Title
Long-term pair bonds in Harlequin Ducks
Author(s)
Smith C.M., Cooke F., Robertson G.J., Goudie R.I., Boyd W.S.
Published
2000
Publisher
Condor
Abstract
We documented the frequency of pair reunion in Harlequin Ducks (Histrionicus histrionicus) on breeding streams in Alberta, and at a molting/wintering area in southwestern British Columbia. As long as their mate is alive, Harlequin Duck pairs reunite on the wintering area and return to the breeding stream together. Pairs reunite even if the female is unsuccessful at breeding the previous season, which suggests that reuniting with the same mate year after year is important. Some males that have lost their mate and fail to repair on the wintering area show fidelity to their former breeding site.
Keywords
Histrionicus histrionicus

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PUB12749