Status report on the distribution and ecology of harlequin ducks in British Columbia

Call Number:

URL:

Keywords:

Abstract:

Harlequin ducks (Histrionicus histrionicus) breed discontinuously throughout the holarctic zone. Small populations are found in Greenland, Iceland, and eastern North America, while a large population is found in the Pacific. Because of the species’ remote breeding and wintering habitats, the ecology of the harlequin duck is poorly understood. No detailed information is available on the status of the species in British Columbia (BC). This report 1) summarizes known information on breeding and wintering ecology of the harlequin duck throughout its range, 2) summarizes breeding and non-breeding distribution and abundance in BC, and 3) identifies management and research priorities necessary for protecting the local population. A literature search identified 220 studies on the duck’s ecology. Key aspects of breeding and wintering ecology (e.g., movements, habitat use, diet, reproductive success, and philopatry) are summarized. Distribution and abundance information in BC was summarized from published and unpublished literature. Fifty-three breeding records were located (4 nests and 49 unfledged broods), originating mostly from provincial and federal parks. Wintering birds were found throughout coastal BC. Fifteen areas on the east coast of Vancouver Island and in the Queen Charlotte Islands were used by at least 100 wintering birds. Analyses of Christmas Bird Counts from 1975 to 1987 and bi-weekly estuarine surveys on Vancouver Island from 1973 to 1975 failed to detect yearly fluctuations in abundance of molting and wintering birds. The number of harlequin ducks breeding and wintering in BC could not be estimated from available data. The authors recommend 1) immediate surveys to determine size and distribution of local wintering populations; 2) immediate studies of distribution, productivity, and habitat use by breeding individuals; 3) close monitoring and protection of important breeding and wintering sites; and 4) studies of marked individuals to determine the origin of birds wintering in BC.

Notes:

ELECTRONIC FILE - Zoology

SWAP (2/19/2016) citation:
Breault AM, Savard J-P. 1991. Status report on the distribution and ecology of harlequin ducks in British Columbia. Delta (BC): Canadian Wildlife Service, Pacific and Yukon Region. 108 p. (Technical report series; no. 110).

Generic citation: Breault, A. M., and J. P. Savard. 1991. Status report on the distribution and ecology of harlequin ducks in British Columbia. Technical Report Series No. 110. Canadian Wildlife Service, Pacific and Yukon Region, British Columbia. 108 pp.

Possible SWAP citation: Breault AM and J-P Savard. 1991. Status report on the distribution and ecology of harlequin ducks in British Columbia. Delta (BC): Canadian Wildlife Service, Pacific and Yukon Region. (Technical report series; no. 110.) 108 p.