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Homing and Reproductive Habits of Mallards,
Gadwalls, and Blue-winged Teal

Results

Direct Band Recovery Rates

The overall direct band recovery rate of resident mallard and gadwall hens averaged 6% for each species combining data from both study areas for 6 years (Table 14). Mallard overall recovery rates were not significantly different ( = 0.70, 2 df, P = 0.71) among HY, SY, and ASY age groups. There was a significant difference ( = 23.10, 2 df, P < 0.001) in overall direct recovery rates for gadwalls with HY rates higher ( = 3.69, 1 df, P = 0.05) than SY rates, and SY rates higher ( = 7.94, 1 df, P = 0.005) than ASY rates.

Table 14.   Direct band recoveries of resident mallard and gadwall hens banded and marked on the Koenig and Woodworth study areas, North Dakota, 1976-82.
Species and age class n Direct Recoveries
No. %
Mallard
  HY 52 4 8
  SY 77 4 5
  ASY 120 6 5
Total 249 14 6
Gadwall
  HY 184 20 11
  SY 85 4 5
  ASY 172 2 1
Total 441 26 6

The direct band recovery rate of successful mallard hens was not different ( = 0.76, 1 df, P = 0.38) than unsuccessful hens (Table 15). Resident gadwall hens that were successful had a significantly ( = 5.67, 1 df, P = 0.02) higher direct recovery rate than did unsuccessful hens. Indirect band returns occurred for 3 resident mallard and 6 resident gadwall hens that were unsuccessful and did not return to the study areas. There were no indirect recoveries of mallard and gadwall hens that bred successfully and did not return to the study areas.

Table 15.   Direct band recoveries of successful and unsuccessful resident mallard and gadwall hens on the Koenig and Woodworth study areas, North Dakota, 1976-82.
  Unsuccessful hens Successful hens
Mallard
   No. banded 124 73
   Direct recoveries    
       No. 5 5
       % 4.0 6.8
Gadwall
   No. banded 162 95
   Direct recoveries    
       No. 1 5
       % 0.6 5.3
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