Opportunistic behavior in birds can enhance the ability of a species to expand their distribution. Currently, there is no documentation of any bird diving and feeding in hot springs with temperatures greater than 30 °C. A pair of Torrent Ducks (Merganetta armata) feeding in a hot spring with temperatures between 36–50 °C is described. The diet and food availability in this hot spring was studied in a Torrent Duck territory. While the sector of stream with hot waters represents only 13% of the territory of the Torrent Duck pair, prey collected there represented 30% of their diet. This is an extreme example of how this highly specialized species can also use a wide variety of environments.
Translator Disclaimer
ACCESS THE FULL ARTICLE
Waterbirds
Vol. 38 • No. 2
June 2015
Vol. 38 • No. 2
June 2015
geothermal habitat
hot springs
Merganetta armata
opportunistic behavior
Torrent Duck
