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Abstract

Feral Mallards (Anas platyrhynchos) and invasive Muscovy Ducks (Cairina moschata) are common waterfowl in urban areas in many parts of the world, though relatively little is known about their habits and movements. This study quantified the fine-scale movements and habitat-use patterns of feral Mallards and Muscovy Ducks in an urban area of Tampa, Florida, from hour-long observational and tracking data. Mallards spent more time in water than Muscovy Ducks (41.0% vs. 9.1%), less time in grass (2.8% vs. 21.5%), and less time in urban areas (0.5% vs. 8.0%). Times spent by Mallards and Muscovy Ducks in tree-shrub (37.0% and 48.9%) and shoreline landscapes (18% and 12.5%) were statistically similar. Hourly distances traveled were similar between Mallards and Muscovy Ducks, averaging 250 m and 300 m, respectively. Mean hourly home ranges for Mallards were approximately 1,540 m2, whereas those for Muscovy Ducks averaged about 900 m2. The results suggest that feral Mallards and invasive Muscovy Ducks use similar wetlands and tree cover but differ in their use of other upland cover types. This work has implications for the management of native waterfowl, such as the Florida Mottled Duck (Anas fulvigula fulvigula), which also occupies urban areas and is threatened by interbreeding with feral Mallards.

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