The mottled duck: it's life history, ecology and management

Date

1988

Authors

Stutzenbaker, Charles D.

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

Volume Title

Publisher

Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

Abstract

This document attempts to list what is known of the mottled duck, the limiting factors attempting to suppress the population and the offsetting reproductive capabilities of the bird. Management recommendations based on present and forecasted conditions are offered. This publication resulted from field work conducted at the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department's J. D. Murphree Wildlife Management Area (Murphree Area) in Jefferson County, Texas, and other Texas counties and Louisiana parishes that fall into the range of the mottle duck. Laboratory analysis of the various data was completed at the Murphree Area. The chapters of this publication cover topics such as: scope of the study, location of work, study methods, taxonomy and morphology, classification, status as a migratory game bird, topography, specimen identification, field marks, voice, measurements, age and sex keys, egg measurements, plumage aberrancy, hybridization, distribution and population status, breeding and wintering, description of major habitat types, coastal marsh, rice production and cattle pasture, shallow bay, climate along the western Gulf coast, sex rations, sight records, nesting habits, aerial displays, pair formation, nesting period, selection of nest site, habitat types, rearing of young, feather and body development of ducklings, adult post nuptial molt, molting habits, seasonal greagariousness, movement, hunting and annual mortality, hunting regulations, hunting mortality, lead poisoning, petroleum and chemical losses, pesticides, illegal kill, hurricanes, parasites, diseases, food habits, crop depredations, rice, population potential and prognosis, and management considerations and recommendations.

Description

209 pgs.

Keywords

mottle duck, ducks, ecology, life history, management

Citation