Resumen

QUIJANO HERNANDEZ, Sandra et al. Winter diet composition of the Northern Pintail (Anas acuta) in Ciénagas del Lerma, Mexico State. Huitzil [online]. 2021, vol.22, n.2, e627.  Epub 24-Oct-2022. ISSN 1870-7459.  https://doi.org/10.28947/hrmo.2021.22.2.507.

The Northern Pintail (Anas acuta) is a migratory species that winters in Mexico, and has suffered a continental-level population decline, making it essential to understand their winter ecology for conservation-based habitat management. In this study we determined the winter diet composition of the Northern Pintail in Ciénegas del Lerma, Mexico State. We analyzed 135 esophageal samples of Pintail ducks shot in the hunting seasons of 2004 and 2005. The analysis of aggregated dry weight and frequency of occurrence showed that the diet of the Northern Pintail comprised 99.2% of seeds and 0.77% invertebrates. Seeds of Eleocharis macrostachya (58.3% of plant biomass consumed) and Echinochloa holciformis (23.8% of plant biomass) were most representative in the diet, while river flies (Ephydridae) and freshwater snails (Physidae) were the main animal components consumed (44.8% of animal biomass). Male and Female Pintail diets were similar, in 77% of plant species consumed in the diet, and 84.6% of invertebrates. Similarly, there were no significant differences between males and females in the amount consumed of each species in the diet, although females ate 243% more invertebrates than males, possibly to meet higher protein requirements for pre-reproductive molt and in preparation for breeding. Given the importance of aquatic plants in the winter diet of the Northern Pintail, habitat management should promote the growth of native plants in wetlands and surrounding areas.

Palabras llave : Anatidae; dietary analysis; Eleocharis macrostachya; esophageal samples; food habits; winter diet; Mexico; Northern Pintail.

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