Waterfowl in an inland swamp in New South Wales. 2. Food

Abstract

The food of nine species of waterfowl has been studied in a drought refuge during a period of moderately severe drought. The species involved were the black swan, freckled duck, black duck, grey teal, shoveler, pink-eared duck, hardhead, musk duck, and blue-billed duck. In all, 3697 gizzards were examined. Although the black swan had certain food plants in common with most other species, particularly during periods of drought, and although the black duck and grey teal had nearly identical food requirements, serious competition between these species was considered unlikely for various reasons. Otherwise, the species were well separated in their feeding places, depths of water utilized, and food collected. The value of cumbungi swamps as drought refuges is discussed and the adaptations of the waterfowl in utilizing these swamps are examined.