Planet of Birds

Wigeon (Anas penelope) Science Article 1 abstract The coastal marshes of the Charente-Maritime (western France) are a major wintering area for wigeon Anas penelope. In these marshes, wigeon feed mainly on grasses, while foraging on Salicornia (a .eshy, succulent halophyte) is uncommon. In order to understand the reason for this under-exploitation, an experimental study was […]

Wigeon (Anas penelope) Science Article 4 abstract This note describes re-mating in migratory Wigeon Anas penelope in subsequent winters. Three pairs, out of five cases where both male and female partners returned to the study area, reformed in the following winter. Mitchell C., ARDEA 85 (2): 275-277. Download article download full text (pdf)

Wigeon (Anas penelope) Science Article 2 abstract We examined how pecking rate changed with sward height in wintering European wigeon Anas penelope in a nature reserve of the French Atlantic coast. Pecking rates were recorded as the time taken to perform 10 or 50 pecks. We found a negative correlation between pecking rate and sward […]

Wigeon (Anas penelope) Science Article 3 abstract Emergence of chironomids started in mid-April, and reached a peak at the end of April and in the beginning of May. Most ‘spring’ chironomids emerged around noon, whereas the majority of chironomids emerging later in the season, appeared at night. In general, there was a positive correlation between […]