Structure des groupes et comportement d'alimentation des garrots à œil d'or hivernant sur le fleuve Saint-Laurent

• Main Author: Drolet, Claude.
• Format: Others
• Language: fr
• Published: McGill University 2007
• Subjects: Goldeneye > Behavior > Saint Lawrence River.; Goldeneye > Food > Saint Lawrence River.
• Online Access: http://digitool.Library.McGill.CA:80/R/?func=dbin-jump-full&object_id=101115

The objective of this study was to understand the pattern of variation in group structure and feeding behaviour of wintering Common Goldeneyes ( Bucephala clangula) on the Saint-Lawrence River, by comparing two major habitats for this species in the province of Quebec, one in freshwater and one in saltwater. Groups of goldeneyes were smaller in Montreal than in the estuary and consisted of twice as many males. Individuals spent a greater proportion of time feeding in Montreal than in the estuary. At Montreal, goldeneyes spent more time feeding under water. Temporal variables had a major influence on group structure and on diving time. At Montreal, time of day explained most of variation whereas in the estuary, tide was more important.