Long-tailed Duck Clangula hyemalis

Transcription

1 Long-tailed Duck Clangula hyemalis Conservation Status Heritage Agency G Rank: G5 USFWS/NOAA: S Rank: S5B,S4N SOA: Species of Greatest Conservation Need BLM: USFS: Class: Aves Order: Anseriformes AA: IUCN: Least Concern Final Rank Conservation category: IX. Blue IX = low status and low biological vulnerability and action need Category Range Score Status: -20 to 20 4 Biological: -50 to Action: -40 to 40 0 Higher numerical scores denote greater concern Status Population Trend (-10 to 10) Alaska s breeding population declined by 75% (5.5% annually) since 1977; populations may have stabilized on the Arctic Coastal Plain since 1986 and increased on the Yukon Delta since 1988 (Robertson and Savard 2002, ADFG 2005a, Platte and Stehn 2005). South of the Brooks Range, recent surveys show increased numbers in 2006, but numbers still significantly below the long term average (for ; Conant and Mallek 2006). Similarly, multiple surveys conducted north of the Brooks Range show statistically significant downward trends since 1978 among molting Long-tailed Ducks in the Beaufort Sea (Noel et al. 2002, Larned et al. 2005, Mallek et al. 2005). Slight increases (growth rate = / ) on the Yukon Delta since 1988 (Platte and Stehn 2005). -3.5% decline in western Alaska compared to 7 and 15 years ago (Stehn et al. 2006). Some researchers speculate there has been a range shift, possibly periodic in nature, or possibly related to a global phenomenon such as climatic warming (see issues raised at the Alaska Bird Conference 1997). Distribution Trend (-10 to 10) Unknown Biological - variables measure the trend in a taxon s population status or distribution. Higher status scores denote taxa with known declining trends. Status scores range from -20 (increasing) to 20 (decreasing). Population Size (-10 to 10) One of Alaska s most abundant waterfowl species (Gabrielson and Lincoln 1959). No comprehensive abundance surveys due to their widespread distribution, but Sea Duck Joint Venture (2003) offers a crude estimate of 200,000 birds and the Alaska Dept. of Fish and Game (ADFG 2005a) estimates winter population of at least 220,000 with larger numbers during migration. There are an estimated 84,000 (mean for ) birds in Alaska south of the Brooks Range (Conant and Mallek 2006); 6,400 (+/- 1,536; mean) of which breed on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta (Platte and Stehn 2005). North of the Brooks Range, there are an estimated 109,600 individuals ( mean; Mallek et al. 2005) with 31,300 (+/- 6,562; mean) on surveyed wetland tundra habitats of the Arctic Coastal Plain (Larned et al. 2005). Range Size (-10 to 10) Status Total: - variables measure aspects of a taxon s distribution, abundance and life history. Higher biological scores suggest greater vulnerability to extirpation. Biological scores range from -50 (least vulnerable) to 50 (most vulnerable). Breeding: Highest densities across the Arctic coastal plain; also on the northwest coast, Kotzebue Sound, Seward Peninsula, Yukon Delta, Bristol Bay basin, Tanana-Kuskokwim basins, Yukon Flats, Nelchina basin, Koyukuk basin, and Innoko basin (Palmer 1976, Conant and Groves 1997, King and Brackney 1997). Also throughout the Bering Sea region, including on St. Score Score

2 Lawrence, St. Matthew, Nunivak, and the Pribilof Islands (Fay and Cade 1959, Gabrielson and Lincoln 1959). >1 million km2 calculated in ARCMAP. Molting areas: Location of molting areas is not well known; small molting populations probably occur throughout most of breeding range. Large concentrations (tens of thousands) have been documented in coastal lagoons, especially those protected by barrier islands of the Beaufort and Chukchi Seas. Largest known concentrations on the Beaufort Sea coast include: nearshore waters of the Colville River Delta, large lakes near the coast in NPR-A, Simpson Lagoon, Gwydyr Bay, between Tigvariak I. and Brownlow Point, Bullen Point, North Star I., Flaxman I., Tamayariak Lagoon, Collinson Point, and Arey I. (Brackney et al. 1985, Johnson and Herter 1989, Noel et al. 2002, Robertson and Savard 2002, Fischer and Larned 2004). Along the Chukchi Sea coast, large numbers concentrate in northeastern Kasegaluk Lagoon and between Nokotlek and Pingorovok Passes (Johnson et al. 1993). On