Phenology and Diurnal Behavior of the Tufted Duck in Garaet Hadj Tahar (Numidia, NE Algeria)

Atoussi, S., Bara, M. & Houhamdi, M. 2013. Phenology and diurnal behavior of the Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula in Garaet Hadj Tahar (Occidental Numidia, Northeast Algeria). Journal Academica 3 (2): 117-126. PDF

Abstract:

In order to evaluate the number of Tufted Duck Aythya fuligula and its diurnal behavior in Garaet Hadj Tahar (Guerbes-Sanhadja wetlands, Northeast Algeria), this study was carried out during the wintering period (from November to April) in the years 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009. The peak of the number observed during whole study period was recorded in December 2008 with a value of 100 individuals. The sleeping is the dominant diurnal behavior of the Tufted Duck (32%) followed by the swimming (31%) and feeding (2 5%). These comfort activities are done during the cold period in order to preserve the energetic stock.

View of the Garaet Hadj Tahar (Sadek Atoussi, 2010)

Thanks to El-Yamine Guergueb (Association Nationale Algérienne d’Ornithologie) for mentioning this article.