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Ekologija / Ecology

ISSN 0235-7224
ISSN 2029-0586 (online)

2009 m. Nr. 1

Non-breeding concentrations of the tufted duck (Aythya fuligula) in Lithuania
Vitas STANEVIČIUS, Saulius ŠVAŽAS, Liutauras RAUDONIKIS, Gediminas GRAŽULEVIČIUS

Non-breeding concentrations of the Tufted Duck were studied in inland waters of Lithuania (7 lakes and 3 fish ponds) and in the Lithuanian part of the Curonian Lagoon (including coastal Lake Krokų Lanka). Data of the investigation period 1983–2007 were analysed. The obtained results extend the knowledge of the Tufted Duck’s ecology during the non-nesting period and can be applied for the protection of this species. The largest migratory concentrations in inland waters were observed in Lake Dusia and in the coastal area along the eastern edge of the Curonian Lagoon. Concentrations of moulting tufted ducks were found only along the eastern shore of the Curonian Lagoon and in fish ponds. In spring, migratory concentrations of tufted ducks were most often observed from late March to late April (in some years to early May), and in autumn from early September to late November. During spring migrations, the peaks of concentrations were most often recorded in the first half of April and during autumn migrations in the second half of October. In the Curonian Lagoon, moulting and post-moulting concentrations of tufted ducks reached their peak of abundance in late August. In fish ponds, unlike in other wetlands, the Tufted Duck was already abundant in the first half of summer. In inland waters, migratory concentrations in spring were usually more abundant than in autumn. However, an opposite tendency was observed in the Curonian Lagoon. Water level management in fish ponds affects the timing of waterfowl concentrations, delaying its beginning in spring and hastening its end in autumn.

Keywords: Tufted Duck, non-breeding, migratory, staging and moulting concentrations

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