the Seward Peninsula, protected spits at Port Clarence and Breving Lagoon are used (Kessel 1989). The Yukon Delta population molts in large assemblages on inland lakes of the delta, on lakes and coastal lagoons at St. Lawrence Island and lagoons along the Chukotka Peninsula, Russia (King and Dau 1981, Petersen et al. 2003). Small numbers documented in Holkam Bay, southeastern AK (Butler 1998). Large numbers molted at Takslesluk Lake on the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta in the early 1960 s, but these concentrations are now absent (Robertson and Savard 2002). Nonbreeding: Alaskan breeding birds disperse widely throughout coastal waters of the North Pacific Ocean in the winter from the northern Bering Sea and St. Lawrence Island, along the Aleutian Island chain (most common in the eastern portion), Kodiak Island and the Alaska Peninsula, Cook Inlet, eastern Kenai Peninsula and Prince William Sound, the north Gulf of Alaska, and Southeast Alaska (Petersen et al. 2003, Palmer 1976). Highest densities occur in the Aleutian Island chain (Robertson and Savard 2002). ~170,000 km2 calculated in ARCMAP. Migration: On northward migration, large numbers congregate in certain areas of southwestern Alaska (Herendeen Bay, Goose Point, Kvieliak Bay, and Kvichak Bay); also concentrate among ice leads in the Arctic before inland breeding areas are available for nesting (Robertson and Savard 2002, Meixell and Savage 2004). Population Concentration (-10 to 10) Long-tailed Ducks pass through the Bering Strait in large numbers (5000+ moving northward in late April (Johnson and Herter 1989, Robertson and Savard 2002). Gather on molting grounds. Appear to concentrate the most during migration with >25 sites likely? Reproductive Potential Age of First Reproduction (-5 to 5) Does not begin breeding until 2 years of age. Number of Young (-5 to 5) Clutch size average 6-7 eggs, one brood per year. Ecological Specialization Dietary (-5 to 5) Feeds mainly on animal species such as crustaceans, fishes and their eggs, mollusks, and aquatic insects; additionally, eats a variety of aquatic plants (roots, leaves, buds, seeds; Bellrose 1976). Euphyllopods appear to be an especially important food source for ducklings. Individuals in summer molting flocks feed in nearshore waters on benthic invertebrates, bivalves and fishes (Johnson and Herter 1989). Habitat (-5 to 5) Breeding: Subarctic and arctic wetlands, rarely to tree line; occasionally found in tundra habitats at higher latitudes. Nests near and raises broods on freshwater (including offshore islands with freshwater ponds and tundra vegetation). Often nests on islands or peninsulas in lakes. In spring, nearby open water areas are used (marine and fresh) until breeding ponds thaw. In Alaska, breeding birds use shallow sedge (Carex) or pendant grass (Artophila)-dominated ponds and braided streams while pre-, post-, and non-breeding birds prefer deep Artophila-dominated ponds and deep open lakes (Robertson and Savard 2002). Shallow lakes typically freeze solid in winter and do not support fish; these lakes support abundant euphyllopods, a food source for ducklings and an important factor regulating breeding populations (see sources in Johnson and Herter 1989). Access to locally abundant, high-quality foods during egg laying and incubation may be critical to breeding Long-tailed Ducks, allowing females to maintain relatively high nest attendance without compromising body condition (Kellett et al. 2005). Emergent vegetation may be important escape cover; nests are often concealed by vegetation, low-growing shrubs or spruce trees (Picea spp), or overhanging boulders, and broods are usually reared on ponds with emergent vegetation (Todd 1996). In the Arctic NWR, the highest density of breeding Long-tailed Ducks (7.5 birds/km2) was found in an area characterized by a flooded pond complex with vegetation dominated by sedges and willows (Salix spp.; Spindler and Miller 1983) Molting: Long-tailed Ducks use coastal lagoons and deep open lakes during their annual wing molt in July and August; 2

