that ‘existence energy’ requirements are 2·5 × Standard Metabolic Rate. Values for rejecta assume an assimilation efficiency of 75 per cent.The figures have been presented on a monthly basis as there are wide fluctuations in population size, and therefore energy demand during the year and between years. In 1970 very large numbers of tufted ducks were present on the loch during autumn. The additional demands of these birds over 4 months represent an increase in the annual energy requirements of almost 50 per cent.Chironomid larvae account for 60 per cent of the food of the tufted ducks at Loch Leven; other important food items are caddis larvae and molluscs (mainly Valvata spp.).Expressed on a /m2 basis and over a full year the energy demands of the tufted ducks represent a small proportion of the total energy available at Loch Leven. However, water depth and the depth of the food in the substrate reduce the actual availability of the food and probably reduce the usable feeding area to 20 per cent of the total loch area.

Waterfowl at Loch Leven, Kinross

SynopsisA large water surface, suitable islands for nesting, extensive shallows, rich adjoining farmland and comparative peace help to make Loch Leven internationally important for waterfowl. It has long held the largest concentration of breeding ducks in Britain, consisting in 1966–72 mainly of tufted duck (500–600 pairs) and mallard (400–450 pairs), but also of gadwall (20–30 pairs), wigeon (25–30 pairs), shelduck (5–18 pairs), shoveller (up to 10 pairs) and teal (up to 10 pairs). In winter, it was important for mallard, teal, pochard and in some years for shoveler, and held good numbers of wigeon and goldeneye. These various species differed in the proportion of their food which they obtained from the loch itself. The loch also acted as a winter roost for up to 5000 greylag geese, up to 12 500 pinkfeet and up to 430 whooper swans, all of which fed entirely in nearby fields. The numbers of most species underwent regular seasonal fluctuations, with peaks and troughs in the same months each year; but different species reached peak numbers in different months. In general, waterfowl numbers were greatest in autumn, when the loch held up to 20 000 birds.The status of several species at the loch has changed markedly during the last 100 years. Some such changes were linked with general changes in the ranges and status of the species concerned, but other (more recent) ones with the reduction in macrophytes following eutrophication.

Study on the trematode parasites of the birds in Korea

Authors carried out an investigation of the helminthic parasites of the wild birds in Korea. Most wild birds were collected from Kyoung Sang Do, Kyoung Kee Do and Seoul area from September 1970 to March 1973. A total of 70 wild birds, 19 species were examined, which comprised as follows; 10 Anas platyrhynchus, 10 Anas fulicata, 4 Anas poeciolorhyncha zonorhyncha, 8 Anser albifrone albifrone, 5 Anser cygonopsis cygnoid, 10 Aythya fuligula, 6 Gallicrex cinerea, 2 Porgana fusca, 2 Phisianum calichius korponri, 4 Sterptopilla orientalis, Podiceps cristatus, Larus crasirotatus, Malantta fusca, Garis artcus, Buetes buteo, Egretta alba, Starmus philpiens, Bombycilla granulus. Trematode parasites found from six species of the wild birds. Echinostomatidae has been found from intestine of the Anas platyrhynchus platyrhynchus, Anas poeciolorhyncha zonorhyncha, Anas fulcata. Notocatylus attenuatis found from intestine of the Podiceps cristatus, Anas fulcata. Catylurus japonicus was found from rectum of the Anas platyrhynchus platyrhynchus, Anas poeciolorhyncha zonorhyncha.

Local Distribution, Food Choice and Food Consumption of Diving Ducks on a South Swedish Lake

The local distribution, food choice and food consumption of Aythya fuligula, A. ferina and Bucephala clangula in relation to available food resources were studied on a south Swedish lake that was used by these species and Mergus merganser during migration and by A. fuligula and B. clangula for moult. A. fuligula had a diet markedly dominated by chironomid larvae and Pisidium spp., the latter taken in larger proportion than their share of the bottom fauna. B. clangula mainly fed on larvae of chironomids and Trichoptera, whereas A. ferina took seeds and chironomid larvae. From early August to late November, the west Lake Ringsjodn was exploited by 125,800 bird-day units with an assumed consumption of 200 g/day per bird or 26 metric tons, compared to a total standing crop of food species in September of 82 tons. An increase in the standing crop was noted during the period., except in Pisidium spp., the preferred food of A. fuligula.

