Editing Blue duck (section)

===Territoriality===
Blue ducks display territorial behaviours, they are known for their year-round territoriality, with territories typically ranging from 0.5 to 1.5 kilometres along river habitats characterised by alternating pools and rapids. The size and boundaries of these territories depend on resource availability, environmental conditions, and competition with other blue ducks.<ref name="Velt"/><ref name="Eldridge"/> During the breeding season, territory defence becomes critical as breeding pairs protect their territories from intruders. This behaviour secures access to essential resources and optimal breeding sites, enhancing reproductive success.
Both male and female blue ducks cooperate to defend their territories, using a variety of behaviours to deter intruders. Defensive behaviours include head bobbing, vocalisations, and aggressive confrontations. These behaviours communicate their presence and resolve conflicts over territory.<ref name="Eldridge"/><ref name="Williams">Williams, M. (1991). Social and demographic characteristics of blue duck ''Hymenolaimus malacorhynchos''. Wildfowl, 42, 65-86.</ref> The intensity of these interactions varies based on several factors, including the presence of a female during confrontations. When females are present, aggressive behaviours may escalate, highlighting the significance of mate guarding in territory defence. This interaction shows social and environmental factors shaping territorial behaviour.<ref name="Eldridge"/> Territoriality in blue ducks is linked to habitat quality. Research indicates that pairs in higher-quality environments expend less energy on territorial defence, allowing for greater foraging opportunities and improved reproductive fitness.<ref name="Godfrey"/> While pairs defend their territories, extensive areas between them may remain unprotected. Juvenile and unpaired blue ducks exploit these undefended spaces for foraging, indicating that territoriality does not completely limit resource availability for non-breeding individuals.<ref name="Eldridge"/> After the breeding period, blue ducks may adjust their territorial size in response to resource availability, often reducing their territory to focus on the most productive areas. As the breeding season progresses, interactions between neighbouring pairs can intensify, particularly with increasing competition for shared resources. Most aggressive confrontations involve males defending territories against foraging intruders, highlighting male-male competition's role in shaping blue duck social dynamics.<ref name="Eldridge"/><ref name="Williams"/>