3 many birds are flightless for 3-4 weeks at this time (Robertson and Savard 2002). Coastal lagoons, especially those protected by barrier islands, appear to be very important for molting males and non-breeding females in northern Alaska. These lagoons provide an abundant food supply, low risk of predation, and protection from wind, waves and pack ice (Derksen et al. 1981, Johnson and Richardson 1982, Johnson and Herter 1989, Johnson et al. 1993b, Fischer and Larned 2004). Selection of habitat within these coastal lagoons appears to be influenced by protection from wind and waves more so than forage (Flint et al. 2004). Birds from the Yukon-Kuskokwim (Y-K) Delta use a mix of estuaries, large lakes, and coastal wetlands on the Y-K Delta and St. Lawrence Island (Petersen et al. 2003). Non-breeding: Coastal marine waters and large freshwater lakes (Robertson and Savard 2002). Long-tailed Ducks appear to be opportunistic generalist feeders while at sea, allowing them to be relatively flexible in their winter habitats (Bustnes and Systad 2001, Zydelis and Ruskyte 2005). In marine habitats, most often found farther offshore than Harlequin Ducks and Common Eiders (Byrd pers. comm. 1997). In Kachemak Bay, AK, Long-tailed Ducks foraged in waters less than 20 m deep, including the intertidal zone at high tide (Sanger and Jones 1984). Migration usually occurs close to shore, but may also occur offshore following ice leads or inland when ice cover is extensive (Robertson and Savard 2002). Biological Total: -30 Action - variables measure current state of knowledge or extent of conservation efforts directed toward a given taxon. Higher action scores denote greater information needs due of lack of knowledge or conservation action. Action scores range from -40 (lower needs) to 40 (greater needs). Management Needs (-10 to 10) Protected under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA 1918). Subsistence harvested and sport hunted (ADFG 2006a, USFWS 2006c). Monitoring Needs (-10 to 10) Included in Waterfowl Breeding Population Survey and Eider Breeding Population Survey (USFWS; Larned et al. 2005, Conant and Mallek 2006), but no statewide monitoring system mainly due to extensive distribution. Research Needs (-10 to 10) Impact of commercial fisheries, lead on survival, and illegal polluting by fishing vessels needs investigation (Stehn et al. 1993, G.V. Byrd pers. com. 1997). Nest success is largely influenced by predators including red and arctic foxes (Vulpes fulva, Alopex lagopus) and Parasitic Jaegers (Stercorarius parasitica; Robertson and Savard 2002). Potential threats to the population include negative impacts of contaminants and lead shot, gas and oil development, oil spills, and subsistence harvest as well as possible impacts of global warming on prey species and trophic structure upon which the species relies (Robertson and Savard 2002, Stehn et al. 1993, Henny et al. 1995, Flint et al. 1997, Flint et al. 2004, MMS 2006, Fischer and Larned 2004, Johnson et al van Vliet 1993, Franson et al. 2004, Hollmen et al. 2003, Hodges et al. 1996, Goudie et al. 1994). Survey Needs (-10 to 10) Distribution captured by eider breeding population survey (Larned et al. 2005) and waterfowl breeding population survey (Conant and Mallek 2006). USGS initiated a study in 2002 to characterize migratory pathways and describe feeding and staging habitat by radio-collaring Long-tailed ducks on their molting areas (USGS 2008b). Action Total: Score Supplemental Information Harvest: Seasonal Occurrence: Taxonomic Significance: Range Map - variables do not receive numerical scores. Instead, they that are used to sort taxa to answer specific biological or managerial questions. Substantial, regulations Year-round % Global Range in Alaska: >10% % Global Population in Alaska: >25% Peripheral: Monotypic genus No 3

4 References Alaska Bird Conference (ABC) The 7th annual Alaska Bird Conference, held 1-5 December 1997, Anchorage, AK. Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADFG). 2005a. Our wealth maintained: a strategy for conserving Alaska s diverse wildlife and fish resources, a Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy emphasizing Alaska s nongame species. Submitted to the U.S. Fis Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADFG). 