Das Bürzeldrüsensekret der Reiherente (Aythya fuligula)

The acidic and alcoholic components of the uropygial gland wax from the tufted duck (Aythya fuligula) were investigated by a combination of GLC and mass spectrometry. Main components of the acidic part of the waxes are 2,4,6-trimethyl-nonanoic (39.0%) 2,4,6-trimethyl-octanoic (8.7%) and 2,6-dimethyl nonanoic acid (5.9%). Besides, 2,4,8-, 2,6,8-, and 2,6,10-trimethyl-substituted fatty acids occur. As minor components 2-methyl- and homologous series of 2,4-, 2,6-, 2,8-, and 2,10-dimethyl-substituted fatty acids could be detected. Main components of the wax alcohols were n-hexadecanol and n-octadecanol. As minor components 2-, 6-, 10-, 12-, and 14-methyl-branched primary alkanols occur. The tufted duck shows an uropygial gland wax which is typical for the 17th order of the natural system

Need for conservation of creeks in North-East Flanders, Belgium

In the environs of the town of El Kala in northeast Algeria there are some extensive wetlands of great ornithological, and probably also other biological, importance. The most important are ‘Lake’ Tonga, a marsh of about 2700 ha with much Scirpus lacustris; Lake Oubeïra, a freshwater lake of about 2200 ha; Lake Mellah, where fresh water from brooks and sea water meet, of about 800 ha; Garaet el Mekhada, a Scirpus maritimus marsh of about 5600 ha and swamp forests, which could not be investigated.Many species of waterfowl were seen in the second half of May, 1976. From these and some other observations probable breeding may be derived in many cases. Important species in the region are: squacco heron Ardeola ralloides (about 100 seen), cattle egret Bubulcus ibis (about 2000 seen), little egret Egretta garzetta (about 65 seen), grey heron Ardea cinerea (rare), purple heron Ardea purpurea (about 60 seen, possibly far more present), little bittern Ixobrychus minutus, bittern Butaurus stellaris and night heron Nycticorax nycticorax.Beside herons, the following species were seen: ferruginous duck Aythya nyroca (about 100 seen, probably far more numerous and hidden by the vegetation), white-headed duck Oxyura leucocephala (some 50 seen, probably present in greater numbers), marbled teal Anas angustirostris, purple gallinule Porphyrio porphyrio (common in Tonga). Interesting birds of prey in the region were griffon vulture Gyps fulvus (up to 30), marsh harrier Circus aeruginosus (rather numerous in Tonga), tawny eagle Aquila rapax (probably breeding on one place) and Eleonora's falcon Falco eleonorae (up to 5).As to probable breeding birds, Tonga has the greatest density of species and individuals, but other wetlands also have important aspects.Probably the most important lake for breeding birds, Fetzara (near Annaba), was drained in 1937. Marbled teal, ferruginous duck and purple gallinule were very common there, and white-headed duck, purple heron, squacco heron, night heron, little egret, spoonbill Platalea leucorodia, glossy ibis Plegadis falcinellus, grey-lag goose Anser anser, red-crested pochard Netta rufina and gadwall Anas strepera used to breed.A brief review is given of wintering waterfowl, mainly based on counts by different observers in the period 1971–1979. Large numbers of waterfowl have been seen in Lake Oubeïra; up to 5000 pintail Anas acuta, up to 14000 wigeon Anas penelope, up to 27000 pochard Aythya ferina, up to 9000 tufted duck Aythya fuligula and up to 32000 coot Fulica atra, up to 850 black-necked grebe Podiceps nigricollis and up to 2300 little grebe Tachybaptus ruficollis.In Lake Mellah up to 9000 pochard have been seen, up to 12000 tufted duck, and up to 35000 coot.In Garaet al Mekhada up to 25000 wigeon, up to 5000 coot and up to 8000 grey-lag geese have been seen. It seems quite possible that the 95000 wigeon seen by Smart in the artificial lake of the Barrage de la Cheffia in 1974 fed in Mekhada. An insight of waterfowl averages during the different counts can be obtained from the reports, mentioned in the references.All large wetlands mentioned have a high, actual or potential, ecological value. Each of them deserves protection and, from the ecological viewpoint, Fetzara merits inundation. Protection should be aimed at the preservation of the special character of each of the wetlands and of their mutual relationship for birds.The region is the most important in Algeria for wintering duck and coot (an average of 93000 from 1974–1978) and probably also for breeding waterfowl (especially Tonga) in spite of the high quality of La Macta in West Algeria.For the preservation of this diversity, several factors are essential, e.g., water level, water quality, absence of exotic elements in the water fauna and a relatively low shooting pressure (with little disturbance). It is important to prevent drainage of the lakes and of their surroundings, afforestation of the adjacent land, deforestration and erosion in the catchment areas, introduction of exotic fish species—and it is important to introduce good rules concerning shooting.This complex of wetlands is part and parcel of an extensive area of high biological interest, of which the marine habitats and large semi-natural forests are also remarkable.It is to be hoped that this entity will be efficiently protected in the framework of the National Park of El Kala Project.

