Comportement diurne de la nette rousse, Netta rufina P., pendant son hivernage en Camargue

The actlVIty pattern of Red-crested Pochards (Netta rufina) was studied in the Camargue during 16 da ys between November and March. About 10 % of the west European population of this species winters in the Rhone delta. Sleep takes up 72 to 89 per cent of the day time in winter, and diurnal feeding only 2 per cent. Three phases of activities can be discerned : early winter (November) is characterised by a high rate of disturbance by avian predators ; this is followed (December to February) by a period of more stable activity which is succeeded (March) by a high level of courtship behaviour. Diurnal roosts are probably established only in areas free from human disturbance