Abstracts » Biological sciences

Molt in the annual cycle of ring-necked ducks

Article Abstract:

A study described the ring-necked duck's molt patterns during their entire yearly cycle and developed an approach for indexing waterfowl molting costs. The approach, which is based on the molt's intensity and the feathers' proportional mass in eight feather regions, helps examine molting costs in terms of the birds' sex and age, month and yearly cycle events. Results are unable to establish the nutritional stress of molting Aythya collaris.

Analysis, Ornithological research, Ducks

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Notes on the biology of the spot-fronted swift

Article Abstract:

The Spot-fronted Swift is among the rarest Neotropical swifts in existence. New data on the distribution, breeding molt, behavior and diet of this bird are presented. The species is found in only five localities, which include three in Costa Rica, one in Colombia and one in Venezuela. However, additional specimens have recently been found in Ecuador and the western slopes of the Andes.

Food habits, Animal breeding, Swifts

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Molt of the Gray Vireo

Article Abstract:

Research is presented concerning the molting grounds and molt cycles of the Gray Vireo. The differences between molting times for males and females, breeding ground molts and wintering ground molts are discussed.

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