Do female and male goldeneyes respond differently to calls?

Understanding Call Response

Research has shown that female goldeneyes are more likely to respond to calls during the breeding season, particularly when they are on the nest with young. In fact, studies have found that 70% of female goldeneyes will respond to a call within 30 seconds, compared to 40% of males. This is likely due to the female’s instinct to protect and care for her young.

Call Type and Response

The type of call used can also influence the response rate. A study found that a “mew” call, which mimics the sound of a young duckling, was more effective at eliciting a response from females (75% response rate) compared to a “quack” call (45% response rate). Males, on the other hand, responded more frequently to the “quack” call (60% response rate). This suggests that the call type can be tailored to the sex of the bird being targeted.

Timing and Location

The timing and location of the call can also impact the response rate. Research has shown that calling during the early morning hours (dawn to 9:00 am) and in areas with abundant food sources (such as fishing nets or bird feeders) can increase the response rate. For example, one study found that calling in areas with fishing nets resulted in a 90% response rate from females, compared to 50% in areas without fishing nets.