Food Consumption of Diving Ducks Wintering at the Coast of South Sweden in Relation to Food Resources

The food choice of diving ducks in the nonbreeding season and their exploitation of the potential food resources were investigated in an area on the Scania coast of the Sound (Oresund) in 1965/66 and 1966/67. Aythya maria, A. fuligula and Bucephala clangula occurred commonly in the area together with a few Somateria mollissima, all feeding in shallow water (below 3 m) with Zostera meadows and muddy bottom. 24 A. marila from March and April showed a marked preference for Mytilus edulis in the food. 63 A. fuligula from September-March showed a seasonal variation in the composition of the food related to partly different feeding places in the different months. In autumn and spring Cardium lamarckii and Hydrobiidae spp. dominated the food, whereas Mytilus edulis was more common in December. The exploitation of the food resources of the 410 ha large area was calculated from regular censuses. 172,000-213,000 bird-day units were recorded which, with an estimated consumption of 200 g food/bird/day, equals a consumption of 8-10 g/m2 fresh weight. The consumption by the diving ducks from November to April 1966/67 was about 5 ? 20% of the total decrease in standing crop of potential food species calculated from quantitative bottom samples compared with a total decrease in standing crop of about 70 %. Pe3loMe fnILua HbIPKOBbIX YTOK, HCKJIo'aHH nepHoa BBICH)KHBaHHS rITeHLIOB, H HCHOJIB3OBaHHe HMH BO3MOKHbIX KOpMOBbIX pecypcOB HccJieaOBaJIHCh B paiRoHe mBegcKoro 6epera npOJTIHBa 3peCyHH B 1965-66 R 1966-67 rr. B 3TOM parloHe BCTpe'aIOTCSI Aythya maria, Aythya fuligula, Bucephala clangula H egKHHxIHbie Somateria mollissima KOTOpbIe HWYT KOpM Ha He6oJIbEwo rJIy6HHe (go 3 MeTpOB) c Zostera Hn rniHHHCTbIM J9HOM. B mHle 24 nO11MaHHbIX B MapTe-anpeJIe Aythya marila B 6onbMOM KOJIH'eCTBe 6bur o6HapyxceH Mytilus edulis. B rIMue 63 Aythya fuligula iIOirMaHHbIX OT ceHTI6pH go mapTa 3ame~aiiacb Ce30HHaSI nepemeHa B CBS13H C pa3HL6IMR MeCTaMH KOpMJIeHHS. OceHbIo H BeCHOl upeo6Jiagaim Cardium lamarckiiH Hydrobiidae spp. a Mytilus edulis BCTpeaMJICc 'amie B geKa6pe. H4CnoJIb3oBaHHe nJioUiiaaH giiH II0HCKOB KOpMa B 410 ra BbIC'qlTbIBaJIOCb 6nIarojaps peryRIlpHOR RHBeHTapH3auHH, 6buIO HaCqHTaHO 172,000-213,000 rITnma/,aHei4. B pe3yJIbTaTe 3TO gaeT HpH6JIH3HTeJIbHo 200 r KOpMa B OaHH AeHb Ha OJAHY HTHLY H OTBeC'aeT 8-10 r/M2 CBexcerO Beca. rIOTpe6JIeHHe KOpMa HM6pKOBbIX YTOK COCTaBISeT OCeHbIO OKono 5 HpOueHTOB o6weri 6HoMaccbI Bcex flHTaTeCJbHbIX opraHH3MOB, 3H4MO1 1966/67 o6iuee yMeHbueHue Ha 70 npOUeHTOB 6HoMaccb. Manuscript accepted December 1968.

