The use of nutrient reserves by breeding male lesser snow geese Chen caerulescens caerulescens

Abstract

Breeding male lesser snow geese were collected at the McConnell River, Northwest Territories, and the size of their nutrient reserves (fat and protein) were indexed. The males use these reserves during nesting but protein use is less than that reported for females. It is argued that males use food available on the territory and thus remain in better condition than females. This allows them to protect the female and to become guardian of the family after hatch.