Search

The article details a study on the diet composition, foraging behavior and prey availability of White-headed Steamer-Duck (Tachyeres leucocephalus). The subjects of this study are those species found in the northern San Jorge Gulf, Patagonia, Argentina in 2007. Crabs, mussels and ragworms were among the most frequent prey in feces that were analyzed. The most common method of feeding is head-neck dipping.

The article discusses a study on the first record of the intermediate host of cystacanths, Pseudocorynosoma constrictum, in central Mexico in 1918. Pseudocorynosoma constrictum is an endoparasite affecting waterfowl species. The study found the presence of this endoparasite in seven species of waterfowl from the region. Its intermediate host was the freshwater amphipod Hyalella azteca.

Although several studies have analysed spatial or temporal variation in the size of eggs in waterfowl (Anseriformes), no study has analysed variation throughout the breeding range of a species. Chubut Steamer Ducks (Tachyeres leucocephalus) are flightless marine waterfowl endemic to a small section of coastline in Patagonia, Argentina. We partitioned and analysed sources of variation in the size of 989 Chubut Steamer Duck eggs, from 175 clutches, obtained during the breeding seasons of 1998 and 2004-08 at 31 islands throughout the range of the species. In relation to other Anseriformes, we found a low level of variation (coefficient of variation = 6.4%) at the species level. Most variation in the size of eggs were within clutches (59.0%) and among clutches (34.5%); variation between islands within geographical areas accounted for only 6.5% of variation, and there was no variation among geographical areas. Variation in size of eggs was not related to year, apparent clutch-size or latitude. The low variation at the species level and the lack of variation in size of eggs between geographical areas could be a consequence of the low genetic diversity and restricted distribution of the species. This study highlights the potential importance of variation in egg-size for understanding ecological processes linked to the natural history of avian species. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]