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Biological sciences

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The length of incubation in relation to nest initiation date and clutch size in dabbling ducks

Article Abstract:

Many previous studies suggest that variable incubation periods may be normal for waterfowl and may depend on other life-history factors. A new, two-year study examines the relationship between the length of incubation, nest initiation date and clutch size in dabbling ducks, including the Blue-winged Teal. In the five species studied, it is shown that incubation length does not correlate with nest initiation dates and are unaffected by clutch size, although larger clutch sizes may result in longer incubation times. It is suggested that clutch size of Blue-winged Teal only partially accounts for variation in incubation length and that other factors may be implicated.

Ducks, Poultry breeding

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Temperature regulation in the incubation mounds of the Australian brush-turkey

Article Abstract:

The Australian brush-turkey (Alectura lathami) constructs incubation mounds in which a critical mass of decomposing forest litter, sufficient water content and occasional mixing are necessary. The major heat source is microbial respiration. The mounds are physiologically and inertially homeothermic. The bird adjusts equilibrium temperature by adding or taking litter as required. It also maintains water content of the mound at 0.3 ml/g which minimizes thermal conductivity and microbial respiration. The bird's behavior is adapted to minimize the work required to maintain incubation.

Natural history, Nest building, Kangaroo Island

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Patterns of Wood Duck nest temperatures during egg-laying and incubation

Article Abstract:

Research shows that Wood Ducks spend more time in their nests, thus increasing the temperature of clutches towards the end of the egg-laying period. The clutch sizes of nests are neither related to the length of incubation nor to the thermal efficiency of incubation. The developing embryos of Wood Ducks are capable of withstanding a wide-range of nest temperatures. A high variability of nest temperatures between nests, between days, and within days are observed.

Wood duck, Wood ducks

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