2008 Population Estimates2008 Population Estimates
In the traditional survey area, which includes strata 1-18, 20-50, and 75-77, the total duck population estimate (excluding scoters [Melanitta spp.], eiders [Somateria and Polysticta spp.], long-tailed ducks [Clangulahyemalis], mergansers [Mergus and Lophodytes spp.], and wood ducks [Aix sponsa]) was 37.3 million birds. This estimate represents a 9% decline over last year’s estimate of 41.2 million birds, but remains 11% above the 1955-2007 long-term average.
Canvasback Population Estimates
Estimates of canvasbacks (A. valisineria; 0.5 million) were 44% below the 2007 estimate (0.9 million) and 14% below the long-term average.
Redhead Population Estimates
Estimated abundances of redheads (Aythya americana; 1.1 million) was similar to 2007 and was >50% above the long-term average.
Northern Shoveler Population Estimates
Estimated abundances of Northern shovelers (A. clypeata; 3.5 million) was below 2007 estimates (-23%), but remains well above the long-term averages (+56%).
Scaup Population Estimates
The scaup estimate (Aythya affinis and A. marila combined; 3.7 million) was similar to 2007, and remained 27% below the long-term average of 5.1 million.
Gadwall Population Estimates
Estimated abundances of gadwall (A. strepera; 2.7 million) was below 2007 estimates (-19%) but remains well above the long-term averages (+56%).
American Wigeon Population Estimates
Estimated abundance of American wigeon (A. americana; 2.5 million) was 11% below the 2007 estimate of 2.8 million birds and 5% below the long term average.
Green-winged Teal Population Estimates
Estimated abundance of green-winged teal (A. crecca; 3.0 million) was similar to 2007, and is >50% above the long-term average.
Blue-winged Teal Population Estimates
Blue-winged teal (A. discors) abundance was 6.6 million birds. This value is similar to the 2007 estimate of 6.7 million birds and 45% above the long-term average.
Northern Pintail Population Estimates
The estimate for Northern pintails (Anas acuta) was 2.6 million, which was 22% below the 2007 estimate of 3.3 million, and 36% below the long-term average.
Mallard Population Estimates
Estimated mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) abundance was 7.7 million birds, which was similar to the 2007 estimate of 8.3 million birds and the long-term average.
Total Breeding Duck Population Estimates
In the traditional survey area, which includes strata 1-18, 20-50, and 75-77, the total duck population estimate (excluding scoters [Melanitta spp.], eiders [Somateria and Polysticta spp.], long-tailed ducks [Clangula hyemalis], mergansers [Mergus and Lophodytes spp.], and wood ducks [Aix sponsa]) was 37.3 million birds. This estimate represents a 9% decline over last year’s estimate of 41.2 million birds, but remains 11% above the 1955-2007 long-term average.
