Food Plants Utilized by Migratory Waterfowl at Cheyenne Bottoms Waterfowl Refuge

Author

Stanley E. Schlegel, Fort Hays Kansas State College

Department

Biology

Degree Name

Master of Science (MS)

Abstract

The purpose of this problem was to gather information on food habits of migratory water fowl using Cheyenne Bottoms Waterfowl Refuge, and to determine the most important duck-food species. Ducks were examined as hunters checked through the headquarters building. Food staples were removed from the crops of these birds and numbered. The species of duck, age, sex, plumage, and date of collection were recorded. Contents of the samples were examined and identified. Plant species represented in the crop samples were tabulated by the percent frequency method, and the most important plant species determined. Food preferred by each species of duck was determined by this method. Grain sorghum (Sorghum vulgare), spikerush (Eleocharis palustris), sprangletop (Leptochloa fascicularis), barnyard grass (Echinochloa crusgalli), and purple ammannia (Ammannia coccinea) were the most important plant species.

Keywords

Environmental enrichment (Animal culture), Birds, Botany, Plants, Barton County (Kan.), Kansas, Cheyenne Bottoms (Kan.)

Advisor

Dr. Gerald Wayne Tomanek

Date of Award

Spring 1962

Document Type

Thesis - campus only access

DOI

10.58809/RIEQ4302

Recommended Citation

Schlegel, Stanley E., "Food Plants Utilized by Migratory Waterfowl at Cheyenne Bottoms Waterfowl Refuge" (1962). Master's Theses. 757.
DOI: 10.58809/RIEQ4302
Available at: https://scholars.fhsu.edu/theses/757

Rights

© The Author(s)

Comments

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