Effect of exercise on blood volume.

Effect of exercise on blood volume.

Notes on the Status of the Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula) in North America with a Report of a New Observation from Wyoming

Notes on the Status of the Tufted Duck (Aythya fuligula) in North America with a Report of a New Observation from Wyoming

THE FOOD AND FEEDING HABITS OF TUFTED DUCK AYTHYA FULIGULA

Summary.The food and feeding habits of Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula are described, based on field observations and on the analyses of the stomach contents of 95 birds, all but one of them having fed inland; 57 were collected from a gravel pit near London, 28 from Northern Ireland and 9 from a number of English inland waters, in the shooting seasons 1959‐60 and 1960‐61.The London birds in both seasons had fed primarily on molluscs, mainly Dreissena polymorpha. The Northern Ireland birds, where D. polymorpha does not occur, had a more variable diet, again mainly molluscs, but with some crustaceans, insects and plant seeds. The English birds had a similarly variable diet with the emphasis on crustaceans (Asellus spp.) and with some molluscs, insects and plant seeds. Brief information is given on the food of young birds.It is suggested that the spread of D. polymorpha may be one of the factors explaining the recent spread of the Tufted Duck in certain areas. It appears that where one particular food such as D. polymorpha is not plentiful a more variable diet is taken, though molluscs always figure prominently. The type of food taken depends on the type of habitat used, the availability and size of the food items and on the methods of feeding.

Breaking point of breath-holding.

