Actividad diurna de tres especies de patos buceadores en la laguna de Zóñar (Córdoba, España meridional) durante el invierno

Abstract

Diurnal activity of three species of diving ducks at Zóñar lagoon (Corduva, southern Spain) during the winter
The diurnal activity of Pochard Aythya ferina, Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula and White-headed Duck Oxyura leucocephala was studied during winter at Zóñar lagoon (Corduva, southem Spain). The activities considered were resting, comfort (preening and bathing), locomotion (swimming and flying) and feeding. During winter, the three species spent most of the diurnal hours resting. Pochards spent more time resting than the other two species, and Tufted Ducks swam more than the other diving ducks. Monthiy variations of each activity are analyzed, and the distribution of activity patterns of ducks among four concentrical belts in which the lagoon was divided, was also studied. Results are discussed with reference to those obtained by other authors.