Research Article
Meriem ABERKANE, Farah CHETTIB
Abstract
Marbled duck Marmaronetta angustirostris (Anatidae) nested for three consecutive years (2011, 2012 and 2013) in the marai de Boussedra (North-East of Algeria): a much polluted site. Nests are built on Scolymus hispanicus and Innula graveloens (Asteraceae). In water, the nests are built in clusters of Typha angustifolia (Typhaceae). Nesting occurs between mid-May and mid-June of each year. The eggs have a mean weight of 32.61g and a volume of 26.51 cm3. The hatching rate recorded is 40.40% and the causes of failure are many and the most important are the White Stork Ciconia ciconia, the rodents and the dogs.