The Breeding Ecology of Least Bitterns (Ixobrychus exilis) at Agassiz and Mingo

Least Bittern (Ixobrychus exilis) Science Article 3

abstract

Habitat selection and reproductive effort of least bitterns (Ixobrychus exilis) weremonitored in 2001 and 2002 at Mingo National Wildlife Refuge (Mingo) in southeastMissouri and 2001 through 2004 at Agassiz National Wildlife Refuge (Agassiz) innorthwest Minnesota. The main objective was to study variation in the breeding ecologyof least bitterns across a broad geographic area. Information gathered from nestsincluded: nest success, egg and clutch measurements, hatchling developmental rates, andhabitat measurements. Data suggest geographical variation in clutch size, relative growthpatterns of hatchlings, and nest densities.

Karen Elizabeth Arnold, Thesis, South Dakota State University

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