We evaluated nasal discs and colored leg bands for Harlequin Ducks (Histrionicus histrionicus) wintering in the Strait of Georgia, British Columbia, by comparing marker visibility and life span, and determining effects of nasal discs on behavior and pairing. Proportions resighted and frequency of sightings were higher for individuals marked with nasal discs than for those marked only with leg bands. Nasal disc loss followed a logistic function that predicted 50% loss by 396 d. Due to wear of leg bands, number of sightings per individual decreased with leg band age following a cubic function. We detected no effects of nasal discs on time spent in various behaviors, timing of pairing, or female pairing success. However, males with nasal discs had lower pairing success, and females with nasal discs were less likely to reunite with previous mates. We speculate that the effect of nasal discs on male pairing success may be due to a male-biased sex ratio and sexual selection on male appearance. Leg band wear should be considered for demographic models because its effects can violate assumptions and bias sighting and survival estimates.
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Journal of Field Ornithology
Vol. 74 • No. 2
April 2003
Vol. 74 • No. 2
April 2003