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The Red-breasted Merganser is broadly distributed throughout Canada, and is known to breed at latitudes up to 75o N. It is thought to be one of the least abundant sea ducks in Canada. The national population is thought to be increasing. However, its population status and numbers are difficult to accurately determine or estimate since aerial surveys do not always distinguish between the three species of mergansers. The secretive nature of the Red-breasted Merganser, the remoteness of some of its breeding range, and tree cavity-nesting habits also complicate the monitoring of this species. This species has been identified as a priority for conservation and/or stewardship in one or more Bird Conservation Region Strategies in Canada.
The ecology of the Red-breasted Merganser is not well known in North America and has received little attention and the species is not well monitored. This species is not a popular game bird among hunters, and the continental harvest is not well estimated. In Canada, they are hunted predominantly in the Atlantic Provinces, Quebec and Ontario.
Environment and Climate Change Canada and partners have developed Bird Conservation Region Strategies in each of Canada’s Bird Conservation Regions (BCRs). In these strategies, selected species are identified as priorities for one or more of the following reasons:
Select any of the sub-regions below to view the BCR strategy for additional details.