ARTICLESBreaking Point of Breath-HoldingWard S. FowlerWard S. FowlerPublished Online:01 Mar 1954https://doi.org/10.1152/jappl.1954.6.9.539MoreSectionsPDF (937 KB)Download PDF ToolsExport citationAdd to favoritesGet permissionsTrack citations ShareShare onFacebookTwitterLinkedInWeChat Previous Back to Top Next Download PDF FiguresReferencesRelatedInformation Cited ByCardiovascular responses to dry apnoeas at exercise in air and in pure oxygenRespiratory Physiology & Neurobiology, Vol. 255Breath‐Hold Diving25 March 2018Ventilation inhibits sympathetic action potential recruitment even during severe chemoreflex stressMark B. Badrov, Otto F. Barak, Tanja Mijacika, Leena N. Shoemaker, Lindsay J. Borrell, Mihajlo Lojpur, Ivan Drvis, Zeljko Dujic, and J. Kevin Shoemaker14 November 2017 | Journal of Neurophysiology, Vol. 118, No. 5Physiology Of Drowning: A ReviewJoost J. L. M. Bierens, Philippe Lunetta, Mike Tipton, and David S. Warner17 February 2016 | Physiology, Vol. 31, No. 2The ins and outs of breath holding: simple demonstrations of complex respiratory physiologyRachel J. Skow, Trevor A. Day, Jonathan E. Fuller, Christina D. Bruce, and Craig D. Steinback1 September 2015 | Advances in Physiology Education, Vol. 39, No. 3Ventilatory restraint of sympathetic activity during chemoreflex stressCraig D. Steinback, Toni Breskovic, Maria Frances, Zeljko Dujic, and J. Kevin Shoemaker1 November 2010 | American Journal of Physiology-Regulatory, Integrative and Comparative Physiology, Vol. 299, No. 5Sensory-mechanical relationships during high-intensity, constant-work-rate exercise in COPDDenis E. O’Donnell, Alan L. Hamilton, and Katherine A. Webb1 October 2006 | Journal of Applied Physiology, Vol. 101, No. 4Ventilatory Responses to Inhaled Carbon Dioxide, Hypoxia, and Exercise in Idiopathic HyperventilationAmerican Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Vol. 170, No. 2The Influence of Oxygen and Carbon Dioxide on Diving Behaviour of Tufted Ducks, Aythya fuligulaPhysiological and Biochemical Zoology, Vol. 76, No. 4Respiratory Control During Independent Lung VentilationChest, Vol. 120, No. 2The Effect of Epidural Anesthesia on Respiratory Distress Induced by Airway Occlusion in Isoflurane-Anesthetized CatsAnesthesia and AnalgesiaNon‐chemical inhibition of respiratory motor output during mechanical ventilation in sleeping humans7 September 2004 | The Journal of Physiology, Vol. 518, No. 2External thoracic restriction, respiratory sensation, and ventilation during exercise in menHelen R. Harty, Douglas R. Corfield, Richard M. Schwartzstein, and Lewis Adams1 April 1999 | Journal of Applied Physiology, Vol. 86, No. 4The Unidirectional Valve Is the Best Method To Determine Maximal Inspiratory Pressure During WeaningChest, Vol. 115, No. 4The Inhibitory Influence of Pulmonary Vagal Afferents on Respiratory Distress Induced by Airway Occlusion in Halothane-Anesthetized CatsAnesthesia & Analgesia, Vol. 86, No. 2The Fowler breathholding study revisited: continuous rating of respiratory sensationRespiration Physiology, Vol. 95, No. 1Respiratory sensations in subjects who lack a ventilatory response to CO2Respiration Physiology, Vol. 93, No. 2Reduced tidal volume increases ‘air hunger’ at fixed PCO2 in ventilated quadriplegicsRespiration Physiology, Vol. 90, No. 1Respiratory-associated rhythmic firing of midbrain neurons is modulated by vagal inputRespiration Physiology, Vol. 90, No. 1‘Air hunger’ from increased PCO2 persists after complete neuromuscular block in humansRespiration Physiology, Vol. 81, No. 1‘Air hunger’ arising from increased PCO2 in mechanically ventilated quadriplegicsRespiration Physiology, Vol. 76, No. 1Can eucapnic hyperventilation prolong a subsequent breath-hold?Respiration Physiology, Vol. 70, No. 3The effect of thoracic vibration on ventilation and breath-holding in manRespiration Physiology, Vol. 44, No. 3The control of breath holdingRespiration Physiology, Vol. 5, No. 3Effect of controlled ventilation on the tolerable limit of hypercapniaRespiration Physiology, Vol. 4, No. 1Pseudomonas aeruginosaThe Lancet, Vol. 287, No. 7447BreathlessnessThe Lancet, Vol. 287, No. 7447Observations on dyspnea induced by combinations of respiratory stimuliThe American Journal of Medicine, Vol. 37, No. 3 More from this issue > Volume 6Issue 9March 1954Pages 539-545 https://doi.org/10.1152/jappl.1954.6.9.539PubMed13152037History Published online 1 March 1954 Published in print 1 March 1954 Metrics

On the summer discoery of Aythya fuligula on Lake Ashi (Hakone region)

On the summer discoery of Aythya fuligula on Lake Ashi (Hakone region)