Food of the Maned Duck Chenonetta jubata During the Breeding Season

Abstract

Grazing represented over 95% of Maned Duck feeding behaviour recorded during the breeding season; the remainder was picking insects off the water. Dabbling occurred only to obtain grit. From oesophageal analysis, over 99% (aggregate percentage) of the diet was terrestrial plant material, with 0.03% being invertebrates. Maned Duck females do not shift their diet in favour of invertebrates when breeding. Nutritional requirements for breeding come from plant food. There was little evidence that particular food items were selected. The diet of ducklings resembled that of adults.