Stress Response in Wintering Green-Winged Teal

Stress levels of green-winged teal (Anas crecca carolinensis) wintering on the High Plains region of Texas were determined by measuring a Condition Index and determining blood glucose, urea nitrogen and uric acid concentrations. The onset of severe weather, particularly when accompanied by high wind velocities, precipitated increased stress levels as shown by our parameters. Condition Index proved the most useful and reliable parameter for measuring stress. A differential sex ratio, 76:24, was observed apparently because females moved out of the census area in response to adverse weather and the associated stress. Management implications include maintenance of wind breaks as a means of reducing weather-induced stress on the wintering grounds.