Winter diet and weights of Barrow`s and common goldeneye in southcentral Washington
- Pacific Northwest Lab., Richland, WA (United States)
Little data are available relative to diets and body weight dynamics of wintering Barrow`s and common goldeneyes in freshwater habitats, and no data exist for subadults. Diets of these birds were studied on the Columbia and Yakima Rivers in southcentral Washington from October through May 1955--1956 and 1956--1957. Trichopteran larvae accounted for more than 67% of common goldeneye and 81% of Barrow`s goldeneye food biomass. Mollusc and aquatic plant achenes were other important food items. Average weights of common goldeneye ranged from 599.3{+-}39.86 g for subadult females to 1,060.2{+-}33.36 g for adult males. Average weights of Barrow`s goldeneye ranged from 736.0{+-}44.73 g for subadult females to 1,330.5{+-}18.69 g for adult males. Body-weight dynamics of birds may reflect resource availability, competition, and bioenergetics, all of which may influence winter distribution, differential migration and habitat use by sexes.
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC06-76RL01830
- OSTI ID:
- 136708
- Journal Information:
- Northwest Science, Vol. 68, Issue 3; Other Information: PBD: 1994
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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