Abmigration

A term proposed in 1931 by A. L. Thompson, British ornithologist, for a kind of migration peculiar to certain male ducks.

In winter many ducks in the south United States which breed in the north pair on wintering grounds. With the return of spring, drakes or males, instead of flying northward to the marsh where they hatched, accompany the females to which each is mated. She returns to her home marsh, often in region unfamiliar to the male.

His migration (with her) is termed "abmigration", although such males, after nesting duties are over, sometimes return to the marsh where they were hatched.

It is frequent in the dabbling ducks and much higher in males than females. It usually happens more in cold spells.