2006a Migratory Bird Hunting Regulations Summary. Anchorage, AK. Alison, R. M Breeding biology and behavior of the Oldsquaw (Clangula hyemalis L.). Ornithol. Monogr. No. 18. Alaska Migratory Bird Co-management Council (AMBCC) Subsistence harvest survey data Available online at: Bellrose, F. C Ducks, geese and swans of North America. Stackpole Books, Harrisburg, PA. Brackney, A. W., J. M. Morton, J. M. Noll, and M. A. Masteller Movement of molting Oldsquaw within the Beaufort Sea coastal lagoons of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Alaska, ANWR Prog. Rep. No. FY Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, Bustnes, J. O. and G. H. Systad Comparative feeding ecology of Steller s Eider and Long-tailed Ducks in winter. Waterbirds 24: Butler, R. W Moulting sites of sea ducks and other marine birds in Frederick Sound, Southeast Alaska. The Canadian Field-Naturalist 112: Byrd, USFWS, personal communication Byrd, V. Personal communication in Alaska Department of Fish and Game (ADFG). 2005a. Our wealth maintained: a strategy for conserving Alaska s diverse wildlife and fish resources, a Comprehensive Wildlife Conservation Strategy emphasizing Alaska s nongame Conant, B. and D. J. Groves Alaska-Yukon waterfowl breeding population survey, May 15 to June 14, U.S. Fish and Wildl. Serv. Rep., Juneau, AK. 29 pp. Conant, B. and E. J. Mallek Alaska-Yukon waterfowl breeding population survey: May 16 to June 6, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Juneau, AK. 4

5 Derksen, D. V., T. C. Rothe, and W. D. Eldridge Use of wetland habitats by birds in the National Petroleum Reserve-Alaska. Resource Pub U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Washington, DC. 27 pp. Fay, F. H. and T. J. Cade An ecological analysis of the avifauna of St. Lawrence Island, Alaska. Univ. Calif. Publ. Zool. 63: Fischer, J. B. and W. W. Larned Summer distribution of marine birds in the western Beaufort Sea. Arctic 57: Flint, P. L., M. R. Petersen, and J. B. Grand Exposure of Spectacled Eiders and other diving ducks to lead in western Alaska. Canadian Journal of Zoology 75: Flint, P. L., D. L. Lacroix, J. A. Reed, and R. B. Lanctot Movements of flightless Long-tailed Ducks during wing molt. Waterbirds 27: Franson, J. C., T. E. Hollmen, P. L. Flint, J. B. Grand, and R. B. Lanctot Contaminants in molting Long-tailed Ducks and nesting Common Eiders in the Beaufort Sea. Marine Pollution Bulletin 48: Gabrielson, I. N. and F. C. Lincoln The birds of Alaska. The Stackpole Company, Harrisburg, PA and Wildl. Manage. Inst., Washington, D.C. 922 pp. Goudie, R. I., S. Brault, B. Conant, A. V. Kondratyev, M. R. Petersen, and K. Vermeer The status of sea ducks in the north Pacific rim: toward their conservation and management. Trans. N. Am. Wildl. Nat. Res. Conf. 59: Henny, C. J., D. D. Rudis, T. J. Roffe and E. Robinson-Wilson Contaminants and sea ducks in Alaska and the circumpolar region. Environ. Health Perspect. 103(Suppl. 4): Hodges, J. I., J. G. King, B. Conant, and H. A. Hanson Aerial surveys of waterbirds in Alaska : population trends and observer variability. National Biological Service Information and Technology Report pp. Hollmen, T. E., J. C. Franson, P. L. Flint, J. B. Grand, R. B. Lanctot, D. E. Docherty, and H. M. Wilson An adenovirus linked to mortality and disease in Long-tailed Ducks (Clangula hyemalis) in Alaska. Avian Diseases 47: Johnson, S. R. and D. R. Herter The birds of the Beaufort Sea. BP Exploration (Alaska) Inc., Anchorage, AK. 372 pp. Johnson, S. R. and W. J. Richardson Waterbird migration near the Yukon and Alaskan coast of the Beaufort Sea: II. Moult migration of seaducks. Arctic 35: Johnson, S. R., D. A. Wiggins, and P. F. Wainwright. 1993b. Late summer abundance and distribution of marine birds in Kasegaluk Lagoon, Chukchi Sea, Alaska. Arctic 46: Johnson, S. R., L. E. Noel, W. J. Gazey, and V. C. Hawkes Aerial monitoring of marine waterfowl in the Alaskan Beaufort Sea. Environmental Monitoring and Assessment 108:1-43. Kellett, D. K., R. T. Alisauskas, K. R. Mehl, K. L. Drake, J. J. Traylor, and S. L. Lawson Body mass of Longtailed Ducks (Clangula hyemalis) during incubation. The Auk 122: Kessel, B Birds of the Seward Peninsula, Alaska: their biogeography, seasonality, and natural history. Univ. of Alaska Press, Fairbanks, AK. 330 pp. King, R. J. and A. W. Brackney Aerial breeding pair surveys of the Arctic coastal plain of Alaska U.S. Fish and Wildl. Serv., Migratory Bird Manage., Fairbanks, AK. 8 pp. King, J. G. and C. P. Dau Waterfowl and their habitats in the eastern Bering Sea. Pp In D.W. Hood and J.A. Calder (eds.). The eastern Bering Sea shelf: its oceanography and resources. Vol. 2. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Larned, W. W., R. Stehn, and R. Platte Eider breeding population survey Arctic Coastal Plain, Alaska U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Migratory Bird Management, Anchorage, AK. Mallek, E. J., R. Platte, and R. Stehn Aerial breeding pair surveys of the Arctic Coastal Plain of Alaska U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Waterfowl Management, Fairbanks, AK. 5

