Ardea
Official journal of the Netherlands Ornithologists' Union

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de Vos A. (1964) Observations on the behaviour of captive Trumpeter Swans during the breeding season. ARDEA 52 (3-4): 166-189
During periods April 16-26 and July 2-30, 1963, observations were carried out daily on a pair of captive Trumpeter Swans (Olor buccinator Richardson) at Delta, Manitoba. Data were obtained on daily activity patterns, reproductive behaviour, comfort movements, vocalization and aggressive behaviour. Activity patterns of the pair were well-synchronized, but the ~ was generally more active. Pre-copulatory behaviour consisted of several stereotyped activities. Trumpeter Swans produced various sounds which appear to function as communication signals between individuals, pairs and groups, and to play a special role in aggressive behaviour. The female did most of the nest building and incubating. The male was observed sitting on the nest once. Parent-cygnet relationships were very close immediately after hatching, but gradually relaxed thereafter. Initially the female and the cygnet associated more closely than the ? and the cygnet. Aggressive behaviour differed considerably with environmental circumstances and was directed mainly at ducks on the rearing pond. Aggressive behaviour to an intruding swan was rather violent. The female ingested more food than the ? and was puddling regularly while the ? did this rarely.


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