Year Funded: 2003 (year endorsed)
Lead Institution(s): Coastal Maine Biological Research Station
Project Lead: Glen Mittelhauser
Collaborator(s): CWSS, MDIFW, ANP
Focal Species: Harlequin Duck (Histrionicus histrionicus)
Project Description: The small population size and limited distribution of Harlequin Ducks in eastern North America has led to concern about the status of this species in the western Atlantic. Given this species longevity and low reproductive output, survival of adults may have a greater influence on population recovery than annual fecundity. We are monitoring patterns in annual survival, philopatry, and local movements for Harlequin Ducks wintering in the vicinity of Isle au Haut, Maine using mark/resight efforts. Our objectives were to: 1) monitor survival of adult and juvenile birds in Maine using capture-recapture methods; 2) contribute to our current understanding of the delineation of the western Atlantic populations by search wintering sites in Maine and moult sites in Labrador for birds originally banded elsewhere; and 3) monitor population levels and sex and age ratios of harlequin ducks at wintering sites in Maine.
SDJV05 Interim Report FY02
SDJV05 Final Report FY03
Related Publications
Mittelhauser, G. H. 2008. Apparent Survival and Local Movements of Harlequin Ducks Wintering at Isle au Haut, Maine. Waterbirds 31:138–146. https://doi.org/10.1675/1524-4695-31.sp2.138