6 Migratory Bird Treaty Act (MBTA) of July 3, 1918, Ch. 128, 40 Stat. 755 (1918) (current version at 16 U.S.C ). Meixell, B. W. and S. E. Savage A survey of spring staging waterfowl along the Naknek River, Alaska Peninsula, Alaska, March-May 2002 and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, King Salmon, AK. Minerals Management Service (MMS) Request for comments on the proposed 5-year Outer Continental Shelf (OCS) oil and gas leasing program for Published in the Federal Register 71(165): Noel, L. E., S. R. Johnson, and G. M. O Doherty Aerial surveys of molting Long-tailed Ducks and other waterfowl in the barrier island-lagoon systems between Spy Island and Brownlow Point, Alaska, Final Report P598, LGL Alaska Research Associa Palmer, R. S. (ed.) Handbook of North American birds. Vol. 3. Waterfowl. Eiders, wood ducks, diving ducks, mergansers, stifftails. Yale Univ. Press, New Haven, CT. 560 pp. Petersen, M. R., B. J. McCaffery and P. L. Flint Post-breeding distribution of Long-tailed Ducks Clangula hyemalis from the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska. Wildfowl 54: Platte, R. M. and R. A. Stehn Relative abundance and trends of waterbirds from aerial breeding pair surveys, 1988 to 2005, on the coastal zone of the Yukon Kuskokwim Delta, Alaska. Unpub. Report, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Anchorage, AK. Robertson, G. J. and J. L. Savard Long-tailed Duck Clangula hyemalis. No. 651, The Birds of North America. A. Poole and F. Gill (Eds.), the American Ornithologists Union. Sanger, G.A. and R.D. Jones The winter feeding ecology and trophic relationships of oldsquaws and whitewinged scoters on Kachemak Bay, Alaska. Pp In D.N. Nettleship, G.A. Sanger and P.R. Springer (eds.). Marine birds: their feeding ecology Sea Duck Joint Venture Sea Duck Information Series: Long-tailed Duck (Clangula hyemalis). Available online at: species_status_summary.pdf. Spindler, M. A. and P. A. Miller Terrestrial bird populations and habitat use on coastal plain tundra of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge. ANWR Prog. Rep. No. FY83-5. Arctic NWR Coastal Plain Resource Assessment, USFWS, Fairbanks, AK. Pp 108 Stehn, R. A., C. P. Dau, B. Conant, and W. I. Butler, Jr Decline of Spectacled Eiders nesting in western Alaska. Arctic 46: Stehn, R., R. Platte, P. Anderson, F. Broerman, T. Moran, K. Sowl, and K. Richardson Monitoring Black Scoter population in Alaska, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Anchorage. Todd, F. S Natural History of the Waterfowl. San Diego Natural History Museum, San Diego, CA. Ibis Pub. Co., California. 490 pp. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). 2006c. Regulations for the 2006 Alaska subsistence spring/summer Migratory Bird Harvest. Alaska Migratory Bird Co-Mgt Council, U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Anchorage, AK. U.S. Geological Survey (USGS). 2008b. Alaska Science Center shorebird research projects. Available online at (Accessed online 5/15/2008). van Vliet, G Status concerns for the "global" population of Kittlitz's Murrelet: is the "glacier murrelet" receding? Pacific Seabird Group Bull. 20(1): Zydelis, R. and D. Ruskyte Winter foraging of Long-tailed Ducks (Clangula hyemalis) exploiting different benthic communities in the Baltic Sea. Wilson Bulletin 117: Version date: 1/2/2013 Report authors: K. Walton, T. Gotthardt, and T. Fields 6

7 Alaska Natural Heritage Program University of Alaska Anchorage Anchorage, AK For details on the development of the ASRS and criteria, please see: Gotthardt, T. A., K. M. Walton, and T. L. Fields Setting Conservation Priorities for Alaska's Wildlife Action Plan. Alaska Natural Heritage Program, University of Alaska Anchorage, AK. 7